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On their latest release, Gruff, Boise, ID-based Jonathan Warren & The Billy Goats deliver six-tracks that further their self-described style of progressive, psychobilly folk-grass, a testament to their sheer determination and dedication to the craft, because due to health problems, this record almost didn’t happen.
“This album came about by grace, perseverance and luck,” says frontman and songwriter Jonathan Warren. “I decided to name the record Gruff because that was what the process of recording this album felt like. It was more of a struggle to complete than any previous album I have written,” Warren admits. “I suffered a traumatic brain injury during the process of recording this album, which originally began in 2001. Following the accident, I had to take time off from music to heal and try to find the motivation, energy, and creativity to begin writing songs again.”
“Struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt were often obstacles in beginning the process of writing and performing music again,” he admits.
Thankfully, however, Warren’s struggles were fought with what would become Gruff, including album closer “Shady Grove,” which we are pleased to premiere today and which happens to be one of the first songs the band ever played together, finally being released by the band, something that took Warren back to the early days of the band and rejuvenated him to push through his pains and make the record he knew he needed to make.
“It’s a traditional bluegrass song,” says Warren. “ It felt good to relive the energy and experience of performing during the band’s early days.”
He continues, “Though it took some time for the songs to come to me, it did turn out how I heard it in my mind. I was glad to add ‘Shady Grove’ to this album, it is a song we’ve been performing since the beginning of the band and was a nostalgic step back in time that allowed us to reconnect with the energy we brought to the stage in the beginning; as the track was recorded live.”
