a few words about us
Americana band JD & The Straight Shot’s new all-acoustic album called The Great Divide is out now!
The band - vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist/vocalist/producer Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), upright bassist/banjoist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), violinist/fiddler/vocalist Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart), drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band) and guitarist/vocalist Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride) – is comprised of friends whose joy in telling stories together shines through each sparkling track on The Great Divide. The album was recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville with Marc Copely (James Montgomery, Jess Klein, Constantine Maroulis) producing.
Inspired by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Civil Wars, Jefferson Airplane, Three Dog Night and The Yardbirds, JD & The Straight Shot delivers a sweet sound and strong songwriting mixed with the swagger of rock n’ roll. The Great Divide boasts unforgettable hooks, soaring melodies and powerful stories.
The dynamic album springs to life with the foot-stomping “The Great Divide” title track that hopes to inspire people to engage in more conversations with those who may hold opinions different from their own. The thumping, potent cadence and melodic layers of “Dead Men Tell No Tales” segues into “It Must Be The Night” with banjo-driven sounds of the heartland, while “Invisible” offers lush tones and “I Should’ve Known” features beautiful harmonies influenced by Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic folk-rock favorite “The Boxer.” “Bees” shares a sensual sonic landscape of longing, “Anything But Love” is a tender tale of heartache, “Take It Slow” showcases sexy syncopated rhythms, while “On A Wire” gives moody vibes of wistful whimsy. JD & The Straight Shot’s covers of The Turtle’s chart-topping 1967 hit “Happy Together” and The Allman Brothers Band instrumental favorite “Jessica” breathe an upbeat freshness and triumphant new vibrancy into the songs.
The Great Divide follows JD & The Straight Shot’s highly acclaimed 2017 album Good Luck And Good Night that roots music authority No Depression raves boasts “Exhilarating performances and luxurious blends of instrumentation,” and Madness To Creation gushes “Is a masterful blend of songwriting, arrangements, musicianship, and harmony."
Members
Jim Dolan
vocals, guitar
Marc Copely
guitar, vocals
Byron House
bass, banjo
Erin Slaver
violin, fiddle, vocals
Shawn Pelton
drums, percussion
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
guitar, vocals