Hardcore troubadour Robert Rolfe Feddersen (RRF) is set to heat things up musically with the release of his new album “Pepper In His Heart” beginning on March 29 with a tri-state series of release shows.
This is the ninth solo release for the ever-touring and multiple gold record selling musician. “Pepper” was recorded by legendary producer Steve Albini at Electrical Audio studios in Chicago. This is RRF’s third album working with Albini.
“It’s a big deal to work with Steve Albini,” Feddersen states. “His track record in the music industry is amazing over the past 30 years. Steve has ideas and preferences in the studio and always wants to make great music. At the same time, he works to record what I want, what my vision is. Steve makes the process educational and fun. The recording of this album was a blast.”
“Pepper In His Heart” presents ten fresh tracks that are inspired by real life experiences and themes including the title track, which is a toe tapping number about the daughter of a close friend and their spicy tale.
Also, in the lineup of new songs is RRF and his wife’s (and touring partner, Terri Ann) cover of the Tom Petty and Stevie Nick’s 1981 song “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
“This was the first song that Terri and I ever sang together thirty years ago on the day we met,” Feddersen remembers. “Terri has always wanted to do this song. She arranged this version and we knocked it out in an earlier taping at Electrical Audio prior to the recording session for this album. It is our special adaptation of the Tom and Stevie song.”
In addition to Robert and Terri Ann Feddersen playing and singing on “Pepper In His Heart” they are accompanied by a host of national musicians including Rob Jensen, Rick Hainlein, Lew Card, Rick “Cookin” Sherry, Gerry Hundt, George Matthew, Steve Marcus, and AA Miller.
RRF’s musical career dates back to 1982 first performing at a Catholic school on his native South Side of Chicago. The musical evolution along the way includes lead singer for the rock band Loudmouth in the mid-90’s generating the hit song “Fly” that appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Varsity Blues. For the past few years besides touring, Robert has been co-hosting with his wife the music program “Left of Center” on the Valparaiso, Ind. community radio station WVLP-LP 103.1 FM.
Encompassing many genres, Feddersen’s sound most closely touches the folk side of music with a very open, honest, reflective, humorous, and topical approach. His songwriting has been compared to early Bruck Springsteen, Steve Earle, and Woody Guthrie. RRF live shows are always entertaining, engaging, and audience interactive.
The “Pepper In His Heart” official release date is March 29 with the digital and physical editions available at musical outlets such as iTunes; Amazon; Val’s Halla in Oak Park, Ill.; Satellite Records in Kalamazoo, Mich.; Indy CD & Vinyl in Broad Ripple, Ind., and at robertrolfefeddersen.com. The actual albums were pressed at Jack White’s “Third Man Pressing” in Detroit, Mich. on 180-gram vinyl.
Three release events will occur that weekend. The first show will be held on Friday, March 29 (8-11pm CST) at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in Chicago; followed by Saturday, March 30 (6-9pm CST) at Burn ‘Em Brewing in Michigan City, Ind.; and the finale on Sunday, March 31 (2-5pm EST) at the Haymarket Brewery & Taproom in Bridgman, Mich.
You can listen to the tracks, right here. More information on RRF and the events can be found on his facebook page.
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