Recently on the road with ZZ Top and Collective Soul, The Summit, out of Cincinnati, OH., is a mixture of “new” vintage rock ‘n’ roll, soul, blues and a signature sound that evokes emotion in everyone who experiences them. They have a new single and video, “Blue Skies”, featuring Jena Kraus off of their forthcoming, Firebirds and Aviators album.

The Summit is Chris Scott Melfi (vox), Mike Hennel (drums), Michael Walker (bass), Matt Goetz (guitar), Coty Hicks (guitar), Nathan Morgan, (guitar) and James Wiley-Benes (keyboard, organ).

“Blue Skies”, was written in 2015 by Mike Hennel, songwriter Dan Hunt and Chris Scott Melfi, outlining a dark story based on the terrible opioid crisis that was plaguing their region.

Chris says, “Unfortunately, I’ve seen many friends and loved one’s battle addiction and I know how unpredictable it can be. One day you feel great and the world is filled with, “Blue Skies”, and the next those, “Blue Skies”, turn black. As Danny and I were collaborating on the lyrics, he was able to bring this concept together so well that we ended up in a stalemate as to whether we call the song, “Blue Skies”, or ,“Black Skies”.

The Summit was fortunate enough to connect with Jena Kraus, who did the duet with Shannon Hoon from Blind Melon’s, “Mouthful of Cavities”, single. Chris thought she would sound incredible on, “Blue Skies”, and reached out to her on social media. Jena agreed to be on the single.

Jena says, “When I first spoke with Chris and he elaborated on the origins of, “BlueSkies”, I was immediately moved by the sentiment. When I heard, “Blue Skies”, I just connected with it instantly. I lost my father to an opioid addiction, and I think it’s an important subject. With everything we know about mental health issues and addiction at this point in time, there still exists a stigma around it all, but I can’t help but feel compassion for these souls.” She continues, “I really believe, “Blue Skies”, is an important song. I hope that at the very least, it could inspire someone out there to know they’re not alone in their struggle”.

Firebirds and Aviators, was produced by Will Turpin (Collective Soul), at Reel 2 Reel, Atlanta, GA.

Look for The Summit on tour this summer supporting Collective Soul during their 30th Anniversary shows. They will also be playing in Toronto, Canada, at the NXNE Music Festival.