In an enchanting blend of camaraderie and raw, musical expression, Bonny Light Horseman has delivered their latest single, “Old Dutch,” a stirring narrative of evolving love, wrapped in the warmth of community spirit. The song is more than just a track; it’s a vivid chapter from their upcoming double LP, Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free, marking a milestone in the band’s creative journey. Recorded in the rustic ambiance of Levis Corner House pub in Ballydehob, Ireland, the song captures the essence of music made and enjoyed collectively, an experience vividly showcased in its accompanying video.
A Moment of Collective Creation
“Old Dutch” began serendipitously as a backstage voice memo, taking its name from the venue of its inception, the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY. What started as a spontaneous burst of creativity among Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman soon turned into a soulful duet—a conversation through music. The trio’s decision to record the song live at Levis’ pub brought an unforgettable moment of unity. As the crowd joined in the chorus, a palpable feeling of collective joy lifted every spirit in the room. The recording wasn’t just about capturing sound but about ensnaring a moment of real, raw emotional energy, something rarely felt in studio settings.
A Preview into the Double LP
The upcoming album, Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free, set to release on June 7, 2024, promises a deep dive into the human condition. Produced by Kaufman and mixed by D. James Goodwin, the album feels like a generous, unvarnished glimpse into the spectrum of human emotions, from the messiness of relationships to the bittersweet tinges of nostalgia. With songs like “I Know You Know” and “When I Was Younger” already creating ripples in the music world, the anticipation for the full album is palpable.
The Journey of the Album
The creative process for this album began five months ago in 2023 when the trio, alongside other collaborators like JT Bates and Cameron Ralston, convened in Levis’s pub—a place chosen for its deep community roots and familial warmth. The album’s evolution saw it grow into a double LP, capturing not just songs but moments of spontaneous creativity and emotional outpourings. The band’s recording sessions, both at Levis and later at New York’s Dreamland Recording Studios, were moments of magic, filled with an air of restorative release.
On Tour and Beyond
As Bonny Light Horseman gears up for their North American tour with dates across the East and West coasts and performances at major summer festivals like Bonnaroo and Winnipeg Folk, their new single and the forthcoming album are set to resonate deeply with fans. Their music, inherently traditional yet boldly experimental, speaks to a broad audience, echoing themes of love, loss, and the unending passage of time.
In “Old Dutch,” and the broader canvas of Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free, Bonny Light Horseman continues to weave their spell over the folk music scene, bringing together elements that feel both intimately personal and expansively universal. This album isn’t just heard; it’s felt, a testament to the power of music that bridges souls and spans generations. As we await the full release, “Old Dutch” serves as a perfect prelude, inviting us to feel every note and live every verse.
Bonny Light Horseman Tour Dates:
06/11 – Norfolk, VA – Virginia Arts Festival
06/12 – Nelsonville, OH – Stuart’s Opera House *
06/13 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *
06/14 – Nashville, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
06/15 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel *
06/16 – Washington, DC – Howard Theatre *
06/18 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg *
06/19 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg ^
06/20 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer *
06/21 – Mount Solon, VA – Red Wing Roots Festival
06/22 – Northampton, MA – Green River Music Festival
06/23 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair ^ (SOLD OUT)
07/13 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Folk Festival
08/09 – Aspen, CO – Paepcke Auditorium
08/10 – Lyons, CO – Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
10/4 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery#
10/5 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom#
10/6 – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford#
10/9 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall#
10/11 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall#
10/12 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile#
10/13 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo House of Music#
10/14 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre#
11/12 – Gothenburg, SE – Pustervik
11/13 – Stockholm, SE – Nalen
11/14 – Copenhagen, DK – VEGA
11/15 – Hamburg, DE – Nochtspeicher
11/16 – Amsterdam, NL – Tolhuistuin
11/18 – Paris, FR – Maroquinerie
11/20 – London, UK – Roundhouse
11/21 – Birmingham, UK – XOYO
11/22 – Glasgow, UK – QMU
11/23 – Manchester, UK – New Century
11/24 – Dublin, IE – Vicar St
* w/ Alpha Consumer
^ w/ Bridget St John
# w/Charlotte Cornfield
