We have a song premiere today from Seattle singer and multi-instrumentalist Eli West. Many of you will know Eli West from his work with Cahalen Morrison, they have toured the UK a number of times and featured on Folk Radio UK. Give Me Your Love And I’ll Give You Mine features on his debut solo album The Both which is released today. Whilst the spotlight shines on Eli there is also plenty of collaboration on this album with the likes of jazz great Bill Frisell, new Americana discovery Dori Freeman, and Appalachian duo Anna & Elizabeth.
https://soundcloud.com/devon-4-1/01-give-me-your-love-and-ill-give-you-mine?in=devon-4-1/sets/eli-west-the-both/s-53oZI
Eli shared this with us about the song:
“The Carter Family Collection is such a cornerstone to what we do. I love this song, and I loved singing it even more with Dori. We did it as a lonesome acapella into one mic in a big room. I loved the space, but the idea of Bill Frisell playing a third part to the 2 part vocals seemed like a natural thing to do. I’m rather pleased with the result.”
Eli centred the album conceptually on the story of his two grandfathers. “My grandfathers were both of the Greatest Generation, yet each defined life in contrasting terms. One was a Brethren peace advocate, the other a prisoner of war. One worshipped humility, the other Hemingway. They each lived out their own truth while ultimately shaping another truth for their shared family.
“So too are two takes on one tune. This record first explores a vocal arrangement of a song, then yet again as a B side instrumental.”
The goal isn’t for one version to best the other, but for each to reveal new sides to the other, unveiling the story of the both.
“Music like this doesn’t come along very often. This stuff just reassures me.” Tim O’Brien
Order it now via Bandcamp: elidoes.bandcamp.com/album/the-both
elidoes.com
www.facebook.com/EliWestSingsAndPlays