He was known as the wanderer, but these days he’s letting you know he’s not planning on going anywhere, as Dion follows the huge success of 2020’s Blues With Friends with the release of a brand-new track.
‘I’ve Got To Get To You’ is the news single from the former Belmonts leader, and just like his last record it features some very special guests.
Guitarist Mike Menza returns, this time bringing along his son Joe to double up on that six-string attack, plus the vocal section finds contributions from the great Lido Shuffler, Boz Scaggs.
“Boz Scaggs is one of my wife Susan’s favourite singers, and I’m right there with her,” Dion remarked. “For decades I’ve wanted to record a song with this guy. There’s no mistaking his voice for anyone else’s — And here it is, as pure and clear as ever, on ‘I’ve Got To Get To You’.
“I was inspired to write this song after a conversation with Roy Orbison more than fifty years ago. Now that Boz has sung on it, it’s finally done. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Boz Scaggs was equally effusive, noting, “Dion is one of my favourite singers. With a single phrase he can open up a wide range of musical experiences. His early rock foundation and doo-wop sets me free. His style – in words and music – is timeless and beautiful to me.”
Scaggs went on to call ‘I’ve Got To Get To You’ “A fun track… Rockin’ guitars and Dion’s lyrics are wild. Our voices are a natural blend.”
It’s true. Something of a Cajun rocker, the guitars drive hard then sail into a couple of bluesy solos, while the vocals holler, croon and nigh-on almost yodel in good humoured harmony.
‘I’ve Got To Get To You’ was written by Dion with long-time collaborator Mike Aquilina. As far as the song’s lyric is concerned, Dion commented, “I tried to get every form of transportation imaginable in this one” and that’s certainly the case with mention of elevators and concord jets among many means of transport referenced.
Summing up his recent creative efforts in a succinct manner, Dion said, “To make music with friends, and make friends through music: I can’t imagine a better life than this.” And, as intimated there, we can reveal he’s been hard at work over the past few months recording the follow up album to Blues With Friends, again to be released on KTBA Records.
You can stream Dion’s new single here and watch the music video right here at RAMzine.
