Ghost Hounds Release Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’ from Upcoming Blues Album

Ghost Hounds. Photo by Jay Arcansalin.

By Anita Stewart, Managing Editor

New Single Release: “Smokestack Lightning

Release Date: April 8, 2022

“You Broke Me” Cover Art

Pittsburgh, PA’s Ghost Hounds have been keeping busy, both on their own and while touring as the stellar opening band for some of the top acts of today to include: The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and Bob Seger. The last time Rock at Night saw the Ghost Hounds, we were covering their opening set for The Rolling Stones’ epic performance in Tampa last fall.

With Ghost Hounds’ two successful studio albums and one live full length recording so far, their body of work is expanding and pushing the boundaries of rock genres. The band’s latest and third upcoming album, “You Broke Me” is no exception to that–9 tracks of bluesy, well-selected covers and original songs that is scheduled to drop May 13, 2022! Keep your eyes on our site, as Rock at Night hopes to publish the album review soon. You can pre-order the album HERE.

Tré Nation of Ghost Hounds. Photo by Chyrisse Tabone.

The first cut off the new album was released in February–the original “Baby We’re Through.” Click HERE for the video. The new single dropping today, “Smokestack Lightning,” is a striking cover of the original song by the legendary Howlin’ Wolf. Ghost Hounds’ cover and interpretation of the old blues standard makes it brand new; the band’s musicianship makes the song exceptional, Tre’s vocals make it shine and the energy will have your toes tapping along with an urge to sing along.

Johnny Baab of Ghost Hounds. Photo by Chyrisse Tabone.

About “Smokestack Lightning,” lead guitarist, Johnny Baab says, “It’s a tune that just drives on the one chord with a powerful message of trying to skip town with a hope for better days ahead. Like Wolf said, ‘Well, Smokestack Lightning means it’s a train … that, uh, runs on the rails, you know.’  We agree.

Rock at Night says: “The original song by Howlin’ Wolf is mournful, plaintive and insinuated a goodbye. The background whoo-hooos mimic the whistle of the train as it travels further away. The Ghost Hounds’ version of the song has it amped up with a faster tempo, rocking guitars, rolling keys, the incredible vocals of Tre Nation and the background singers along with a huge, layered, towering wall of sound. If you like your rocking blues at warp speed, this is the tune to have on repeat! Loved it!

On May 21, the band will be taking part with other musical luminaries for their recording label’s very first music festival–the Maple House Music and Arts Festival taking place in Pittsburgh, PA. Scheduled to perform are Lake Street Dive, Jason Isbell, Elle King, Black Pumas, Eric Gales, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and many more. Get tickets and more info HERE. This is going to be HUGE!

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