Listen to Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s New ‘Got Love If You Want It': Exclusive Premiere
In the fall of 2013, Chris Robinson Brotherhood celebrated the release of their first live album collaboration with Betty Cantor-Jackson, the famed producer who served as a primary sound engineer for the Grateful Dead from the late '60s to the '80s. The title of that release, Betty's S.F. Blends, was appended with the moniker "Volume One," and as fans devoured it, many were curious if the CRB intended on doing a follow-up.
Much to the delight of their fans, less than two years later Robinson and company joined forces with Betty once again for another immersive experience, Betty’s Blends, Volume Two: Best of the West. And now, the farm-to-table psychedelic hayride continues with the third installment in the Betty's Blends series, Volume 3: Self-Rising, Southern Blends, set for release on May 5.
For those in need of a taste of what's to come with the latest Betty Brotherhood partnership, look no further -- listen to the exclusive premiere of "Got Love If You Want It" below.
"'Got Love' is our Cali space boogie take on the Slim Harpo classic and one of our favorite rock 'n' roll set closers," Robinson tells Ultimate Classic Rock. "The long build to the harmonica and guitar solos is the perfect musical terrain for Betty to do her four-dimensional sound mapping!"
As Robinson notes, this track was first recorded in 1957 by swamp blues rocker Slim Harpo; it was in fact part of his debut single, serving as the B-side to the eventual Grammy Hall of Fame Award-winning track "I'm a King Bee."
"Got Love" isn't the only cover on Volume 3. The CRB also share their takes on Allen Toussaint's "Get Out of My Life Woman," Bob Dylan's "She Belongs to Me," the Leiber and Stoller classic, "I'm a Hog For You" and another Harpo tune, "The Music's Hot." The album also features some CRB favorites like "Clear Blue Sky & The Good Doctor," "Roan County Banjo" and "Oak Apple Day," and the Black Crowes tune, "I Ain't Hiding."
The album will be available in triple-LP and double-CD editions, both featuring the gorgeous and trippy work of artist Alan Forbes. (Vinyl fanatics should take note: The triple-LP comes packed with an exclusive bonus two-CD set of the CRB's 2015 performance at the Warfield in San Francisco, also recorded by Cantor-Jackson.)
While volumes one and two found the band sharing live cuts from the west coast, Self-Rising, Southern Blends lives up to its name as it features shows from Atlanta, Raleigh and Charleston, all recorded and mixed live from the soundboard in November 2015. "With Betty, we trust her sonic sensibilities and give her the space and freedom to do what the woman does, and what she does is beautiful and unique," Robinson exclaimed when Volume 3 was first announced. "It’s the stuff rock 'n' roll dreams and recordings are made of. Viva la Betty!"
If you're looking to fill your dreams with more rock 'n' roll, you can pre-order the vinyl edition now, as well as the CD version. And make sure to experience the Chris Robinson Brotherhood live when they roll through your town -- check their full tour itinerary at their official website.
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