Alison Krauss Reunites with Union Station for First Album in Nearly 14 Years
On April 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- The Long Wait: From "Paper Airplane" to "Arcadia"
- The Catalyst: Finding the Right Song
- A Change in Lineup: Welcoming Russell Moore
- The Making of "Arcadia"
- Reuniting with Tradition: A New Label and Future Plans
- The Legacy of Krauss and Union Station in Bluegrass
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Alison Krauss and Union Station release "Arcadia," their first album in nearly 14 years, on March 28, 2025.
- The band welcomes Russell Moore as a new member, replacing Dan Tyminski, who announced he would not return to focus on his solo career.
- The album features a mix of storytelling through song, exploring deep and sometimes dark narratives rooted in history.
Introduction
The intersection of time, talent, and tradition is often where the magic of music resides. For bluegrass luminary Alison Krauss, that intersection has led to a remarkable reunion with her band, Union Station, resulting in their first album in nearly 14 years titled "Arcadia." Scheduled for release on March 28, 2025, this new project not only marks a significant musical comeback but also introduces a new dynamic within the storied ensemble—a fresh voice that has made waves in bluegrass, Russell Moore. The unexpected hiatus of almost a decade and a half has many fans curious: what led to this reunion and what can they expect from Krauss and her longtime collaborators?
The Long Wait: From "Paper Airplane" to "Arcadia"
Union Station's last studio album, "Paper Airplane," won a Grammy in 2011 and set a high benchmark for the band. The long break that followed was not a matter of discord but rather the result of each member pursuing their individual projects. Krauss herself has navigated solo ventures, including the celebrated collaboration with Robert Plant on "Raise the Roof" in 2021.
Krauss notes, “We didn’t mean for it to take so long, but it did.” The delay was largely due to the scattered nature of the band's members, each involved in various projects that limited their ability to collaborate cohesively. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Krauss emerged with a revived determination to capture the potent magic of their musical synergy once more.
The Catalyst: Finding the Right Song
The creative spark for "Arcadia" ignited when Krauss stumbled upon a song by Jeremy Lister titled “Looks Like It’s the End of the Road.” The song resonated deeply with her, leading to the realization that it was the perfect entry point for their new project. “I’d been collecting songs since our last album, and within the first half of the first verse of Lister’s song, I was convinced,” she recalled, capturing the serendipitous nature of artistic creation.
A handful of electronic texts later and the band was on track to reconvene. “I never stopped wanting to [make a new album],” she continues. “But with everybody's responsibilities, there’s a huge factor.”
A Change in Lineup: Welcoming Russell Moore
However, as the band began its reunion process, they faced a significant change. The departure of Dan Tyminski, who opted to focus on his solo career, left a void in the vocal lineup. Krauss, respectful of Tyminski's decision, remarked, “Nobody wanted Dan to go, but we respect what he feels called to do.”
In Tyminski's stead, the group welcomed Russell Moore, a celebrated vocalist known for his work with the prominent bluegrass band IIIrd Tyme Out. "I can’t even believe we got to play with Dan for 30 years and now we get to play with Russell, too," Krauss expressed. Moore’s impact on the group is evident, and Krauss describes hearing him sing as a nostalgic experience, as they both share roots in the same musical influences.
The Making of "Arcadia"
Recording "Arcadia" was described by Krauss as “a magical moment” for her and her bandmates. As the group gathered to refine their sound, it became clear that the chemistry was intact, and the initial collaborative arrangements fell into place naturally.
The instrumentation on "Arcadia" allows Krauss's and Moore's voices to take center stage, emphasizing evocative storytelling that is a hallmark of the bluegrass genre. Throughout the album, listeners will encounter poignant narratives of loss, history, and resilience. Songs tackle historical themes ranging from Civil War tales to mourning, making the emotional heft of their lyrics palpable.
Notable Tracks and Themes
The album will include tracks like “Granite Mills,” inspired by a tragic fire that occurred in a Massachusetts mill in 1874, leading to the loss of life and leaving a community shattered. Krauss reflects on the role of storytelling in bluegrass, stating, “One thing that bluegrass tunes have never been afraid of is saying exactly what happened.”
Contrasting these darker themes, the album balances moments of levity with lively tracks like “North Side Gal,” showcasing the band’s range and illustrating their ability to navigate the emotional spectrum of human experience.
The Importance of Storytelling in Bluegrass
Krauss emphasizes the necessity of telling these stories through music. She shares an anecdote about how her son questioned her ability to sing sad songs, which she describes as deeply intertwined with survival. “For me, these tragedy songs are survival stories that bring encouragement to people,” she shared.
The blend of serious themes with uplifting undertones culminates in the closing track, “There’s a Light Up Ahead,” creating a holistic journey for listeners—a hallmark of bluegrass storytelling.
Reuniting with Tradition: A New Label and Future Plans
The release of "Arcadia" also marks Alison Krauss & Union Station’s return to a recording label with roots in folk music. They are collaborating with Down the Road Records, a new venture from the founders of Rounder Records, the label that once nurtured their careers. This partnership seems fitting as Krauss describes the founders as “the real deal” in preserving and promoting folk and traditional music.
As the band prepares for their first tour since the release of their last album, they have mapped out an ambitious schedule of 75 North American dates for the spring of 2025. Krauss is excited for the road ahead but is realistic about the time between projects. “No, it won’t be that long [before the next album],” she assures fans, reaffirming her long-term commitment to making new music with her bandmates.
The Legacy of Krauss and Union Station in Bluegrass
Established as one of the most esteemed bands in bluegrass history, Alison Krauss & Union Station have won a total of 14 Grammys. Their contribution to the genre has been expansive, influencing a generation of musicians and expanding the audience for bluegrass music.
With their upcoming album, "Arcadia," and subsequent tour, Krauss and her collaborators not only aim to reflect on the past but also carve a path forward for the future of bluegrass. As they step back onto the stage, fans eagerly await the seamless blend of nostalgia and innovation that Krauss and Union Station bring to their work.
FAQ
Q: When is the new album "Arcadia" being released?
A: "Arcadia" will be released on March 28, 2025.
Q: Who is the new member of Union Station?
A: Russell Moore has joined the band, replacing Dan Tyminski.
Q: What themes can we expect in the songs from "Arcadia"?
A: The album features a mix of storytelling through song, focusing on historical events, emotional struggles, and moments of lightheartedness.
Q: How long has it been since Union Station's last album?
A: It's been nearly 14 years since their last studio album, "Paper Airplane," was released in 2011.
Q: What's the significance of the name of the new label?
A: Down the Road Records is established by the founders of Rounder Records and represents a strong tradition in folk and bluegrass music, which aligns with Union Station's values.
Q: Will the band be touring after the album release?
A: Yes, Alison Krauss & Union Station will embark on a 75-date North American tour starting in spring 2025.
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