Hot Track: Jesse Lynn Madera Releases “Last Call” Duet with Dan Navarro

February 15, 2024, Los Angeles ..The second original offering from Jesse Lynn Madera’s upcoming project Speed of Sound is being released Friday, February 16. “Last Call” a wistful and reflective story of a long love and its lessons of what sputters and what sparks will be debuted live at the Folk Alliance International Conference, with a special performance by Jesse Lynn Madera and Dan Navarro at his legendary Cantino Navarro showcase. 

 Penned by Madera and Navarro, the folk music icon produced the recording with Grammy-award-winning producer Jim Scott (who produced Navarro’s last album, Horizon Line). This is Navarro’s first time stepping into that role and no doubt, not his last. 

Madera’s and Navarro’s creative chemistry is evident in the haunting tunes’ pleading lament. Originally, what unfolded in the writers' room for Navarro and Madera was intended to be a traditional back-and-forth exchange. However, the duo quickly discovered that the magic of the story was best told by the two singing together from top to bottom in perfect, majestic harmony. “Our voices blended so well that we just ran with it for the entire song,” Madera says. “Getting to write a song with Dan was a gift. Not only did he co-write my first favorite song 'We Belong' with his late partner Eric Lowen, but he also brought such a kind, unguarded presence to the work we did together. I'm proud of this song. His guitar melody opened up a world in my mind, and the lyrics appeared. It's not always so easy. Dan is magic.

Navarro adds, “Shortly after beginning work on Jesse’s album, she asked if we could co-write a duet. I sent her a guitar chord progression as a blank canvas and assumed we’d convene to shape the story. Two days later, she sent me a fully formed song, “Last Call,” its story compelling and lyrics richly evocative, of two star-crossed lovers drawn together and pulled apart by an irresistible energy. I was gobsmacked at how complete and moving it was. We got together one more time to tweak, adjust, and polish, and we recorded it in an afternoon a few days later. I’m amazed how, though we’re professionals, and it’s fiction, between the cut of the lyric and the blend of our voices, when we sang it, it felt…real.”

Navarro’s impeccable selection of musicians was on full display on this track. John “JT” Thomas (Bruce Hornsby) plays beautiful piano while Sebastian Steinberg (Fiona Apple) plays melodic, soulful bass.

Madera will be touring in support of  Speed of Sound , including select upcoming performances with Navarro. Shows announced include NYC, Annapolis, Vienna, VA, Columbus, and Indianapolis. For more dates, visit JesseLynnMadera.com.

Jesse Lynn Madera and Dan Navarro are available for interviews. 

About Jesse Lynn Madera: 

West Virginia-born Houston-raised Jesse Lynn Madera is celebrated for crafting musical tales with profound and relatable lyrics while effortlessly blending diverse genres. American Songwriter  praised her, saying, “Madera’s lyrical and piano-driven songs are passionate and alluring, with a dramatic, ethereal, and almost otherworldly tone. Evoking comparisons to the shapeshifting brilliance of Kate Bush and the confessional pop sensibilities of Tori Amos.” 

Music industry tastemakers are taking notice of Madera’s distinctive talent. Music Connection Magazine recognized her as one of their Hot 100 Best Unsigned Artists. Last year, she emerged as a top 12 finalist (out of 6,000 entries) in the Americana category of the Unsigned Only competition due to her compelling performance of "Unchained." Madera’s dedicated fan base is a testament to her captivating live performances, which include sold-out shows at renowned venues like New York’s Bitter End and Nashville’s The Bluebird (where she shared the stage with Dan Navarro, Pete Mroz & Jim Photoglo). She has had a significant festival presence, appearing at Mile 0, 30A, Annapolis Songwriters, and Mile of Music. Madera was selected as a headliner for WMOT’s Finally Friday live concert series in Nashville, further solidifying her musical prowess.  A dynamic performer, she has provided show support for acclaimed artists like The Zombies, Navarro, Maddie Poppe, and Mary Fahl. Madera’s newest album, Speed of Sound , our March 15, produced by the esteemed Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro), seven-time Grammy winner Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band and Wilco), and Grammy-winner Ryan Hadlock (Lumineers, Zach Bryan), showcases a promising a new