For over a decade, Jake Xerxes Fussell has dedicated his career to breathing new life into traditional folk music, ensuring these storied melodies resonate with modern ears. Today, the acclaimed artist is pleased to announce his latest studio effort, The Old Beloved Path, which is set for release this fall via Fat Possum. To celebrate the announcement, Fussell has shared the lead single, a reimagined version of the American traditional standard “Rock Island Line,” which he transforms into a tender, evocative alt-country ballad.
While “Rock Island Line” has been covered countless times, Fussell admitted that he had never considered tackling the song until a recording by Lonnie Donegan sparked a new creative direction. “The song struck me as very beautiful, but just singing the verses wasn’t working for me. I couldn’t relate,” Fussell explained. “So, I wound up putting it together with an old English nursery rhyme that I had been kicking around. ‘Wire, briar, limberlock/ How many geese is in our flock?’ and ‘If you want to ride you got to ride it like you’re flyin, get your ticket at the station on the Rock Island Line.’ Marrying those two things, I felt like something worked, it felt like a song to me.”
The Old Beloved Path promises to continue Fussell’s tradition of archival exploration and musical reinvention. Fans can look forward to a collection of songs that bridge the gap between historical folk roots and contemporary sensibilities. In addition to the new music, Fussell has unveiled an extensive tour schedule, which includes upcoming performances alongside Naima Bock and Dougie Poole.
Tracklist:
- 01 “No. 1”
- 02 “Rock Island Line”
- 03 “Every Time I Go To Town”
- 04 “Rosin Some”
- 05 “Boney”
- 06 “Early Early In The Spring”
- 07 “Boll Weevil”
- 08 “Sandy Land”
- 09 “Of All The Beast-es In The World”
The Old Beloved Path is scheduled for release on September 18 via Fat Possum.
