Bruce Hornsby has a busy fall ahead of him, and not just because he’s playing the XPoNential Music Festival. The legendary pianist and songwriter just announced a 25th anniversary edition of his sixth studio album, Spirit Trail, due out October 27 via Zappo Productions/Thirty Tigers. While the original double album boasted 20 tracks, 10 per side, the reissue extends Hornsby’s musical journey even further, adding on 4 unreleased tracks and 10 live recordings of highlights from the LP. On September 8 the Noisemakers frontman shared three new songs from the additional material; the previously unreleased “Living In The Sunshine,” a live version of “Swan Song” and a newly remastered “Sunflower Cat.”
Reflecting on his decision to reissue the album Hornsby said in a press release that “…for my true fans, devotees who’ve followed me through this crazy and stylistically peripatetic journey I’ve taken, this record is their favorite.” Plus it’s the record from my more distant past that personally holds up best for me. It’s the first record where I thought the singing has aged well, and I’m still very proud of the songwriting on it. We’re trying to get the word out again, shine a light now on something we thought was pretty special.”
Hornsby is gifting fans with more than just a few unreleased songs and live outtakes however. For fans looking to hold onto the record and dive deeper into Spirit Trail’s creation, the anniversary edition will be released in two physical formats: a 3-CD set and a triple LP vinyl. The CD collection is housed in a clamshell box and includes a 36-page book featuring new liner notes from Hornsby, lyrics, and photography by Danny Clinch. Meanwhile, The 3-LP set contains the original double album and the four previously unreleased songs packaged in a tri-fold jacket with a 4-page insert featuring the same lyrics and liner notes.
Hornsby and the Noisemakers are set to headline XPoNential Fest on Sunday, September 24 as part of the Spirit Trail tour which kicked off last week in celebration of the album’s anniversary. After what is sure to be a spiritual performance at XPN Fest, Hornsby goes solo for the remainder of the tour, playing dates in Florida, Texas, Minnesota, and more.
Preorder Spirit Trail (25th Anniversary Edition) here and check out the full list of tour dates below.