Porkchop
Porkchop’s Catch of the Week
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November 24, 2021
Lori McKenna is a well-known, and respected, as a songwriter. She has written hit songs for many artists, becoming the first woman ever to win the CMA Song of the Year Award two years in a row (2015’s Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and 2016’s Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”). In 2017, McKenna also was the first female to be awarded the ACM Songwriter of the year. She has now turned her attention and talents to Christmas music. Lori McKenna’s latest EP is Christmas is Right Here.
The project starts with McKenna’s take on the Paul McCartney holiday classic “Wonderful Christmastime”. The remainder of the album is filled with songs that Lori McKenna wrote or co-wrote. “Christmas Without Crying” and “North Pole” are full of a longing, nostalgic look back through the Christmas memories of yesterday. The songs will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye as you turn the pages of your mind’s Christmas scrapbook. “Still Christmas in Nashville” is one of my favorite songs on this EP. It is a tip of the hat to the musicians, songwriters, waiters, waitresses, and others that keep the wheels of Music City moving, even during the holidays. She even references the patron saint of songwriters, John Prine. “Hail Mary” puts the spotlight on the mother of Jesus, and wonders what Mary must have felt leading up to the birth of her son. She closes the project with “Grateful”, a song that should make all of us take a moment to note the good things in our lives and be thankful for them.
Lori McKenna is one of my favorite current singer-songwriters. She is one of Nashville’s favorites, too. When artists are heading to the studio to begin a new album they turn to Lori McKenna. I would suggest that any artist that is thinking of making a Christmas album should give her a call. It is refreshing to hear new Christmas songs instead of the same old rerecorded classics. This project should be an inspiration to songwriters everywhere to not shy away from writing Christmas songs. I recommend giving Lori McKenna’s Christmas is Right Here a listen today.
November 17, 2021
There is a great number of Cody Jinks fans in the Lake Hartwell Radio listening area. I remember the phone calls I received from listeners when Cody Jinks 2015 release Adobe Sessions was released. They wanted to make sure I listened to Jinks’ music. I not only listened, but I have been playing his songs ever since. He has released some great projects since my introduction to his music in 2015. Jinks’ albums I’m Not The Devil, Lifers, After the Fire, and The Wanting have shown his talents as a singer and songwriter. Now he has added another project to that streak of great albums. His latest is called Mercy.
Cody Jinks wrote or co-wrote every song on Mercy. As expected, the songwriting is excellent. Speaking of excellent, the musicians on this album are outstanding. Have you ever wondered what people mean when they complain that an album is too slick and overproduced. Well, Mercy is just the opposite. It sounds like what you would hear if you went to a Cody Jinks concert. I love when an artist is able to capture that feeling and sound. Some of my favorite songs on Mercy includes, “I Don’t Trust My Memories Anymore”, “Like a Hurricane”, “Shoulders”, “Dying Isn’t Cheap”, and “When Whiskey Calls the Shots”. The entire album is very enjoyable. I know that we have listeners of varying levels of sensibilities, so I want to mention that there are a few songs that have some adult language. It is not excessive, but I wanted to make sure to alert you in case you have sensitive ears or normally listen to music around young children. So, if the kiddos are out of the house, crank it up!
Cody Jinks has established himself as a fan favorite among independent country artists. It is amazing of the following he has developed, all while not being signed to a major label. I believe once people give Jinks’ music a listen, they enlist into the growing ranks of the Cody Jinks army. Do not feel bad if you are just discovering the music of Cody Jinks. Now that you know, take a listen to his new album, but give his previous albums a spin, too. I recommend giving Cody Jinks’ Mercy a listen today.
November 10, 2021
I reviewed Asleep at the Wheel’s EP Better Times earlier this year. It is a great project. You can read my review of that project by scrolling down this page. However, with the release of the EP came news that a full album would be coming out later this year. Well, I have some good news for Asleep at the Wheel and Western Swing fans. Asleep at the Wheel’s new album, Half a Hundred Years, is here!
Asleep at the Wheel is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. This new album, Half a Hundred Years, is part of that celebration. If you are a fan of Asleep at the Wheel, you will recognize many of the songs on this 19-track offering, but, if you are like me, you do not mind in the least. Some of my favorite tracks on the project include, “Take Me Back to Tulsa” featuring George Strait and Willie Nelson, “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read” featuring Lee Ann Womack, and “Bump Bounce Boogie” featuring Chris O’Connell, Elizabeth Brown, and Katie Shore. Of course, I can never hear “Miles and Miles of Texas” too much.
Asleep at the Wheel have been waving the banner for Western Swing music for decades. There are other artists that perform in the style of music that made Bob Wills famous, but Asleep at the Wheel has been the face of Western Swing. The band has had over 100 members in it’s existence, and, no, that is not an exaggeration. The one constant through the years has been Ray Benson. As the bandleader, Benson has helped to keep the band moving forward, waving the banner of Western Swing. Here’s to AATW waving the banner for another fifty years. I recommend giving Asleep at the Wheel’s Half a Hundred Years a listen today.
November 3, 2021
John Prine is one of my favorite songwriters. His ability to produce lines that could make me laugh out loud and others that could bring a tear to a glass eye was amazing. His death in 2020 due to complications of COVID-19 sent the singer/songwriter world reeling. However, the catalog of songs and his willingness to add new, young songwriters to his tours means that the music loving public is in good hands. Some of the folks that he influenced show up on a new tribute album, Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2. The previous volume was released in 2010. That first album had artists interpret Prine’s song in various styles. It is a very good album, and a good indicator of his influence. Vol. 2 is in more of the folk style of Prine’s own recordings.
There are twelve songs on Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2. The album’s title is from the lyrics on Prine’s “Souvenirs”, my favorite song from his catalog, which is covered on this project by Jason Isbell. Some of the other artists that show up on this album include Brandi Carlile (“I Remember Everything”), Nathaniel Rateliff (“Pretty Good”), Tyler Childers (“Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You”), Iris DeMent (“One Red Rose”), Margo Price (“Sweet Revenge”), John Paul White (“Sam Stone”), and Sturgill Simpson (“Paradise”). Bonnie Raitt revisits “Angel From Montgomery”, a Prine composition that she originally recorded in 1974. This version is more akin to John’s recording. Emmylou Harris is outstanding on “Hello In There”.
If you are a fan of John Prine, you will love this album. If you are an aspiring songwriter, listen to this album. Pay attention to the phrases and lines that Prine wrote. It is like a master class in songwriting. Then, explore the rest of his songs, rinse, and repeat. Since we now have a second volume, I am hoping that we will get future releases in this series of tribute albums. I recommend giving Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2 a listen today.
October 20, 2021
Erin Enderlin is a name you have heard me mention numerous times on The Breakfast with Porkchop Show. We reviewed and played music from her album Faulkner County. I am especially fond of the song “Whatever Gets You Through The Night”. Enderlin is also an outstanding songwriter, with her songs having been recorded by the likes of Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Luke Bryan. Her songwriting skills are on display on her latest EP, Barroom Mirrors, having written or co-written all six tracks.
The first three tracks on Barroom Mirrors have already been released as singles. “Somebody’s Shot of Whiskey” and “If I’m Not in Hell” have struck a chord with WLHR listeners, with the humorous “If There Weren’t So Many Damn Songs” (featuring Terri Clark) gaining momentum. “Cut Through Me” (featuring Rosanne Cash) is a prime example of a country song that hits the listener directly in the soul. The title track is my favorite song on the EP. Most people have had the feeling described in “Barroom Mirrors”.
Erin Enderlin is one of my favorite singer-songwriters today. She is an excellent lyricist, and her storytelling ability is outstanding. Enderlin is also able to write humorous songs, a trait that is not as prevalent in today’s crop of songwriters. The music industry in Nashville is very aware of her talents, as her songs have been recorded by country music stars. It is time everyone else, including country radio, discovers Erin Enderlin. I recommend giving Barroom Mirrors a listen today.
October 13, 2021
When it comes to introducing younger listeners to bluegrass music, a good place to start is with Billy Strings. The 29-year old guitar phenom has taken the music world by storm. He is steeped in the guitar style of Doc Watson and Tony Rice, and the traditional vocals songs of The Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, and Flatt & Scruggs. However, he is well versed in many other artists, too. He is as likely to play a bluegrass standard as he is to offer a set of Grateful Dead songs. He has shared the stage with a plethora of artists, including Dierks Bentley, Widespread Panic, The Marcus King Band, and Sam Bush, just to name a few. Strings has also appeared on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry. He has caught the attention of many music fans for his wealth of talent and eclectic musical tastes, but one thing remains as a base throughout his albums…..bluegrass. Billy Strings won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for his album, Home. His latest album, Renewal, is a heavy dose of bluegrass with all of the other elements that we have come to expect from a Billy Strings album.
