David Starr Releases New Single “Magnolia” Featuring John Oates
Poco Cover Marks 9th Release in Ongoing Touchstones Project
NASHVILLE, TN (July 15, 2021)...Colorado-based Americana singer/songwriter David Starr continues to move through his critically acclaimed Touchstones project with his latest single “Magnolia” featuring platinum-selling artist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates (Hall & Oates). Written by J.J. Cale, and made famous by Poco and others, the classic is reimagined with dreamy guitar tones, soulful vocals, and a laid-back groove, perfect for a sunset summer evening. The video was directed by Jason Lee Denton of Solar Cabin Studios and features Southern swampy landscapes and New Orleans imagery along with Starr playing his signature “Rise Up Again” Breedlove acoustic guitar. “Magnolia” is available now across all digital platforms.
The song and video premiered on The Rocking Magpie, Alan Harrison notes, “[Starr’s] version of J.J. Cale’s ‘Magnolia’; which features the legendary John Oates too, really took my breath away; most especially his vocals; breathing new life into this beautiful classic.” In addition to Starr on vocals, acoustic guitar, and grand piano, and Oates on vocals, the track features Mark Prentice on bass and keyboards, Matt Bubel on drums, Dan Dugmore on pedal steel guitar, John Prentice on electric guitar, and Martha Ditto on cello.
When selecting songs for the Touchstones project Starr stuck with his favorites. “Magnolia” is no exception. “My first recollection of this song was during my days playing in bars in my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas. There was a band that played the song really well and it just stuck with me. I immediately became familiar with Poco's version and have loved it ever since,” Starr shares.
“The song just feels like a hot summer night to me. Hot, lazy, sensual and full of longing. I've played it for years and really wanted to cover it for Touchstones. John Oates was in the studio to sing on another track during an overdub session. I asked if he'd sing on ‘Magnolia’ and he said, ‘I'm gonna put some Philly soul on this one, okay?’ It made all the difference and I'm glad he put his mark on this one!”
Previous singles in the project include “Cabo San Lucas,” “Drive” (The Cars), “Angel From Montgomery” (John Prine), “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” (Gladys Knight), “Someone Like You” (Van Morrison), “These Days” (Jackson Browne), “Gotta Serve Somebody” (Bob Dylan), and “Every Kinda People” (Robert Palmer/Andy Fraser). All of the tracks for Touchstones were produced by David Starr and Mark Prentice, with co-production by David Kalmusky.
For more information on David Starr and Touchstones, please visit www.DavidStarrMusic.com.
ABOUT DAVID STARR:
David Starr possesses “a compelling voice, something truly special, both accessible and passionate” (Elmore), that has been honed releasing ten albums, touring internationally, and opening shows for esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates), Karla Bonoff, The Steel Wheels, Survivor, and more. Starr’s prestige extends beyond the stage as well, having launched Starr’s Guitars in Little Rock in 1998, then relocating to Cedaredge in 2001. Today, the store is such an institution that Cedaredge proclaimed the musician’s birthday as David Starr Day in 2016. Starr was also instrumental in the 2018 opening of the Grand Mesa Arts Center, an intimate event space brought to fruition through strong community support in Cedaredge, CO. He helped design the space in order to attract musicians and visual artists to Southwestern Colorado. For more information, please visit davidstarrmusic.com.
Contact:
Tori Tullier
Richlynn Group
Tori@RichlynnGroup.com
