40 Horse Mule, a long-running – and long distance – musical collaboration between Billy Troy and Bennie Boling, has brought forth another gem, in the form of a new single called Joe the Baptist.
No, that’s not a typo. The song is about a hard-working farmer who witnessed to the gospel as he worked his land, earning him the title. This song was written by Bolling some years ago, and if you listen carefully to the lyrics you’ll get a hint into how 40 Horse Mule got its name.
Both men have a rich history in bluegrass, with Billy the son of legendary Flatt & Scruggs reso man Josh Graves. He uses the name Troy to avoid trying to apply his dad’s legacy to himself. A fine vocalist, he has earned his keep in a variety of styles, but he a special place in his heart for the sound his father helped create.
Bennie is a banjo man, though he plays bass with the Mule. He has spent the past 20 years building new instruments for Huber Banjos, and is a first-rate banjo player as well. If you like the Huber sound, give Bennie part of the credit.
On Joe the Baptist, Troy and Boling are assisted by Cody Kilby on guitar, Scott Vestal on banjo, Marc MacGlashan on mandolin, and Keith Tew singing harmony.
It’s a great song, with a sound that Adam Steffey has always called “mean.” Give it a listen.
Joe the Baptist is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