Although Billy Strings is front and center, it is worth noting that his new album is a band project. The guys that make up the group includes, Billy Failing (banjo), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), and Royal Masat (bass). Along with Strings, the group works like a well-oiled machine on Renewal. Even though I mentioned Billy Strings impressive guitar skills earlier, this album is a reminder at how good he is at delivering vocal songs, too. If you want more straightforward bluegrass, check out “Know It All”, “Red Daisy”, “Secrets”, “Hellbender”, “This Old World”, “The Fire On My Tongue”, and the instrumental tune, “Running the Route”. Strings covers spreads out, as he often does, incorporating other styles on “Fire Line”, “Heartbeat of America”, “Love and Regret”, “Nothing’s Working”, “Hide and Seek”, and “Ice Bridges”. Two of my favorites on the album are “In the Morning Light” and “Show Me the Door”.
So many times when someone makes a musical recommendation, we want to know what type of music it is. Well, Billy Strings is based in bluegrass, but he is not defined by a genre. He is a musical free agent, going wherever his pen, voice, and guitar takes him. As the old saying goes, there are only two types of music: good and bad. Billy Strings offerings fall into the previous category. His singing is great and the musical performances of Billy Strings and his band are expert. He already has one Grammy under his belt. It wouldn’t surprise me if Renewal brings him another one. I recommend giving it a listen today.
September 29, 2021
If you follow Porkchop’s Catch of the Week, Jon Randall’s name may sound familiar to you. He teamed with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram on The Marfa Tapes, an album that I reviewed earlier this year. That album is one of my favorites to be released this year. Besides that project, you may not be familiar with Jon Randall. However, if you are a music nerd like me, you recognize Randall’s mark on country music. He is a former member of Emmylou Harris’ backing band, the Nash Ramblers. Randall has also penned songs for many artists, including co-writing the award winning “Tin Man” and “Whiskey Lullaby”. He has also produced numerous albums for artists, including Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Jack Ingram, Pat Green, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Randall has released his own projects over the years, but it has been over fifteen years since his last solo project. That is why many are excited about the release of Jon Randall’s new, self-titled solo project.
As we know from Jon Randall’s previously penned songs, he is a premiere songwriter. This album consists of nine songs that are an example of his songwriting expertise. Some of my favorite tracks include, “Keep on Moving”, a perfect song to listen and relax while cruising down a country road. “Acapulco Blue” is a perfect example of a singer-songwriter in action, flipping through the pages of the mind’s scrapbook. “Streets of Dallas” is another acoustic number that should inspire any aspiring songwriter. Jack Ingram joins Randall on “Girls From Texas”. The song is a polite rebuttal of The Beach Boys’ “California Girls”, insisting that the Lone Star lovelies are at the top of the list. Also, the instrumental tune, “Ranchero”, is a bold reminder that Jon Randall knows his way around the fretboard.
Jon Randall is a busy man. Between writing songs and producing albums for other artists, it can be difficult for Randall to find the time to work on his own project. It has been over fifteen years between Randall’s solo albums. Who knows how long it will be before we get his next one. I hope it is not fifteen years. If it does take that long, I can assure you that it will be worth the wait. I recommend giving Jon Randall’s new album a listen today.
September 15, 2021
It’s hard to believe that The Grascals have been around for over fifteen years! It seems like just yesterday that I was introduced to their music. However, checking the calendar and tallying the years, The Grascals have released ten albums over seventeen years, to be exact. There projects have been a steady dose of some of the best bluegrass you can find these days. They continue the legacy of quality albums with their latest release, Up All Night.
The album consists of twelve tracks. There are many types of song styles on Up All Night. You will hear traditional bluegrass, ballads, and gospel styles on this album. Some of my favorite tracks on the album include, “You Put Me First”, “Maybelle”, “Sleepy Little Town”, “Low Down Blues”, and “Traveling the Highway Home”. I also really enjoyed the instrumental tune, “It’s a String Thing”. There are some great songwriters that contributed to Up All Night, including Shawn Lane, Milan Miller, Jon Weisberger, Ray Edwards, and Rick Lang.
The Grascals continue to amaze me. Their albums are at such a high quality that you want to play them over and over again. This new album can be added to the list of albums to listen to multiple times. Danny Roberts (mandolin), Terry Smith (bass), Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), John Bryan (guitar), Chris Davis (guitar), and Adam Haynes (fiddle) are outstanding instrumentalist, and their vocal harmonies are top notch. I recommend giving Up All Night a listen today.
September 8, 2021
There are many kinds of songwriters. Some write a good party song. Those songs do not have a lot of substance, but usually have a beat that is perfect to open beers to. There are writers that have lived a lot in their time, and pour their personal experiences into their songs. Those songs are cathartic and thought provoking for both the artist and listener. Then, there are songwriters who are more akin to authors. Their songs are like short stories set to music. One of the best songwriters in the latter group is James McMurtry.
Before I go any further, I want to get something out of the way. James McMurtry’s father is famed novelist Larry McMurtry. The only reason I bring it up is because when I have recommended James McMurtry’s music to friends in the past, they invariably ask, “Is he any kin to Larry McMurtry?” Now that I have that out of the way, let me tell you about James McMurtry’s latest album, The Horses and the Hounds. As I mentioned before, McMurtry is a storyteller. There are ten stories that he shares on his new project. His ability to describe the characters in each song is at a level that is unmatched. You can picture everyone and everything he chronicles. The attention to detail will draw you in, and make you connect to each line. Some of my favorite songs on The Horses and the Hounds include, “Canola Fields”, “Decent Man”, and “Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call”.
James McMurtry wrote or co-wrote every song on The Horses and the Hounds. Again, the songwriting is at a level that others will strive to attain, but few, if any, will ever reach. McMurtry’s vocals are perfect to deliver each of the project’s ten stories. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have one of your favorite authors sing one of their short stories to you, try James McMurtry’s The Horses and the Hounds. I recommend giving it a listen today.
September 1, 2021
During my many years of reviewing album for “Porkchop’s Catch of the Week”, my favorite band name that I have come across is Mike and the Moonpies. I know I am a well-rounded, some would say fat, individual, but my fondness of the southern snack has nothing to do with my appreciation of the group’s name. It is always important to have a memorable band name that will grab the public’s attention and get them to listen. Once they take a listen, the songs need to be good enough to keep the listeners coming back to give the music another spin. Mike and the Moonpies have met both requirements. The Austin, TX based group have been making great music and albums from more than a decade. Their latest album, One to Grow On, will definitely keep listeners coming back.
One to Grow On is an album that almost serves as a tribute to the working man. The album is a concept album, of sorts. You can follow the daily routine, struggles, and victories of an unnamed central character. Frontman Mike Harmeier said, “I developed a narrative and a central character. It’s a guy who’s working hard to make ends meet, all while living in the moment and hoping to stay appreciative of the things he has. A guy who takes pride in what he does but is still searching for a balance in his life. There are a lot of similarities between him and me.” Mike had to put a lot of thought into the songwriting to make the album flow and follow the central character’s story. Unlike some concept albums which require a lot of deep thinking and listening to tracks in order to follow the story, One to Grow On is an album you can turn on, put on shuffle, crank up your truck, and enjoy it going down the road.
There are nine total tracks on One to Grown On, and there is not one that I wanted to skip. Each song is as strong as the next. If you twisted my arm and made me choose a favorite, I would have to pick “Rainy Day”. A close second would be “Social Drinkers”. I could almost feel the neon, smell the beer, and see the scenes unfolding in front of my eyes. I want to take a moment to mention all of the members of Mike and the Moonpies: Mike And The Moonpies are: Mike Harmeier (guitar, vocals), Zach Moulton (steel guitar), Omar Oyoque (bass), Kyle Ponder (drums) and Catlin Rutherford (guitar). It feels as if every move they make on the album is together. That cannot be said of some bands. Sometimes it feels like it is the lead singer and these unnamed guys behind him. Although Mike is out front, it seems that every member is as important as the others.
Mike and the Moonpies are smoking on One to Grow On. The songwriting is outstanding. Lead singer Micheal Harmeier and producer Adam Odor co-wrote every song on the album. The one exception being “Paycheck To Paycheck”, written by Harmeier, Odor, and bassist Omar Oyoque. In addition, the musicianship is superb. The album is solidly country, including a heavy dose of Zach Moulton’s steel guitar, with the twin lead guitar work adding a southern rocking blues feel to some of the songs. Mike’s lead vocals are country drenched in soul. Mike and the Moonpies have put out some great albums thus far, but I think One to Grow On might be their best. I recommend giving it a listen today.
