Musicians :
Billy Bragg (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, resonator guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, keyboards), Jeff Tweedy (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string electric guitar), Jay Bennett (acoustic guitar, keyboards, piano, Hammond B3 organ, Farfisa bass pedals, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, melodica, backing vocals), John Stirratt (bass, bass guitar), Ken Coomer (drums, percussion, tambourine, whistle).

Guest musicians :
Corey Harris (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar), Eliza Carthy (violin), Bob Egan (pedal steel guitar), Ben Ivitsky (viola), Glenn Kotche (drums, percussion), Mikael Jorgensen (Hammond B3 organ), Nels Cline (lap steel guitar), Patrick Sansone (harpsichord), Leslie Feist (percussion).

Lyrics :
Woody Guthrie (except "When the Roses Bloom Again", lyrics by Will D. Cobb).

- Includes “When the Roses Bloom Again”, “Listening to the Wind That Blows”, “The Jolly Banker” and “My Thirty Thousand” !
- (2 LP) gatefold edition pressed on 180 gram vinyl at Furnace Record Pressing !
- Mastered by Robert C. Ludwig at Gateway Mastering (2012) !
- Vinyl lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering !

Billy Bragg & Wilco "Mermaid Avenue Vol. III"

The final chapter of an extraordinary musical journey, bringing Woody Guthrie's timeless poetry to life through the remarkable talents of Billy Bragg and Wilco.

Originally released in 2012 as part of the Mermaid Avenue project, Mermaid Avenue Vol. III reveals another fascinating collection of previously unreleased recordings from the historic collaboration between British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg and American alternative rock band Wilco.

The project began when Nora Guthrie, daughter of legendary American folk musician Woody Guthrie, invited Billy Bragg to explore her father's extensive archive of unpublished lyrics. Bragg subsequently joined forces with Wilco, led by Jeff Tweedy, to create original compositions inspired by Guthrie's remarkable words.

The result was one of the most ambitious and celebrated collaborations in modern Americana.

Following the acclaimed first two volumes, this third installment presents 17 additional recordings drawn from the original sessions, offering a deeper insight into the extraordinary musical creativity that defined the project.

A Remarkable Collection of Forgotten Musical Treasures

Throughout Mermaid Avenue Vol. III, Billy Bragg and Wilco effortlessly blend traditional American folk, alternative country, roots rock, and intimate acoustic songwriting.

Billy Bragg's passionate and unmistakable voice combines beautifully with Jeff Tweedy's expressive vocals, while Wilco's inventive musicianship brings warmth, depth, and unexpected musical textures to Guthrie's poetry.

From delicate acoustic arrangements to energetic, rhythm-driven performances, each song reveals a different facet of this remarkable artistic partnership.

The album captures the spontaneous creativity of musicians discovering new possibilities within lyrics written decades earlier, transforming forgotten words into vivid, emotionally engaging songs.

Woody Guthrie's poetic imagination remains at the heart of every performance.

His observations of everyday life, love, humor, hardship, and human dignity resonate throughout the recording, reminding listeners of the extraordinary relevance of his songwriting.

Rather than simply recreating the sound of traditional folk music, Billy Bragg and Wilco give these compositions their own distinctive identities, combining respect for Guthrie's legacy with an adventurous contemporary spirit.

The result is an album filled with authenticity, musical variety, and genuine emotional depth.

The Final Chapter of a Legendary Collaboration

Mermaid Avenue Vol. III is much more than a collection of additional recordings.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most important folk-rock collaborations of its generation.

The interplay between Billy Bragg's direct, socially conscious musical approach and Wilco's rich, imaginative arrangements creates an unmistakable sound that bridges the traditions of American folk music and the evolution of alternative rock.

Every composition contributes to the enduring legacy of Woody Guthrie, demonstrating how his words continue to inspire musicians and listeners across generations.

An essential companion to the first two volumes, completing an extraordinary musical trilogy.

A Beautiful Double-Vinyl Edition from Craft Recordings

Presented by Craft Recordings as a double-vinyl edition, Mermaid Avenue Vol. III allows collectors and music lovers to rediscover these remarkable performances in a beautifully produced physical format.

Pressed on two 180 gram vinyl records and housed in a gatefold sleeve, this edition celebrates the musical richness, intimacy, and timeless character of the original recordings.

Its combination of heartfelt performances, imaginative arrangements, and extraordinary songwriting makes it a particularly rewarding listening experience for admirers of folk, Americana, and alternative country.

Seventeen musical treasures, the timeless words of Woody Guthrie, and the exceptional creativity of Billy Bragg and Wilco.

A moving and unforgettable conclusion to one of the most remarkable collaborations in modern American roots music. An essential addition to any serious folk-rock and audiophile vinyl collection.