Steve Earle & The Dukes appeared as the musical guests on Thursday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, where they performed “Harlem River Blues” and “Far Away In Another Town” from the band’s latest album, J.T. These songs, like 10 of the 11 on the record, were written by Earle’s son Justin Townes Earle who died on August 20th.
Released on January 4th—which would have been Justin’s 39th birthday—J.T. finds Earle mining his son’s expansive catalog. As he moved through Justin’s songbook from his well-known hits to deep cuts, Earle said that it was an essential part of his grieving process, “It was the only way I knew to say goodbye.” J.T. also includes one original song by Earle, “Last Words”, which recounts the final conversation he had with his son shortly before his death.
Related: Steve Earle Performs Career-Spanning ‘In My Room’ Remote Concert [Video]
For their first of two songs, Earle & The Dukes went with one of Justin’s most celebrated tunes, “Harlem River Blues”. The title track to his 2010 album, this jumpy number gets taken down a notch by the elder Earle’s trademark gruff singing voice, as well as a rusty tone found on his records that makes it sound like he’s performing in the back of some dusty country joint. Earle ends the song with a heartbreaking address to his son, “See you when I get there, cowboy.”
Next, things slowed way down with “Far Away In Another Town”, a song that received a gospel flair with the opening lone organ. Meanwhile, our preacher Steve Earle stands at the pulpit and delivers a message of forgiveness, rather than fire and brimstone. The ease with which Steve is able to inhabit his son’s songs is palpable and perhaps is attributable to a family lineage of songwriting.
Watch Steve Earle & The Dukes perform songs from J.T. on Kimmel.
Steve Earle & The Dukes – “Harlem River Blues” (Justin Townes Earle) – Jimmy Kimmel Live
[Video: Jimmy Kimmel Live]
Steve Earle & The Dukes –“Far Away In Another Town” (Justin Townes Earle) – Jimmy Kimmel Live
[Video: Jimmy Kimmel Live]