Leftover Salmon teams up with Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers on a new single from the band’s forthcoming album, Grass Roots. Premiering today exclusively via Live For Live Music, the track is a new take on Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Link Wray‘s “Fire and Brimstone” and was originally inspired by The Neville Brothers‘ 1989 version of the song.
Initially intended as an homage to the band’s Cajun roots, Leftover Salmon’s cover of “Fire and Brimstone” draws more from Link Wray’s original 1971 recording than The Neville Brothers’ NOLA-fied version, while still maintaining a definite New Orleans feel. Drummer Alwyn Robinson provides a deep pocket, complimented by swampy slide guitar and swaggering vocals from Oliver Wood and Drew Emmit, who tag-team the verses before harmonizing in the chorus.
“Previously, we covered it more based on the Neville Brothers version,” Emmit said, “but for this record we decided to cover the original Link Wray version that is more raw and funky. This seemed like a perfect fit for Oliver Wood’s guest vocals and slide guitar work.”
“Fire and Brimstone” follows previously released singles “Simple Twist Of Fate” and “Blue Railroad Train” featuring Billy Strings, which are both set to appear on the band’s new album. Watch a live compilation video for the track below or listen to the track on your preferred streaming platform here.
Leftover Salmon – “Fire And Brimstone” Featuring Oliver Wood
Due out May 19th via Compass Records, Grass Roots pays tribute to the songs that most influenced Leftover Salmon’s distinctive “polyethnic Cajun slamgrass” sound, including bluegrass standards and songs by Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, and the Grateful Dead. The album highlights how far the band has come since first forming when The Salmon Heads and The Left Hand String Band converged in a Telluride Bluegrass Festival campground 30+ years ago, offering new interpretations of some the first songs they played together as a group.
“When you think of an album title as good as that, that hasn’t been used in our genre, you pretty much have to make the record,” added Leftover Salmon co-founder, guitarist, and lead singer Vince Herman.
In addition to Oliver Wood and Billy Strings, violinist Darol Anger makes a special guest appearance on the album. It is also Leftover Salmon’s first record featuring new member Jay Starling on resophonic guitar, lap steel, and keys. Pre-order the album here.
Leftover Salmon has upcoming tour dates including a tour with Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth, as well as festival appearances at Hog Farm Hideaway, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Strings & Sol, and more. Visit the band’s website for a full list of tour dates and ticketing details.
