Richie Furay, who was instrumental in creating the country-rock genre as a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, has released a new studio album, In the Country. On the title, that arrived July 8, 2022, via Renew Records/BMG, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer shares this deep musical affection through his distinctive interpretations of iconic country tunes. He’s joined by several guests including his former Poco bandmate, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill.
The album was actually recorded in November 2019 but its release was delayed due to the pandemic. Watch many performances below, including “Somebody Like You” (written by Keith Urban), showcasing Furay’s vocals supported by a blistering guitar, pedal steel, and twangy harmonies.
2022 also marked Furay’s return to the stage including his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, on June 17.
From the April announcement: On his first studio album in seven years, Furay has filled In the Country with songs that he has loved and admired over the years. The 12-song set features his his distinctive voice on such country classics as “The River” (Garth Brooks), “I’m In a Hurry and I Don’t Know Why” (Alabama), and “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack).
Watch a live performance of “I Hope You Dance”
Also included are the hits “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (John Denver) and “Walking in Memphis” (Marc Cohn), as well as Rickie Nelson’s 1958 smash “Lonesome Town” and the Julie Miller-penned Americana gem “Chalk.”
The inclusion of the cover of Cohn’s 1991 pop hit is a bit curious but Furay and his band perform it admirably.
There are also two exclusive digital bonus tracks: Furay’s new rendition of Poco’s signature song, “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” and George Strait’s hit, “I Cross My Heart.”
Furay, born May 9, 1944, teamed with an old friend, multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Val Garay (Linda Ronstadt, Kim Carnes, James Taylor), and recorded at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studio. Garay assembled a group of stellar Nashville session musicians: drummer Victor Indrizzo, bassist Glenn Worf, keyboardist Steven Jay Nathan, pedal steel player Dan Dugmore, and guitarists Tom Bukovac and Chris Leuzinger.
Watch the official video for “Somebody Like You” from the album
Special guest appearances include John Berry, who duets with Furay on his hit “Your Love Amazes Me,” while Gill joined on “Lonesome Town.” In the Country also features Jason Scheff (of Chicago) and Furay’s fellow Poco alum and Eagles bassist/vocalist Timothy B. Schmit.
In the Country Track Listing
1. Somebody Like You
2. I Hope You Dance
3. Take Me Home, Country Roads
4. She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful
5. Your Love Amazes Me
6. I’m In a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)
7. Lonesome Town
8. Walking in Memphis
9. I’m Already There
10. The River
11. In This Life
12. Chalk
Listen to the cover of a John Denver favorite
Digital Bonus Tracks
1. I Cross My Heart
2. Pickin’ Up the Pieces
Watch Furay perform “I’m In a Hurry and I Don’t Know Why”
Richie Furay Tour 2022 (more dates are expected)
Jul 08 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
Aug 12 – Boston, MA – City Winery
Sep 16 – Lafayette, CO – Nissi’s (acoustic trio)
Sep 17 – Palmer Lake, CO – Tri-Lakes Center For the Arts (acoustic trio)
Watch the performance of “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful”
Related: Our interview with Furay
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationGreat to see and hear Richie so musically active; he’s an American treasure!
He just keeps blowin’ me away with his talent, songs and vocals. Been a fan since 65′ Buffalo Springfield days..
Wonderful and refreshing! Glad to hear these new recordings!
I still cherish my Souther Hillman Furay albums from the 1970’s – I think they reflect as much of his talent as any of the other bands he was a part of, and to me they are timeless.