Covering a song as legendary as Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is no small feat—it’s a bit like stepping onto Centre Court at Wimbledon with the whole crowd watching. But Sugarfoot, the Lake District’s own country music torchbearers, don’t just play it safe; they give the track a fresh coat of paint while honouring the heart and soul of the original.
From the first notes, you can hear why Sarah Capstick and Ailsa McIntosh are such a celebrated vocal pairing. Their harmonies weave together like a well-worn quilt—warm, textured, and just a touch homespun. Instead of trying to mimic Dolly’s breathless urgency, they bring a richer, more layered emotion, almost as if Jolene’s story has been lived through, reflected upon, and sung with both strength and vulnerability. Leanne Corbett-Jones’s drumming adds a heartbeat to the track, steady but never overpowering, while Graeme Park’s guitar and keys create a sonic backdrop that feels both Nashville-polished and Lake District-rooted. The arrangement respects the song’s storytelling while giving it a modern Americana glow, the kind of sound that would work just as well in a cosy village hall as it would at a bustling summer festival.
What makes this version stand out isn’t just musical skill—it’s sincerity. Sugarfoot aren’t simply covering “Jolene” to tick a box on a setlist. You can feel their connection to the song, their love of country music’s storytelling tradition, and their desire to bring that tradition to UK audiences in a way that feels authentic and alive. In true British fashion, this isn’t about outshouting the original—it’s about crafting something heartfelt, humble, and quietly powerful. Dolly might have asked Jolene not to take her man, but Sugarfoot might just take your heart instead.
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