Rev’s DJ pick of the week is “Richmond On The James” by Alison Krauss & Union Station!
Alison Krauss & Union Station is an American bluegrass, folk, and country supergroup formed of award-winning multi-instrumentalists. The group is composed of Alison Krauss (fiddle, lead vocals), Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals) Barry Bales (bass, vocals), and Russell Moore (co-lead vocals, multi-instrumentalist). Russell Moore is Union Station’s most recent addition, replacing Dan Tyminski who decided to not return to the group as he is pursuing his solo career. “Richmond On The James” is featured on Arcadia, the group’s latest album, which was released on March 28th. To support Arcadia, Alison Krauss & Union Station will be touring across North America throughout the spring and summer. The Arcadia tour marks the group’s first tour in ten years!
“Richmond On The James,” much like other songs on Arcadia, draws from points in American history. The inspiration for the song came from a poem by G.T. Burgess of the same name. The poem and the song both tell the story of a soldier dying while his comrade and mother mourn their loss. The lyrics aim to exemplify the youth and an element of innocence in these soldiers that is often overlooked. The lyrics “A comrade stood beside him / As his lifeblood ebbed away / They had been chums together / Since boyhood’s early day” exemplify this point. The musical element of the track features lively instrumentation contrasting from the somber lyrical content. One of the most interesting choices happens around two minutes into the track when the lyrics “He said my noble comrade / You will miss me for awhile” start, Moore’s voice joins in with Krauss’ like the voice of the dying soldier is saying those words himself.
Check out the lyric video for “Richmond On The James” by Alison Krauss & Union Station below!
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear “Richmond On The James” by Alison Krauss & Union Station, Rev’s DJ Pick of the Week! Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
