(headline image: Alison Krauss & Union Station – Photo by Randee St. Nicholas)
Alison Krauss & Union Station have unveiled “Granite Mills,” the second preview from Arcadia, their first album in 14 years, set for release on March 28 via Down The Road Records. The ten-track LP combines historical narratives with contemporary songwriting, reaffirming the band’s legacy as one of the most celebrated acts in bluegrass and beyond.
“Granite Mills,” a traditional ballad with a tragic storyline, features the powerful lead vocals of new band member Russell Moore. Best known as the longtime frontman of IIIrd Tyme Out, Moore holds the record as the most awarded male vocalist in International Bluegrass Music Association history, adding to the group’s collective tally of over 70 GRAMMY Awards and millions of albums sold.
“Jerry, Ron, Barry and I all met when Dan Tyminski left the band, and Jerry asked me, ‘What do you think?’ I said, ‘Russell Moore,’ and they all said, ‘Absolutely!’ I couldn’t believe it when we went into the studio and his voice came through the speakers,” says Alison Krauss. “He just stands there and sings with his hands in his pockets, and he kills it. The first song he did was ‘Granite Mills’ and about 10 minutes in, Ron was covering his mouth because he started giggling. Russell came in and inspired us all.”
Despite years of individual projects and collaborations, the band continued curating material, waiting for the right moment to reunite. Arcadia features songs by writers such as Robert Lee Castleman, Viktor Krauss, Bob Lucas, JD McPherson, and Sarah Siskind. Recorded in Nashville studios, the album follows 2011’s Paper Airplane, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country, Bluegrass, and Folk charts.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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