Duane Betts has announced ‘Isle of Hope,’ his second solo album, arriving June 12 on Sun Records. Produced by Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb and recorded in five days at Cobb’s Savannah studio, the record is ten tracks written with longtime collaborator Stoll Vaughan. The first single, “Down To Houston,” is out now, and it hits with the kind of unhurried confidence that defines Betts at his best.
The album was forged during one of the most significant periods of Betts’ life. While his career was thriving as both a solo artist and founding member of The Allman Betts Band, he lost his father and mentor, Dickey Betts. ‘Isle of Hope’ is the direct result of that reckoning. “With Isle of Hope, I wanted to show my life’s experiences,” Betts shares. “In these anxious times in the world, music is always a sanctuary and gives people a feeling of purpose and strength.”
The record features a tight band of serious players, Johnny Stachela and J.D. Simo on guitars, Brian Allen on bass, Philip Towns on keys, and Derrek Phillips on drums. Sun Records Chief Strategy Officer Dominic Pandiscia calls it “an all-time great album showcasing the depth of his songwriting and musicianship.” That’s not hyperbole. This is Betts operating at full creative capacity.
‘Isle of Hope’ follows his acclaimed 2023 debut ‘Wild & Precious Life,’ which featured Derek Trucks, Marcus King, and Nicki Bluhm. Betts has been road-tested for years, as co-founder of The Allman Betts Band and through relentless solo touring with his band Palmetto Motel. The upcoming run includes two nights at The Barns at Wolf Trap, stops at Capitol Theatre, Amaturo Theater, and select Allman Betts Band dates, among many others.
Isle Of Hope Tracklist:
- Heartache
- Reckless
- Into The Void
- Pills And Liquor
- Silver Afternoon
- Down To Houston
- Best Wishes
- Manatee River
- Winners of War
- Keep My Hands Clean
Duane Betts Confirmed Tour Dates:
March 21 – Kahului, HI – Maui Arts & Cultural Center (The Allman Betts Band)
March 22 – Honolulu, HI – Hawaii Theatre (The Allman Betts Band)
April 11 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Gondola Plaza Steamboat Ski Area
April 16 – Fairfield, CT – SHU Community Theatre
April 17 – Vienna, VA – The Barns at Wolf Trap
April 18 – Vienna, VA – The Barns at Wolf Trap
April 19 – Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage
April 21 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head on Stage
April 22 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel at Count Basie
April 23 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
April 24 – Homer, NY – Homer Center for the Arts
April 25 – Buffalo, NY – University at Buffalo Center for the Arts
April 26 – State College, PA – The State Theatre
April 29 – Albany, NY – Swyer Theatre at The Egg
April 30 – Manchester, NH – The Rex Theatre
May 1 – Westhampton Beach, NY – Westhampton Beach PAC
May 2 – East Greenwich, RI – The Greenwich Odeum
May 3 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Hall Norfolk
May 27 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
May 28 – Stuart, FL – Lyric Theatre
May 29 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Amaturo Theater
May 30 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita PAC
May 31 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre
June 6 – Vail, CO – Gerald Ford Amphitheater (Allman Betts Family Revival)
August 10 – Ocean City, NJ – Ocean City Music Pier
January 16 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Big Easy Cruise