New Jeff Austin Album Features Bayliss, Hartswick & More

2014 has been a year of major change for Jeff Austin, who has become a father and left Yonder Mountain String Band to embark on a solo career. Austin will show off the fruits of his recent labor on February 10, when his solo debut effort –The Simple Truth -is released via Yep Roc.

The Simple Truth features his hand-picked ensemble of long-time collaborator Danny Barnes on banjo and guitar, guitarist Ross Martin, bass player Eric Thorin, and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars on percussion along with a number of special guests. Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey’s McGee appears on the 10-track effort as does Jennifer Hartswick, John Keane, Todd Snider, John Keane and others.

While Austin started work on the album in December 2013 with a demo phase, the bulk of the album was recorded in March of 2014. Austin has been touring with his eponymous band, which has given him an appreciation for what the musicians bring to the project. “As the primary writer and singer, my name may be attached to the thing, but this is everybody’s band. To see the work these guys are doing on a nightly basis, embedding themselves and the dedication to work, it’s ridiculous. It’s a cool thing to be a part of,” Austin said in a statement announcing the album.

Today, PopMatters premiered “What The Night Brings,” a track off the new album featuring Bayliss:

Here’s full details on The Simple Truth:

The Simple Truth
Yep Roc
Produced by Jeff Austin
Engineered by James Tuttle
Recorded at E Town Studios-Boulder, CO
Mixed by John Keane at Keane Recording Studios-Athens, GA
Mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering-Boulder, CO

1. What The Night Brings (Austin) -Brendan Bayliss (vocals)
2. Simple Truth (Austin) -Jenn Hartswick (vocals), The Royal Horns (Marc Franklin-trumpet, Lannie McMillian-tenor, Jim Spake-baritone)
3. Scrapbook Pages (Austin/Galloway) -Sarah Siskind (vocals), Andy Hall (dobro)
4. Fiddling Around (Camp/Sherrill/Austin) -Jason Carter (fiddle)
5. 15 Steps (Austin) -Jenn Hartswick (vocals,trumpet)
6. Over and Over (Austin/Siskind) -Sarah Siskind (vocals), John Keane (pedal steel)
7. Gatling Gun (Austin/Snider)
8. Run Down (Austin/Johnston)
9. Shake Me Up (Austin) -Jenn Hartswick (vocals), The Royal Horns (Marc Franklin-trumpet, Lannie McMillian-tenor, Jim Spake-baritone)
10. Falling Stars (Siskind) -Sarah Siskind (vocals), John Keane (pedal steel)

Band:
Jeff Austin-vocals, mandolin, guitar
Danny Barnes-banjo, guitars, vocals
Ross Martin-guitars
Eric Thorin-basses, vocals
Cody Dickinson-drums, percussion, electric washboard

Additional performances recorded at:
Royal Studios-Memphis, TN
Big Room Studios-Chicago, IL
Battle Tapes-Nashville, TN
Wendell’s Bassment-Boulder, CO
Red Request Studios-Beech Grove, VA
Minner Bucket Studios-Irondale, WA