Chart-topper “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Inspires New Recording,
Based On Same Timeless Wisdom as Soundtrack
From Provocative New Movie THE SONG
In Theaters September 26
The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn Re-Cuts Iconic Song for Anticipated Movie Soundtrack
Album Features Ricky Skaggs, Emmylou Harris, McGuinn, NEEDTOBREATHE and 11 Original Songs
Capitol Records to Distribute Soundtrack for THE SONG
On September 16
August 14, 2014 (Nashville, Tenn.)— Ancient biblical text that inspired The Byrds’ No. 1 hit “Turn! Turn! Turn!” will now provide a cinematic backdrop for the provocative new film, THE SONG, releasing nationwide from Samuel Goldwyn Films and City On a Hill Studio on September 26. In honor of the film, The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn has re-arranged the band’s timeless classic for THE SONG ALBUM, which will release September 16 from Capitol Records (Christian Music Group). The 15-track project features musical icons such as Ricky Skaggs, Americana Vocalist of the Year Emmylou Harris, McGuinn, as well as the stars of the film, Alan Powell of Anthem Lights and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas.
“‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’, based on the book of Ecclesiastes, is my favorite song,” says rock legend Roger McGuinn. “It was a pleasure to work with Ricky, Emmylou, and friends to re-record this version for the movie and soundtrack.”
Recorded in the heart of Music City, Nashville, Tenn., renowned musicians put their own spin on the iconic lyrics of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” in a new recording which features collaboration by McGuinn, Skaggs and Harris. The classic song is based on Scriptures written by Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes. THE SONG ALBUM also features 11 original American Roots songs, also inspired by the life and writings of Solomon, as well as four classic hits with new musical arrangements.
Harris’ involvement with the project benefits her charity Bonaparte’s Retreat, a dog rescue that is dedicated to providing nurturing care for adoptable dogs when their allotted time at the shelter has elapsed.
Additionally, Kentucky native Ricky Skaggs brings his own heartfelt blue-grass groove to an original track “Kentucky Voice” written and produced by Michael Curtis and inspired by the movie’s filming location in Louisville. Celebrated American Roots music artists Marco Giovino, Byron House, Andy Leftwich and Colby Kilby collaborated in performing the original songs, and the stars of the movie Alan Powell and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas provide vocals and additional instrumental accompaniment. Critically acclaimed rock band NEEDTOBREATHE contributed a song to the project rounding out the American Roots sound. See full track listing below.
“I wanted to bring in the best of the best but more than anything I wanted this music to be authentic and believable,” says Executive Music Producer for THE SONG, Vincent Emmett. “I took every chance I could to bring in award-winning roots songwriters who could capture the story of THE SONG and translate it into passionate lyrics and memorable melodies. I searched for artists who could not only perform the music at its best, but who also understand the love, passion, and pain in the words. Of course Richard Ramsey (writer and director) and I had a dream list of history makers in Americana music, and yes Emmylou Harris was at the tip top of the list. With Roger McGuinn, Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas on board it became bigger than any dream team I could have ever imagined to round out this project and take it to an incredible place.”
THE SONG follows aspiring singer-songwriter Jed King (Alan Powell of Anthem Lights) as he struggles to catch a break and escape the long shadow of his father, a country music legend. After reluctantly accepting a gig at a local vineyard harvest festival, Jed is love-struck by the vineyard owner’s daughter, Rose (Ali Faulkner, TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN), and a romance quickly blooms. Soon after their wedding, Jed writes Rose “The Song,” which becomes a breakout hit. Thrust into a life of stardom and a world of temptation in the form of fellow performer Shelby Bale (Caitlin Nicol-Thomas, “Nashville,” ABC TV), Jed’s life and marriage begin to fall apart, proving even the wisest of men is a fool for love.
Powell is turning heads in his breakout role as singer-songwriter “Jed King.” Though THE SONG is his first feature-film, Powell is no stranger to the entertainment world as a member of the four-man pop group Anthem Lights, an internet-based band known for their music videos and pop mash-ups. Anthem Lights has developed a rabid online fan base and boasts nearly 40 million hits on the band’s YouTube channel.
“Musically, performing as ‘Jed’ was definitely a shift from my background as a pop singer. But I was completely drawn to the grit and honesty of the character – and it challenged me to push myself artistically, which is always positive,” says Powell. “I think fans will resonate with the music as much as the story in THE SONG.”
Reprising their roles from THE SONG, Powell and Nicol-Thomas have been touring the summer festival circuit performing music from the film, and will open for the band NEEDTOBREATHE on dates leading up to the launch of THE SONG. For more information on THE SONG ALBUM, as well as a listing of concert dates please visit www.thesongalbum.com.
TRACK LISTING:
ORIGINAL SONGS
The Song (Awaken Love)
Son of a King
Kentucky Voice (Ricky Skaggs)
Split the Baby
You Made Me Love You
Can’t Hold On
I Love You Truly
Confetti
All I Wanna Be
Falling Life Stars
Ooh’s and Ahh’s (NEEDTOBREATHE)
Prayer in Open D (Emmylou Harris)
Chasing After the Wind
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)- Roger McGuinn, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs
End of the Matter