My Girl The River

Created by Kris Wilkinson Hughes, My Girl The River was born out of a song. 'The Last Song' was the first song written for this americana, alt country, folk and roots project. Kris, hailing from Louisiana (and having lived in Jackson, MS and Nashville, TN) and English bassist Joe Hughes, have created a gorgeous collection of songs. As one fan responded 'it's like a delicately passionate love letter to the American South, soulfully crafted into something really special. Kris has a voice like sugared espresso, low and evocative with a sweet aftertaste and her eloquently confessional lyrics hit you right in the heart.' Along with some astonishingly gifted musicians (Jonathan Byrd, Will Kimbrough, Nick Pynn, Max Milligan, Kristin Wilkinson, Jacob Chano Lundby, John Garden and Tom Moth) they are very pleased to offer up their debut album 'This Ain't No Fairytale'. Described as 'stunning', it is mainly inspired by Kris' upbringing in the American Deep South, bringing to life anecdotes, half-truths, white lies and fables. Ranging from alt-country and folk to Americana and roots, it ticks every box. It was recorded in the front room of Kris and Joe's house in November 2015 and mixed by John Garden, produced by Kris, mastered by Mick Conley (Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart), with art direction by James Marsh (Talk Talk). Their second full length album, Cardinal in the Snow, was recorded in East Nashville in May 2019 and produced by Kris and Neilson Hubbard, an award winning producer and musician best known for his work in the Orphan Brigade and producing albums for artists Mary Gauthier and Amy Speace. Again the songs and performances received great praise and AmericanaUK gave it 8/10 describing it ‘Nashville meets southern gothic’. Bringing back Will Kimbrough and Kristin Wilkinson, this album also features daughter Ruby on vocals and ukulele, Neilson on drums, Juan Solorzano on lap steel, Danny Mitchell on piano and Lisa Oliver-Gray on backing vocals. Artwork was created by renowned artist James Marsh. Releasing an album during lockdown wasn’t easy and At The Helm Press did a great job in spreading the word. DJs all over the world shared different tracks. Ralph McLean, Ricky Ross and Mike Davies are fans. The album release was dedicated to Kris’ mom who sadly passed away a few weeks before the album was released.