Afton Wolfe, known for his pointed lyrical dynamism and sonic adventurism, presents The Harvest, his rich collection of deeply moving portraits that shine a light on venerable songwriter L.H. Halliburton.
Afton Wolfe, a seasoned singer-songwriter from East Nashville, is known for his distinctive and dynamic songwriting and musical experimentation. For his new album, The Harvest, he has put together a heartfelt collection of songs that pay tribute to the talented songwriter L.H. Halliburton. While Afton has previously celebrated lesser-known regional writers, this particular project found him recording an entire set of Halliburton's songs, given to him by his father-in-law, who sent him 30 songs to consider. Ultimately, Afton chose to record seven of them.
Afton admires Halliburton's unique songwriting style, which he describes as sincere, poetic, and timeless in its melodic quality. While their styles differ in many ways, they share common ground, and their shared love for music has strengthened their bond over the years. Afton's decision to record Halliburton's songs was a way to include his family in his creative work, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.
L.H. Halliburton was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1948 but spent the last 40 years in Nashville. He comes from a musical family, with his mother being a skilled pianist and his father leading church choirs and barbershop quartets. Halliburton began writing songs and playing the guitar at a young age, influenced by artists like Bob Dylan. He also served in the Vietnam War after being drafted, spending time aboard the USS Coral Sea in the Tonkin Gulf.
After his military service, Halliburton led a nomadic lifestyle, moving between places like Greenwich Village in the 1970s, Virginia Beach, Colorado, Western Kentucky, and more. His experiences and quest for answers found their way into his songs, which Wolfe has brought to life through his music.
The Harvest beautifully captures various moods and memories from five decades of Halliburton's life, presenting them in a dignified and contemporary manner. The songs range from the Neil Young-inspired title track, which conveys themes of perseverance and patience, to the eclectic mix of "Mississippi," which pays tribute to Wolfe's birthplace, and the reflective and emotional "Here to Stay," addressing mental health struggles.
Wolfe collaborated with musician/engineer Doc Sarlo and a talented group of multi-instrumentalists to produce the album. The result is a musical tapestry that embodies the essence of community, common ground, and genuine expression, reflecting the true spirit of Americana.