Two years and a half ago, on January 2017, JP Harris released an EP named “Why Don’t We Duet in the Road“. The country singer from Alabama, now living in Nashville, was singing four old country songs with four female country artists, Leigh Nash, Kelsey Waldon, Nikki Lane and Kristina Murray. They were performing duets originally recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Conway Titty and Loretta Lynn and Georges Jones and Tammy Wynette.
On September 13th, JP Harris released a second EP with the same features, named “Why Don’t We Duet in the road (Again)“.
The first song, “The Last Thing on My Mind“, is a duet with Malin Pettersen, a young and talented country singer from Norway. The original song, written by Tom Paxton in 1964 and appearing in his album “Ramblin’ Boy“, was sung in 1967 by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. The cover is really beautiful, Malin Pettersen’s voice enhancing this awesome song. The Norwegian artist, who released last year her debut solo album, “References Pt 1“, and who participated this year at AmericanaFest, is undoubtedly a very promising artist. Her future will be bright.
JP Harris sings the second song, “Early Morning Rain“, with Erin Rae. The original song was written by Canadian artist Gordon Lightfoot. It was performed as a duet by Ian and Sylvia Tyson in 1965, and a very well-known cover was also sung, the same year, by Peter, Paul and Mary. JP Harris and Erin Rae’s cover, with a lot of pedal steel guitar, is a real gem.
The third song, “Oceans of Tears“, is performed with Miss Tess. The original song, written by Hope Ryder and Lida Dolan, was sung in duet by Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kay Starr in 1951. This cover is amazing! Listening to JP Harris and Miss Tess singing such a classic song is a great pleasure. The singer from Maryland, who loves all about American roots music, country of course, but also jazz or blues, performs this song perfectly, with her unique voice. “Oceans of Tears” has a jazzy touch and I think Miss Tess could have been a jazz singer.
The last song, “On the Rebound“, written by Charlie Craig and Larry Atwood, was sung by Del Reeves and Billy Joe Spears and was a hit in 1976. JP Harris sings this honky tonk classic with Elizabeth Cook, whose voice is just perfect for this song, and the cover is really awesome!
If you love duets and classic coutry music, this amazing EP won’t disappoint you. I’m sure you’ll have it on repeat!
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 