Offa Rex

The Decemberists & Olivia Chaney releasing traditional folk LP as Offa Rex

At The Decemberistsfirst of three Brooklyn Steel shows last month, they brought out singer/songwriter Olivia Chaney to make the live debut of their version of the traditional “Queen of Hearts” (which has been performed by Joan Baez and others). It turns out, that song is the lead single and title track of a new collaborative album by The Decemberists and Olivia Chaney under the name Offa Rex. Most of the album has them taking on standards in the tradition of ’60s/’70s folk rock bands like Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Albion Band, Fotheringay, etc.

The Queen of Hearts comes out on July 7 via Nonesuch and you can watch a live-in-studio video of the band performing the title track, below. Learn more about the album from their interview with Bob Boilen on NPR’s podcast.

Offa Rex are also touring, including the Newport Folk Festival and a show at NYC’s Town Hall on July 26. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday, May 12 at noon with an AmEx presale starting Wednesday (5/10) at noon.

There are also some dates with The Decemberists headlining and Olivia Chaney opening. All dates are listed below.

Tracklist
The Queen of Hearts
Blackleg Miner
The Gardener
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Flash Company
Old Churchyard
Constant Billy (Oddington) / I’ll Go Enlist (Sherborne)
Willie o’ Winsbury
Bonny May
Sheepcrook and Black Dog
To Make You Stay

Offa Rex

Offa Rex — 2017 Tour Dates
7/23 — Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
7/26 — New York, NY @ The Town Hall
7/28 — Philadelphia, PA @XPonential Festival
7/29 — Newport, RI @ Newport Folk Festival
8/08 — Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theater*
8/09 — Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall*
8/12 — Missoula, MT @ Travelers’ Rest Festival
8/13 — Missoula, MT @ Travelers’ Rest Festival
8/15 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden*
8/17 — Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater*
8/19 — Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Festival*

*Olivia Chaney opening for The Decemberists’ shows