The Blind Boys have frequently been invited to appear on other great artists' albums, resulting in a number of performances that have been collected into Duets. Their first-ever duets collection includes songs with Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Travis, Lou Reed, Solomon Burke, Susan Tedeschi and Asleep at the Wheel. In addition, it features three new recordings with Lou Reed, blues legend John Hammond, and Jamaican legend Toots Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals.
The diverse group of artists collaborating on Duets reflects the expansive appeal of the group as well as the sweeping reverence for their talent. This new album follows their Grammy and Dove Award-winning CD Down in New Orleans.
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Duets is the latest from the Grammy-winning musical icons known as The Blind Boys of Alabama. The 14 tracks of both previously released and unreleased collaborations bear the indelible and unique stamp of one of America's most enduring and historical bands. The Boys' blend of blues, gospel and jazz eschews staid traditionalism and blurs musical boundaries yet seamlessly meshes with each genre represented.
Smooth harmonies, tight musicianship and minimalist production let each song shine. Whether it is the modern stylings of Ben Harper or punk legend Lou Reed, first lady of Rock & Roll Bonnie Raitt or blues legend Marva Wright, country supergroup Asleep At The Wheel or elder statesman Randy Travis, The Boys’ contribution imparts a distinctiveness that transforms each performance into a timeless spiritual. The tracks of Duets are vignettes of musical Americana that are genre-defying classics, pure and simple.