Biography

Radio Contact:
Ellen Nagase
434-973-5151
radio@rebelrecords.com

Click here to go to Rebel Records' Main Page

STARLETT & BIG JOHN - LIVING IN THE SOUTH (REB-1876), 2023

Musicians
Starlett Boswell: Bass, Lead & Harmony Vocals
Big John Talley: Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals
David Carroll: Banjo
Johnathan Dillon: Mandolin
Ron Stewart: Fiddle, Dobro on track 4, Harmony Vocals

Production Credits
Produced by Ron Stewart
Recorded at Starlett and Big John's Studio, Southampton, VA
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Ron Stewart

Big John Talley and singer Starlett Boswell have had an amazing run since initially connecting just over three years ago. That fact was reaffirmed with the release of their sweetly sentimental single “Straight 58,” a critically acclaimed effort that served as a prelude to their much-anticipated Rebel Records album debut, the tellingly titled Living In The South.

A follow-up to the pair’s highly praised initial entry, Till The End Of The Road, the new album affirms their standing as a truly dynamic duo that can claim special status in today’s highly competitive bluegrass realms. Although each of them can boast sizable accomplishments all on their own — Starlett with a performing history that stretches back to early childhood and Big John with a 42 year performing career that includes a VFMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award, a performance at the Grand Ole Opry and an ongoing association with Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys — it was a chance meeting in January 2019 which made it obvious there was an immediate rapport, both personally and professionally. It also became apparent that they shared similar influences — Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury, The Stanley Brothers, Johnson Mountain Boys, Tony Rice, Lester Platt & Earl Scruggs, and Peter Rowan, among them.

Releasing February 24, Living In The South was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ron Stewart at Starlett & Big John’s Studio in Southampton, Virginia. It features Starlett on bass and vocals and Big John on guitar and vocals, along with guest contributors David Carroll on banjo, Johnathan Dillon on mandolin, and Ron Stewart on fiddle, Dobro and harmonies. Embracing the combined influences of bluegrass, country, gospel and Americana, the songs run a stylistic gamut, from the amiable ramble of “Makin’ Tracks to Macon,” the sprightly sound of “Quit Quittin’ You,” and the determined delivery of “Makeup and Faded Blue Jeans,” to the unassuming sway of “The Ties That Bind,” the saunter and shine of “Slowly Let Me Down,” the beautiful balladry shared in the title track, and, ultimately, the quiet, contemplative musings of “The Dirt That You Throw” and “Deepening Snow.”

Boasting an even divide between the duo’s six engaging originals and well-chosen covers, Living In The South showcases Starlett’s powerful vocals and range. Big John has a voice that is made to sing bluegrass and he takes the lead on two songs while on the others blends harmony with Starlett perfectly. Ultimately, Living In The South resonates through wistful reflection and adept instrumentation, a sound that offers reverence and respect for a traditional template as expressed through Big John and Starlett’s eager embrace. Effortlessly alluring and instantly engaging, these vibrant sounds resonate with clear and compelling commitment.