Press release
Pokey LaFarge will return with Rhumba Country on May 10, 2024, via New West Records. The 10–song set was co-produced by Chris Seefried, Elliot Bergman, and LaFarge and was recorded in Los Angeles, CA & Chicago, IL. On Rhumba Country, LaFarge reveals his newly heightened devotion to making music that channels pure joy. He says, “There was a time when I glorified sadness because I lost sight of who I was, but now I understand that creating and expressing joy is my gift, and gifts are meant to be shared.” Reclaiming his voice, he has recorded his boldest album yet.
Today, Magnet Magazine premiered the video for the album highlight “So Long Chicago.” LaFarge describes it as “A ‘Snow Bird’s’ vacation song. Spring break or Winter break. Getting out of the cold and headed down south to the beach for a getaway.” Of the accompanying video, he said “Since the song is about a vacation getaway, my wife Addie thought we should make a fun video featuring some of our Super 8 footage from some of our adventures.”
LaFarge previously shared the video for the album’s first single, “Sister Andre.” He said, “Sister André is a love song for those who are lonely and looking and waiting to love and be loved. An encouragement to never give up the patient pursuit. It could come at any time! In this case, encouragement comes from Sister André, who inspired this song the day of her passing after 118 years of age.” See the Paris Peterson-directed video HERE. He also previously shared the video for the highlight “One You, One Me,” which Paste Magazine called “brooding, time-worn…rich and vibrant.” It is a personal video diary shot on Super 8 through the Netherlands, Italy, England, France, California, and Maine. LaFarge says, “Captured over six years, this is a world travel journal of my wife and I from when we were dating to when we were engaged and culminating in the celebration that was our wedding.”
Pokey LaFarge’s Rhumba Country world tour will launch May 3 in Woodstock, NY at Levon Helm’s Studio. The US leg features stops at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, The Bluebird in Denver, CO, Los Angeles’ legendary The Troubadour, and more. Today, LaFarge has also announced additional North American and European dates, including appearances at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, and more. He will wrap up his 2024 touring on December 8 at Paradiso in Amsterdam. Please see tour dates below.
Rhumba Country will be available across digital platforms, on compact disc, and standard black vinyl. Limited Gold vinyl and compact disc editions both autographed by Pokey LaFarge, will be available via Independent Retailers and are available for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.
