THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “With nearly 25 albums under his belt, prolific Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely returns with a timely collection of songs — some written by him, and others penned by musical heroes like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Woody Guthrie. “I’m really appreciative of everyone’s help in putting this album together,” shares Ely. “To me, Love And Freedom is a reminder of the times we’re living in right now, and I hope it resonates with whoever takes the time to listen.”
Co-produced with frequent collaborator Lloyd Maines (Miranda Lambert, Kris Kristofferson), Love And Freedom unveils songs from Ely’s recording vault, spanning several decades of sessions at Spur Studios, his home studio outside Austin. Ely recorded these tracks during time off the road, resulting in poignant renditions of classics like the Ryan Bingham-featured take on Guthrie’s protest anthem Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) and the heartfelt Clark cut Magdalene. Love And Freedom follows Ely’s 2024 road album Driven to Drive, which received widespread acclaim.
In addition to his revered solo work, Ely is one-third of the Texas-based trio The Flatlanders, alongside Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. In 2021, the band released Treasure of Love, their first album in over 12 years.
Over the course of his long and eclectic career — as a songwriter, performer, collaborator, and author — Ely has altered and expanded the meaning of Texas music, bringing its sounds and stories to audiences worldwide. Love And Freedom marks yet another milestone for Ely, celebrating the power of unity through song during divisive times.”
