From Grief To Grace: Duane Betts Announces New Dave Cobb-Produced Album ‘Isle Of Hope’

Duane Betts returns with Isle Of Hope, a new album set for release via Sun Records on June 12. Today, the singer, songwriter and guitarist unveiled the first taste of the Dave Cobb-produced project, “Down To Houston.”

Isle Of Hope documents a transformative time for Betts as he weathered the loss of his father and mentor, Allman Brothers Band co-founding guitarist Dickey Betts. After the reckoning with mortality, Duane came through the experience with a renewed and clear sense of purpose.

“With Isle of Hope, I wanted to show my life’s experiences. All that I’ve been through, all that shaped me and all I aspire to be and translate to the listener a sense of purpose and hope and optimism. In these anxious times in the world, music is always a sanctuary and gives people a feeling of purpose and strength. I wanted this record to exemplify that,” Betts explained.

Duane Betts recorded the 10-song LP over a mere five days at Dave Cobb’s studio in Savannah, Georgia. Betts wrote the material for Isle Of Hope with longtime collaborator Stoll Vaughan. Betts and Cobb are joined on the album by guitarists Johnny Stachela and J.D. Simo, bassist Brian Allen, keyboardist Philip Towns and drummer Derrek Phillips.

On “Down To Houston,” Duane Betts passionately sings over stinging guitar leads and barrelhouse piano. The lead single weaves classic Allman Brothers DNA with a modern sonice sensibility.

Stream Duane Betts’ “Down To Houston” single below:

Duane Betts is currently in Hawaii for a string of The Allman Betts Band performances. He’ll then bring Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel back on the road for an extensive spring tour.

Isle Of Hope Tracklist

1. Heartache
2. Reckless
3. Into The Void
4. Pills And Liquor
5. Silver Afternoon
6. Down To Houston
7. Best Wishes
8. Manatee River
9. Winners of War
10. Keep My Hands Clean