Make no mistake, East Nash Grass’s upcoming LP, All God’s Children isn’t a gospel album, despite where its title may lead. But, it’s not exactly not a spiritual album, either. The 2024 IBMA New Artist of the Year-winning quintet have whittled down their immense catalog to an all-new, ten-song collection featuring five new originals, two deep-cut covers, two tunes from friends, and a string-band reimagining of a traditional Liberian chant; a feat only accomplished by the no rules mentality of one of the most talked about bands on the scene. A worldly blend of spirituality, connectedness, and world-class picking—members of East Nash Grass formerly accompanied Dan Tyminski, Tim O’Brien, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, and more—All God’s Children is Harry Clark (mandolin), Cory Walker (banjo), James Kee (guitar), Maddie Denton (fiddle), and Jeff Partin’s (bass/dobro) next chapter in their interstellar rise to greatness.
Today, East Nash Grass released the first single from All God’s Children, “Followin’ You.” Written by guitarist James Kee, along with Christian Penn Ward, “Followin’ You” is a thoughtful love song about so much more than giddy infatuation. “If it can be that we recognize our own self even in the absence of others, then we can surely find ourselves in those we love and follow them through all uncertainty,” says Kee. Maddie Denton’s voice delivers the sentiment sweetly in the song’s second verse:
“Been a-way up on the mountain
Been waitin’ for the day
I could hardly recognize you through the gray
But you don’t leave me doubtin’
Or wonderin’ what to do
so if you’ll let me darlin’
I’ll keep on followin’ you”
As the verses paint a picture of inspiration and endearment, more and more layers of expertly-timed rhythms enter the picture. Walker’s banjo dances with former East Nash Grass member Gaven Largent’s dobro before Partin and Kee stack harmonies around Denton for a simple-but-strong refrain.
Fans can stream or purchase “Followin’ You” today at this link and pre-order or pre-save All God’s Children ahead of its August 22nd release on Mountain Fever Records right here. East Nash Grass will take the stage tonight in Meridian, Mississippi, as part of the Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival. A full list of tour dates can be found below or at eastnashgrass.com/tour.
All God’s Children Tracklist:
All God’s Children
Hill Country Highway
Followin’ You
Git Along Little Yearlings
In Such a Short Time
The Love We Gave Up
Bend in the Road
Redbird
Lonesome Song
Jump Through the Window
Catch East Nash Grass On Tour:
May 13 - Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival - Meridian, MS
May 15 - The Loud - Huntington, WV
May 16 - The Southern Cafe and Music Hall - Charlottesville, VA
May 17 - Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival - Catonsville, MD
May 24 - Strawberry Music Festival - Grass Valley, CA
May 31 - Ogden Music Festival - Ogden, UT
June 13 - Overton Park Shell - Memphis, TN
June 14 - The Astra Theatre - Jasper, IN
June 20 - Rose Music Hall - Columbia, MO
June 21 - Baker-Spain Stampede - South Greenfield, MO
June 27 - Chattanooga & Cleveland Firefighter’s Association - Chattanooga, TN
June 28 - Rudy Fest Bluegrass Festival - Morehead, KY
July 4 - Nightfall Concert Series - Chattanooga, TN
July 12-13 - Frankfort Bluegrass Festival - Frankfort, IL
July 15 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
July 25 - RockyGrass - Lyons, CO
July 27 - Red Ants Pants Music Festival - White Sulphur Springs, MT
July 31 - Shrine Social Club - Boise, ID
Aug. 1 - OK Theatre - Enterprise, OR
Aug. 2 - The Showdown - Portland, OR
Aug. 2-3 - Pickathon - Happy Valley, OR
Aug. 5 - Tsunami Books - Eugene, OR
Aug. 7 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
Aug. 9-10 - Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival - Medical Lake, WA
Aug. 21 - The Momentary - Bentonville, AR
Aug. 22 - Bluegrass & Fried Chicken at Ozark Folk Center - Mountain View, AR
Aug. 24 - Treehouse Concerts at Bartlett Arboretum - Belle Plaine, KS
Aug. 29 - SamJam Bluegrass Festival - Piketon, OH
Aug. 30 - Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival - Woodstown, NJ
Sept. 6 - Mountain Song Festival - Brevard, NC
