The Reverend Al Green Releases First New Music In 10 Years with "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" (Produced By: Matt Ross-Spang)
The Reverend Al Green is a world-renown Soul/Gospel singer, song-writer, and record producer. Rev. Green has released countless hits and irresistible classics over the course of his 50+ year career. Although, The Reverend Al Green is likely, best known for a string of 1970's chart-toppers including: "Take Me to The River," "Tired of Being Alone," "I'm Still In Love with You," "Love & Happiness," and Former President Barack Obama's personal favorite, "Let's Stay Together." Now, Rev. Al Green has returned with his first proper single in 10 years, a cover of Freddy Fender's 1975 English/Spanish language hit, "Before The Next Teardrop Falls." It was produced by GRAMMY Award-winning record producer, engineer, and mixer Matt Ross-Spang for Amazon Music's newly-launched Produced By singles series. Matt Ross-Spang has either produce or engineered albums for Margo Price, Lucero, Chris Isaak, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, The Sheepdogs, Elle King, and even a posthumous 2016 Elvis Presley album for RCA/Legacy Recordings.
Produced By: Matt Ross-Spang is an artist-curated playlist, which was released over the course of this week and features Ross-Spang's recent works with Margo Price, John Prine, The Reverend Al Green, of course, and William Bell. Amazon Music promises "future Produced By installments will feature acclaimed producers and artists from a variety of genres including Latin, Indie, Country, and R&B." It's also, worth noting The Reverend Al Green & Matt Ross-Spang's rendition of "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" features his long-time organ player, The Reverend Charles Hodges, who hasn't played on an Al Green song since appearing on 1976's Full of Fire as part of The Hi Rhythm Section. The Reverend Al Green's last full-length album was Lay It Down (2008) released on Blue Note Records and produced by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson & James Poyser of The Roots. "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" is now available to stream or download exclusively on Amazon Music, as part of their on-site Produced By: Matt Ross-Spang playlist.
"As a lifelong Memphian, I've always been a massive fan of Al Green and his producer Willie Mitchell. Together, they created some of the most enduring Soul music. Sonically speaking, Willie & Al, also, really invented a distinct sound that separated them from STAX or Motown [Records]. Growing up in a such a rich musical heritage, I became captivated by these records and long dreamed of working with Al Green. I've always loved the Linda Martell version of "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" and kept it back pocket as a great cover idea for him. It follows in the footsteps of Willie & Al re-interpreting Country songs, like "For The Good Times" and "Funny How Time Slips Away." I still can't believe we actually got to do it! As first and foremost, a music fan and now as a producer, I've always been drawn to artists with unique voices whose gift transcends genre and time. I'm excited and honored to play a role in this innovative opportunity Amazon Music is providing these extraordinary individuals. As my hero, Sam Phillips said: "if you're not doing something different, you're not doing anything!'"
- Matt Ross-Spang (Southern Grooves)
