From her Grand Ole Opry solo debut last fall through this winter’s release of No Fear, the blockbuster album from Sister Sadie that features a half-dozen of her lead vocals, it’s been a busy stretch for Mountain Home Music Company’s Jaelee Roberts. Still, the young singer made the time to get into the studio with master bassist and acclaimed producer Byron House, and the first fruits of their work are now available in a new take on the classic rocker, “Stuck in the Middle with You.” From its opening notes to the long closing that features the all-star cast — and Roberts’ supple, expressive voice — jamming out over an irresistible groove, it’s a performance that proves Roberts’ 2023 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year nomination was no fluke.
“‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ is a song that I have loved for a really long time,” Jaelee reveals, “and I’ve been keeping it in mind to record because I felt like it would be so much fun to cover. Of course I love the original version by Stealers Wheel (written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan), but when I was pretty young I found Keith Urban’s version from the 90s with his band, The Ranch, and I was really hooked on it. I have listened to it literally hundreds of times, and it never gets old. I love all genres of music, and I recorded a 70s rock song (‘Landslide’) on my debut album; people really seemed to enjoy that, so I wanted to include a song from that era on my new album, too, and I knew ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ was the one. I’m excited that it just happens to be the first single!
“I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled with how this song turned out, with the help of my producer and bass player, Byron House, and all of the other STELLAR musicians: Ron Block - banjo/guitar; Cody Kilby - guitar; Andy Leftwich - mandolin; Russ Pahl - dobro; Kevin McKendree - Wurlitzer; and John Gardner - percussion, along with backing vocals by John Cowan.”
Adds House, “Jaelee’s voice is THE GOLDEN THREAD shining so brightly in what feels to me like a well-woven tapestry of mighty fine playing, all supported by this classic groove. Her version of ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ was every bit as fun to play and produce as I hope it will be for you to hear. So grateful to be working with Jaelee Roberts!”
“It was truly amazing to hear this come to life,” Roberts concludes, “and I really think we made it our own by combining two awesome versions and throwing in a twist or two for a new take on ‘Stuck in the Middle with You.’ I hope it makes you smile and maybe even want to get up and dance!”
“Stuck in the Middle with You” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.
