Title track “New Leaves” leads the release—a twang-infused instrumental evoking a shaky, renewed hope, wrapped into a percussive piano country blues romp

Los Angeles–based keyboardist and longtime session player Sasha Smith steps into the spotlight today with the release of his instrumental album New Leaves, out now. An accomplished session and touring keyboardist who has supported artists like Cat Power, Ariana Grande, Everclear, Sia and The Wallflowers, Smith now delivers a deeply personal body of work that marks his first release with the label.

Click here to listen to New Leaves.

Written as Smith navigated the loss of his wife, Vivian, to cancer, and the challenges of raising his young son during the pandemic, New Leaves blends country blues, boogie-woogie, and stumbling waltzes to channel his grief and resilience. With meandering and haunting melodies, the album draws inspiration from New Orleans greats like Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and James Booker to craft a sound that feels timeless and vulnerable.

The album’s focus track, “New Leaves,” captures a turning point in that journey. Written as the grief began to soften, the track radiates a sense of hope, joy, and spontaneity. Featuring Doug Pettibone’s signature twangy guitar work, alongside Ian Walker on bass, and W.F. Quinn Smith on drums, “New Leaves” leans into a chicken pickin’, country blues groove, and laid-back swing, offering a bright and soulful entry point into the album.

Produced by Dave Darling and anchored by a core trio of Smith on piano and organ, Walker on bass, and W.F Quinn Smith on drums and percussion — with additional contributions from Pettibone, Eamon Ryland, John Schroeder, Matt Pynn, and Ross Garren — New Leaves captures the journey of wading through the swampy trenches of loss towards hope.