The Great Yellow Light [CD], River House Records, CD

The Great Yellow Light is the 21st long-playing release from veteran New York-based singer / songwriter / guitarist the New Yorker called "One of the most brilliant singer-songwriters of the past 30 years", Willie Nile. The album title is a reference to "Vincent Van Gogh's letters to his brother, Theo, and the light that inspired him in Arles, France where he lived from February 1888 to May 1889". The album was recorded at Hobo Sound, Weehawken, NJ produced by Nile and his longtime producer, Grammy-winner Stewart Lerman (Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, etc.). Outlaw Country icon Steve Earle contributes guest vocals to one track, "Wake Up America." The Great Yellow Light is filled with passionate guitar-driven, melodic songs, a mix of anthemic rockers and sensitive ballads with a subtle socio-political message throughout. Willie was joined in the studio by his core band Jimi Bones - electric & acoustic guitars, backing vocals, Johnny Pisano - bass, backing vocals and Jon Weber - drums, providing soaring lead vocals, electric guitar and piano himself. Besides Earle, special guests include Irish music icon Paul Brady on vocals, The Hooters' Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian on keys and strings respectively, Black 47 members Larry Kirwan, Fred Parcells, and Chris Byrne and legendary sidemen Waddy Wachtel and David Mansfield.