Seattle Americana mainstays Marley’s Ghost mark four decades together with the new album ‘Honky Tonk’, arriving May 22 via Sage Arts. Produced by Larry Campbell, the record anchors the band’s 40th anniversary celebration with a set steeped in classic country barroom tradition. The title track arrives March 6, just days before the band appears alongside Brett Dennen for a taping of the nationally syndicated radio program eTown in Boulder on March 10.
The album dives headfirst into the roots of honky-tonk music, drawing inspiration from the dance halls and barrooms that shaped the sound of American country music. Longtime bandleader and songwriter Dan Wheetman says the music reflects decades of shared history inside those rooms. “It is, and always has been, about the music,” Wheetman said. “That’s what’s kept this band going for so long. It’s always been about digging a little deeper, honing our skills and celebrating the entire playing process.”
Produced once again by Campbell, whose credits include Bob Dylan and Levon Helm, the sessions lean into the band’s connection to traditional folk and roots music. Wheetman credits Campbell’s deep musical knowledge for helping shape the project. “Larry has a vast knowledge that spans so many genres,” he said. “He saw in us an ability to give that music a contemporary credence. He knew our strengths and how to use them to the best advantage in each of the songs.”
‘Honky Tonk’ features a wide-ranging set of country classics including “Invitation to the Blues,” made famous by Ray Price and written by Roger Miller, “Honky Tonk Song” from Webb Pierce, “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” from Waylon Jennings, and “Rockin’ Chair Money” from Hank Williams. The album also includes songs associated with George Jones, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck, Red Foley, and Wynn Stewart, tracing a lineage that stretches across decades of country music history.
The band’s six members bring that material to life with a full ensemble approach built over years of touring and recording together. Marley’s Ghost features Mike Phelan on guitars, dobro, bass, fiddle and vocals, Jerry Fletcher on keyboards and accordion, Ed Littlefield Jr. on pedal steel guitar and vocals, Dan Wheetman on bass, guitar and fiddle, Jonathan Wilcox on mandolin and vocals, and Bob Nichols on drums and percussion.
The release continues a long creative partnership between the band and Campbell, following earlier albums including ‘Ghost Town’, ‘Jubilee’, and ‘Travelin’ Shoes’. With more than a dozen albums behind them and a reputation built on spirited musicianship and multi-part harmonies, Marley’s Ghost step into their fifth decade still exploring the deep well of American roots music.