Slaid Cleaves, new album, Iron Horse show on Sunday April 19th. Eleanor Whitmore opens.

It’s been five years since Texas-based, New England-raised Slaid Cleaves released an album of original material. Though he’s never been described as ‘prolific’, Slaid has once again delivered an album full of uncommonly fine-tuned songs built to stand the test of time. The new batch of songs on Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away, Music Road Records, will hit the streets April 21 and he’ll be bringing his new songs along on an East Coast swing (see itinerary below).

Reuniting with producer Gurf Morlix and co-writer pals such as Rod Picott and Adam Carroll, the new collection of literate and astute, Americana folk tales is a beautiful follow up to the critically acclaimed Wishbones (2004) and Broke Down (2000). While continuing to showcase his masterful talent as a songwriter of depth and detail, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away evinces the growth of an artist probing yet deeper into the human heart.

Having spent the better part of the past five years on the road, Slaid is embarking on another new journey in joining the co-op label Music Road Records. The brainchild of fellow songwriter Jimmy LaFave, the new label, headed by noted engineer Fred Remmert, is allowing Slaid a more hands on involvement with both his album release and his career in these tumultuous times.

“From the hardscrabble (but cheerful) verses of “Hard to Believe” to the bluegrass-tinged lament of “Green Mountains and Me” to the harsh, sarcastic- and reluctantly optimistic-lines of “Beautiful Thing,” this is a record that just goddam works, from first to last.” ~Stephen King

“New England transplant Slaid Cleaves distinguishes himself with melodies that roam to unexpected places, yet never lose their hook. Producer (Gurf) Morlix forges Cleaves’ folk into rocking, roots music . . . Cleaves’ voice is honest and strong.” ~RollingStone.com

"I come from a long lineage of fiery, independent women who are not afraid," says the Texas native and now Brooklyn-based songwriter, Eleanor Whitmore. You can tell this just by looking at the bright red curls of her hair. "My parents have always encouraged me and led by example. Flying planes. Sailing ships. Triathlons. My mother is an especially strong influence." says Eleanor. "I hiked the Grand Canyon in and out with a backpack, a bloody toe and no tears when I was five."

Make no mistake that Eleanor Whitmore can fly a plane, but it's her musical talents that have carried her so far. Eleanor has made her career touring and recording. She has worked with artists from Diana Ross to Regina Spektor. During the last two years living in Austin, she recorded fiddle, mandolin and sang harmonies with Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis and Slaid Cleaves among many others. She recently made an appearance on Neil Haggerty's Earth Junk. Her musical talents can be credited to the heavy influence of her family and a strong classical music background. "As a child, my mom took me to see Itzahk Perlman." Shortly after that Eleanor picked up the violin. "I learned versions of songs by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joan Biaz, Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Ian and Sylvia, Peter Paul and Mary, Jim Croche through my father's interpretations. I rarely heard the original recordings until much later in life." Continue.