In a world where the music industry often values predictability and conformity, Buddy and Julie Miller stand out as a beacon of creativity and innovation. Their fourth album together, In the Throes, is nothing short of a masterpiece.

With over forty years of marriage under their belts, Buddy and Julie have mastered the art of embracing musical inspiration wherever it may strike. Instead of fixating on the origin of a song, they follow the path it lays before them, resulting in a remarkable album that defies categorization. In the Throes is a testament to their openness to bursts of inspiration and hours of meticulous refinement.

The journey of the Miller's partnership is a remarkable one, spanning nearly fifty years. From their fateful meeting in Austin in the mid-1970s to their collaboration in various bands, Buddy was captivated by Julie's songwriting prowess. Her ability to convey complex emotions with clarity and purpose left an indelible mark. In the 1990s, they embarked on separate but equally groundbreaking careers, with Buddy even making a name for himself as a renowned producer for artists like Robert Plant and Solomon Burke. Their collective accolades include Grammy awards, Americana Music Association Awards, and a multitude of gold and platinum records thanks to other artists who have covered their songs, including luminaries like Linda Ronstadt, Levon Helm, Emmylou Harris, and Diana Krall.

In 2001, two decades into their marriage, they made their debut as a duo with the eponymous Buddy & Julie Miller, which went on to win the Americana Music Association Award for Album of the Year. With each subsequent release, such as Written in Chalk in 2009 and Breakdown on 20th Avenue South in 2019, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of Americana music, forging their own distinctive and imaginative musical path.

In the Throes is the latest gem to emerge from Julie's creative wellspring, with every song penned by her own hand. As she explains, "I got deep into songwriting mode, and they just kept coming and coming. All kinds of songs, too. Gospel songs and country songs and rhythm-and-blues songs and Celtic-influenced songs." Her prolific output during this period resulted in more than a hundred songs, some fully formed and others mere fragments that she expertly wove together, even crafting one while half-asleep. Buddy, in awe of his wife's talent, took on the task of assembling these musical gems into a cohesive album.

The album features an ensemble of Nashville's finest musicians, including drummer Fred Eltringham, bassists Viktor Krauss and Byron House, keyboard virtuoso Tim Lauer, and the incomparable fiddle player Stuart Duncan. Together, they breathe life into Julie's lyrical and melodic tapestry, creating a musical experience that transcends genres and captures the essence of artistic freedom.