Eli Winter – “Davening in Threes”

Today we have a gorgeous new single from Eli Winter’s upcoming self-titled album, out August 19th via Three Lobed. This rambler features the talents of Eli’s friends Cameron Knowler and Yasmin Williams on electric guitar, and Sam Wagster’s gorgeous pedal steel playing augments the trio’s immense talent. The video features Eli solo but you can stream the recording with all three on Bandcamp.

“Davening in Threes” came at a time when I found it difficult to write music, and the ease with which it emerged felt a bit like a miracle. Working with Tyler Damon and Sam Wagster was quite organic because we were able to rehearse, in duos and as a trio, over four months. My impression of the song expanded to include not just them and Cameron Knowler, dear friend and frequent collaborator, but Yasmin Williams. Yasmin and I toured together way back in 2019 and grew close during the start of the pandemic, when we were coincidentally working on our second albums. Here, like I did with everyone who plays on the album, I gave her some guided suggestions, but asked that she ultimately play what feels right for her impression of the song. Then I asked Cameron to do the same. Their playing here has an ecstatic quality, but it also feels like two threads of a conversation between five people. I hear a call-and-response that feels like a prayer, as if the song itself is rocking back and forth. Hence the title.

Eli Winter

Pre-order Eli’s record here.

Photo by Julia Dratel.