GRAMMY Award-winning blues musician Cedric Burnside has released “Closer,” the latest single from his new album Hill Country Love, out April 5 via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group. Burnside shares, “This song is about living life and having faith. I wrote ‘Closer’ because I’ve been through a lot of things in life – I’m sure we all have. My faith got tested a bunch here on this earth, and I don’t always get it right. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you gotta try to get it right the next time. All you can do is live as righteous as you can and stay as close to the Lord as you can. That’s what it’s all about.”
Hill Country Love not only explores the genre’s traditional roots but also ventures into new territory, showcasing Burnside’s growth as an artist and his deep connection to his musical heritage. “Closer” follows the release of the album’s title track “Hill Country Love,” which delves into the heart of Burnside’s musical and personal narrative, as well as an accompanying music video directed by Jim Arbogast.
Burnside’s musical journey began at the age of 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside. His recording career has spanned more than a decade, marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth, with GRAMMY nominations for ‘Descendants of Hill Country’ and ‘Benton County Relic.’ Burnside’s versatility extends beyond music; his film appearances and significant roles underscore his multifaceted talent.
After the 2021 release of ‘I Be Trying,’ Burnside clinched the title of Best Traditional Blues Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. This accolade cemented his stature not just as a descendant of the Hill Country Blues lineage but as its contemporary standard-bearer. Hill Country Love is the culmination of this legacy—a vivid, intimate portrayal of his life’s voyages, challenges, and victories. His dedication to authenticity echoes in each track, presenting a modern interpretation of the blues while honoring its foundational rhythms.
Recorded in the heart of Mississippi, Hill Country Love captures the essence of the region’s rich musical landscape, offering listeners a glimpse into Burnside’s world. The album features a collection of tracks that are both personal and universal, highlighting Burnside’s unique blend of storytelling and musicianship.
Burnside will perform extensively in support of the album and is set to embark on the first leg of his Hill Country Love Tour this spring, bringing the vibrant energy of the album to audiences across the US and Canada. For more information and to purchase tickets, head here.
2024 Hill Country Love Tour Dates
March 6 – Augusta, GA – Miller Theater*
March 7 – Nashville, TN -Ryman Auditorium*
March 8 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern*
March 9 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery*
March 10 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center*
March 13 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall*
March 14 – Rogers, AR – Victory Theater*
March 15 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse*
March 16 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom*
March 23 – Knoxville, TN – Big Ears Festival
March 24 – Morgantown, WV – Mountain Stage
April 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne*
April 19 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
April 20 – Chesterfield, MO – Chesterfield Amphitheater*
April 21 – Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre*
April 23 – Roanoke, VA – The Spot on Kirk
April 24 – Greensboro, NC – The Flat Iron
April 25 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company*
April 28 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal*
April 30 – Athens, GA – The Foundry
May 1 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium*
May 2 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre
May 3 – New Orleans, LA – The Broadside
May 4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Saenger Theater*
May 9 – Houston, TX – The Continental
May 10 – Austin, TX – 3Ten
May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Jo Long Theatre
May 13 – Santa Fe, NM – TumbleRoot
May 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Music Instrument Museum
May 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
May 17 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theater
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
May 21 – Portland, OR – Polars Hall
May 23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
May 24 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo
May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
May 26 – Victoria, BC – Wicket Hall
May 28 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
May 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – State Room
May 30 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
May 31 – Denver, CO – Globe HallJune 1 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
