GA-20 are certainly not “Cryin’ and Pleadin'” after their win at the Boston Music Awards last night, but they can still do a dang good rendition of that Billy Boy Arnold tune.
The Boston blues stalwarts released their take on “Cryin’ & Pleadin'” earlier this week (December 10), continuing their love of Chicago blues with a hat tip to one of the genre’s finest figures. “Cryin’ & Pleadin'” kicks off the rollout of EP Volume 2, GA-20’s forthcoming project and first release since their 2023 covers of the traditional country tunes “Jolene” and “Still As The Night.”
It’s been a momentous week for GA-20; in addition to sharing the new single and taking home the trophy for “Blues Artist of the Year” at this year’s BMAs, the group also revealed a change in their lineup. GA-20 announced the departure of singer and guitarist Pat Faherty on Instagram, citing “artistic differences.” News followed that Cody Nilsen would take his place, per a note from guitarist Matthew Stubbs.
“A new chapter for GA-20 begins today, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce powerhouse singer & guitarist, @codynilsen,” Stubbs shares on Instagram. “If you know Cody, you’re already psyched about this news. If you haven’t heard him yet, GET READY! The band will be continuing on with the same mission of writing, recording and performing our own brand of traditional Blues, and we can’t wait to share this killer lineup with y’all.”
Stubb’s statement also revealed a slew of North American and European tour dates for 2025, including three Massachusetts stops: Fall River, Northampton, and Lowell.
Peep the dates and dive into the new chapter below.