: Inspired by a piece by writer Ian McEwan about 9/11, specifically the final phone calls made by those trapped in the Twin Towers to tell their families they loved them.
: Recordings took place intermittently between 1998 and 2005, with Knopfler writing ten of the twelve tracks and producing the album alongside Chuck Ainlay. mark_knopfler_emmylou_harris_all_the_roadrunnin...
The story behind Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris ’s 2006 collaborative album, , is one of patient, quiet craftsmanship. Rather than a rushed commercial project, the album was a "treasure trove" of original duets recorded piecemeal over seven years whenever the two artists could find gaps in their respective solo schedules. The Meeting and Creative Process : Inspired by a piece by writer Ian
: Harris described the experience as a gift, noting the joy of being guided by "one of the great artists of our time". Rather than a rushed commercial project, the album
Several tracks on the album carry deeply personal or poignant backstories:
: The songs blend country, Celtic, and soulful pop, often exploring the "male/female shape" and universal experiences of life on the road. Meaning Behind Key Songs
: A playful duet where Harris takes on the persona of the Wild West outlaw Belle Starr and Knopfler acts as Jesse James.