Singer-songwriter Bob Sumner cites the musically progressive sensibilities of his heroes when talking about the spirit of his new album, Some Place to Rest Easy, out now via Fluff& Gravy (worldwide) and North Country Collective(Canada). “They were always creating something new, something different,” he says of idols like George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. With that ideology in mind, Sumner set about creating an album that takes as much inspiration from the audio production of Randy Travis as it does the lyrical soul of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker—a melding of eras, sounds, concepts, and stylings that’s informed by the past, but never bound by it. With Some Place to Rest Easy, Sumner picks up the tempo compared to his previous releases, balancing the stirring lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a more buoyant, lively feel. “It felt appropriate to give the music itself some joy,” says the man who’s made a career out of tapping into difficult-to-touch-on, real-life stuff in a relatable, palatable manner. In the end, that’s what Sumner’s music has always been about—more than a single sound, influence, instrumental, or clever line. “I always want people to feel something,” Sumner explains. “If I heard that this album helped somebody that was feeling down, even just by feeling some other emotion for a little while, that’s the number one thing for me.” Fans can now stream or purchase Some Place to Rest Easy at this link and watch the video for the album’s focus track, “Didn’t We Dream,” here.
Some Place to Rest Easy In The News:
“a blend of past, present, and future sounds“-American Songwriter
“More than a single sound, influence, instrumental, or theme, the through line in Sumner’smusic has always been vulnerability.”-Glide Magazine
“Genuine and weighty song writing”-Americana Highways
“High class, country leaning Americana.”-Americana UK
“It takes a deft hand to put out a good, sad record…Bob Sumner nails it on Some place To Rest Easy.”-Twangville
Bandcamp-Best Country Music
Saving Country Music-Most anticipated releases of 2024
American Songwriter-“Standout Album”
* ‘Motel Room’ added to steady rotation on SIRIUS XM ‘North Americana’
* Interviewed on Sirius XM flagship station ‘Road Dog Trucking’* Showcased at Americana fest 2024 & 2025 in Nashville, TN
* Showcased at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN (Sept 2024 & 2025)
* Headlined the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto with support from legendary roots song writer Doug Paisley
* showcased for the prestigious americana tastemaker ‘Meanwhile in Music’ showcase for SXSW in Austin, TX March 2025
* Accepted as official showcasing artist SXSW 2025
* Two Month tour of the U.S. Feb / March 2025 with 15 support dates for Jeffrey Martin
More About Bob Sumner: If an imaginary space exists somewhere between Austin, Bakersfield, and his hometown of Vancouver, Bob Sumner found it with his sophomore record, Some Place To Rest Easy. Sumner’s refusal to copy and paste from the greats of the past informs his every musical step. “All of my heroes, all the people that did it so well—whether it be George Jones or Willie, Waylon, whoever—they weren’t these museum pieces,” he explains. “They were always creating something new, something different.” This approach to taking old tried and true recipes and moving forward with them paid dividends with Sumner’s debut record Wasted Love Songs. “First class Americana,” said No Depression. “Pure gold,” opined the Georgia Straight. “Has the heft and heart of an instant classic,” declared Broadway World. Audiences across North America agreed when Sumner lit out and provided opening duties for the likes of Colter Wall, Willie Watson, Kelsey Waldon, Corb Lund, and J.P. Harris. In Texas, while on a support tour he was invited onstage by new friend and admirer Hayes Carll, and at a show case in Nashville, Sumner planted his flag at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe—fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process. Of Some Place To Rest Easy, friend and label mate Jeffrey Martin states “Bob Sumner writes a hell of a song and this album is a love letter to a country sound we don’t hear anymore. Lots of people are going to feel like someone out there understands them when they hear this record. Lots of couples will slow dance in the kitchen. Singles will slow dance with their dogs. Dudes will get teary in the truck on the way home from work”
