Grammy winner Molly Tuttle presents her latest offering, City Of Gold, the follow-up to her acclaimed Crooked Tree. Collaborators include Dave Matthews, Ketch Secor, and Jerry Douglas.
Produced by Molly Tuttle herself and Jerry Douglas, City Of Gold was crafted at Nashville's esteemed Sound Emporium Studios. The album draws inspiration from Tuttle's extensive touring experiences with her band, Golden Highway, over the past few years. The tight-knit group has evolved together as musicians and performers, solidifying their bond as a group. The album's 13 tracks, primarily written by Tuttle and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, showcase the electric energy that emanates from their live shows, highlighting the individual musical strengths of each band member. In addition, Mason Via contributed to the songwriting of "Down Home Dispensary," while Melody Walker and Shelby Means lent their talents to other tracks.
Reflecting on the project, Tuttle shares her personal connection to the album, stating, "When I was a kid, we took a field trip to Coloma, CA to learn about the gold rush. I’ll never forget the dusty hills and the grizzled old miner who showed us the nugget around his neck. Just like gold fever, music has always captivated me, captured my heart, and driven me to great lengths to explore its depths." Tuttle's deep dive into songwriting and co-production, alongside Jerry Douglas, has resulted in a record that celebrates her musical journey, her roots, and the stories she has encountered along the way.
Inspired by influential artists such as John Hartford, Gillian Welch, and Peter Rowan, the band explores new territories while paying homage to familiar ground. The album encompasses a wide range of styles, from energetic breakdowns to heartfelt ballads, enchanting fairytales, and foot-stomping fiddle tunes. The lyrical landscapes traverse from Yosemite to the Gold Country and beyond, capturing the essence of Tuttle's upbringing and musical experiences.
The album features a stellar lineup, with Tuttle leading the way on vocals and acoustic guitar, Jerry Douglas adding his signature dobro, plus the talented members of Golden Highway - Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on fiddle and harmony vocals, Dominick Leslie on mandolin, Shelby Means on bass and harmony vocals, and Kyle Tuttle on banjo and harmony vocals. Additionally, City Of Gold boasts a special guest appearance by Dave Matthews on the track "Yosemite."
To celebrate the release of City Of Gold, Molly Tuttle and her band will embark on an extensive summer tour, including support slots for Dave Matthews, Tommy Emmanuel, Greensky Bluegrass, Charley Crockett, and Marcus King. They’ll also grace the stages of festivals like Under The Big Sky Music & Arts Festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and Rebels and Renegades Music Festival, among others. Fans can expect captivating live performances that bring the spirit of the album to life in vibrant and unforgettable ways.