In a blistering return to the roots of music, Robert Plant and his latest outfit SAVING GRACE have unleashed the official video for their track 'Two Coats', a tantalizing slice from the highly anticipated EP 'Saving Grace: All That Glitters...', set to drop digitally on October 9 through Nonesuch Records. This release follows the vinyl debut on Record Store Day, proving that even legends recognize the importance of supporting independent music.
The EP is a treasure trove of four tracks that delve into the folk and Americana sounds that have long captivated Plant and his bandmates. With traditional gems like 'The Blackest Crow' and 'Two Coats', alongside fresh interpretations of Gillian Welch's 'Orphan Girl' and Bert Jansch's 'Poison', the band showcases their ability to breathe new life into time-honored classics.
Plant has been a living testament to the song 'Two Coats', frequently performing it live with SAVING GRACE since their inception. In his own words, he described it as a 'great Ralph Stanley song', underscoring his dedication to the authenticity of the material. 'Poison', penned by Jansch, weaves through the threads of time, blending a sense of nostalgia with a carefree spirit that resonates deeply.
Formed on the Welsh borderlands in 2019, SAVING GRACE is a collective of seasoned musicians—vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown—who unite through their shared passion for the roots of music. Their journey was temporarily interrupted by the pandemic, but once the shackles of lockdown were lifted, they embraced the freedom of informal recording sessions in barns and small venues, crafting their unique sound away from the glaring spotlight.
The heart of 'Saving Grace' was molded during the quiet of lockdown, a time when Plant's nomadic spirit was confined. While his recent musical endeavors have taken him to Nashville alongside Alison Krauss, it was the English countryside where he found kinship with this eclectic group of musicians. Over the past six years, they have forged an unbreakable bond, laughing and exploring the depths of music together, leading Plant to declare, 'I can't find any reason to be too serious about anything.'
As Plant gears up to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association on September 16 at the revered Ryman Auditorium, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Following this accolade, he and SAVING GRACE will hit the road for the 'Up The Sharp End' U.S. tour from September 18 to October 15, 2026, with special guest Rosie Flores. Get ready to witness the evolution of roots music as it reverberates through the airwaves.