The Great Yellow Light has been announced as the 21st album from veteran New York-based singer/songwriter and guitarist, Willie Nile. The album title is a reference to “Vincent Van Gogh’s letters to his brother, Theo, and the light that inspired him in Arles, France where he lived from February 1888 to May 1889”.
The album was recorded at Hobo Sound, Weehawken, NJ produced by Nile and his longtime producer, Grammy-winner Stewart Lerman (Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, etc.). Outlaw Country artist Steve Earle contributes guest vocals to one track, “Wake Up America.”
The Great Yellow Light is being released June 20, 2025 on CD, 12” LP vinyl, digital download and via streaming services on River House Records.
The Great Yellow Light is a mix of anthemic Rock tracks and ballads, with “a subtle socio-political message throughout.” Nile was joined in the studio by his core band Jimi Bones (electric & acoustic guitars, backing vocals), Johnny Pisano (bass, backing vocals), and Jon Weber (drums), providing lead vocals, electric guitar and piano himself.
Besides Earle, special guests include Irish artist Paul Brady on vocals, The Hooters’ Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian on keys and strings respectively, Black 47 members Larry Kirwan, Fred Parcells, and Chris Byrne and storied sidemen Waddy Wachtel and David Mansfield.
Among The Great Yellow Light’s highlights is “Wake Up America”.
Nile describes it as:
…a call out to our better angels. Even though the history of America is riddled with pain and injustice and the divisions between us are greater than ever, I refuse to give in. I know we can do better than this. Heartfelt thanks to Steve for bringing his beautiful ragged, gritty, street-wise voice to it.
Nile adds about the album:
For me, the album’s title refers to those rare magical moments of awe and wonder that make life worth living. My band played great on these sessions, no doubt thanks to all the live shows we’ve been doing. The special guests each brought unique magic to the party! Bless all their generous hearts.
Appropriately, an Austrian filmmaker is currently making a documentary film about Willie Nile, with new footage shot in Italy, England and America.
