Cherokee Pioneer, the eagerly awaited debut album from Pitney Meyer, is set to release on April 18, 2025, via Curb Records. This groundbreaking project features the duo’s new single, “Bear Creek Clay,” a bluegrass barn-burner highlight in an 11-song collection that captures the heart and soul of the musical brotherhood formed between Mo Pitney and John Meyer. Pre-orders for the album begin today, with “Bear Creek Clay” available now.
The rollout of Cherokee Pioneer began with “That Sounds Lonesome,” the first in an accelerated single release schedule that also included “Old Friend” and “Trail of Tears.” With two more tracks set to drop ahead of the album’s April release, the songs have been warmly embraced by fans and radio, generating widespread excitement for the upcoming full-length debut. Each track showcases Pitney Meyer’s dedication to authentic storytelling and their deep connection to the traditional bluegrass roots that inspire their music.
"My first introduction to being overjoyed with music is with Bluegrass," says Mo. "Jimmy Martin, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury. Now, it’s like the best of all worlds with John and I being able to come out here and have songs that we’ve written, stories that mean something to us, but sounds like the old joyful, child-like bluegrass that we grew up loving."
That joy deepened when Mo and John began meeting for impromptu jam sessions in hallways and stairwells at renowned bluegrass events like SPBGMA and IBMA's World of Bluegrass. It was during these spontaneous moments that they discovered their shared musical voice and started crafting songs together. These collaborations eventually led to a residency at Nashville's iconic Station Inn, where plans for recording their first album began to take shape.
The duo recorded Cherokee Pioneer entirely on analog tape at the Storytellers Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, inside a historic 1837 log cabin once owned by Johnny Cash. "I knew we wanted to record a live album so I immediately became interested in using tape for that reason," says Mo. "Our heroes, this is the way they recorded. They sat in a circle gathered around in a room and made music."
The album, steeped in the rich sounds of banjo, mandolin, and heartfelt lyrics, honors the Appalachian roots of bluegrass, a genre that took shape on front porches where stories were sung and traditions passed down. Pitney Meyer channels this timeless spirit, crafting 10 of the 11 tracks where the interplay of acoustic instruments and soaring harmonies brings their ancestors’ folklore to life. Blending mournful eulogies with jubilant spirituals, the duo’s full-length debut creates a vivid tapestry of imagery and intricate arrangements that showcase the depth and camaraderie of a true bluegrass brotherhood.
“Bear Creek Clay” written by Danielle Yother, John Meyer and Mo Pitney, is the latest single from the forthcoming album, and highlights John on lead vocal, further underscoring the duo’s remarkable versatility. Much like the protagonist in “Bear Creek Clay” who sets out on a bold adventure, Mo and John are embarking on an exciting journey of their own, bringing their shared passion for bluegrass to life in this captivating debut.
Long is the road that now lies before me
With my hound by my side and the rifle I carry
Walking both night and both day
To the banks of the Bear Creek Clay
"This form of music is inherently nostalgic," John adds, "But it can’t only be nostalgia. There has to be something fresh, there has to be something from your heart. What’s your story? How do you tell that? I really think that’s what’s been happening with this music and that’s why it’s been resonating with us and with others. We wanted to make music that’s defined by the music. This project is about connecting with people, honoring the past, and sharing what’s in our hearts."
Cherokee Pioneer is set to release on April 18th, with pre-orders available now, and the newest single, “Bear Creek Clay,” streaming everywhere and out to radio today. For more on Pitney Meyer and their debut release, visit PitneyMeyer.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @pitneymeyer.
Cherokee Pioneer Track List
Produced by Eric Quinlan, Daniel Kohavi, John Meyer, Mo Pitney; songwriters in parentheses
1. "Banjo Picker (In A Bluegrass Band)" (Mo Pitney, Darryl Miller)
2. "Old Friend" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer, Wyatt McCubbin)
3. "Bear Creek Clay" (Danielle Yother, John Meyer, Mo Pitney)
4. "Mourning Dove" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)
5. "White Corn Graves" (Darryl Miller)
6. "Trail Of Tears" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)
7. "Blue Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)
8. "Seminole Wind" (John Anderson)
9. "Walk In The Way" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)
10. "Rivers Of Living Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)
11. "Lord Sabbath" (Mo Pitney)
