Willing Brother Knowing

Willing Brother Knowing, Sam Amidon’s ninth album, was recorded and produced by Big Thief drummer James Krivchenia. Drawing on folk traditions, it brings together Irish and Appalachian fiddle tunes, old hymns and rock and roll.

Guitars, synths and Krivchenia’s loose, groovy drumming shape songs including “Vineyard” and “Dying Californian”. At its centre is “Standing in the Doorway”, where Amidon fashions his own lyrics before bringing the piece home through two old tunes, one American and one Irish. The album concludes with the blowout “Banjo Rock”.