Published 2024-10-03 06:00
From the band who invented alt country, "Viva Lone Justice" is the 1st album to be released by Lone Justice in nearly 40 years. Featuring original band members Maria McKee, Ryan Hedgecock, Marvin Etzioni and Don Heffington.
In 1983, Lone Justice started playing the clubs in Los Angeles. Word spread like wildfire. By 1984, Lone Justice was on Geffen records, and by 1985, the self titled debut album emerged. The LA Times named it 'Album Of The Year'. They played shows with U2, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Willie Nelson. By 1986, Lone Justice broke up. McKee, Hedgecock, Etzioni and Heffington would begin their solo careers.
Now, through the advent of technology, sweat and tears, a new Lone Justice album has been completed, featuring the original debut album band Maria McKee, Ryan Hedgecock, Marvin Etzioni and the late Don Heffington. Special guests include string arranger Tammy Rogers, multi horn player David Ralicke, Greg Leisz on pedal steel and Benmont Tench on piano.
The opening track, "You Possess Me", puts McKee up front and center, backed only by a string and mandolin quartet. "Rattlesnake Mama" was once a thrashing electric staple in their 1983 live set, this version, however, is all acoustic with Hedgecock on rhythm auto harp, and features Tammy Rogers on fiddle. Later, they screech through a blistering cover of "Teenage Kicks", the 1978 single by The Undertones.
It is no wonder Los Angeles was lit up by the live performances of Lone Justice. The energy continues with palpable excitement. Let word of mouth spread news of Lone Justice like wildfire once again. Let "Viva Lone Justice" touch your heart and burn your barn down, too.
Vinyl, CD and digital versions will be out October 25th, 2024.