Michael Cleveland and Billy Strings – photo by Jesse Faatz
For the third single from his upcoming Lovin’ Of The Game album on Compass Records, fiddle maestro Michael Cleveland has selected a grassed up version of For Your Love, from Texas rocker Joe Ely.
Michael’s cut, which features Billy Strings on guitar and lead vocal, is a far cry from Ely’s hard rockin’ arrangement from the 1980s, which fits perfectly in a bluegrass pocket.
Further support on this track comes from Rob McCoury on banjo, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, and Alan Bartram on bass. Jeff White sings the harmony vocal.
Michael wasn’t shy about admitting that this sort of number is out of his normal comfort zone.
“People know me as a traditional bluegrass fiddle player, which is what I love to do, but this album is more than just the pure tradition. It’s a little bit of a departure for me.”
For Your Love is a smoker…
For Your Love is available now from popular download and streaming services online. Pre-orders for Lovin’ Of The Game are also enabled online. The full album is scheduled to drop on March 3.