Maine-based songwriter and community organizer Sara Trunzo honors the legacy of legendary North Carolina songwriter Malcolm Holcombe, who passed away in March 2024, with a gorgeous cover of his contemplative track "In Your Mercy." Originally featured on his 2012 record "Down the River (which featured Emmylou Harris)," the song captures memory loss, aging, and eldercare issues with a depth of tenderness and grit–qualities for which he will always be remembered. Produced and mixed by the impressive Rachael Moore (who has worked with T Bone Burnett, Robert Plant, & Alison Krauss, to name a few), this interpretation features warm background vocals by East Tennessee songwriter Naomi McMahan, guitars by Joe Pisapia, bass by Brian Allen, and drums and percussion by Jamie Dick. The quality of performance is nothing short of stunning, and the production aesthetic here is as warm and authentic as a cup of coffee on Sunday morning.

Sara Trunzo delivers a fresh and vibrant version of this evergreen track, proving exactly why the catalog of Malcolm Holcomb will continue to live and flourish: as every new generation of songwriters appreciates the sense of prescience, the simple beauty, and the gems of folk wisdom that adorn this track.

I used to do what made me happy
Now my weary hands are tied
To a struggle to remember
Where I am and why I cry

Sara Trunzo is a singer-songwriter, community organizer, and creator/host of “Country & Northeastern” radio show.

Visit Sara Trunzo on Instagram.

Photo credit: Chip Dillon