A TALE OF TWO
The dynamic vocals of Stephanie Adlington and the guitar prowess of Aaron Lessard
DEBUT ALBUM RENEGADE OUT NOW
“Americana duo A Tale of Two might be a new name for you but once you hear their debut album ‘Renegade’ you’ll be adding them straight to your playlist.” – Entertainment Focus
“It is inspiring to hear a Nashville band with old-time songs and genuine talent.” – Americana-UK
“The whine and grit in this duo’s vocals are gripping and noticeably timeless.” – Americana Highways
Combining the best of Americana, country and blues with timeless Southern storytelling, award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitar virtuoso Aaron Lessard, as A Tale Of Two, have released their debut album Renegade.
A Tale Of Two draw influences from Tom Waits, The Lone Bellow and Ray LaMontagne, alongside bedrock artists like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Sr. and the new LP showcases their eclecticism. With pounding drums, the title track “Renegade” mimics a train barreling fast down the tracks out of town. “The Devil Did The Deed” is a blues shouter and “By The Light Of The Moon”, shows the duo’s softer side. “Is It Me” leans into their country roots and “Once Upon A Summer’s Day” showcases their evocative storytelling, as Stephanie traces her own history growing up in the small town of Grafton, West Virginia.
The new album is the duo’s first full-length release and was produced by Jon Estes (John Paul White, Mary Bragg) and recorded at Jon Estes’ Studios. Backing musicians are some of the top-tier players in Nashville: Billy Contreras (fiddle), Elizabeth Estes (fiddle), Jamie Dick (Percussion), Ross McReynolds (Percussion), and Jon Estes himself on bass and various other instruments. All songs are written by Stephanie and Aaron, except for the Tom Wait’s song, “Gun Street Girl.”
In the past four years, A Tale Of Two has captured the attention of festivals like the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, venues like The Bluebird Café in Nashville, and spots as official showcase artists for AmericanaFest 2024, SERFA 2024 (Southeast Regional of Folk Alliance), and Folk Alliance International 2022.
A Tale Of Two has opened for notable artists such as Mary Gauthier, Grayson Capps, and Peter Mulvey. Oozing an infectious stage presence and chemistry that carries over from the music to the back-and-forth banter between songs, A Tale Of Two offers a different kind of Americana – storytelling by a swampy pair of retro raconteurs spinning bluesy arias with soul, intrigue, and power.
Stephanie Adlington is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Born and raised in Grafton, WV, Stephanie graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. She attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and (pre-college) Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in London, Stephanie recorded with the folk-rock band Renaissance, which produced three critically acclaimed international albums. “Her take on the great American songbook is unrivaled. Her sound stood up well when played next to iconic artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. Do yourself a favour and get to know and appreciate this ascendant music star” Leslie Stoval – NPR San Francisco.
Aaron Lessard is a versatile guitarist from Westport, MA. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and earned his stripes in various bands. He moved to Nashville in 2017 before joining Stephanie Adlington in 2018 and continues his involvement in the Nashville jazz and Americana scenes today.
Credit: Libby Danforth