Levon Helm: First Solo Studio Album In 25 Years

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Its a major landmark on a remarkable journey for Levon Helm. The last few years have proven to me that we truly live in an age of miracles, writes Levon in the poignant liner notes. After arduous treatments for throat cancer that took away his singing voice and a fire that consumed over eighty percent of his recording studio, Helm was amazed to find both restored." title="Levon Helm: First Solo Studio Album In 25 Years">Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Levon Helm's 'Dirt Farmer' will be released October 30 by Vanguard Records/Dirt Farmer, his first solo, studio album in 25 years. The organic feel of the sessions hark back to his work with The Band and comes on the heels of a wave of attention for his Midnight Rambles, late night concerts held at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY.
It's a major landmark on a remarkable journey for Levon Helm. "The last few years have proven to me that we truly live in an age of miracles", writes Levon in the poignant liner notes. After arduous treatments for throat cancer that took away his singing voice and a fire that consumed over eighty percent of his recording studio, Helm was amazed to find both restored.

On 'Dirt Farmer, ' Helm's pays tribute to his family, singing traditional songs that he learned growing up in rural Arkansas. He also covers songs by Steve Earle and J.B. Lenoir; full of Dobros, mandolins and acoustic guitars, the album resonates deeply, honoring Levon's roots.

Multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, Solomon Burke) and Levon's daughter Amy, also a member of Ollabelle, produced and shepherded the project at "The Barn", Levon Helm Studios. Levon himself plays drums, mandolin, acoustic guitar and provides all lead vocals.

Rolling Stone's Andy Greene called a recent Midnight Ramble, "one of the most uplifting and pure musical experiences I've ever had." Levon based his Rambles on the southern medicine shows of his youth and has been joined onstage by Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Nick Lowe, Warren Haynes and others.

Musician, singer, author, voiceover artist and actor Levon Helm is an American treasure. Born in 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas, a young Levon absorbed the blues, folk and country sounds that surrounded him. Gigs with Ronnie Hawkins lead to Levon's entrance into The Band, one of rock's greatest groups. The Band went on to back Bob Dylan on his first electric tour and made a series of incredible records until 1976. He has appeared in such films as "Coal Miner's Daughter", "The Right Stuff", "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" and "Shooter."

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