49 Winchester’s new album is almost here, and the excitement is palpable.
The heavily anticipated 10-track project titled Leavin’ This Holler drops at midnight tonight, and will mark the Appalachian Soul outfit’s fifth and most highly anticipated album to date. And if the five singles released thus far have been any indication of what the remainder of the problem will be like, then we are in for a truly special release from one of country music’s most promising acts.
“Fast Asleep,” the second single released this past May, has quickly become a fan favorite in a matter of just a couple of months with its heartfelt lyricism, powerful instrumentation, and the soulful vocal delivery that has become synonymous with the band’s name. Just a few weeks ago, on June 12, the six-piece band from Castlewood, Virginia had the opportunity to perform a special rendition of this song at The Grand Ole Opry, with a few extra musicians backing them.
And luckily for the fans who were not in attendance that evening, the footage of the performance has made it’s way onto YouTube. 49 Winchester took to Instagram yesterday to provide some insightful context in tandem with the video’s release.
“A few weeks ago, we were fortunate enough to perform our song ‘Fast Asleep’ at the Grand Ole Opry, accompanied by an 8-piece section of string players. Surrounded by our friends, family & heroes, it was an incredible honor and a night we will never forget. The full video of ‘Fast Asleep’ (Live from the Grand Ole Opry) is live now on our YouTube channel!
Thanks to Jim Gray for conducting, and all the players who joined us for a beautiful rendition: Dave Davidson, Alli Gooding, Jung-Min Shin, Jessica Blackwell, Kristin Wilkinson, Betsy Lamb, Kevin Bate, and Andrew Dunn.
Huge thanks also to the Opry team for helping us bring this to life, and everything they do to support creativity & the next generation of artists! May these special moments always find their home inside the Circle.
Video Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry Archives.”
Now check the video out here:
49 Winchester released their debut self-titled record 49 Winchester in 2014, and followed that up with The Wind in 2018. It was until their aptly titled third record III was released in 2020, though, that they finally began to gain some of the recognition that they deserved.
By the time the release of 49 Winchester’s 4th album Fortune Favors the Bold was nearing it’s release, the band was beginning to hit their stride, and the excitement amongst the growing number of country music fans who were privy to what was taking place was palpable. FFTB was released May of that year, and featuring the band’s biggest hits to date in “Russell County line” and “Annabel,” the project was extremely well received and ultimately set 49 Winchester on the astronomical trajectory they are riding today.
Personally, Fortune Favors the Bold was my favorite album of the year in 2022, and I think it’s safe to say that the expectation and anticipation surrounding Leavin’ This Holler is even higher. But if there’s one thing 49 Winchester has proved over the past few years, it’s that they will exceed expectation any time you give them the chance.
So, as all of us 49 Winchester fans count down the time until the clock strikes midnight tonight, go ahead and get the singles that have already been released thus far in heavy rotation. Check out the setlist below.
Leavin’ This Holler Tracklist
“Favor”
“Hillbilly Happy”
“Yearnin’ For You”
“Make It Count”
“Leavin’ This Holler” ft. Maggie Antone
“Fast Asleep”
“Tulsa”
“Rest of My Days”
“Traveling Band”
“Anchor”
Get out there and see them on the road, too. 49 Winchester is one of the best live bands in country music, and hearing these new songs get worked into the setlist is going to be awesome.