IDAHO SONGWRITER TRACY MORRISON  RELEASES HEIRLOOM, A COLLECTION OF THIRTEEN ORIGINAL BALLADS AND LAMENTS DRAWING FROM CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE AMERICAN WEST

“I wanted to share songs that inspire a spectrum of emotions. I’m at my best when I can laugh out loud through a heavy sobbing, snotty cry,” explains Idaho singer-songwriter Tracy Morrison. Her self-release, Heirloom (September 21, 2018), is a collection of folk-rock ballads and laments produced by composer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Thomas Paul. Morrison has crafted thirteen new original songs which draw from her childhood memories, relationships and romantic stories of the American West. “I lost our farm in Hammett, ID to medical bills after my dad died,” Morrison shares. “My brother and I divided his treasured belongings and we had to leave the rest behind. When I lost my brother, I received his part of Dad’s treasures, our Heirlooms. These Heirlooms represent a part of my identity that I feared I would lose if I didn’t capture their significance in song.”

“Idaho Gold” is a sweeping social critique with driving electric guitar leads and rumbling bass lines. While Morrison takes a step toward folk-rock, Heirloom still holds on to plenty of country flavor in songs like “Black Coffee”, a lament about a man who lost his wife and dreams of her return. Classic country guitar phrases and haunting lap steel weave throughout the tune. “Storyteller” is a dreamy folk ballad with Celtic fiddle and electrified guitar riffs. Morrison reflects on her memory of a childhood mentor who inspired her to learn from tragedy. The collection also includes the fun-loving accordion waltz “I’m a Fool” about the humility of a one-sided love affair.

Heirloom is the third release by Tracy Morrison. She is no stranger to the Idaho music scene. Her previous efforts have graced Treasure Valley year-end best-of lists and earned local praise. The Boise Weekly declared, “Doing no-frills traditional country is tougher than it sounds. Many times, musicians who try come off as staid, corny, self-important or reclusive. With her incredible melodies, warm voice and spare, winningly plain-spoken lyrics, Pinto Bennett protégé Tracy Morrison gets it just right.”

Country music legend Pinto Bennett has been a long-time inspiration. Bennett produced Morrison’s 2013 self-tiled EP. On Heirloom, Bennett shares vocals on the track “Black Coffee”. "I met Pinto at a homestead in Indian Cove, Idaho, a place where we frequently gathered for song circles,” says Morrison. “He encouraged me to share my original songs".

The Parsons Family Band were chosen to be the backbone for the Heirloom project. The band is composed of Mike Parsons (fiddle, banjo, and mandolin), Bill Parsons (bass fiddle), Thomas Paul (accordion, piano) Don Parsons (drums) and special guest Star Miller (ukulele). 

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