August 25, 2021
Sturgill Simpson is one of the most interesting artists of our time. It is almost impossible to put a label on his music. Simpson has put a wide variety of styles and sounds in his previous albums: High Top Mountain, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music , A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, and Sound and Fury. You will hear everything from country and gospel to bluegrass, rock, psychedelic rock, strings, and horns. Simpson had previously stated that he was only going to make five original albums before calling it quits as a solo artist. His Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1 & 2 are not included in the album total because those albums consist primarily of bluegrass versions of his previously recorded material. When he announced earlier this year that he was going to release his fifth album before the end of 2021, every Sturgill Simpson fan waited in anticipation for what the final solo project would bring. Well, the wait is over. Sturgill Simpson’s new album, The Ballad of Dood & Juanita, has been released.
The Ballad of Dood & Juanita is a concept album set in Kentucky in 1862. It follows the story of a tough mountain man (Dood) jumping on his mule (Shamrock) with his hound (Sam) leading the way as they look for Dood’s wife (Juanita), who has been abducted by a bandit. This may sound like a lot of ground to cover, but Simpson covers it quickly, with the album coming in at just under thirty minutes. This album is not exactly a bluegrass album, although there is plenty of fiddle and banjo. It is more in the line of Appalachian folk music. There are a few exceptions to that style. “Shamrock” sounds like it is the theme song to a 1950s western TV show. This is not a knock on the song because it furthers the story. The song “Sam” almost sounds like an acapella gospel song that is a tribute to man’s best friend. Another is “Juanita”. The song, featuring Willie Nelson on lead guitar, sounds like a song from the catalog of Marty Robbins. In fact, that song added to the other songs on the album led my friend, Brad Felty, great American, to say of Sturgill Simpson’s new album, “It’s like Johnny Horton meets Marty Robbins on the set of The High Chaparral.”
For many years I have stated that concept albums fall into one of two camps: very good or really bad. The Ballad of Dood & Juanita is very good. The storytelling from one track to the next is complete. You can picture the people, animals, and events that Simpson sings about. Being as it is Simpson’s final solo album, some fans may be disappointed in the album’s length of just under thirty minutes. However, I do not believe the length of a project should detract from its effectiveness. As an example, Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger is only a few minutes longer than The Ballad of Dood & Juanita. Sturgill Simpson is always challenging himself with the projects that he undertakes. He has hinted that after this solo run, he may form a band to fulfill his musical desires. As of late, he has dabbled in acting as well. Whatever direction he goes, I feel sure that Simpson will put everything he has into it. I recommend listening to Sturgill Simpson’s The Ballad of Dood & Juanita.
August 18, 2021
Texas has a long history of great singers, songwriters, and performers. This rich tradition continues to nourish the current music scene. I find myself returning to the Lone Star State quite frequently for the Catch of the Week. This week’s review calls for a return trip across the Red River. Our spotlight shines on a group called Flatland Cavalry. The group formed in 2012, and they have previously released one EP and two albums. Flatland Cavalry has just released a new album, Welcome to Countryland.
Flatland Cavalry has always been classified as a country band. However, Welcome to Countryland is the most country sounding effort to date. You will find songs that will get your toes to tapping, and, maybe, even lead you to the dance floor. Also, there are songs about heartbreak and lost love. In my opinion, the emotional ride is what makes a good country album. The instrumentation is outstanding, too. A good dose of fiddle and steel guitar leads the way on this musical excursion. The majority of the songs were written or co-written by the band members, with one notable exception. “A Cowboy Knows How” was written by Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton, and Luke Combs. It is worth mentioning that Flatland Cavalry and Luke Combs have a connection besides the song. The group has toured with Combs in the past. There is also guest appearances from Hailey Whitters (“…Meantime”) and Kaitlin Butts (“Life Without You”).
I must take a moment to introduce Flatland Cavalry: Cleto Cordero (lead vocals, guitar), Reid Dillion (electric guitar), Wesley Hall (fiddle), Jonathan Saenz (bass), Jason Albers (percussion), and Adam Gallegos (utility). The group’s musical and vocal performances are great. Add to the equation the aforementioned songwriting, and you have a fun, enjoyable album. I recommend giving Flatland Cavalry’s Welcome to Countryland a listen today.
August 11, 2021
If you have been following Porkchop’s Catch of the Week for a while, you might be able to recall August of 2019 when I shared my thoughts on an album from a group that I had stumbled across. The album was Back to the Country, and the group was Merle Monroe. When I reviewed that album, I told you how blown away I was at how easily Merle Monroe combined country and bluegrass music. The album was a home run. Now, the guys are back up to the plate and swinging for the fences with their new album, Songs of a Simple Life.
Merle Monroe is comprised of singer/songwriter Tim Raybon and banjoist Daniel Grindstaff. Raybon is proving to be one of the premiere bluegrass songwriters, with his pen producing three Number One Merle Monroe single from Songs of a Simple Life: “God’s Still In Control”, “Hello Sunshine”, and “I’m Leaving Town Tonight”. In addition to those hit singles, the album contains a total of seven Raybon penned songs. Merle Monroe also has a knack for picking just the right songs to cover. That list includes the Lefty Frizzell hit, “Saginaw Michigan” (written by Bill Anderson and Don Wayne), the Ronnie Milsap Number One “(I’d Be) A Legend in My Time” (written by Don Gibson), “Goodbye Marie” (written by Dennis Linde and Mel McDaniel), and “Roll On Muddy River” (written by Vern and Rex Gosdin). Merle Monroe also does a fine job on the Tim Stafford and Bobby Starnes penned song, “Harlan Darlin’”.
Before going any further, I must sing the praises of the musicians that helped to make this gem of an album. Merle Monroe’s Daniel Grindstaff played banjo and provided vocals, and Tim Raybon sang and played guitar and bass. Additional personnel on Songs of a Simple Life include Stephen Burwell & Derek Deakins (fiddle), Kent Blanton (bass), Andy Leftwich & Harry Clark (mandolin), Harry Stinson (percussion), Trey Hensley & Kevin Richardson (guitar), and Gaven Largent & Josh Swift (resophonic guitar).
Merle Monroe has done it again. They have knocked it out of the park with Songs of a Simple Life. The playing, singing, and songwriting is outstanding. I believe Merle Monroe’s namesakes, Bill Monroe and Merle Haggard, would be proud of the band’s top notch albums. I recommend giving Merle Monroe’s Songs of a Simple Life a listen today.
August 4, 2021
I am a huge fan of singer-songwriters. There is something magical about a singer holding court with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and some well written lyrics. Texas has produced more than it’s fair share of legendary songwriters. There must be something in the soil, the water, or the air in the Lone Star State that helps keep the crop of singer-songwriters growing year after year. Vincent Neil Emerson continues in the tradition of Texas storytellers that includes Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and Rodney Crowell with his latest, self-titled album, produced by the aforementioned Rodney Crowell. Crowell’s name is enough to grab the attention of music fans and make them take a listen, and it is well worth the listen.
Vincent Neil Emerson wrote all ten songs on his new album. In this day and time, it is rare to see only one person’s name as the writer of a song. Don’t misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with having a co-writer. There have been some wonderful songs that were the result of a co-write. However, I find that much of today’s hits are the result of too many cooks in the kitchen. From the album’s opening track, “Texas Moon”, to the final fading notes of the final track, “Saddled up and Tamed”, Vincent Neil Emerson will have your full attention.
It is great to see the singer-songwriter tradition continuing in such an outstanding way. Vincent Neil Emerson carries the tradition of Texas songwriters forward into modern times. It is also a pleasure to see Rodney Crowell lending his expertise to the album as the producer. I cannot recommend enough to give Vincent Neil Emerson’s latest album a listen today.
July 28, 2021
The Lonesome River Band has been one of the premier acts in bluegrass music for decades. Their lofty status has remained despite the band seeing many different iterations. Past band members is a bluegrass who’s who: Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Tim Austin, Don Rigsby, Dale Perry, and Kenny Smith, just to name a few. No matter the lineup, The Lonesome River Band have always pushed bluegrass to new heights while still paying tribute to the genre’s trailblazers. The Lonesome River Band, led by Sammy Shelor (banjo), tips their hat to a trailblazing gospel bluegrass group, The Easter Brothers, on the new album, Singing Up There: A Tribute to the Easter Brothers.
When you mention bluegrass icons, the names of Monroe, Flatt, Scruggs, Martin, and Stanley are the ones that are usually mentioned. However, the sub genre of bluegrass gospel is often overlooked. Artists like Carl Story, The Lewis Family, and The Easter Brothers are a few of the legendary names in bluegrass gospel. It is great to see The Lonesome River Band paying tribute to the impact of one of those bluegrass gospel artists on their latest album. From Mt. Airy, NC, the Easter Brothers were staples in the region, including Sammy Shelor’s home area, Patrick County, VA. The version of the Lonesome River Band that made this album includes Shelor (banjo), Mike Hartgrove (fiddle), Brandon Rickman (guitar), Jesse Smathers (mandolin), and Barry Reed (bass). The LRB really captures the spirit of the songs on this 10 song offering. The singing and playing will surely have you tapping your toes and will bring a smile to your face.
