VA – Where the Willow and the Dogwood Grow: Words and Music By Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan (2026)

Ace Records continues its tradition of spotlighting seminal figures in American songwriting with its latest release spotlighting Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. The 2026 compilation, titled "Where the Willow and the Dogwood Grow," assembles a carefully curated selection of 19 songs that trace the artistic evolution and cultural imprint of this pivotal creative duo.

Tom Waits, renowned for his distinctive blending of musical styles spanning vaudeville, blues, jazz, folk, and theatrical elements, has long occupied a unique space in popular music. His work defies easy categorization, straddling the margins and mainstream with a raw yet meticulously crafted aesthetic. Alongside his wife and collaborator Kathleen Brennan, Waits has reshaped the very concept of songwriting, producing narratives and compositions that resonate on both visceral and artistic levels.

This compilation situates Waits and Brennan among a pantheon of revered American songwriters, joining names such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Carole King in Ace Records' esteemed series. The collection not only highlights the breadth of Waits and Brennan's songwriting but also reflects their enduring influence across multiple artistic disciplines, including theater, film, literature, and visual arts.

Chronologically arranged, "Where the Willow and the Dogwood Grow" begins with a live rendition of "Jersey Girl" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. This track originally appeared on Waits' 1980 album, "Heartattack And Vine," and serves as a personal tribute from Waits to Brennan. The sequence culminates with Joan Baez's interpretation of "Day After Tomorrow," an anti-war composition from Waits' later work "Real Gone."

The album showcases a diverse array of performers from different musical backgrounds who have reimagined Waits and Brennan's songs. These include Lucinda Williams' gritty version of "Hang Down Your Head," a piece co-written by the songwriting couple and initially featured on "Rain Dogs." Other contributors span genres such as jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and rock, reflecting the wide-reaching appeal and adaptability of the duo's compositions.

One standout track with particular significance is Johnny Cash's recording of "Down There By The Train," taken from his acclaimed "American Recordings" series. This poignant rendition, which was notably difficult to license, received direct involvement and endorsement from Waits and Brennan themselves.

The collaboration between Waits and Brennan is fundamental to understanding the artist’s creative trajectory. Brennan's influence extends beyond partnership; she has been described as the guiding force behind many of Waits' works. Their joint writing credits began to appear prominently from the early 1980s, marking a creative synergy that has propelled Waits' music into new realms of expression.

Additional notable artists featured on the compilation include Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Los Lobos, Diana Krall, Bettye LaVette, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Marianne Faithfull, the Ramones, King Ernest, Willie Nelson, Madison Cunningham, Norah Jones, John Hammond, Solomon Burke, and the duo Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Each artist brings a distinct interpretation, underscoring the timelessness and versatility of Waits and Brennan’s songwriting.

The release of "Where the Willow and the Dogwood Grow" reinforces Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan's status as transformative figures in contemporary music. Through their collaborative efforts, they have consistently challenged and expanded the boundaries of songwriting, influencing not only musicians but also a broader cultural landscape. This compilation offers both aficionados and newcomers an essential exploration of their remarkable oeuvre.

While full details about the compilation’s production and additional liner notes remain limited, this collection stands as a testament to the duo’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of their partnership on American music history.