Vancouver duo The Blue And Gold are following up their acclaimed track ‘Honey In The Rock’ (released on March 4th) with new single ‘When The Levee Breaks’ out today on all digital streaming services. ‘When The Levee Breaks’ is the 2nd single from The Blue And Gold’s self-titled debut album, which is set for release on April 29th. The song is a reinterpretation of the country blues classic first recorded by Memphis Minnie in 1929.
“Born in 1897 in Algiers, Louisiana, Memphis Minnie was one of the earliest blues guitarists on recording and one of the most prolific musicians of her era,” says guitarist Trish Klein. “She wrote and recorded over 200 songs, and was an intricate guitarist and innovator—her up-the-neck guitar solos are considered visionary and ahead of their time. Her songs have been covered by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Alabama Shakes and many others. Her impact on the evolution of Blues music cannot be overstated. We are honoured to be releasing a version of her classic song ‘When The Levee Breaks’.”
The Blue And Gold is a musical collaboration between Juno nominated and WCMA ‘Blues Artist Of The Year’ Ndidi O and folk-roots guitarist/banjo player Trish Klein (The Be Good Tanyas, Frazey Ford, Po’ Girl) which celebrates the musical artistry and legacy of pioneering female blues musicians.
The duo’s self-titled debut album is a musical homage to the profound influence of black female artists on 20th century country / blues traditions and on the evolution of all modern music. The album contains 11 songs recorded with authenticity, soulfulness and grit, including reinterpretations of the works of pioneering female artists Memphis Minnie, Lottie Kimbrough, Mamie Forehand, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and others, as well as one song by the legendary Indigenous songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.
’When The Levee Breaks’ will be available on April 1st on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide.
