Mac McAnally is set to release Southbound, the first of his 14 albums to present all-original material in McAnally’s newly-arranged orchestral context. The album, which releases Aug. 25 on Mailboat Records, features 16 tunes from his catalog, each one spotlighting members of Hattiesburg, Mississippi’s FestivalSouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jay Dean, accompanying McAnally’s performances.
“This pile of songs runs across more than my entire career,” McAnnally notes. “My relationship with music has been around as long as I have. I am blessed to call my passion my ‘job’ and even more blessed to be in a position to play music and benefit not only my family, but many folks from my home state.”
McAnally has played on sessions with George Strait, Brad Paisley, George Jones, Dolly Parton and many other well-known artists, earning him an unprecedented eight consecutive CMA Musician Of the Year Awards (2008-2015). As a songwriter, he has penned chart-toppers including “Old Flame” for Alabama and Kenny Chesney’s “Down The Road,” with McAnally on guest vocals.
The Belmont, Mississippi native McAnally will donate proceeds from sales of Southbound to the University Of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as well as the Extra Table charity, dedicated to combatting hunger throughout his home state.
“Sometimes I feel a little guilty about being overly appreciated and awarded compared to some of my heroes and peers. This project hopefully can divert a little spotlight to people and places and situations that deserve more. I’m proud of the music and to have my work done with an orchestra is a dream come true. The fact that the project benefits these two wonderful causes brings it full circle.”
Currently in the midst of a concert tour, McAnally will deliver a special performance of music from Southbound with live orchestra at a date and location yet to be announced.
Southbound‘s Track Listing
1. On The Line
2. Back Where I Come From
3. It’s My Job
4. Crazy World
5. Miracle
6. Junk Cars
7. On Account of You
8. The Opposite of Love
9. Southbound
10. Dark Ages
11. Blame it on New Orleans
12. Working Prayer
13. When Trouble Comes Around
14. Zanzibar
15. All These Years
16. It’s Easy
