During a tour through Colorado Shawn James was given a rare opportunity to shoot a music video inside a wolf sanctuary. The folk singer pounced on the offer. He chose to cover “American Hearts,” originally by A.A. Bondy, a song that features wolves in its lyrics.
Harsh Colorado weather was closing in as they set up so James’ crew decided that they would have to shoot one take straight through and use whatever they got. Little did they know they’d get the video of a lifetime. Seconds into Shawn’s performance something happened that gave everyone a different kind of chills.
The video opens with Shawn James and another performer, both clad in insulated coveralls, standing in the snow. Snowflakes the size of coins fall around them. High country pines stand in the background. Company is coming. Shawn’s accompanist sees them approaching.
During the song’s instrumental lead-in the first wolf appears in the background behind the singer. It stays close to the tree-line. Its pace is easy. Its posture nose low. It doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about humans so close by.
Soon the first wolf is joined by others. As the song continues, wolves begin to add their voices. Mr. James’ vocals are strong, never breaking tempo. The other musician looks a bit concerned, but continues to play. Seconds later a whole wolf pack is singing backup for the folk performers.
The song closes with the singers’ own howls, somehow lacking compared to the trues tones heard a moment before. While the video fades to black, excited voices and laughter can be heard as the crew and performers marvel at what they have just experienced.
Rare opportunities give way to unforgettable scenes. That was a one-time performance with some rare backup singers no one should soon forget.
