"Ramblin' Soul was inspired by the new appreciation I had for the freedom to travel around the country and perform," explains lifelong wanderer Melissa Carper of her new album. Carper was relieved and energized to be back on the road, on a familiar pilgrimage from Texas to Arkansas and back to meet and collaborate with musician friends. "I had taken for granted the ability to interact with audiences and friends and how much it feeds my soul and my creative process," she adds. Feeling inspired by time on the road and time with other creative minds, she penned the title track on the way back home, and the Ramblin' Soul seeds were planted.

Ramblin' Soul features a co-write with friend Gina Gallina, a song penned by friend and frequent collaborator Brennen Leigh, a reimagined classic from folk pioneer Odetta, and 10 Carper originals. Venturing into her blues, early rock 'n roll, and soul influences, blended with her signature flavors of country, western swing, and jazz, there is something for everyone on Ramblin' Soul.

From its conception and throughout the recording process, Ramblin' Soul seemed to take on a life of its own. "It wasn't what I had first planned," Carper recalls. "A couple of the songs we recorded I'm now saving for a future album, and there are some brand new songs I decided to add, including one that was written during the week of recording. Thematically, I had a handful of songs about rambling around and living a free life that I wanted to weave through the album. I also knew I wanted Ramblin' Soul to have a different feel than my previous release, Daddy's Country Gold, with more upbeat and diverse styles and grooves," she says.

Ramblin' Soul was co-produced by Melissa Carper and Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Margo Price, Ian Noe) and Recorded at The Bomb Shelter Studio in Nashville, TN.