Lilly of the West with a new album in 2021

The Bulgarian country musicians are working on a new album during the holidays. It will be their twelfth and will be called Swings and Heartaches – volume 2. The new collection is a continuation of their album Swings and Heartaches, which the band issued in 2012, when they decided to pay tribute to the western and swing music of the 30s and 40s. The repertoire included classic hits of that age, and the design and album art had a retro style, in black and white. Their new album is a continuation of this concept and will include ten songs – country, swing, jazz and blues, as well as some western ballads. The songs have been performed live by Lilly of the West for a while now. Among them are two true retro hits from the 20s, After you’ve gone and Dream a little dream of me. The virtuosos breathe new life into these songs be means of innovative acoustic guitar, Dobro guitar, violin and upright bass arrangements. The album will also include two authentic blues pieces, one from Kansas and one from Dixie (the nickname for the Southern United States). Kansas City became famous through the rockabilly star Wanda Jackson’s performance, while Blues for Dixie is an emblematic piece by the country singer Merle Haggard. The new production includes two songs in the rockabilly style as well (a mix of rock ‘n’ roll and country). Seven Lonely Days is a number one hit by Georgia Gibbs in the 50s, and Mountain of Love is a great rock ‘n’ roll song by Charley Pride. Naturally, Lilly of the West can’t miss out on a true country and bluegrass piece. I’m satisfied with you is one of the less well-known songs of the father of country music, Hank Williams. The album will feature two western ballads too. Rocks, Salt and Nails became famous through the folk singer Kate Wolf’s performance. It tells the story of a woman who loads her gun with rocks, salt and nails and shoots the man who left her. Miss the Mississippi and you was dedicated to the pain that missing a loved one brings and to the memories of happy moments.

The album ‘Swings and Heartaches – volume 2’ is expected to come out in March 2021. Recordings are made by Stanislav Donev in Retro Studio. Guest musicians from the Czech Republic – Pepa Malina – and from Slovakia – Michal Barok – participate as well. Stay tuned for more information on https://lillydrumeva.net

Lilly of the West is the most successful Bulgarian country band, which was formed as early as 1996 in Sofia. After putting out a debut album, the musicians went to prestigious festivals in Europe and America. In 1998 they were voted “best country and bluegrass band of Europe”. They have also won prizes by the World Country and Bluegrass Association at Nashville. Lilly of the West have a rich repertoire that includes country, bluegrass, swing, jazz, Irish and Bulgarian folklore as well as nine albums, highly praised by international music magazines. The founder and front musician is Lilly Drumeva-O’Reilly. She is also a known journalist, producer, impresario and songwriter, author of the book “Mood with Lilly – Music in 50 Themes” and organizer of the international Sofia Singer Songwriter Fest.

Lilly of the West are:

Lilly Drumeva-O’Reilly – lead singer, guitarist, violinist, mandolinist

Michail Shishkov – banjo, slide guitar, harmonica, piano

Yasen Vasilev – guitar

Svoboda Bozduganova – upright bass