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Jim Kirkpatrick Releases His Latest Single and Video ’61 & 49 (Single Version)’

Written by Johnson Stephen on March 12, 2021

jim kirkpatrick new single Jim Kirkpatrick is releasing a special version of his tribute to pioneering Blues icon Robert Johnson in a completely new mix.

Downloads and streaming services will be carrying ”61 & ’49’ [Single Version] from Today, Friday 12^th March 2021.

Written by Jim Kirkpatrick, Scott Ralph & Jem Davis, ”61 & ’49’ is Jim’s tribute to Robert Johnson [pictured]: the Bluesman said to have met The Devil himself at a crossroads and who sold his soul for musical excellence. A Crossroads between Highways 61 and 49 is one of the hotly-contested locations for where Johnson had his fateful meeting.

Whether or not Johnson did make that deal, we can’t rightly say. He did die tragically young – just 27 – in September 1938, but became an outstanding, groundbreaking Blues guitarist, a mesmeric Singer and inspired songwriter, who left some landmark recordings and has inspired and influenced generations of musicians, singers and songwriters ever since.

Jim’s skill with slide guitar creates the opening hook, echoing Johnson’s style, then Rockier licks and solos enter the fray, weaving classic Blues and modern Rock into one, while Jim sings passionately of Robert Johnson’s bargain and plight.

”’61 & 49′ has become a bit of a fan favourite” explains Jim before adding ”Rather than just cover a Robert Johnson song (which would be too obvious), I thought I’d write a song about him instead.”

Regarding the new single version, Jim says, ”There’s a great version on the CD album, but this single mix turned out amazing and was such a different take on the CD album version that I just had to release it.”

The only physical format release can be found on Jim’s ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ vinyl double album, now available from www.jimkirkpatrick.com. This take on the track is not on the CD.

Check out the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uIQC67gYio