As we are going through some very tough times, many folks are looking for a bit of nostalgia to help them get through each day. If you grew up listening to gospel music, I believe this album will bring a smile to your face. If you are not familiar with the Easter Brothers, I recommend looking up their music. Then, take a listen to the Lonesome River Band’s album, Singing Up There: A Tribute to the Easter Brothers.
July 21, 2021
Since Midland broke on the national scene in 2017 with “Drinkin’ Problem'”, I have been a fan. Their sound is modern while paying tribute to the sounds of country music from years past. They embrace not only the earlier sounds, but their attire is also a bit of a throwback, with Nudie suits and cowboy hats. Their music struck a chord with me and many others around the country. Midland has just released a new EP, The Last Resort.
Midland’s new project consists of five songs, and it continues in their tradition of using traditional country music as the foundation of their sound. You will find plenty of steel guitar mixed with Mark Wystach’s lead vocals, the solid bass of Cam Duddy, and guitar work of Jess Carson. The five song set includes, “And Then Some”, “Two To Two Step”, “Take Her Off Your Hands”, “Sunrise Tells The Story” and “Adios Cowboy”. It is impossible for me to choose a favorite song from The Last Resort. I tried to pick one, and I like each song equally.
Since making themselves known to the world on country music, Midland has done nothing, but gain momentum with each passing day. With each released albums, EPs, videos, and concert appearances, the ranks of Midland’s fanbase grows. With the release of the new EP, I am sure the ranks will grow even more. Midland is one of the few acts that appeals to the younger and older country music fans. I recommend giving Midland’s The Last Resort a listen today.
July 7, 2021
Most listeners know LANCO through their Number 1 song, “Greatest Love Story”. The song was a minor crossover hit, reaching Number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has also been certified gold by the RIAA. Since hitting the top of the charts, fans have been buzzing anytime a new LANCO single or album was released. The LANCO fans have plenty to buzz about with the release of the new EP, Honky-Tonk Hippies.
The five song EP was recorded in Muscle Shoals at the world renowned FAME Studio. The studio has been the location of recordings by legendary artists of every musical genre, including The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Jerry Reed, Shenandoah, and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. The studio was the perfect place for this new EP from LANCO. The five songs were tracked live, with the band playing together in the same room at the same time. The title track kicks off the project with a sound that is gritty and full of energy. I do not know what the next LANCO single will be, but “I Need a Beer” would be a good choice. It is a high energy, party song that is perfect for heading into the weekend. My favorite song on the EP is “Price to Pay”. This acoustic guitar driven song is bound to be a concert favorite. The chorus is catchy, memorable, and you can’t help but sing along. As an added bonus, LANCO features a mandolin on “Price to Pay”. YES!
LANCO has hit a home run with Honky-Tonk Hippies. Recording live at FAME Studios was a great choice to capture the band’s energy. The sound and style of country music has changed through the years, but one thing that has always been there has been the soul of the music. Some of the music that has come out of Nashville recently is so polished that it loses the soulfulness that is an integral part of country music. I believe we need more projects like Honky-Tonk Hippies. If more artists recorded as much of the album live as possible, it would capture musical energy that an artist has, and I think it could be a bridge between generations of country music fans. I recommend giving LANCO’s Honky-Tonk Hippies a listen today.
June 30, 2021
The Oak Ridge Boys have had quite a career: 31 studio albums, 17 Number One hits, and being members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. With those accomplishments to their credit the Oaks could coast through the remainder of their career. However, they have continued to maintain a busy touring schedule and release new albums. With a loyal legion of fans, the only thing that could slow down the Oak Ridge Boys was the COVID-19 pandemic. During that break from touring, they decided to team up with producer Dave Cobb to make a new album, Front Porch Singin’.
The Oak Ridge Boys and Dave Cobb have worked together before (17th Avenue Revival), and the results have been outstanding. Their collaboration on this new project once again shows that Cobb understands the artists that he is working with. Front Porch Singin’ features some songs that you will know and be able to sing along with. Those songs include, “Life’s Railway to Heaven”, “Red River Valley”, “Unclouded Day”, and “Swing Down Chariot”. There are also some new songs on the album like, “Life is Beautiful”, “Old Ways”, “Rock My Soul”, and “Love, Light and Healing”. Once you listen to the new songs a few times, I have no doubt that you will be singing along to those, too.
The Oak Ridge Boys don’t have to prove their greatness. They have a long, award winning career that attests to their legendary status. However, the Oaks prove that they know not only what fans want, but in this case, what we need. Front Porch Singin’ is a great album for the times we are living in. With all the stress of a pandemic and political tensions that are ever present, maybe it’s time we all head out to the front porch, take a deep breath, and do a little singin’. It will make you forget about your troubles for a while, and it is good for the soul. I recommend giving the Oak Ridge Boys’ Front Porch Singin’ a listen today.
June 23, 2021
Asleep At The Wheel have been waving the banner for Western Swing music for decades. There are other artists that perform in the style of music that made Bob Willis famous, but Asleep At The Wheel has been the face of Western Swing. The band has had over 100 members in its’ existence, and, no, that is not an exaggeration. The one constant through the years has been Ray Benson. As the bandleader, Benson has helped to keep the band moving forward, waving the banner of Western Swing. Asleep At The Wheel is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year.
2020 was a difficult year for everyone, including Asleep At The Wheel. There was no touring, and Ray Benson caught COVID-19. However, during the shutdown and his recovery, Benson started writing songs for a new album. That album is scheduled for release this October, but music fans are waking from the shutdown slumber, hungry for new music. Not to worry! Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel have served up a musical appetizer before the LP main course with a new three song EP, Better Times. The EP features the songs “All I’m Asking”, the classic “Columbus Stockade Blues”, and the title track.
I thoroughly enjoyed each of the songs on Better Times. The title track was written during the pandemic, and songwriters Ray Benson and Katie Shore really tapped into what we were all feeling during the yearlong hiccup of the shutdown. “All I’m Asking” is a swinging song about patching things up with that special someone. Their cover of “Columbus Stockade Blues” is about good as you can get when it comes to Western Swing. I recommend whetting your appetite for Asleep At The Wheel’s new LP (scheduled for release later this year) with their new EP, Better Times.
June 9, 2021
This review starts with a bit of a geography lesson. Do you know where Marfa, TX is? Don’t feel bad. I didn’t either. It is small desert town in West Texas. When I say small, I mean there is only around 2,000 residents. Also, when I say West Texas, Marfa is in Presidio County, on the far western side of the state. The county borders Mexico. You are probably wondering why I am giving you all of this information. Well, Marfa, TX is where the new album by Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall was recorded. The three singer-songwriters have been collaborating for several years now, including co-writing “Tin Man” (2018 ACM Song of the Year). Since the album was recorded in the aforementioned Texas location, it is appropriate that the album is called The Marfa Tapes.
For many fans, they only listen to music that has been recorded in a professional studio. Those songs have been polished to a shine before being offered to the public. I venture to guess that the majority of listeners do not think about all the steps of making a song that brings it to radio, especially the songwriting process. If you have never thought about what a song sounds like before acquiring the studio sheen, The Marfa Tapes gives a peak behind the curtain. Recorded with only two microphones and two acoustic guitars, The Marfa Tapes captures Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with the sounds of rustling papers, scratching guitar strings, what sounds like a campfire, and interactions between the artists. There are fifteen songs on the album, and each song is co-written by Lambert, Randall, and Ingram. The set list includes two that Lambert fans will recognize: “Tin Man” and “Tequila Does”. Here is the complete list of songs on The Marfa Tapes:
1) “In His Arms”
2) “I Don’t Like It”
3) “The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow”
4) “Am I Right or Amarillo”
5) “Waxahachie”
6) “Homegrown Tomatoes”
7) “Breaking a Heart”
8) “Ghost”
9) “Geraldene”
10) “We Always Have the Blues”
11) “Tin Man”
12) “Two-Step Down to Texas”
13) “Anchor”
14) “Tequila Does”
15) “Amazing Grace – West Texas”
Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram have captured the joy of songwriters sitting around and singing their songs for each other. Some people have compared this album to a demo tape. I understand that comparison. However, I think it is more akin to what used to be called a guitar pull. I have heard Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and other country legends talk about gathering with other singers and songwriters to try out their new songs on each other. I know this album will not be for everybody. Some people only like the finished, shiny product. Even if you are not a music nerd, like me, I recommend giving a listen to understand better where songs start: from someone singing lyrics, freshly written on a sheet of paper, and being accompanied by just an acoustic guitar. It is almost like watching a child take its first steps. I recommend giving The Marfa Tapes a listen today.
