Longriver’s David Longoria shares his connection with a gem by The Flatlanders.
AMM April 30 2024
Longriver on bill with Little Mazarn and Ethan Smith, Thursday night at Sahara Lounge.
Last week, Longriver released something very special into the world. For bandleader David Longoria, covering The Flatlanders‘ “Keeper of the Mountain” carries a lot of personal significance, in addition to paying homage to a spectacular trio – Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock – that’s influenced his songwriting. The song itself, written by Al Strehli and recorded by The Flatlanders in 1972 (and released on the 1980 LP One Road More), weighs upon the heart, reminding Longoria of the passing of a beloved friend, in addition to being one of the first songs he recorded in his home studio, “a maiden voyage or a christening of sorts.”
“I first heard this song over a decade ago and was touched by its expanded feeling and sense of mystery,” Longoria says. “The album art is this double exposure film photo of my wife (Jessica Longoria) and I in Wyoming. Our story is interwoven with the history of this song and the story of my dearly departed friend.”
Longriver celebrates the cover release at a show this Thursday, May 2, at Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Rd. It’s a bill featuring Little Mazarn, and a performance by Ethan Smith. Doors at 7:30 p.m. DJ Honky Tonk Amnesia is on deck to keep you on the dance floor.
