AMANDA SHIRES AND BOBBIE NELSON

COLLABORATIVE ALBUM 'LOVING YOU' OUT NOW

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR 'WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS'

AMANDA SHIRES LIVE AT ROUGH TRADE EAST ON SATURDAY 24 JUNE

| Watch ly'Loving You' - the poignant collaborative album by multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Amanda Shires and the late, great pianist and singer Bobbie Nelson was released today on Silver Knife/ATO Records.

LISTEN TO 'LOVING YOU' HERE

Commemorating the album release is the new lyric video for the enchanting album opener, 'Waltz Across Texas'. Amanda and Bobbie’s endearing take on the track first made famous by Ernest Tubb in 1948 perfectly captures the essence of this Western swing classic.

WATCH 'WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS' LYRIC VIDEO HERE

Speaking about 'Loving You', Amanda says, “Bobbie Nelson’s life happened in revival tents and roadhouses, old theaters and glittering arenas, recording studios and church pews. She survived abandonment and abuse. Her children were taken from her, so she fought until she won them back. She was spiritual, determined, strong and generous with her love. She made a path for women, for mothers even, in the male-dominated music business. You can read her incredible story in the book ‘Me and Sister Bobbie.’ You should, but you can hear who Bobbie was when you listen to her play the piano. Bobbie Nelson was a believer, a mother, an artist, a lover, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend. She passed away on March 10, 2022, just months after we spent time together in Austin recording this album. We chose these songs because they’re songs that she loved, songs that meant the world to her and her personal journey. Through her music she will live on.”

To celebrate the release of Loving You, Amanda will play two special shows in Texas at legendary dance halls, with accompaniment by the iconic band, Asleep At The Wheel on July 8th at The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas and July 9th at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels. Both evenings will honour Bobbie Nelson’s legacy and the rich history of Texas music. Tickets are on sale now - more information available HERE.

Throughout 'Loving You', Shires and Nelson don’t so much interpret these songs as they inhabit them. The two achieve a rare kind of alchemy, turning heartache to hope. Shires’ incandescent voice burns bright alongside Nelson’s majestic soloing on such tracks as the Willie Nelson smash “Always On My Mind,” and the Gershwin classic "Summertime," featuring a guest appearance from Bobbie’s brother Willie. The video was filmed at Arlyn Studios in Austin, Texas during the album recording session. The facility is co-owned and operated by Bobbie Nelson’s son, Freddy Fletcher, who also plays drums on the album, making the endeavour a true family affair.

More highlights on the album include a spirited reading of the Bob Willis country swing gem 'Old Fashioned Love', and the glittery 'Dream a Little Dream' (first recorded by Ozzie Nelson in 1931). Album closer, 'Over the Rainbow', is sure to elicit vivid emotions. “It’s a beautiful and mournful song,” Shires says, “but I think Bobbie picked it because she somehow sensed the end was near and that she’d be going to Jesus soon. I'm just glad that I got a chance to sing it for her.”

Amanda and Bobbie first met in 2013, thanks to their mutual musician friend, Mickey Raphael. They formed a kinship, and Shires jammed with the Family Band whenever possible. In 2021, when Shires was working on her wildly acclaimed album Take It Like a Man she considered including “Always on My Mind” on the album, and asked Bobbie to play on the track. Once together in the studio, their bond deepened, and so did their deep musical connection. They decided they should start their own “band” and saved “Always On My Mind” for what would eventually become Loving You.

Since getting her start playing fiddle with the legendary Texas Playboys at the young age of 15, Shires has brought her nuanced songwriting and boundless originality to a series of solo albums, collaborated with the likes of John Prine, and earned the 2017 Emerging Artist of the Year prize from the Americana Music Association (AMA). Also a member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, Amanda is the founder of The Highwomen - a supergroup she performs in alongside Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile. In 2022 she released the lauded album Take It Like A Man featuring Jason Isbell on guitar and guest vocals by Maren Morris and Brittney Spencer, which landed on many “Best of 2022” lists including NPR, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Stereogum and BrooklynVegan to name a few. Following its release, Amanda embarked on a triumphant US tour, with Variety including her show at LA’s Troubadour on their Top 50 concerts of the year alongside the likes of Bad Bunny, Elton John and Lady Gaga.

Amanda Shires currently touring Europe and the UK, playing Bristol tonight and an in-store show at Rough Trade East on Saturday 24th June.

Sat 17 June - Azkena Rock, Spain - TICKETS

Sun 18 June - Black Deer Festival, UK - TICKETS

Tue 20 June - King Tut's - Glasgow, UK - TICKETS

Wed 21 June - Academy 3 - Manchester, UK - TICKETS

Thu 22 June - Omeara - London, UK - TICKETS

Fri 23 June - Exchange - Bristol, UK - TICKETS

Sat 24 June - Rough Trade East - London, UK - TICKETS

Sun 25 June - Paterskerek - Eindhoven, NL- TICKETS

Mon 26 June - Oosterpoort - Groeningen, NL- TICKETS

Tue 27 June - Paradiso Noord - Amsterdam, NL- TICKETS

LOVING YOU TRACKLISTING