Americana heartland-rocker John Calvin unveils his deeply emotional new single, "Saint Innocent," today. This poignant track, which deals with coping with loss, is the first glimpse into his highly anticipated new album, Greener Fields & Fairer Seas, set for release on January 24, 2024.
Inspired by the death of his wife’s best friend, "Saint Innocent" captures Calvin’s grief through soulful vocals, impassioned guitar work, and the evocative sounds of Pete Freeman’s pedal steel and Kelsey Jumper’s haunting backing vocals. Americana Highways praises the song, calling it “a wonderful tearjerker... John Calvin speaks to this with a soaring harmony chorus... an exquisite chorus.”
The title, borrowed from a pinot noir the friends would share, hints at both the secular and spiritual, while Calvin explores grief through unhealthy coping mechanisms, evoking both heartache and hope.
“Ellen and my wife were inseparable,” shares Calvin. “I sing, ‘paint those starry skies for me,’ and every time I see fireworks, I still think about her.”
"Greener Fields & Fairer Seas" reflects Calvin's journey through loss and renewal, addressing the challenges of the pandemic, fatherhood, and the pursuit of a better future. The album's lush mix of folk guitars, organs, orchestral strings, and gospel backing vocals carries the listener through a tapestry of emotional highs and lows, reminiscent of The Band and Wilco.
From the uplifting opener "Rest of My Roads," to the heart-wrenching "She Might Be a Song," Calvin blends poetic introspection with rich, layered arrangements that promise to resonate with listeners on a deep, personal level.
"Saint Innocent" is now streaming on all major platforms.
Greener Fields & Fairer Seas Track Listing:
Rest of My Roads
I Can Make Your Heart Mine
Austin Chalk
Gravity
Saint Innocent
She Might Be a Song
Sturgeon Moon
Garden State Variety
High is My Favorite Height
Hazel or Blue
Our Souls Have Broken Chains
Ode to Denis Johnson
Shenandoah
Single Credits:
John Calvin: vocals, acoustic guitar
Pete Freeman: pedal steel
Pat Coyle: drums, percussion
Greg DeCarolis: bass, Hammond organ
Kelsey Jumper: backing vocals
Album Credits:
Produced by Nate Campisi
Recorded and mixed at Mr Smalls Recording Studio, Pittsburgh, PA
Mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, Burbank, CA
