Pianist Erik Deutsch has enlisted the help of Shooter Jennings (Waylon Jennings son) for his cover of the Shel Silverstein penned song, "Whistlers and Jugglers." The tune will appear on Deutsch's upcoming album, Outlaw Jazz, which will be released on February 24th. Listen above via SoundCloud.
The song begins with soft vocals and subtle guitar playing from Shooter Jennings, accompanied by warm piano playing from Erik Deutsch. The song's momentum builds up and goes into a psychedelic landscape of swirling guitar and then synthesizer.
In an interview with Rolling Stone Country, Erik Deutsch talked about when he was first introduced to "Whistlers and Jugglers":
When I was first introduced to Shel Silverstein's song, "Whistlers and Jugglers," I was instantly mesmerized by the imagery of the lyric: a love lost, a lesson learned, and a girl's enchantment with "whistlers and jugglers, and singers of songs." ...
Shooter brings so much passion, intensity, and honesty to everything he sings, and this performance is certainly no exception. Waylon's recording of 'Whistlers' is bouncier, quicker and more swinging than our version. Somehow we naturally, without discussing it, dug into the dark, slow, more mysterious side of the composition, ending up in a place reminiscent of Pink Floyd.
"Whistlers and Jugglers" appeared on Waylon Jennings' 1978 album I've Always Been Crazy. Erik Deutsch's version takes the listener on a sonic adventure towards the end, and creates an alternate mood from Waylon's version.
Outlaw Jazz is currently available for pre-order via Cumberland Brothers Music.
For Erik Deutsch's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out his Zumic artist page.
Source: Erik Deutsch SoundCloud