Photo by James Freeman

Singer-songwriter and harmonica player The Reverend Shawn Amos is gearing up for the May 21 release of The Cause of It All, an album of blues classics created during quarantine with guitarist Chris “Doctor” Roberts. Ahead of the release, we are premiering a track from the upcoming record “I’m Ready.”

“I’m Ready” was originally written by Willie Dixon in 1954. It was first recorded by Muddy Waters and since covered by countless artists including Little Walter, Eric Burdon and Aerosmith. Amos and Roberts deliver a “parlor music”-inspired version for the new set.

The duo’s version of “I’m Ready” is airy yet sinewy. Without a rhythm section, it is up to Amos and Roberts to propel the song forward, something they do expertly. At the same time, the performance is not at all rigid; the pair invite the serendipitous.

“There’s a bravery I wanted to capture,” Amos said in a statement. “I wanted to bring back a spontaneity that’s been lost.”

The Cause of It All is due out May 21; pre-order the new set here. Listen to “I’m Ready” here or below: