Singer-songwriter David Ryan Harris assembled a team of A-list collaborators for his new, upbeat interpretation of Bob Dylan‘s timeless “Forever Young”. Slide guitar master Derek Trucks adds his strings to the new standalone single as does John Mayer, with whom Harris has toured for years as his guitarist.
Harris’ cover aligns more closely with the lesser-known fast version of “Forever Young” found on Dylan’s 1974 album Planet Waves alongside the more iconic slow version. The track exudes positivity from the opening notes, as a harmonica and bouncing rhythm carry Harris’ layered vocals and a chorus of backup singers fill out the breaks between verses with non-lexical vocables (“Do-do-do”). Rather than coming roaring in, Trucks’ unmistakable slide guitar matches the song’s serenity and keeps up the sunny disposition until a satisfying conclusion.
Along with the cover, Harris shared a brief reflection on social media,
Young hearts, be not disheartened by the times.
Do not be dissuaded from the pursuance of civility, in either duty or discourse.
Your hearts, your capacity for love, your audacity to dream and the depth of your indomitable spirits are reformative and needed now more than ever.
Do not turn away from ideas that are different than yours. Thoughtful inquiry will broaden your world, adding more colors to your palette and more quivers to your bow. Seek the source of those ideas and you will learn to appreciate the totality of the person who holds them.
We beg of you, do not turn your back on a world that is increasingly divisive and cold.
Build a new one with your young hands, hearts and eyes.
We need you.
David Ryan Harris has been an active musician dating back to 1987 when he formed the alternative metal outfit Follow for Now. Despite earning prominent opening gigs for acts like Pearl Jam, Fishbone, Bad Brains, and others, the Follow for Now disbanded in 1994. Fortunately, the group’s sizable following and relationship with producer Brendan O’Brien earned Harris a solo deal with Columbia Records who put out his 1997 self-titled solo debut. Though Columbia dropped Harris shortly thereafter, citing the difficulties of selling such an eclectic album, according to a 2017 interview it landed in the hands of John Mayer while he was studying at the Berklee College of Music. When it came time for Mayer to assemble a band for his nascent solo career, Harris was one of the first people he called and the two have been playing together ever since.
Listen to David Ryan Harris’ new cover of “Forever Young” featuring John Mayer and Derek Trucks, set to appear on DRH’s upcoming covers album Maiden America. Find out more on his website.
David Ryan Harris, John Mayer, Derek Trucks — “Forever Young” (Bob Dylan)
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