Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real [2017]

by Lukas Nelson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

Overview

Prior to 2017, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real were primarily heard in reflection of the legends they've supported -- namely, Neil Young, who hired the group as his backing band for his 2015 LP The Monsanto Years, and Lukas' father Willie, who has taken his son out on the road on more than one occasion. All this means Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real, the 2017 album that is also their leap to the semi-majors, marks the first opportunity many audiences have to properly assess the band on their own terms. Appropriately, Nelson & Promise of the Real decide to show a little of everything they can do on this elegantly lazy 12-track album. "Set me Down on a Cloud" sets the tone, indicating this album will be something of a spacy trip, but its Americana psychedelia works as a keynote because it suggests Promise of the Real embrace the notion of ever-expanding possibilities. They immediately bring the proceedings back to earth with "Die Alone," one of a few funky blues-rockers here, but since they've opened the door to a world outside of Texas, that specter hangs over the album even when they're doing songs suited for beer joints. At times, Promise of the Real can't help but recall Willie Nelson, and not just because Willie plays guitar on "Just Outside of Austin," a gently rolling acoustic number. Promise of the Real also favor the places where country, folk, rock, and blues intersect, while also realizing that it's necessary to find an idiosyncratic voice through familiar elements. That's precisely what they do here, giving open-road rockers, R&B workouts, starlit cowboy tunes, breezy beach songs, and country laments a personal bent. It's a record where Lady Gaga can join in for a six-minute slow-burner styled after prime Faces ("Find Yourself") and feel at home because this is a place where anybody is invited just as long as they share the same vibe. And, as a listener, if you happen to share that vibe, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real is a pure pleasure. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	08/25/2017
Label:	Fantasy
UPC:	0888072033481
Rank:	6864

Tracks

1. Set Me Down on a Cloud
2. Die Alone
3. Fool Me Once
4. Just Outside of Austin
5. Carolina
6. Runnin¿¿¿ Shine
7. Find Yourself
8. Four Letter Word
9. High Times
10. Breath of My Baby
11. Forget About Georgia
12. If I Started Over

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lukas Nelson   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real   Primary Artist
Oliver Kraus   Strings
John Alagia   Piano,Shaker
Corey McCormick   Bass (Upright),Bass,Vocals
Lucius   Featured Artist
Josh Grange   Pedal Steel,Lap Steel Guitar
Holly Laessig   Vocals
Alberto Bof   Piano,Wurlitzer
Jess Wolfe   Vocals
Micah Nelson   Banjo,Piano
Tato Melgar   Percussion
Joey Vitas   Piano
Anthony LoGerfo   Drums
Jesse Siebenberg   Vocals,Farfisa Organ,Guitar (Steel)
Alice Smith   Vocals
David Palmer   Piano
Lady Gaga   Vocals (Background)
Bobbie Nelson   Piano

Technical Credits

Brad Blackwood   Mastering
Oliver Kraus   String Arrangements
Corey McCormick   Group Member
Carrie Smith   Design,Art Direction
Daniel Piscina   Mixing,Engineer
Alberto Bof   Group Member
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real   Arranger
Tato Melgar   Group Member
Dakota Bowman   Assistant Engineer
Jake Valentine   Assistant Engineer
Billy Centenaro   Mixing
Gabe Burch   Assistant Engineer
Joey Vitas   Assistant Engineer
Alyssa Miller   Composer
Shao Jean Sim   Engineer
Lukas Nelson   Composer,Group Member
Myriam Santos   Photography
Alex Williams   Engineer
Cindi Peters   Production Coordination
Anthony LoGerfo   Group Member
John Alagia   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Scooter Weintraub   Executive Producer
Niko Bolas   Engineer
Merle Chornuk   Engineer
Willie Nelson   Drum Triggers
Jesse Siebenberg   Group Member
Steve Chadie   Assistant Engineer