Sister Sadie – “The Last Thing On My Mind”
Americana Highways brings you this premiere of Sister Sadie covering Tom Paxton’s song “The Last Thing on My Mind,” from the forthcoming tribute album Bluegrass Sings Paxton, set for release on August 30. Bluegrass Sings Paxton was produced by Jon Weisberger and Cathy Fink; recorded by Ben Surratt in The Rec Room in Nashville; and mixed and mastered by Scott Barnett at Crossroads Studios, in Burbank, California.
Musicians on “The Last Thing on My Mind” are Deanie Richardson on fiddle and mandolin; Jaelee Roberts on guitar and lead vocals: Maddie Dalton on upright bass; Gena Britt on banjo; and Dani Flowers on guitar and harmony vocals.
This song has been covered by Dolly Parton and Doc Watson, and is widely considered a bluegrass standard. Here it is covered with shimmering harmonies and bright strings taking turns in the spotlight – a lively affair. A vibrant touch by female band Sister Sadie, heralding this worthy tribute album’s imminent arrival.
I wrote this just in time for my first album on Elektra in 1964. I sang it at the Gaslight and the Nashville producer Cowboy Jack Clement was in the audience. He flew home to Nashville and immediately recorded it with Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. There’s a great YouTube of Dolly and Doc Watson singing it backstage at Merlefest and of course Dolly recently recorded it again on a Doc tribute — GRAMMY-nominated I might add. Sister Sadie nails the song, the harmonies and the whole arrangement. Not bad for a song that’s 60 years old! – Tom Paxton
You can order and pre-save the music here: https://clg.lnk.to/wy2d7Q
Check out our previous coverage of Tom here: Song Premiere: John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton “Invisible Man”