We might’ve missed one or two of the 4 singles released so far but we’re trying to make it a point to never miss anything Other Brother Darryl releases ever again. Trying, at least. And that brings us to “The Ballad Of Joni & Graham”, the latest and fifth single overall, from the Boston-based collective.
Sure, there’s a tendency to classify Other Brother Darryl’s as simply Country or alternately, ahem, Alt-Country but it’s so much more than that. Personally, when we hear anything OBD-related, we just think it’s great music. Soulful, serene, and solemn. Listening to new Other Brother Darryl music is what we imagine being in a constant state of zen might be like.
“The Ballad of Joni & Graham” is no exception to the above. Taking society’s fascination with celebrity couples but looking through the eyes of those people actually in the relationship inspired OBD’s newest as it touches on love and loss in the true life tale of Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell. A tenderly plucked banjo from Dan Cederholm surrounded by eloquent acoustic guitars from Nate Leavitt and Derek Feeney starts it all off until Dan Nicklin’s familiar voice envelopes the proceedings like a warm embrace. Then it’s Dave Lieb’s turn to touch that temporal lobe with his work on the keys and an Other Brother Darryl song would not be complete without the rhythmic prowess of drummer Cederholm and Jim Collins’ bass which playfully pounces here with multi-instrumentalist Chad Raleigh adding textures and spiritual guidance from the late Dave Mirabella, of course, watching over all.
“The Ballad Of Joni & Graham” drops on October 18th and you can get all your pre-savin’ and pre-orderin’ out of the way now by heading here. For more from Other Brother Darryl, including ALL the information on their upcoming full-length debut called Roll Shine Roll slated for release in February 2025, then link up through the socials when you head here or here.