The latest offering by Swearingen & Kelli (AJ Swearingen and Jayne Kelli), Build Myself Up From the Ground, evokes nostalgia for the folk and country music of a bygone era, while forging a path distinctly its own.

The duo’s love for the dobro and string arrangements encased in pedal steel fill the self-produced-and-recorded mini-album. Harmonies honed through years of touring together and a closely shared life take center stage.

The six tracks feature hidden gems from their vault of songs, a poignant piano ballad, and a heartfelt rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll ever Do Again).” The album cover choice, portraying a living room adorned with antique furniture set upon the grass and embracing tree roots, unveils its significance by reflecting a year marked by upheaval.

The six new tracks evoke nostalgia for the folk and country music of a bygone era, while forging a path distinctly its own. The duo’s love for the dobro and string arrangements encased in pedal steel fill the self-produced-and-recorded mini-album.

The release features hidden gems from their vault of songs, a poignant piano ballad, and a heartfelt rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll ever Do Again).” The album cover choice, portraying a living room adorned with antique furniture set upon the grass and embracing tree roots, unveils its significance by reflecting a year marked by upheaval.

1. The River
2. Angel of the Dark
3. Build Myself Up From The Ground
4. Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)
5. Goodbye
6. This Old House

With harmonies honed through years of touring together and a closely shared life take center stage, the album opens on the lonesome ode The River and the fluidly melodic Angel of the Dark and then brings us the waning storytelling found within the titular Build Myself Up From The Ground, the impassioned Kristofferson track Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again), the mini album rounding out on the haunting, veritably ethereal piano ballad Goodbye, closing on the languishing ache of This Old House.

Swearingen & Kelli’s previous album, Cold-Hearted Truth, garnered critical acclaim by Americana Highways, Cowboys & Indians, NY Country Swag, and Red Line Roots, who called their approach “beautiful and rare... one that others would do well to emulate.”

They continue to pay homage to the spirit of ’60s and ’70s folk and country music, supporting the stage for legends ranging from Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers, to folk icons Tom Rush and David Bromberg.

With the new work in hand and accompanying tour set, the pair defies the odds and celebrates an indomitable spirit. Home to AJ and Jayne has become the road, the stage, and the people they meet at every show.

www.swearingenandkelli.com

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