Guitar duo revisit timeless classics on new disc
NORWICH – Longtime fans of guitarists Tom Rasely and Scott B. Adams may be surprised by the duo’s latest offering, “Beaten Paths, Country Roads.” And while it does bear some similarity to the dozens of albums the two have released in the last 30-plus years – with its focus on the guitar and their individual mastery of the instrument – it’s their choice in material that sets the disc apart.
The album features 13 instrumental tracks which run the gamut when it comes to classic rock and folk from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, from Paul Simon’s “Homeward Bound” to Elton John’s “Your Song,” “The Doors’ “Light My Fire” to Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.”
Rasely called the album a departure from the more traditional, classically-based music he’s typically associated with. Recording these particular songs, he added, was the best way he and Adams could think to represent some of the most talented singer-songwriters who’ve ever composed, recorded and performed.
Other tracks on the album include James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the Beatles’ “And I Love Her” and “Something,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” Pet Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” “Route 66” and “Stand By Me.”
Each and every song tells its own story, said Rasely, and the respect and admiration he and Adams have for the artists they’re acknowledging is evident in every note.
“These songs have stood the test of time,” he added. “People are going to recognize these songs, this is the stuff we were listening to or playing back then, so it definitely has a lot meaning for us.”
Recorded in Adams’ Hector-based studio, Orchard Beat Records Studio, Rasely and Adams originally envisioned the album as an all Beatles tribute, said the guitarist. After the pair had tossed a number of ideas around – exchanging an ever-changing list of favorite songs – the idea for what ultimately became Beaten Paths, Country Roads was born.
“The Beatles are the reason Scott and I are playing today,” stated Rasely, who was able to walk into each session fully rehearsed, thanks to digital technology that simply wasn’t available 10 or 20 years ago. “The album was realized in two or three days of recording time. Thanks to our familiarity with the music, and each other, we’re at a level where we know we’re going to get it right the first or second take, and that’s kind of a nice place to be. I think it works.”
That familiarity, added Rasely, can only be achieved through years of musical companionship. The pair first met in 1982, and it wasn’t long until they were working and recording together on a regular basis. The duo have gotten to know each other so well in that time, said Rasely, that it’s become second nature to know what the other will do. Stylistically, they match up extremely well, he added.
“With Beaten Paths, Country Roads, Tom and I have revisited some great, familiar tunes, including some personal favorites,” said Adams. “Our hope is that these tunes will bring back fond memories.”
Copies of Beaten Paths, Country Roads can be purchased at Seasons Gift Shop, 41 South Broad Street, or online at www.cdbaby.com. For more information visit www.orchardbeat.com.
The album features 13 instrumental tracks which run the gamut when it comes to classic rock and folk from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, from Paul Simon’s “Homeward Bound” to Elton John’s “Your Song,” “The Doors’ “Light My Fire” to Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.”
Rasely called the album a departure from the more traditional, classically-based music he’s typically associated with. Recording these particular songs, he added, was the best way he and Adams could think to represent some of the most talented singer-songwriters who’ve ever composed, recorded and performed.
Other tracks on the album include James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the Beatles’ “And I Love Her” and “Something,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” Pet Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” “Route 66” and “Stand By Me.”
Each and every song tells its own story, said Rasely, and the respect and admiration he and Adams have for the artists they’re acknowledging is evident in every note.
“These songs have stood the test of time,” he added. “People are going to recognize these songs, this is the stuff we were listening to or playing back then, so it definitely has a lot meaning for us.”
Recorded in Adams’ Hector-based studio, Orchard Beat Records Studio, Rasely and Adams originally envisioned the album as an all Beatles tribute, said the guitarist. After the pair had tossed a number of ideas around – exchanging an ever-changing list of favorite songs – the idea for what ultimately became Beaten Paths, Country Roads was born.
“The Beatles are the reason Scott and I are playing today,” stated Rasely, who was able to walk into each session fully rehearsed, thanks to digital technology that simply wasn’t available 10 or 20 years ago. “The album was realized in two or three days of recording time. Thanks to our familiarity with the music, and each other, we’re at a level where we know we’re going to get it right the first or second take, and that’s kind of a nice place to be. I think it works.”
That familiarity, added Rasely, can only be achieved through years of musical companionship. The pair first met in 1982, and it wasn’t long until they were working and recording together on a regular basis. The duo have gotten to know each other so well in that time, said Rasely, that it’s become second nature to know what the other will do. Stylistically, they match up extremely well, he added.
“With Beaten Paths, Country Roads, Tom and I have revisited some great, familiar tunes, including some personal favorites,” said Adams. “Our hope is that these tunes will bring back fond memories.”
Copies of Beaten Paths, Country Roads can be purchased at Seasons Gift Shop, 41 South Broad Street, or online at www.cdbaby.com. For more information visit www.orchardbeat.com.
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