GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Cedric Burnside announces his deeply personal and artistically bold new album ‘Hill Country Love’ is set to release Friday, April 5 via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group. The record vibrantly explores the subset genre of Hill Country Blues, infused with Burnside's singular experiences and musical heritage from the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi. Out today, Jan. 12, the album's lead single and title track "Hill Country Love" is a heartfelt tribute to Burnside's roots and journey, accompanied by a striking music video directed by Jim Arbogast – watch here.
“I’ve been traveling my whole life, and the song ‘Hill Country Love’ gave me a chance to let people know that I love what I do and give a sense of how we do it in Mississippi,” Burnside shares. “So that's what I was thinking about as I was writing that song – where I come from and also where I'm going, and how my journey has been to get to where I'm at now.”
‘Hill Country Love’ was recorded in an unconventional location – an old building in the small town of Ripley, MS. This space, initially earmarked to be Burnside's juke joint, created an authentic and resonant sound environment, capturing the essence of the album's soulful and gritty aesthetic. Produced alongside fellow Mississippian Luther Dickinson, the album's 14 tracks were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside's music.
Burnside's musical odyssey began when he was just 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside. His recording career spans more than a decade and is marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth, with GRAMMY nominations for ‘Descendants of Hill Country’ and ‘Benton County Relic’. Burnside’s artistic versatility is also evident in his film appearances and the portrayal of significant roles, reflecting his multifaceted talent.
Following the 2021 release of ‘I Be Trying,’ Burnside won Best Traditional Blues Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The recognition solidified his place as not just the progeny of the Hill Country Blues, but also the genre’s torchbearer for the next generation.
‘Hill Country Love’ stands as a testament to his family’s rich heritage and his innovative approach to music. The album is an intimate portrayal of his life's experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Burnside’s commitment to authenticity shines through each track, offering a modern interpretation of the blues while staying true to its roots.
Beyond the music, Burnside's story is one of resilience, evolution, and the enduring power of family legacy. His journey from drumming in his grandfather's band to becoming a celebrated artist in his own right is a narrative of dedication and passion for the blues tradition. ‘Hill Country Love’ is an immersive experience into the heart of Hill Country Blues, inviting listeners to partake in a musical journey that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Burnside will perform extensively in support of the album and is set to embark on the first leg of his Hill Country Love Tour this spring, bringing the vibrant energy of ‘Hill Country Love’ to audiences across the US and Canada. The tour kicks off on Wednesday, March 6 at the Miller Theater in Augusta, GA – the first of 17 shows with JJ Grey & Mofro. In addition to appearances at Big Ears Festival on March 23 in Knoxville, TN and a performance on NPR’s Mountain Stage on March 24 in Morgantown, WV, Burnside will headline 24 dates across the Southeast, Southwest and Pacific Coast. Highlights include stops in New Orleans, LA on May 3 at the Broadside; Austin, TX on May 10 at 3Ten; Los Angeles, CA on May 16 at Troubadour; and Vancouver, BC on May 25 at Fox Cabaret, before ending the run with two nights in Denver, CO at Globe Hall on May 31-June 1.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cedricburnside.net.
‘Hill Country Love’ Tracklist
1. I Know
2. Hill Country Love
3. Shake’em On Down
4. Juke Joint
5. Smile
6. Closer
7. Coming Real To You
8. Thank You
9. Love You Music
10. Toll On Your Life
11. You Got To Move
12. Strong
13. Funky!
14. Po Black Mattie
2024 Hill Country Love Tour Dates
March 6 - Augusta, GA - Miller Theater*
March 7 - Nashville, TN -Ryman Auditorium*
March 8 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern*
March 9 - Charleston, SC - Firefly Distillery*
March 10 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center*
March 13 - Little Rock, AR - The Hall*
March 14 - Rogers, AR - Victory Theater*
March 15 - Omaha, NE - Steelhouse*
March 16 - West Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom*
March 23 - Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Festival
March 24 - Morgantown, WV - Mountain Stage
April 18 - Charlotte, NC - The Amp Ballantyne*
April 19 - Lexington, KY - The Burl
April 20 - Chesterfield, MO - Chesterfield Amphitheater*
April 21 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre*
April 23 - Roanoke, VA - The Spot on Kirk
April 24 - Greensboro, NC - The Flat Iron
April 25 - Wilmington, NC - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
April 27 - Birmingham, AL - Avondale Brewing Company*
April 28 - Chattanooga, TN - The Signal*
April 30 - Athens, GA - The Foundry
May 1 - Macon, GA - Macon City Auditorium*
May 2 - Decatur, AL - Princess Theatre
May 3 - New Orleans, LA - The Broadside
May 4 - Hattiesburg, MS - Saenger Theater*
May 8 - Fort Worth, TX - Tulip’s
May 9 - Houston, TX – The Continental
May 10 - Austin, TX - 3Ten
May 11 - San Antonio, TX - Jo Long Theatre
May 13 - Santa Fe, NM - TumbleRoot
May 15 - Phoenix, AZ - Music Instrument Museum
May 16 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
May 17 - Fresno, CA - Tower Theater
May 18 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
May 21 - Portland, OR - Polars Hall
May 23 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
May 24 - Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo
May 25 - Vancouver, BC - Fox Cabaret
May 26 - Victoria, BC - Wicket Hall
May 28 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
May 29 - Salt Lake City, UT - State Room
May 30 - Fort Collins, CO - Aggie Theatre
May 31 - Denver, CO – Globe Hall
June 1 - Denver, CO – Globe Hall
*with JJ Grey & Mofro