June 2, 2021
Tina Adair’s name may sound familiar to you. I have mentioned her name as a member of the group Sister Sadie when I have reviewed their albums. Her vocals and mandolin playing have been an integral part of the bands success. Although known recently for the Sister Sadie projects, Adair has been releasing solo records since 1997. Whether with a group or as a solo artist, her artistry always shines. Tina Adair has just released a self-titled album on EMG (Engelhardt Music Group).
Tina’s new album features eleven songs, and you will recognize some of the titles. She cover’s Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels and Dozen Roses”, Hank Williams’ “I Can’t Get You Off My Mind”, and the Mickey Newbury penned “Why You Been Gone So Long”, made famous in bluegrass circles by Tony Rice. Adair also includes “Room 404”, written by Tammy Rogers (The SteelDrivers), Peter Cooper, and Thomm Jutz, and “Still Got a Long Way to Go”, written by Ronnie Bowman and Ryan Fleener. Producer Glen Duncan co-wrote “God Will Make a Way” with Kevin Grant, and Adair’s bluesy gospel performance on the song is outstanding. She teamed with Sister Sadie her Sister Sadie bandmate, Deanie Richardson, to write “Let Each Other Go”. Adair looked to the Sister Sadie roster again on my favorite song on this project, “Won’t Be Crying Over You”, written with Gena Britt.
Anytime Tina Adair’s name is attached to an album, you know it is going to be great project. It is even better when you add producers Glen Duncan and Adam Engelhardt to the mix. The icing on the cake is the list of players and singers that perform on Adair’s project: Cody Kilby & Pat McGrath (guitar), Scott Vestal (banjo), Rob Ickes (dobro), Dennis Crouch (bass), Tim Crouch (fiddle), Casey Campbell & Tina Adair (mandolin), and Garnet & Ronnie Bowman, Vickie Hampton, Robert Baily, and Wes Hightower (harmony vocals). The song selection, production, and performances are outstanding. I recommend given Tina Adair’s new self-titled album on EMG a listen today.
May 26, 2021
It has been thirty years since Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” stormed across the country music airwaves. He has been a country music stalwart ever since. Thus far, Jackson has had thirty five #1 singles, over seventy five million in album sales, mulitple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards. His success has led to him being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jackson has never seemed to slow down. He continues to tour and release quality albums. His latest release, Where Have You Gone, is another in that long line of great albums.
Alan Jackson teams up with producer Keith Stegall on Where Have You Gone. Jackson flexes his songwriting muscle on this album, penning fifteen songs on this twenty one song offering. It is very rare to look at the credits on a modern album and see one name listed as a songwriter. There is nothing in the world wrong with co-writing, but it really hammers home just talented Alan Jackson is as a songwriter. Some of my favorite songs on the album include, “The Older I Get”, “Beer:10”, “Wishful Drinkin'”, “Way Down in My Whiskey”, “You’ll Always Be My Baby” & “I Do” (both written for his daughters’ weddings), and “Where Her Heart Has Always Been” (a tribute to his mother). He also pays homage to Merle Haggard on “That’s the Way Love Goes”. Although those are some of my favorites on the album, I want to be sure to state that I thoroughly enjoyed every track on Where Have You Gone.
In the ever changing world of country music, Alan Jackson is one of the few that has not changed his sound in order to try and fit modern musical tastes, and can still find touring and album sales success. He is comfortable with who he is as a singer, and is confident that there is still an audience that is hungry for his country music style. If your music diet has been lacking in steel guitar and fiddle, you can supplement it with a dose of Alan Jackson. I recommend giving his latest album, Where Have You Gone, a listen today.
May 19, 2021
Ronnie Milsap is a country music legend. His 40 number 1 hits, 6 Grammys, and his membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame are proof of his legendary status. It has been many years since he has had a hit. However, Milsap has continued to tour and release records that showcase his immense talent. He has just released a new album, A Better Word For Love, the followup to his star studded album, Ronnie Milsap: The Duets.
Ronnie Milsap returned to the Nashville studio that he helped design years ago, Ronnie’s Place, to record with producer Rob Galbraith. The studio, producer, and Milsap was a formula that resulted in many hits. The combination works again on A Better Word For Love. There are ten songs on this new project, and there is not a weak song anywhere to be found. Some of my favorites include, “Wild Honey”, “Too Bad For My Own Good”, “Almost Mine”, “Big Bertha”, and the title track. “Big Bertha”, featuring Vince Gill, was written by the legendary Carl Perkins. For the first 2:30 of the song, I thought this tune was about a former girlfriend. However, the titular Big Bertha is a golf club. It is a great twist that Perkins penned, and the Country Music Hall of Famers, Milsap and Gill, sound like the song was custom made for them.
As much as I love Ronnie Milsap: The Duets, his new album finds Milsap back in a form that is on par with his earlier hits. The song selection, as it always is on a Milsap album, is superb. Producer Rob Galbraith working with Ronnie Milsap have but together another outstanding album. It is a perfect mixture of country, R&B, and soul. I recommend giving Ronnie Milsap’s A Better Word For Love a listen today.
May 12, 2021
Travis Tritt broke into the national spotlight as part of what has become known as The Class of ’89. Along with Tritt, the group of country artists that had their big breaks occur in 1989 includes Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Clint Black. Their impact on country music is still being felt to this day, as they influenced scores of current artists. It would be easy to spot Travis Tritt in a lineup of The Class of ’89; he was ususally wearing a fringed jacket, and his long hair was visible because he was the only one not wearing a cowboy hat . Tritt still does not wear a cowboy hat, but his hair is shorter today than back then. He is still touring and recording music to please his fans. Tritt’s latest offering, his first entirely new album since The Storm (2007), is Set in Stone.
Travis Tritt offers 11 songs on Set in Stone. He has teamed with producer Dave Cobb, and great songwriters to create the new project. He teams up with Brent Cobb on “Open Line” and Cobb and Adam Hood on “Set In Stone”. Cobb and Hood also wrote “Ain’t Who I Was”. Tritt teamed up with Ashley Monroe on “Leave This World” and Dillon Carmichael with “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More”. There are many other songwriters that contributed to the album, and each song fits Tritt perfectly. All of the songs are from the prospective of a rebel. Some show his unwillingness to compromise with changing time, instead choosing to be true to one’s self. Others are the thoughts of an introspective rebel. Many people want to paint people with a broad brush. This album, as many of his previous albums, shows a multifaceted person at the center of everything.
Travis Tritt’s musical career has seen him play music that is true to who he is. There is no pretense in Tritt’s songs. Some would say that is a sign of stubbornness, a sign of being stuck in your ways, unwilling to change with the times. Others would say it is a sign of honesty, singing and playing what you truly believe. I tend to agree with the latter. Producer Dave Cobb, as he has done with so many other artists, captures Tritt as he is without many embellishments, much like a expert photographer captures a landscape. The partnership between singer and producer can be the key to a solid record. Each can be great in their own right, but without the two sides working in harmony the project can be lackluster. The relationship between Travis Tritt and Dave Cobb is one that works well, and the results are bound to please Tritt fans everywhere. I recommend giving Travis Tritt’s Set in Stone a listen today.
April 28, 2021
It used to be that every aspiring artist wanted to get a record deal. They wanted to make a big impression on a big label executive, get signed, and become a star. That formula used to work. Things have changed in recent years. More and more singers have turned to a DIY approach. With the accessibility of quality recording equipment and using the internet as a tool, artists have been able to make albums that they can market directly to the listeners, cutting out the big record label middle man. With this plan the artists not only get things to the consumers quicker, but they also control the album’s content. One artist that has used this new approach is Sara Petite.
Petite’s latest album, Rare Bird, is the sixth studio album. This project offers a wide variety of sounds, but all fit Petite like a glove. Songs like “Runnin'” have a rockin’ country, folk sound. One of my favorite songs on the album, “Scars”, transitions from acoustic singer/songwriter style to country, and then to rock guitar solos. The intensity of the music matches the lyrics perfectly. “Misfits” is a tribute to everyone that does not fit in, whether forced by society or by choice. “Crash, Boom, Bang” is bound to be an upbeat crowd pleaser. “Medicine Man” is a funky song with a heavy dose of organ that will have you tapping your toes. “Missing You Tonight” is equal parts soul and country, like Muscle Shoals meets Nashville. The title track is a country song that will bring a tear to your eye.
