Listen to a new song by Bob Weir, “Only A River”

The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir recently announced a new solo album, Blue Mountain, recorded with Aaron & Bryce Dessner and Scott Devendorf of The National, and producer Josh Kaufman. While he’s released albums with his band Ratdog, several live recordings of performances with Kingfish and Rob Wasserman, and a collection of live/studio compilation in 2004, Weir Here, Blue Mountain is his first collection of new studio recordings in almost 40 years, when he released Heaven Help The Fool.

On his website, Blue Mountain is called “a deeply personal collection of music inspired by the ranch stories and fireside songs of Bob’s youth.”

In addition to members of The National, other contributers to Blue Mountain are Ray Rizzo (drums, harmonium, harmonica, backup vocals), Joe Russo (drums), Jon Shaw (upright bass, piano), Rob Burger (keyboard, accordion, tuned percussion), Sam Cohen(electric guitar and pedal steel), Nate Martinez (guitars, harmonium, backup vocals), Jay Lane (drums, vocals), Robin Sylvester (upright bass, vocals, hammond organ) and Steve Kimock (Lapsteel). Backup vocals are by The Bandana Splits, comprised of Annie Nero, Lauren Balthrop and Dawn Landes.

Below, listen to a new song, “Only A River,” that he wrote with singer-songwriter Josh Ritter. It’s a warm, pensive, and relaxed song, reminiscent of Weir’s “Looks Like Rain” from his first solo album, that he co-wrote with John Perry Barlow.

Weir is playing the Tower Theatre on Wednesday October 12th along with the Dessner’s, Devendorf and Josh Kauffman.