Sassafrass! Explained

Sassafrass!
Type:	studio
Artist:	Tami Neilson
Cover:	Tami Neilson - Sassafrass!.jpg
Producer:	Ben Edwards, Tami Neilson
Prev Title:	Songs of Sinners Live
Prev Year:	2017
Next Title:	Chickaboom!
Next Year:	2020

Sassafrass! is the sixth studio album by Canadian-New Zealand country singer Tami Neilson, released in June 2018.

Production

The album was inspired by Neilson's experiences of becoming a mother, losing her father and turning 40. She felt that the album expressed her "coming into confidence as a woman" and is a celebration of her newly-found freedom. Because of this, many of the songs on the album focused on gender equality.^[1] Sonically, Neilson was inspired by musicians including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton and Mavis Staples.^[1] The song "Miss Jones" was written as a tribute to Sharon Jones.^[2]

The album's title, Sassafrass!, is a slang term referring to a self-assured person.

Release and promotion

Three singles were released from the album: "Stay Outta My Business" in March 2018,^[3] "Manitoba Sunrise at Motel 6" in May^[4] and "Devil in a Dress" in July, a month after the album's release.^[5]

Reception

At the 2018 New Zealand Music Awards, Sassafrass! was nominated for the Album of the Year award, and led to Neilson being nominated for the Best Solo Artist award.^[6]

Credits and personnel

• Brett Adams – guitar
• Chris Chetland – mastering
• Ashley Church – photography
• Anita Clark – strings
• Georgie Clifford – backing vocals
• Sarena Close – backing vocals
• Reuben Derrick – horns
• Ben Edwards – co-producer, mixing engineer
• Natalee Fisher – hair, make-up
• Mike Hall – bass
• Xoë Hall – artwork
• Nyree Huyser – backing vocals
• Dave Khan – strings
• Jules Koblun – artwork design
• Joe McCallum – drums, percussion
• Tami Neilson – acoustic guitar, co-producer, vocals
• Cameron Pearce – horns
• Josh Petrie – assistant engineer
• Gwyn Reynolds – horns
• Scott Taitoko – horns
• Neil Watson – guitar, pedal steel guitar

Charts

Year-end charts

Release history

Region! scope="col"

Date	Format(s)	Label(s)
New Zealand	1 June 2018		Neilson Records, Southbound	^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tami Neilson on Learning From Kitty Wells, Empowering Women and New Album 'Chickaboom!' . Lydia . Jenkin . 13 June 2018 . Under the Radar. 11 January 2023.
2. Web site: Tami Neilson on Learning From Kitty Wells, Empowering Women and New Album 'Chickaboom!' . Bobbie Jean . Sawyer . 13 February 2020 . Wide Open Country. 11 January 2023.
3. Web site: Tami Neilson on her new album and being a mother on the road. Bridie . Chetwin-Kelly. The Spinoff. 23 March 2018 . 11 January 2023.
4. Web site: Tami Neilson Shares Dreamy Single 'Manitoba Sunrise At Motel 6' + Video. Under the Radar. 22 May 2018 . 11 January 2023.
5. Web site: Tami Neilson Releases Video for 'Devil in a Dress'. New Zealand Music Commission. 4 July 2018 . 11 January 2023.
6. Web site: Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2018 Winners Announced. Under the Radar. 16 November 2018. 21 January 2020. Charl. Louw.
7. Web site: Official Top 20 NZ Albums: End of Year Charts 2018. Recorded Music NZ. 16 April 2022.
8. Web site: HOW TAMI NEILSON LEFT CANADA FOR LOVE AND BECAME A SINGING SENSATION IN NEW ZEALAND, THEN THE WORLD . Pop Matters . 20 June 2018 . 12 January 2023.