Christopher Paul Stelling
The Bur Oak 2262 Winnebago St., Madison, Wisconsin 53704
Chris Phelps
Christopher Paul Stelling
Doors: 7 PM / Show: 8 PM; $15 ADV / $17 DOS
press release: Christopher Paul Stelling’s new album Best Of Luck is a supremely accessible and finely crafted record that deftly merges genres. Producer Ben Harper, who has previously produced records by Mavis Staples, Rickie Lee Jones, The Blind Boys of Alabama and more, recruited an all-star rhythm section with Jimmy Paxson (Stevie Nicks, Dixie Chicks) on drums and upright bass player Mike Valerio (Randy Newman, LA Philharmonic) to lend a versatility and finesse. “I really believe this record is the intersection where folk and soul meet,” Harper says.
Today Stelling has released the tender new song “Lucky Stars”; watch Stelling walk through a colorful carnival in the song’s video courtesy of Open Ears. The sonic simplicity of “Lucky Stars” reveals a richness of melody and emotionality in Stelling’s music. “It’s part love song, part lullaby,” Stelling says of the track, “with a gentle touch from the band and Ben’s haunting lap steel matching my guitar in the instrumental section, additional vocals by my partner. It’s about gratitude and the mysteries of the universe. Even to just be here and marvel at it all is enough for me most times. Even if it’s meaningless, it’s beautiful.”
Throughout Best of Luck, feelings discontent and self-doubt are transformed into messages of resilience and hope. Lead single “Trouble Don’t Follow Me” captures this perfectly, with an upbeat almost anthemic rhythm and soulful, gospel-tinged vocals.
"Trouble Don't Follow Me" by Christopher Paul Stelling
“It comes as no surprise to me that one of my most optimistic songs could be written in the most difficult hour,” Stelling says. “When all I needed was a little hope and a song I could play night after night and not get tired of. Something that captured the basic recipe for endurance. A song about marching on, a warning to anything that might stand in your way, and needing to feel strong for the people around you, so you can inspire them to do the same.”
“Despite the ambling tune and folky, repeated refrain of acceptance on keeping on, the video suggests something darker … The well-paired aesthetic of songwriting and video suggests Stelling’s forthcoming album will be worth the wait.” – Mountain Xpress on “Have To Do For Now”
“Christopher Paul Stelling is an intense singer and lyrically has that poetic sense of mystery you can find in the songs of Bob Dylan.” – NPR Music
“Balancing leave-it-all-on-the-stage emotional catharsis with a dose of deadpan cynicism … His fourth album, ‘Best of Luck’, is set for release on February 7th, 2020, and was produced by Ben Harper, a good partner in bringing soulful substance to the yearnings and drive of Stelling.” - Mother Jones
“It’s the rhythmic anthem motivating us to follow a path to happiness, and to leave darkness behind.” – Atwood Magazine on “Trouble Don’t Follow Me”