By the time Duane Betts began working on Wild & Precious Life—his triumphant debut solo album—he'd already spent the better part of two decades creating his own version of guitar-slinging, story-driven American rock & roll.
"It felt like the right time to make something that was entirely my own vision," he says. "This is a record that guitar players will love, but at its core, it's really a song record. It's an album about who I am, where I come from, and what I believe in."
Duane had spent 10 years playing guitar alongside his father, legendary Allman Brother Dickey Betts. He’d release an EP, Sketches of American Music and co-found Allman Betts Band.
Even so, the need to create a full-length solo LP gnawed at him; one that nodded to his roots while simultaneously pushing ahead. Following his instincts, Duane assembled Johnny Stachela, Berry Duane Oakley, John Ginty and Tyler Greenwell, and took up an offer from friends Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks to record at their Swamp Raga Studio in Jacksonville. The album was cut to 2-inch analog tape during a series of live studio performances in 2022
Ranford Almond
Bringing the soul from Greensboro, North Carolina, Ranford Almond is a young singer/songwriter and troubadour that has begun to make his mark across the Southeast. Raspy fresh vocals meet the Appalachian strings of Ranford’s guitar, reminiscent of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt with his own unique stamp. Furthermore, his talent extends far beyond composition and acoustic picking, as he is a warrior on the electric as well. Ranford plays as a solo artist and leads a full band.
Ranford Almond’s forthcoming full length debut Old Soul is due to arrive in 2023, and demonstrates the evolution of Almond’s ability as he grows as both a writer, arranger, and player. The album, recorded at Ovation Sound, will feature a litany of nationally recognized guests, as well as the tutelage of its producer, Bill Stevens.
