Arguably Minnesota's two most fascinating folk-music troubadours of the past decade, Ben Weaver and Charlie Parr have teamed up for a new split seven-inch single issued to build-up Weaver's latest summer bicycle trek and the fall release of his long-awaited new album.
The 7-inch release, "Ramblin' Bones Outlastin' You," is different from most other split releases in that the two singer/songwriters actually collaborated on the recordings. In Weaver's own words: "On one of the first sunny days this spring when the snow was melting fast we met up with engineer Tom Herbers and learned each other's songs, made this little recording in a couple hours."
True to form, each tune was partially inspired by specific locations: the Black Hills in the case of Weaver's "Ramblin' Bones," and the Red Cedar River that runs through Parr's native Austin, Minn., in his gem "Outlastin' You." You can sample each tune here. The single is coming out via Duluth's Chaperone Records, which has issued several of Parr's recent efforts and will also put out Weaver's full-length in September.
After playing together last weekend in Hayward, Wis., Parr and Weaver will meet up again Sunday at the Arts Center in Winona. Weaver will get to the show via bicycle, as he has his m.o. of late. He's also biking to Viroqua, Wis., and – probably via the Greenway – Bryant Lake Bowl for other shows this week. Here's the rundown of Weaver's schedule:
Thursday, June 12: Bryant-Lake Bowl, with fellow Chaperone recording artists Southwire, 8 p.m., $8-$10, details here.
Saturday, June 14: The Ark in Viroqua, Wis., also with Southwire, 8 p.m., $10, more info here.
Sunday, June 15: The Winona Arts Center in Winona with Parr, 7 p.m., $10, info here.
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