During lockdown a 60th birthday surprise video was sent to famed vocalist and guitarist Kevn Kinney, best known as the frontman for the band Drivin N Cryin. From there, the plans to create a phenomenal compilation album called Let's Go Dancing was born with artists across the globe including Violent Femmes, Mike Farris, members of R.E.M., Erin Rae, Shovels and Rope and more, all lending their talent to pay tribute to songwriter. 100 songs from his vast catalogue will be released, recorded and reworked by different artists with 25 songs released quarterly digitally as well as on vinyl.
One of the true highlights from the compilation is Mike Farris' version of "Honeysuckle Blue". The blues rock Americana-drenched gem has a poignant meaning. The song chronicles abandoned children and those that live in homelessness and poverty. Lyrics including, "I saw a boy, fifteen, on the road / with nothing in his pocket, his hand to the sky / nowhere else to go / runnin' through these / caverns of gold / runs a river of death indeed / an old hotel serves as a / shelter for children / of the street," shows how in most communities even those with wealth, inequality and destitution reside. Musically, Mike Farris does the important song justice with riveting guitar solos, warm honeyed vocals and a gospel inspired chorus.
The album not only sheds light on the enormous talent of Kevn Kinney and the important songs he wrote, but it is also a way to give back to important charities in the community. Proceeds from the physical compilation will benefit organizations including the mental health and addiction service SIMS Foundation, the education based charity How Big Is Your Dream and FarmLink which helps to tackle food waste and insecurity. Take a listen to "Honeysuckle Blue" now and check out all the songs upcoming and released on this exciting compliation.
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