Lovers And Leavers

2016 release from the Grammy-nominated country artist. Says Hayes:"I'm a singer-songwriter. I think Lovers And Leavers comes closer to reflecting that than any other record I've made. I didn't worry about checking boxes, making sure there was something here for everybody, or getting on the radio. I just took some much needed deep breaths and let them out on tape. With these songs in hand, I needed a co-conspirator to help me get them to you. I called on Joe Henry, a gentleman poet and an elegant artist who seemed a trustworthy steward for my collection. We recorded this record live in five days, using just an acoustic guitar, a mix of bass, percussion, pianos and organs, and a touch of pedal steel. Lovers And Leavers isn't funny or raucous. There are very few hoots and almost no hollers. But it is joyous, and it makes me smile. No, it's not my Blood On The Tracks, nor is it any kind of opus. It's my fifth record a reflection of a specific time and place. It is quiet, like I wanted it to be."