I know it is not popular to put musical labels on artists nowadays, but the base of each of the songs is country music. All the other sounds added on top are like spice added to a recipe to make a tasty dish. However, with the base the end result would not hold together as well. Sara Petite’s voice has bits of Lucinda Williams and Nanci Griffith, and her music is shaded with the honky tonk of Loretta Lynn, the ethereal heartbreak of Emmylou Harris, with a dash of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. All of those influences added to Sara Petite’s own experiences and talent result in a great album. I recommend giving Rare Bird a listen today.
April 21, 2021
Trying to gather the right songs to make an album can be an overwhelming task. Some artists that are gluttons for punishment will attempt to make a double album. Eric Church decided to release three projects within a week, Heart & Soul. To be fair, there is a total of twenty four tracks between the albums. That is still the equivalent of a double album. At the time of this review, Heart has been released, & is available to members of Eric’s fan club, The Church Choir, and Soul will be released on Friday, April 23rd.
Heart has a total of nine songs, and all but one, the Grammy nominated “Stick That in Your Country Song”, were written or co-written by Church. He wrote and recorded the bulk of the songs for all three albums on a 28 day trip to the North Carolina mountains during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Stick That in Your Country Song” might be the most powerful song on the album. There are some other great songs on the albums, including “Heart of the Night”, a song about a couple leaving town, with the destination being anywhere but here. The song has some serious syncopated accents and tempo changes that add to the story’s drama. Also, “Heart on Fire” is a good cruising song that celebrates memories of carefree youthful times. It is a great arrangement with a rocking guitar, vibrant piano accompaniment, and powerful backing vocals. “People Break” is a straight forward heartbreak song. “Russian Roulette” is about the gamble of radio channel surfing when your emotions are on the line.
One of the main complaints about country music radio in the last decade, or more, is that many of the artists sound so similar to each other. When an Eric Church song comes on, you know who is singing. He marches to the beat of his own drum, and not just for the sake of being a rebel. He is being himself. The idea to release three projects so close together is not the norm in Nashville, or, for that matter, any other music town. I feel sure that we will be reviewing the Soul album in upcoming weeks. I am a fan of Eric Church’s music, but I am not a member of The Church Choir. So, it may be a while before I review the & album. With that being said, Heart is available now. I recommend giving it a listen today.
April 14, 2021
Amanda Cook is making quite a name for herself. Her first two albums with Mountain Fever Records, Deep Water (2017) and Point of No Return (2019), landed her songs on many bluegrass airplay charts. With that radio exposure, she has gained many new fans. Cook looks to add to the fan base with the release of her latest album, Narrowing the Gap.
The new project features ten songs, and they offer a wide range of subject matter and emotions, as you would expect on a bluegrass album. Narrowing the Gap kicks off with a great train song, “Get on Board”, written by Darrell Hayes and Vida Wakeman , with great interplay between the lightning fast banjo and soaring fiddle. Some of my other favorite songs on the album include, “Lonesome Leaving Train”, written by Cook and Thomm Jutz, which paints a sad picture of a jilted bride. “My Used to Be Blue Ridge Mountain Home”, written by Cook and Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone, is full of thoughts of the old home place. “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over”, written by Craig Market and Thomm Jutz, is about as good of an example of heartbroken lyrics you will find. “Burning Down the Mountain”, written by Mark Brinkman and Steve Wilson, is a moonshine drenched Appalachian ballad. “West Virginia Coal”, written by the husband and wife team of Troy Boone and Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone, is a song about the worst fears of every coal mining family. Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone also wrote a great gospel tune that is included on this album, “Light in This World”.
Amanda Cook has delivered another great album. Her vocals are outstanding, the songwriting superb, and the musicianship is top notch. Speaking of the musicians, the players on this album include, Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone (banjo), George Mason (fiddle), Josh Faul (bass), and the late Aaron “Frosty” Foster (guitar). Jeff Partin (dobro) and Aaron Ramsey (mandolin, guitar, bass) show up on selected tracks. No disrespect to Amanda Cook’s previous projects, but I think that Narrowing the Gap is her best to date. I recommend giving it a listen today.
April 7, 2021
Country music has a long history with the correctional system. From Johnny Cash’s albums at San Quinton and Folsom Prison, to Merle Haggard’s detour to prison in his young adult life, country music has told the stories of prisoners and the experiences that led them to their troubles. This Catch of the Week comes to us from someone that has had more than twenty years behind prison walls. Mickey Lamantia has worked for two decades as a Rhode Island state correctional officer. In addition to his regular job, Lamantia is a singer and songwriter, delivering stone cold country tunes.
Mickey Lamantia’s latest project is Honky Tonk Confessions: The Final Chapter. The eight song EP features seven new songs. The only cover is Waylon Jennings’ “Ladies Love Outlaws”. Jamey Johnson shows up to help on that tune. The other songs were co-written by Lamanatia. The other co-writers include well-known producer Buddy Cannon (Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney), Marla Cannon Goodman (Buddy’s daughter), Larry Shell, and Kyle Reagan. Buddy Cannon and his other daughter, Melonie, help with background vocals. Melonie duets with Lamantia on “If I Don’t Die Before I’m Dead”. You can almost see the neon signs with the first guitar licks of “Honky Tonk Confessions”. There is even a gospel song, “Let Go and Let God”, that will inject your soul with the peace to face life’s hard situations.
People have different tastes. I’ve heard it said that is the reason Baskin-Robbins offers 31 ice cream flavors. So, if you are craving country music that has hints of Waylon Jennings, Vern Gosdin, George Jones, and Jamey Johnson, then you will like this album. It is full of quality songwriting, singing and playing. I recommend giving Mickey Lamantia’s Honky Tonk Confessions: The Final Chapter a listen today.
March 31, 2021
The majority of the albums I review are from artists that are still touring and recording new music. However, this week’s review will be of a recently released album from Tex Williams. He is probably most well remembered for his 1947 hit “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)”, which was number one on the Billboard charts for sixteen weeks. Although not as well-known as his contemporaries Bob Wills, and the Maddox Brothers, Tex Williams was an important, and popular figure in Western swing. A new album of Williams’ previously unreleased recordings is now available, Smokin’ Country Swing – The Lost Tracks.
The album includes tunes you have heard before, from Williams and elsewhere, but these are takes that have never been released. The album’s co-producers Aaron Dethrage and Rex Allen Jr. with Thomas Gramuglia as Executive Producer decided to add modern instruments to the original recordings, and weave them together for a vibrant end product. Here’s the set list for Tex Williams’ Smokin’ Country Swing – The Lost Tracks:
1. Alimony
2. Every Night
3. Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette)
4. Just A Bummin’ Around
5. Long John
6. White Silver Sands
7. Let’s Go Rockabilly
8. Roll On Buddy (Nine Pound Hammer)
9. Roses and Revolvers
10. Sidetracked
11. You’re Cold, So Cold
12. Talkin’ To The Blues
13. Castle Of My Dreams
14. Worried Mind
15. When I Call The Roll
Fans of Western swing will enjoy hearing Tex Williams baritone voice singing and smoothly delivering talking blues accompanied by fiddles and steel guitar. If you are not familiar with the music of Tex Williams, this album is a great entry to his entire catalog. I recommend giving Tex William’s Smokin’ Country Swing – The Lost Tracks a listen today.
March 24, 2021
When you talk about country music icons, Loretta Lynn is listed near the top of the list. The Country Music Hall of Famer has been recording music since 1960. The catalog of songs and albums that followed are legendary. From “Fist City” to “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, Lynn used her own experiences to craft songs that were able to reach the masses. They tapped into the emotions of the listening audience in a way that very few have been able to accomplish. At 88 years of age, Loretta Lynn is still able to reach the audience with an authenticity that cannot be manufactured, rather just documented. Her latest release, the 46th studio album of her illustrious career, Still Woman Enough, has just been released.
Still Woman Enough features new recordings of songs that you will recognize. Some of the songs are from Loretta Lynn’s catalog, including “Honky Tonk Girl”, “One’s on the Way” (featuring Margo Price), “I Wanna Be Free”, “You Ain’t Woman Enough” (featuring Tanya Tucker), “My Love”, the gospel song “Where No One Stands Alone”, and her signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. The latter is a far different take from the original, featuring Lynn giving a recitation of the lyrics with the tune played at a slower tempo on traditional Appalachian instruments. Lynn also covers “I Don’t Feel at Home Anymore”, the Hank Williams classic “I Saw the Light”, “My Old Kentucky Home” (the state song of her native state), and two Carter Family songs (“Keep on the Sunny Side” and “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight”). Loretta Lynn also adds one new song to the mix, “Still Woman Enough” (featuring Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood).
