Jaelee Roberts Releases the Raw and Emotional “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart”

After the delicious throwback of Jaelee Roberts' 80s-flavored bluegrass hit, "Looking for Yourself," and the traditional gospel of "He's Gone," the reigning IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year is back with a big change of pace in the somber ballad, "Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart."  Produced by bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Nickel Creek, Sandra McCracken), the single keeps tightly focused on Roberts' haunting voice and sensitive interpretation, underlining the unusual musical maturity of an artist barely out of college, yet already an acclaimed veteran.  

"The first time I heard the demo," recalls Roberts, "I was absolutely floored by the lyrics, melody and raw emotion, and I knew without a doubt that I had to record it. Slow, sad songs that tell a story always speak to me most, and this one absolutely stole my heart and broke it, too. 'Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart' is extra special to me, because it was written by two of my favorite songwriters and singers, who are also my mentors - Tim Stafford and Steve Gulley. I have looked up to Tim and Steve my entire life, and I feel so grateful that this song made its way to me!"

The track, which features House, guitarists Cody Kilby (Travelin' McCourys) and Ron Block (Alison Krauss & Union Station), mandolinist Andy Leftwich and percussionist John Gardner, "came together so beautifully in the studio," she adds, "with a very stripped down arrangement and without harmony vocals - all with the intention of focusing on the depth and feeling of the lyrics. I hope that it resonates with all of you the way it does with me."

Built around the two guitars, with only delicate touches of ornamentation added, "Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart" is a restrained, yet powerful portrait from two master songsmiths - Blue Highway's Stafford and the late Gulley - of a woman who can't let go:

And he pops up in her head for the hundredth time today
She knows it ain't right, but it happens anyway
She can't stop this yearning, even if they're worlds apart
He just lays there heavy
Heavy as a stone in her heart

"I'm SO glad that Jaelee Roberts is releasing 'Heavy as A Stone in Her Heart'!" says Stafford. "Steve Gulley and I wrote this song back in 2007, and I know Steve would be absolutely thrilled at the news and to hear the song done so beautifully. Jaelee is a special talent and I can't think of anyone who could have done a better job with this song." 

"I so wish that Steve was still here with us," adds Roberts, "but I know he's listening from Heaven. This song is dedicated to him and his musical legacy."

"Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart" is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.

 

 

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