Emily Gimble has won awards for both her vocals and her piano playing and is currently a member of the Western swing band Asleep At The Wheel. Her grandfather, western swing fiddler and Grammy winner Johnny Gimble, was with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in the forties. Emily has a voice that can raise the roof but on “Mighty Like a Rose” her tender vocal embodies the melancholy sentiments evoked by the century-old lyrics. Producer Floyd Domino, currently the pianist for Merle Haggard and the Strangers, has a resume that would be the envy of any keyboard player. Johnny Gimble also appears in Floyd’s bio since he was instrumental in introducing Floyd to the western swing piano tradition through Texas Playboy’s Al Stricklin. Floyd joined Asleep At The Wheel when he was 19 and hasn’t stopped garnering rave reviews since. He has produced a series of timeless children’s albums so he knows something about lullabies. Bassist Ryan Gould tastefully adds the soothing bottom notes and the right amount of string percussion to this lovely melody. Often noted for his slap bass style, here Ryan supplies the lower register with nimble fingers and gentle bow work. J.D. Pendley, jazz guitarist, took the reins in the studio and arranged the piece to perfection. J.D.’s flawless timing provided a soothing swing and his considerate chart allowed each player to shine. In the intro, clarinetist Jonathan Doyle duets with Emily and sets the mood that defines this rendition of a classic piece. Jonathan’s polished style is exemplified by delicate fills throughout. His echoing solo with Emily adds just the right touch to the centerpiece. All sales proceeds from “Mighty Like a Rose”* benefit Beyond Batten Disease Foundation and support its mission to eradicate juvenile Batten disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects children. The foundation raises awareness and funds for research to find a cure for this devastating illness. Visit the Beyond Batten website to learn more. *Adapted from the 1901 “Mighty Lak’ a Rose” by Nevin & Stanton