Still Woman Enough was co-produced by John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny Cash, and Loretta Lynn’s daughter, Patsy Lynn Russell. It is the fourth of five planned Loretta Lynn albums recorded at Cash Cabin Studios, the previous releases being Full Circle, White Christmas Blue, and Wouldn’t It Be Great. Do not let the list of cover songs included on Still Woman Enough be a discouragement from trying the album. The 88-year old Lynn’s voice sounds great, and it is a pleasure to hear her take on these songs. I recommend giving Loretta Lynn’s Still Woman Enough a listen today.
March 17, 2021
If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know that I am as big a fan of songwriting as I am singing and playing ability. Many times songwriters are overlooked by the listening public. However, I have always been an admirer of wordsmiths that are able to paint a picture inspired by experience and imagination. When you discover a great songwriter that also has a wonderful singing voice, well, then you have a truly special find. One of those aforementioned unique creatures is Hailey Whitters. She has co-written songs that have been covered by the likes of Little Big Town (“Happy People”) and Alan Jackson (“The Older I Get”). Whitters second solo project, 2020’s The Dream, was ranked as one of the year’s best by many different publications and reviewers. She has released an updated deluxe edition of that album, titled Living the Dream.
The songs originally included on The Dream are outstanding. Some of my favorites include one that Whitters co-wrote with Brandy Clark, “Ten Year Town”. The song is about Nashville, where people work assorted jobs, in addition to taking music gigs, for years to try and become an overnight success. Another favorite is “Janice at the Hotel Bar”, a writing collaboration between Whitters and Lori McKenna. The song is about a wise sage that shares the knowledge that she has learned through her life,”Make good love, good company/Drink good wine, make good coffee/Make a life so good that you ain’t gotta live it twice”. There is also her version of “Happy People”. The new, deluxe album, Living the Dream, adds five new songs, each one a vocal collaboration: “Fillin’ My Cup” (featuring Little Big Town), “Glad to Be Here” (featuring Brent Cobb), “How To Break A Heart” (featuring Lori McKenna & Hillary Lindsey), “How Far Can It Go?” (featuring Trisha Yearwood), and “The Ride” (featuring Jordan Davis).
If you are not familiar with Hailey Whitters, get used to the name. I believe that her name will become more well known as she continues to write great songs. I hope that she will start to gain traction as a performer, too. Her performances have drawn comparisons to Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. It is really unfair to compare artists to each other, but if your are going to be compared to others, Lambert and Musgraves are not bad company. Hailey Whitters’ songwriting and singing are outstanding. Give her album, Living the Dream, a listen today.
March 10, 2021
Brandy Clark is respected in Nashville for her songwriting ability. Her name may not be known among mainstream country fans, but they know the songs she has written: “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert), “Better Dig Two” (The Band Perry), “Follow Your Arrow” and “Biscuits” (Kacey Musgraves). Her songwriting and vocal skills cannot only be found in the aforementioned hits, but also in Clark’s previous albums, 12 Stories and Big Day in a Small Town, and Your Life Is a Record. In celebration of the one-year anniversary of the latter, Brandy Clark has released a deluxe edition, Your Life is a Record (Deluxe).
This album includes expertly placed string and horn arrangements. The sound is a unique addition to a country album, adding layers of musical emotion to further the stories being told without distracting from Clark’s vocals and lyrics. Some of my favorite tracks on Your Life Is a Record (Deluxe), include the sassy “I’ll Be the Sad Song”. It is a beautiful, yet sad, breakup song. “Long Walk” is a sassy song that gives someone that you are fed up with directions of where they can go. “Pawn Shop” is a sad song that uses the title location as the backdrop of where the mementos of a lost love are laid to rest. There are a couple of guest appearances on Your Life Is a Record. Randy Newman duets with Clark on “Bigger Boat”. Although Newman did not write the song, it was written by Clark and Jason Saenz, it sounds like a classic Randy Newman tune. “Bad Car” features Joan Osborne, and they sound great together. The deluxe version has six bonus tracks including “Remember Me Beautiful”, “Like Mine”, two live renditions of two album tracks (“Pawn Shop” and “Who You Thought I Was”), and collaborations with Brandi Carlile (“Same Devil”) and Lindsey Buckingham (“The Past is the Past”).
Your Life is a Record has garnered Brandy Clark two Grammy nominations this year: Best Country Solo Performance (“Who You Thought I Was”) and Best Country Album. The additional six tracks on the deluxe edition is an amazing way to update an album that was already outstanding. Although Clark’s songwriting has found a place on country radio, her voice, for some reason, has not found the same spotlight. That is a crying shame. With each project that Brandy Clark releases, we are reminded that Clark has all the tools to be a superstar. It is very seldom you find such a complete talent package. It is time that country radio opens the package and enjoys the gifts that Brandy Clark has to offer. Give Brandy Clark’s Your Life Is a Record (Deluxe) a listen today.
March 3, 2021
Legend is a word that is thrown around too flippantly these days. There are not that many true legends. The greatness of legends are often only fully realized after a person has passed away. A living legend is a rare category reserved for a person that has had such an impact in their particular fields that their status is heralded in their lifetime. One of the people that soars in such rarefied air is Willie Nelson. His singing and songwriting have been influencing other artists for over six decades. Willie’s discography is vast, including recordings of not only his songs, but his take on the songs of others, including other legends. One of the legends that Willie has covered in the past is Frank Sinatra. Nelson’s 2018 album, My Way, was a tribute to Old Blue Eyes. Willie continues his homage to Frank Sinatra on his latest album, That’s Life.
Willie Nelson offers up eleven songs from Sinatra’s songbook on That’s Life. The arrangements are true to the original, complete with full band arrangements. Some of my favorite tracks on this album include ,” I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning”, and “Luck Be a Lady”. “Lonesome Road” and “Learnin’ the Blues” are also outstanding songs. There is a nice duet with Diana Krall duets on “I Won’t Dance”. Willie Nelson teams up with producers Buddy Cannon and Matt Rollings to present this tribute to Frank Sinatra’s songs.
One day Willie Nelson will stop touring and recording. That day is not here yet. Including That’s Life, the 87 year-old Country Music Hall of Famer has released eight albums since 2016. As concerts are beginning to happen again after the big shutdown during the 2020 pandemic, Willie has dates scheduled later this year. I hope that he includes a song or two from Old Blue Eyes in his sets. I recommend giving Willie Nelson’s That’s Life a listen today.
February 24, 2021
Dale Ann Bradley is one of the foremost female vocalists in bluegrass music today, and she has been for many years. Whether as a solo artist or as a member of Sister Sadie, Bradley’s talent shines. She has been nominated for two Grammys, received five IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards, and is a member of the Kentucky Hall of Fame. Last year, Dale Ann Bradley left the group, Sister Sadie, to focus on new solo work. She has just released a new solo album, Things She Couldn’t Get Over.
Bradley’s new album features ten tracks, including three songs that she wrote or co-wrote (“Living on the Edge”, “Things She Couldn’t Get Over”, and “Lynwood”). There are also a couple of cover songs. “L.A. International Airport”, a 1971 hit for Susan Raye, and John Anderson’s song about the Trail of Tears, “Yellow Creek”. Each song on the album, like all of her other projects, shows the care that Bradley takes in selecting songs that suits her voice perfectly. I think she has one of the best voices for singing storytelling songs. That is why it is nearly impossible for me to pick a favorite song from Things She Couldn’t Get Over.
I want to take a moment to mention the musicians on Things She Couldn’t Get Over. Her touring band, Moon Runner, consisting of Matt Leadbetter, Kim Fox, Ethan Burkhardt, and Mike Sumner, are excellent. There are also guest appearances from Michael Cleveland, Ronnie Bowman, Jim Hurst, Aaron Bibelhauser and Ashby Frank. Dale Ann Bradley has done it again! She has released an album that you can enjoy from beginning to end. The singing, playing, songwriting, song selection, and production is outstanding. I recommend giving Dale Ann Bradley’s new album, Things She Couldn’t Get Over, a listen today.
February 17, 2021
Talent contest TV shows have always struck a chord with US viewing audience. From shows like Star Search to America’s Got Talent, these type of shows have a proven track record for drawing ratings. Some of the most popular talent contest shows focus solely on singing, with American Idol and The Voice leading the way. This week I will focus on a new release from a recent winner of season 17 of The Voice, Jake Hoot. His first major release is the EP Love Out of Time.
Before winning The Voice, Jake Hoot has had an interesting, exciting life. Born in Texas, he moved with his family to the Dominican Republic, where his parents were Christian missionaries. By the way, during his stay there, Hoot learned to fluently speak Spanish. He lived there from 1988-2008. After returning to the US, Hoot attended and played football at Tennessee Tech University. After graduating, he got a job, and in his spare time Hoot polished his musical skills. He got his big break when he appeared on The Voice, and convinced judge Kelly Clarkson to turn around her chair during the blind auditions after hearing Hoot’s rendition of Luke Combs’ “When It Rains It Pours”.
