Valerie June Gives Blues and Gospel Classics a Fresh, Defiant Spin
The singer-songwriter's new covers EP reinterprets standards like "I'll Fly Away" with a fleet, funky arrangement and a sense of mischief. Her delivery suggests self-determination rather than deferred salvation, making the old hymns feel timely and personal. The EP showcases her ability to refresh well-known material without losing its emotional weight.
The EP features three tracks, all drawn from the blues and gospel canon. "I'll Fly Away" was written by Albert Edward Brumley roughly a century ago and has been recorded by more than 400 artists, including Johnny Cash, the Staple Singers, and Alison Krauss. "Trouble in Mind" has similarly deep roots, with versions by Muddy Waters and Nina Simone among the most celebrated. The closing track, "Smokestack," blends elements of Lead Belly's "In the Pines" with Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning," using train imagery to evoke the Great Migration.
Musicians on the EP include pedal steel player Dan Iead, drummer Caito Sanchez, and fiddler Sam Amidon. The project follows Valerie June's 2022 covers EP, "Under Covers," and arrives on the Concord label. The singer hails from Jackson, Tennessee, a detail referenced in her "Trouble in Mind" arrangement.
This EP could resonate with listeners seeking music that reframes familiar spirituals and blues standards for contemporary struggles. By emphasizing self-determination over deferred salvation, June's interpretations may offer a secular, empowering lens on songs traditionally tied to religious hope. The project could also introduce younger audiences to century-old material, potentially sparking renewed interest in gospel and blues traditions. Its compact three-song format may make it an accessible entry point for casual listeners, while its timely themes of resilience could give it cultural relevance beyond the music itself.