David Crosby has released two new tracks from his forthcoming album For Free: the title track – a cover of Joni Mitchell's track of the same name – and an original titled Rodriguez For A Night.
Following the album's debut single River Rise – which arrived last month – Crosby's For Free remains largely faithful to the original – with lush and enveloping piano the central instrument – though it sees him team up with Texas singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz for some truly gorgeous vocal harmonies.
“Joni's the greatest living singer-songwriter, and For Free is one of her simplest,” Crosby says. “It's one of my favorite songs because I love what it says about the spirit of music and what compels you to play.”
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On Rodriguez For A Night, Crosby joins forces with his son Raymond and Steely Dan's Donald Fagen for a far more upbeat number, implementing clavinet-fueled funk stylings and smooth winding bass lines.
“Steely Dan's my favorite band and I've admired Donald a long time, so that was a thrill for us,” Crosby says of the collaboration.
On working with his son Raymond – who has also produced the album – Crosby explains: “Can you imagine what it's like to connect with your son and find out that he's incredibly talented – a great composer, a great poet, and a really fine songwriter and musician all around?
“We're such good friends and we work so well together, and we'll each go to any length to create the highest-quality songs we can.”
David Crosby's For Free arrives July 23 via BMG. Pre-order is available now.