Jake Hoot’s Love Out of Time is a great way to expand upon the talent he displayed on The Voice. The EP has 5 tracks, including a duet with Kelly Clarkson (“I Would’ve Loved You”). He also shows off his aforementioned Spanish language skills on a cover of the Ritchie Valens classic, “La Bamba”. My favorite song on this project is “Somethin’ We Can Slow Dance To”. Hoot’s voice has a tone and quality that is unique. If his voice is allowed to shine, front and center, and not covered up with overproduced musical tracks, Hoot could become a very successful country artist. We get a small glimpse of that potential on Love Out of Time. I recommend giving it a listen today.
February 10, 2021
Some of America’s greatest storytellers are from the south. Many scholars debate the reasons, but the fact cannot be denied. When storytellers are lauded, songwriters are sometimes overlooked with authors receiving most of the accolades. I am not here to take away from writers of novels and short stories. I just want to make sure some of the spotlight is on songwriters, who paint portraits with lyrics set to music in just around three and half minutes. This week I look to North Georgia and a songwriter that carries on the long tradition of southern songwriters. His name is Pony Bradshaw, and his latest album is Calico Jim.
Pony Bradshaw is a fairly new arrival to the national music scene. He released his first album in 2019 at the age of 38. You may think that is a late start for a singer-songwriter. I think it means he has more life experiences to draw from. Bradshaw sketches characters that you feel like you know, that might even be kin. In the hands of a lesser songwriter, the subjects of Calico Jim could be seen as a caricature of hillbillies. However, these are more like snapshots. What you see is what you get. They are proud of who they are, the life they live, and are not looking to get away. It is just people surviving the best way they know how and carrying on in a tradition that has been passed down through the generations, from the guys stealing copper in “Dope Mountain” to the snake-handling preacher in “Hillbilly Possessed”. I enjoyed each track, but, in addition to those already mentioned, “Sawtooth Jericho” and the title track are my favorites.
There seems to be a resurgence in singer-songwriters that are able to write about the world around them. Songwriters like Jason Isbell and Tyler Childers are among the leaders in this movement. You can add Pony Bradshaw to their ranks. His attention to detail in the lyrics are like an artist’s brush strokes that make up a larger picture. I recommend giving Pony Bradshaw’s Calico Jim a listen today.
February 3, 2021
I normally do not review instrumental albums. I appreciate the musicianship that is displayed on those albums. However, I generally gravitate toward projects that showcase great songwriting, singing, production, and playing. This week I will make an exception. I have always been a fan of the music of Doc & Merle Watson. I have enjoyed their albums, most of which feature lyrical songs, throughout the years. Their playing ability was also featured as much as the singing. Doc & Merle are no longer with us (Merle passed away after a tractor accident in 1985, and Doc died in 2012), but their music lives on. There is a new collection of songs, all instrumental, that I will be reviewing, Doc & Merle Watson’s Songs Doc Didn’t Sing.
There are fifteen songs on the album, all recorded in the early 1980s. In addition to the expert playing of Doc and Merle, other artists make appearances on Songs Doc Didn’t Sing. The guests include Mark O’Connor, Byron Berline, Sam Bush, Tom Scott, T. Michael Coleman, Hank “Bones” Kahn, and Ron Tutt. You will recognize some of the songs from the repertoire of Doc & Merle: “Windy & Warm”, “Carroll County Blues”, “Black Mountain Rag”, and “Talking to Casey”.
This album is a reminder of just how good Doc & Merle were. Whether picking old fiddle tunes, original tunes (“Below Freezing”), or having Merle pick up his slide (“Talking to Casey”), the duo were an acoustic powerhouse. Even though I have recordings of some of the songs featured on this new project, I will be adding Songs Doc Didn’t Sing to my collection. I recommend giving this album a listen today.
January 27, 2021
There are many musical sidemen that never stand in the spotlight. They make up the bands that support the star singers that stand front and center and are known worldwide. Without those instrumentalist and background singers, the stars’ hits would sound much different. Even in a musical style like bluegrass, in which more attention is paid to each instrumentalist as they take musical breaks that highlight their superb talent, most are known as members of a group that backs up a renowned bandleader. It is always great to see these musicians step out and release their own project. Justin Moses has done just that with his latest album, Fall Like Rain.
Justin Moses is a multi-instrumentalist, and has worked as a sideman with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder(banjo), and with Blue Highway (dobro). He has shared the stage with artists like, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Marty Stuart. His latest album, Fall Like Rain, finds Moses front and center. The album features 10 songs, and is a mixture of lyrical songs and instrumentals. He called on some of his bluegrass friends to help on this project, including Sierra Hull (Moses’ wife), Stuart Duncan, Bryan Sutton, Cody Kilby, Barry Bales, Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, and Jerry Douglas. Some of the songs that stand out on the project include the title track, an Eric Clapton tune which features Moses on lead vocals, “Between the Lightning and the Thunder” featuring Dan Tyminski, “Looking for a Place” featuring Shawn Lane (Blue Highway) and Jerry Douglas on dobro. “My Baby’s Gone” featuring Del McCoury, and the instrumental “Taxland” featuring Sierra Hull.
I enjoyed each track on Fall Like Rain. The song selection, vocals, and, of course, instrumental performances are top notch. I must commend the order of songs on the album. It alternates from a lyrical song to an instrumental tune. The project flows so smoothly because of this choice. I am always pleased to see world-class sideman step from the shadows into the spotlight. Justin Moses’ Fall Like Rain proves that he deserves to be standing front and center in the spotlight.
January 20, 2021
Aaron Watson is one of the most successful independent country music artists today. He is the first solo male performer to have a Number One album on the charts without being signed to a major label. He gained a lot of attention with that album, Underdog, but Watson was no stranger to making albums. In fact, his first project was released in 1999. He has released over 16 projects in his career, and his latest is called American Soul.
Even if you did not know about his DIY approach to becoming a country star, you can sense his independent spirit through his music. There is no doubt that Aaron Watson is country. This project features a good dose of fiddle behind Aaron Watson’s excellent vocals. The majority of the songs on American Soul are upbeat, and not too serious. However, these songs are not just fluff. We know that Watson can hit you with some thought provoking songs. It seems that Watson will be releasing another album later this year. Perhaps we will get the deeper lyrics on that album. However, that is not a knock on this album. It is a fun listen, and a welcome change from the doom and gloom of 2020. Some of my favorite songs on this album include, “Long Live Cowboys”, “Boots”, and his tribute to the military members, “Dog Tags”.
I tend to gravitate towards songs that have a serious message. Aaron Watson has proven with his previous albums that he can make songs that fit that bill. However, it is good to be reminded that sometimes you need to forget about all of your troubles and cares, and just let your hair down and enjoy life. I appreciate Aaron Watson releasing this album during such a troubling time. Perhaps it will help us forget about the pandemic, political strife, and social unrest that we have recently experienced. I recommend kicking back and giving Aaron Watson’s American Soul a listen today.
January 13, 2021
Barry Gibb is mainly known for the songs he created and performed with his brother in the group the Bee Gees. They made songs that have endured for more than five decades. Many people only know them for those songs. However, they also wrote many songs for other artists, including “Islands in the Stream”, a huge hit for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Nashville has always shown a lot of respect for the talent of the Bee Gees. Barry Gibb, the lone remaining brother from the group, has been seen in Nashville in recent years. He was a guest on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing with Ricky Skaggs, and, at one time, owned the former home of Johnny Cash. I mention that to differentiate Gibb from artists from other genres that use Nashville as a pit stop to boost their struggling career. He gets country music and the country music community. That is why it was no surprise to see Barry Gibb team up with producer Dave Cobb to record an album of Bee Gees material with a who’s who of country stars.
Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook (Vol. 1)features 12 songs from the pen of the Brothers Gibb. Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile, and Sheryl Crow are among the artists that show up to duet with Barry Gibb. I enjoyed each song on this album. Some of my favorites from this project include, Jason Isbell on “Words of a Fool”, Alison Krauss on “Too Much Heaven”, Dolly Parton on “Words”, and David Rawlings & Gillian Welch on “Butterfly”.
Some country music fans may scratch their heads when they see country artists lining up to record an album of Bee Gees material with Barry Gibb. I think it makes perfect sense. The Bee Gees music has something that a lot of music, regardless of genre, is lacking today, and that is soul. Their lyrics touch people deep in their soul. That is something that the Gibb’s songs have in common with country music. It is a music that moves the people from the first moment they hear it, and it sticks with them long after the initial spin. I recommend giving Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook (Vol. 1) a listen today.
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