Multi-instrumentalist, producer (Trapper Schoepp, Emma Swift) and member of Wilco and The Autumn Defense, Patrick Sansone has released a cover of Colin Blunstone’s “Smokey Day” (originally on Blunstone’s debut solo album from 1971 One Year, following the dissolution of British band The Zombies).
For years Sansone has been captivated by the song’s deep mystery and dream-like atmosphere, but this cover version came about almost accidentally, starting as a rehearsal demo for a proposed performance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of One Year. That show unfortunately did not materialise, but Sansone added a few elements to the demo, including strings by Matt Combs.
This is a great cover which enhances the “dusty evening” of the original through Sansone’s atmospheric vocal and electric piano. The accompanying video (filmed by Mae Moreno and edited by James DeMain) will be of some significance to Wilco fans who attended the band’s April 2023 Reykjavik residency as it features Sansone in the otherworldly beauty of the distinctive Iceland landscape; the video’s black and white tone perfectly matches the brooding mood of the track.
Sansone has also completed an instrumental album, Infinity Mirrors, which is scheduled for release on 1 March 2024, and can be pre-ordered HERE.
Label: Sansonica Records
Release Date: 25 OCT 2023
Poetic Justice 