Rodney Crowell & Ashley McBryde: Taking Flight Duet
- Rodney crowell and Ashley McBryde have joined forces on "Taking Flight," a blues-rock ballad exploring the complexities of past relationships.
- Bryant, a Nashville-based guitarist and producer, helmed Airline Highway, which boasts appearances by Blackberry smoke’s Charlie Starr, Lukas Nelson, and sibling duo Larkin Poe, promising a dynamic listening...
- Crowell described the genesis of "Taking Flight" as stemming from a conversation with McBryde about fame and late-night drives.
Rodney Crowell and Ashley McBryde soar with the blues-rock ballad “Taking Flight,” a duet that marks a high point in both artists’ careers.This collaboration,featuring the blistering guitar work of Tyler Bryant,heralds Crowell’s upcoming album,Airline Highway. Discover how this song exploring complex past relationships came to be as Crowell and McBryde opened up about fame and experiences that led to this powerful track. The album,arriving August 29,also previews collaborations with Lukas Nelson,Charlie Starr,and Larkin Poe. Crowell’s reflection on his early recording experiences inspired the project. Stay tuned to News Directory 3 for more details. Discover what’s next for these artists as they continue to redefine contry music.
Rodney Crowell Teams With Ashley McBryde on “Taking Flight”
Updated May 28, 2025
Rodney crowell and Ashley McBryde have joined forces on “Taking Flight,” a blues-rock ballad exploring the complexities of past relationships. The song, punctuated by an electrifying guitar solo from Tyler Bryant, is featured on Crowell’s forthcoming album, Airline Highway.
Bryant, a Nashville-based guitarist and producer, helmed Airline Highway, which boasts appearances by Blackberry smoke’s Charlie Starr, Lukas Nelson, and sibling duo Larkin Poe, promising a dynamic listening experience. The album showcases Crowell’s songwriting and collaborative spirit.
Crowell described the genesis of “Taking Flight” as stemming from a conversation with McBryde about fame and late-night drives. He also admitted Bryant’s guitar work challenged his aversion to Southern rock, save for the Allman Brothers Band.
McBryde expressed her admiration for Crowell, calling their collaboration a dream come true. She noted that “Taking Flight” explores a new dimension of heartache and praised Crowell for including her in the project.
“Simply sitting across from rodney is magical,” McBryde said. ”Writing a song with an icon is such an honor… ‘Taking Flight’ explored heartache on a plane I hadn’t been on before.”
Airline Highway, the follow-up to Crowell’s 2023 collaboration with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, The Chicago Sessions, is slated for release Aug.29 via New West Records. The album’s concept emerged during the recording of The Chicago Sessions, Crowell said.
Crowell recalled his early recording experiences in Louisiana, inspiring the new album’s direction. He credited producer Tyler Bryant and recording engineer Trina Shoemaker with finding the ideal location at Dockside Studios in maurice, Louisiana.
“While we were recording, I got to thinking about the first time I sang into a microphone… The record is long forgotten, but not the experience,” Crowell said. “Airline Highway will take you there.”
In addition to McBryde, Airline Highway features Nelson on “Rainy Days in California,” Starr on “Heaven Can You help,” and Larkin Poe on multiple tracks. Crowell, 74, will launch a tour in support of the album on May 30 in Arkansas, with a stop at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville in September. This new album promises a high-octane blend of country and rock,showcasing Crowell’s enduring talent and collaborative spirit.
What’s next
Crowell’s “Airline Highway” tour begins May 30, followed by the album release on August 29. Fans can anticipate a blend of familiar sounds and fresh collaborations, solidifying Crowell’s place in country music.