Nearly a decade ago, when sent photocopies of her late, wayfaring grandfather’s poetry and short stories, singer-songwriter Leslie Jordan knew that the treasure trove would eventually make its way into her musical story. He wrote short stanzas of evocative poetry, short stories of provocative men and women, and long journal entries about his love affair with alcohol and his brother's wife, Sylvia. With pages of typewritten entries, Jordan pieced together the story and set it to song with her beautifully melancholy Americana and roots sensibilities. Today, she released the stunning collection, dubbed The Agonist.

For the former member of Grammy-Nominated duo All Sons & Daughters, using the long-lost collection of his work as inspiration for songwriting was not only a way to connect the thread of their familial creativity but also to complete the journey of her lost and lonely grandfather. Jordan found a universal truth in the process. “All lives deserve redemption, even the messiest,” she says. “This is my attempt to create light from dark.” Produced by Kenneth Pattengale (The Milk Carton Kids, Joy Williams, Willie Watson) at Far Cry Studios in Los Angeles, The Agonist features guest appearances from The Milk Carton Kids, Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek, Watkins Family Hour), and Brittney Spencer as well as a host of the loosely-gathered Americana genre's finest musicians.

Fans can stream or purchase The Agonist today at this link. If you’re in Nashville, don’t miss Jordan’s album release show on April 30th at Analog at Hutton Hotel. Purchase tickets here.