North Carolina’s own Joseph Decosimo, a revered figure in the world of Appalachian old-time music, has announced his new album, Fiery Gizzard, set to release on August 15th via Dear Life Records, the same label through which he released last year’s collaborative Beehive Cathedral with Luke Richardson and Cleek Schrey (reviewed here). This highly anticipated third solo effort promises a fresh perspective on traditional folk, incorporating contemporary indie and experimental influences.
Decosimo, a lifelong scholar and performer of old-time music of Appalachia and the American South, is known for his masterful fiddling and banjo playing. His work has graced recordings by notable artists like Jake Xerxes Fussell and Hiss Golden Messenger, with a prompt from the latter’s MC Taylor sparking the unique direction of Fiery Gizzard: “what would this Old-time fiddle music sound like if it were given an Albion Country Band / Fairport Convention sort of treatment?”.
The result is an innovative fusion. Fiery Gizzard moves beyond strict traditional instrumentation, featuring electrified banjo inspired by Abner Jay, expansive electric guitar, pump organ, and hypnotic percussion. Recorded live with an illustrious ensemble including members of Wye Oak, Beirut, Fust, and Elephant Micah, the album interweaves old-time ballads and groove-heavy instrumentals, breathing new life into historical voices while maintaining a vibrant immediacy. Andy Stack of Wye Oak played a key production role, ensuring a cohesive and dynamic sound.
Accompanying the album announcement is the lead single, ‘Ida Red’. Decosimo describes his love for “nursery rhyme type songs” and his obsession with the ethereal banjo playing of Morgan Sexton, whose YouTube videos inspired his take on the track. With the addition of electric guitar, fiddle, organ, and shuffling drums, Decosimo aims to “draw out new playfulness and joy with the piece.”
Fiery Gizzard is poised to be a significant release, showcasing Decosimo’s unwavering dedication to traditional music while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories.
Pre-Order Fiery Gizzard (August 15th via Dear Life Records): https://josephdecosimo.bandcamp.com/album/fiery-gizzard