(NEW YORK, NY, July
15, 2014) Just six weeks after their national debut CD 'Love is the Devil'
released—to critical acclaim and the embrace of radio around the world—New
York's blues-roots band Pork Chop Willie, featuring Bill Hammer on guitar and
vocals and Melissa Tong on violin, has started recording their follow-up album
(title tba). As they did for 'Love is the Devil', the band will be recording in
studios in Manhattan and back in North Mississippi, where the Hill Country sound
that inspired Pork Chop Willie began.
According to Hammer
(who has already written most of the songs for the new album), these new numbers
will still be as emotionally honest as those on 'Love is the Devil', but will
also explore some new musical ground. And while some are more topical, all will
remain firmly in the blues / roots / Americana universe which is home to Pork
Chop Willie's musical soul.
In
addition to beginning work on the new album, the band is adding tour dates this
fall, possibly including the King Biscuit Festival and the new Junior Kimbrough
Cotton Patch Festival in October. And because of the outstanding response
overseas to 'Love is the Devil', Pork Chop Willie is planning on traveling to
Europe and the UK in 2015. (To keep up with the band's schedule, please visit here.)
Not
only were the reviews impressive (see below), but 'Love is the Devil' shot to #1
on AirPlay Direct's Blues chart and stayed there for virtually the entire month
of June. "We felt we had made a solid album," said Hammer, "but instantly going
to #1 on the APD chart, getting radio play around the world—well, it's been
amazing."
The
reception to their debut album by critics, radio, and fans has been gratifying
and inspiring for the band, which has dedicated the proceeds from the album's
sale to help sponsor studio recordings and appearances by Hill Country blues
musicians at their New York shows.
"The honesty of the
sound will keep it alive and vibrant," said Hammer about the importance of Hill
Country blues to the musical landscape—and to Pork Chop Willie. "We are honored
to be able to help spread the word, because this music permeates so much of what
we all listen to, no matter the genre. Blues is all about expressing emotions.
It isn't limited to twelve bars and a shuffle rhythm. Say what you feel, and it
will be blues—whether someone else calls it blues, roots, or
alt-country."
The
new album is scheduled for release in 2015.
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