Produced by Roy Orbison Jr, who rearranged the hit song written by his father, Roy Orbison, in 1963 (and famously covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1977), Åsa Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” is an updated version of the hit song with a jazzy feel and a Scandinavian touch. Åsa Orbison’s intent is nothing less than family healing. Built on the foundation of her marriage, different branches of the song extend to relationships from her father-in-law Roy Orbison’s vast career. From 1950’s Sun Records & Johnny Cash (Ana Cristina Cash on background vocals) to Roy’s zenith in the 1960’s at Monument Records (Charlie McCoy on harmonica & vibraphone), through his 1980’s comeback with “You Got It” & The Traveling Wilburys (Jim Horn on saxophone & Richard Dodd mastering), posthumous album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (on which Åsa sang in 2019), this song of tremendous spiritual depth bridges laughter & tears from seven decades for everyone who played on, hears and understands it’s significance. Accompanied by Mr Harmonica, Charlie McCoy who played on the original “Blue Bayou” and part-time Traveling Wilbury, Jim Horn, on saxophone and a stellar jazz quartet lead by Roy Orbison Jr on guitar.
“Åsa Orbison’s gorgeous vocals on the re-imagined version of her father-in-law’s classic song, ”Blue Bayou,” are a true stand-out GRAMMY® entry in the Best Jazz Performance and Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals categories. The recording, of course, is first class, but it’s Roy Orbison Jr’s warm and elegant arrangement, which includes stellar performances from legendary sidemen Jim Horn and Charlie McCoy, that both reminds us of everything great about the Orbison legacy and puts it front and center in the here and now.”
Jeff Slate, Musician & contributor Rolling Stone Magazine
Inspired by Horace Silver’s “Songs For My Father” which shares a similar rhythm with “Blue Bayou”, Roy Orbison Jr reharmonized his father’s song in a jazz framework using extended 7th chords and jazz substitutions. Åsa Orbison’s vocal is in the style of her great hero, jazz legend, Julie London. Arrangement utilizes the quintessential jazz rhythm, “Charleston” on choruses. Saxophone by Jim Horn in a smooth jazz style.
Recorded at: Roy Orbison Jr’s “Pretty Woman Studio” Nashville A-Team member Wayne Moss’ “Cinderella Studio” Jack Clement’s “The Cowboy Arms Hotel And Recording Spa”
Engineered by Luke Chalk and mixed by Cameron Davidson (husband of Emily Orbison, Roy’s granddaughter).
As if the talent poured into the remaking of this timeless classic weren’t enough, it was mastered by Richard Dodd who worked on Roy Orbison’s “You Got It”, as well as multiple projects with artists such as The Traveling Wilburys, Led Zeppelin and Freddie Mercury (to name a few). “Blue Bayou” is a stunning representation of Åsa’s jazzy, breathy singing style and the rendition of this song is set to become a mainstay within the music and jazz community.
CREDITS
Artist: Åsa Orbison
Song Title: Blue Bayou
Track listing: Blue Bayou
Recording Date: 10/23/2023
Producer: Roy Orbison Jr
Publishers: Roys Boys LLC, Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music
Engineers: Luke Chalk, Cameron Davidson
Mixer: Cameron Davidson
Mastering Engineer: Richard Dodd
Songwriters: Roy Orbison, Joe Melson
Vocals: Åsa Orbison
Background Vocals: Ana Cristina Cash
Guitar: Roy Orbison Jr
Harmonica: Charlie McCoy
Vibraphone: Charlie McCoy
Saxophone: Jim Horn
Piano: Bruce Dudley
Drums: Josh Hunt
Bass: James Furgeson