Veteran roots singer/songwriter Don Graham has just released a new album of original tunes, stripped down and acoustic, just the song and a couple of guitars. “ I wanted to make an album without a band and all the trimmings, just me, my guitar and another stringed instrument, the way I wrote them and the way I perform them live these days.”
Going back to his roots musically Graham decided to go back to his old friend and guitar player George Bowser in Montreal to make it happen.
Check out the title track “My Old Guitar, My Old Boots and Me” on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtdhlOdtPis
Don Graham was signed as a staff writer for A&Ms publishing arm, Irving /Almo in the 1980s so it’s fitting that this is a songwriters album as over the years he has been recognized as a songwriters songwriter by his peers and mentors. Nashville star Michael Peterson said of Graham: “I’ve had the privilege of writing with Don Graham. His lyrics remind me so much of Kristofferson’s best work. Such a gift.”
Folk icon and legend Eric Andersen said “Don Graham is a marvellous writer, musician and performer. It was an honor to share a stage with him.”
Legendary producer and musician Norbert Putnam said of Graham. “ It was an honor having Don in Muscle Shoals. We enjoyed the man and his music. His song I Just Called Him Dad is a classic.”
And finally, the late great Canadian superstar Bobby Curtola said “ Don Graham is a huge talent. He has a unique gift of turning life’s moments into great songs.”
“During the pandemic lockdown when all live gigs were cancelled I took that as an opportunity to write so I had a guitar case full of new songs that I’d never had a chance to record. Whenever I’d play live folks would ask me if I had recorded any of the new songs. I was in Montreal opening for George’s act Bowser and Blue and was staying at George’s house where he has a recording studio. After the show, we decided to try to record a song, My Old Guitar. My Old Boots and Me. It turned out pretty good so we made plans for me to come in a few weeks and record a whole album. “
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5r0LB5Mpr6HRKl573hXW4U
And the result was a 10-song package featuring some of Don’s best songs to date. “I’m so happy and proud of how this turned out, recording with George after all these years was a true blessing. I always said my songs are conversations that rhyme. George Bowser added ‘ I was trying to create a conversation between the two instruments. Mission accomplished. ”
Song Tracks:
My Old Guitar, My Old Boots and Me
This Picture of You
I Never Will Forget Her
When I’m Gone
If Can See One Face (Before I Leave This Place)
The Missing Colour in My Rainbow
I Can’t Sleep
My Love Will Be Here
Make The Most of Every Day
I Just Called Him Dad ( Live)
Recorded at Columbia Studio 93, Montreal, Quebec
Produced by George Bowser
George Bowser:
Acoustic guitars 6 and 12-string
Electric guitars and Dobro
Background vocals
Graphic Design: Jain McMillan
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