An unexpected musical partnership has breathed new life into a Hollywood veteran's career.
According to the Daily Wire, Emmy-winning actor James Woods is embarking on a new artistic venture, collaborating with musician and record producer Shooter Jennings on an album titled "Hear The Thunder Crack."
The project features Woods' lyrics set to music by Jennings, which represents a significant departure from the actor's usual work in film and television.
The collaboration between Woods and Jennings began with a chance encounter that led to a transformative question. During their conversation, Jennings asked Woods if he had ever tried writing lyrics. This simple inquiry sparked a creative journey for the 77-year-old actor, who found himself exploring a previously untapped talent for songwriting.
Woods described the experience of hearing his words set to music as profoundly moving. The actor, known for his roles in films like "Casino," expressed amazement at the emotional impact of this new form of creative expression.
Woods shared his reaction to hearing the first song, stating:
I can't even express what it feels like to have your words put in music. He [Shooter] sang it so beautifully. When I wrote so many songs at once, I don’t know where it came from. But when I got a chance to say something, just say it, without somebody telling me how to say it or what to say, man, the dam broke.
The actor's newfound passion for songwriting led to a burst of creativity, with Woods penning numerous songs in a short period. He attributed this sudden outpouring to the freedom of expression he found in the medium, unencumbered by the constraints often present in his acting career.
For Woods, this musical collaboration represents more than just a new project. The actor views it as a "second act" in his life, particularly meaningful after feeling "blacklisted" in Hollywood due to his political views. The album has provided Woods with a fresh creative outlet and a means to share his life experiences through a different artistic medium.
The album, described as an "expansive poetic journey," delves into Woods' life and mind, with Jennings crafting musical compositions to accompany the actor's lyrics and poetry. The collaboration, which spanned three years, resulted in a unique musical biography that showcases the unlikely partnership between the veteran actor and the accomplished musician.
"Hear The Thunder Crack" was recorded at Dave's Room Studios in North Hollywood, California. Jennings performed the songs with James and the Highway Storm Orchestra as the backing band, creating a live recording atmosphere that captured the essence of their collaboration.
The project has garnered attention from other Hollywood figures, including actor Gary Sinise. Sinise, who worked with Woods on the 1989 TV film "My Name is Bill W," expressed support for his longtime friend's new venture on social media, highlighting the unexpected nature of Woods' transition into songwriting.
Fans of both Woods and Jennings will have the opportunity to experience this unique collaboration when "Hear The Thunder Crack" is released on October 18. The album promises to offer listeners a glimpse into the life and thoughts of James Woods, interpreted through the musical lens of Shooter Jennings.
James Woods' collaboration with Shooter Jennings on "Hear The Thunder Crack" marks a significant turning point in the actor's career. The album, which features Woods' lyrics set to music by Jennings, represents a new creative outlet for the Hollywood veteran. This unexpected partnership has given Woods a "second act" in his artistic life, allowing him to express himself through songwriting after feeling sidelined in the film industry.
