Known for their instrumental prowess, tight three-part harmonies, and award-winning songwriting, Songs From the Road Band remains a fixture on the Asheville acoustic music scene, while constantly forging ahead on their own path. “You Left Your Lonely,” the latest in a series of singles from the band, offers a thought-provoking twist on a quintessential bluegrass tale.
Written by Songs From the Road Band bassist Charles R Humphrey III, along with frequent collaborators Nick Dauphinais and Marty Dodson, “You Left Your Lonely” summarizes everything a departing lover takes with them: the flowers, the dog, the narrator’s heart... “It’s a classic ‘love-gone-wrong’ tale,” says Humphrey.
Yet as the song progresses, mandolinist Mark Schimick’s lead vocals reveal another side to the story: the intangible things left behind when a relationship ends. The feelings of loneliness described in the lyrics are punctuated by “high-lonesome” harmonies, sung by guitarist Sam Wharton and fiddler James Schlender, and Gabe Epstein’s lively banjo work moves the tune along. With its juxtaposition of forlorn lyrics and a toe-tapping melody, “You Left Your Lonely” instantly feels like a bluegrass classic - yet also maintains Songs From the Road Band’s trademark freshness and energy.
Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording in Ashevile, with Charlie Chamberlain as co-producer and Julian Dreyer as engineer, “You Left Your Lonely” is the latest in a string of singles for the band. “We love working with the folks at Echo Mountain,” says Humphrey. “This town, its venues, and its music community are a constant source of inspiration for us.”
In addition to maintaining a heavy touring schedule, Songs From the Road Band stays busy around their hometown. When they’re not in the studio - or serving as Tunes Ambassadors for Can’d Aid, the charity arm of Oskar Blues Brewing - they’re known for putting together vibrant collaborative events. Songs From the Road Band hosts their second annual Asheville Winter Grass event, featuring special guests Jim Lauderdale and Andy Buckner, at One World Brewing on December 4th and 5th. Tickets are available here.
“You Left Your Lonely” is available for streaming and digital download everywhere on Friday, November 12th.
TOUR DATES:
11/13 Sunrise Theater - Southern Pines, NC
11/14 Into the Woods Farm - Millboro, VA
12/4-5 Asheville Winter Grass - West Asheville, NC
1/21 185 King Street - Brevard, NC
