Porkchop

Porkchop’s Catch of the Week

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September 27, 2023

Since hitting the national scene in 2017, Ashley McBryde has gained critical acclaim and commercial success. I believe one of the reasons for her success is that McBryde’s vocals make her easily recognizable in a landscape of sound alike artists. Another reason is her songwriting talent. McBryde’s songwriting is step above much of what is offered in today’s mainstream country landscape. Those talents are on display again on Ashley McBryde’s latest album is The Devil I Know.

The album features 12 songs, all of which Ashley McBryde had a hand in writing. You get a variety of moods throughout the album, from the rocking opening track “Made For This” to the final tender, yet powerful, “6^th of October”. The lead single, “Light On In the Kitchen”, is a great song that has performed very well on the charts. There are so many other great tracks on the album too. However, a few that stood out include “Coldest Beer in Town”, a song full of heartache. “Learned To Lie” is a raw, confessional song that deals with family issues. “Coolest Little Bars” is a loving salute to the unique watering holes everywhere. Here’s the complete track list for The Devil I Know:

Made For This (Ashley McBryde and Travis Meadows)
Coldest Beer in Town (Ashley McBryde, Autumn McEntire and Nicolette Hayford)
Light On In The Kitchen (Ashley McBryde, Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington)
Women Ain’t Whiskey (Ashley McBryde, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite and Chris LaCorte)
Learned To Lie (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford and Sean McConnell)
The Devil I Know (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Stover and Bobby Pinson)
Single At The Same Time (Ashley McBryde, Benjy Davis and Andy Albert)
Cool Little Bars (Ashley McBryde, Trick Savage and Lainey Wilson)
Whiskey and Country Music (Ashley McBryde, John Osborne and Lee Thomas Miller)
Blackout Betty (Ashley McBryde, Aaron Raitiere and Nicolette Hayford)
6th Of October (Ashley McBryde, Blue Foley and CJ Field)

When it comes to McBryde’s songwriting and singing, her talent puts her near the top of the list of country artists today. Listening to her projects, you do not get the feeling that she is releasing songs or albums just to fill a contracted commitment. McBryde takes great care in the crafting and presentation of each song. You can hear and feel that on this album. I recommend giving Ashley McBrydes’s The Devil I Know a listen today.

September 20, 2023

The legendary Willie Nelson’ singing, songwriting, and guitar playing have been influencing artists for over six decades. The Red Headed Stranger has released an unbelievable number of albums during his career. In recent years he has released two or three albums each year. Although mostly closely associated with country music, Nelson has released albums in many different genres. His latest album finds Willie trying his hand at performing his songs in a bluegrass style.

Instead of writing or searching for new songs for this album, Willie takes the same approach that Sturgill Simpson employed on his Cuttin’ Grass albums. Nelson’s Bluegrass album features twelve of his previous songs done in the aforementioned genre. Willie turned to his recent go to producer Buddy Cannon to help him with the song selection. Because I am such a fan of Willie Nelson’s music, it is difficult to pick a favorite track on the album. They all sound great with the bluegrass treatment. Here is the complete track listing for Willie Nelson’s Bluegrass:

No Love Around
Somebody Pick Up My Pieces
Good Hearted Woman
Sad Songs And Waltzes
Home Motel
You Left Me A Long, Long Time Ago
Yesterday’s Wine
Bloody Mary Morning
Slow Down Old World
Still Is Still Moving To Me
On The Road Again
Man With The Blues

This album’s success is due in large part to the cast of pickers that serve as Willie’s backing band on Bluegrass. The all-star lineup includes Aubrey Haynie on fiddle, Rob Ickes on reso-guitar, Ron Block is on banjo, Barry Bales on bass, Dan Tyminski and Seth Taylor on mandolin, Josh Martin and Bob Terry on guitars. Add to that, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, and Buddy and Melanie Cannon singing harmony. As I have said many times before, long live Willie Nelson. Check out his latest album, Bluegrass.

September 13, 2023

With the flurry of albums released in the last few months, plus new albums released each week, it is taking me a while to get to all of the projects that deserve to be reviewed. I am happy to finally getting around to reviewing the new album from Dale Ann Bradley. She is one of the foremost female vocalists in bluegrass music today, and she has been for many years. Bradley has received six IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards, and is a member of the Kentucky Hall of Fame. It has been a few years since her last release. Her much anticipated new album, Kentucky For Me, has been released.

As you might suspect by the album’s title, the album is a tribute to Kentucky, Dale Ann Bradley’s home state. There is a Kentucky connection in each track, either through the subject matter of the song or with fellow guest artists who are Kentuckians. There are eleven tracks in all on Kentucky For Me, and, as expected with a Dale Ann Bradley album, she is not afraid to cover songs from other genres in a bluegrass style. Some of my favorite tracks on this project include “The Sun is Going to Shine” featuring JP Pennington of the chart-topping country group Exile, Bradley and Dave Adkins covering the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers/Stevie Nicks’ collaboration “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”, and the title track (written by Tom T. Hall) which is a duet with Larry Cordle. Here’s a complete track listing for Kentucky For Me:

The Sun Is Going To Shine feat. JP Pennington (written by JP Pennington, Amanda Rae Martin)
Kentucky Gold feat. Sam Bush (written by W. Carson, Ronnie Reno)
Kentucky For Me feat. Larry Cordle (written by Tom T. Hall)
Dogwood Winter (written by Steve Gulley, Tim Stafford)
Appalachian Blue feat. John Cowan (written by Donna Anderson, Michael Anderson)
One By One feat. Danny Paisley (written by Jack Anglin, Jim Anglin, Johnnie Wright)
I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal feat. John Conlee (written by Billy Joe Shaver)
God Already Has (written by Mark Brinkman, David Stewart)
Love Train feat. Rebecca Lynn Howard(written by Kim Fox)
Poor Man’s Pride feat. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (written by Catherine Elisabeth Britt, Guy Charles Clark, Jerry Dean, JR Salley)
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around feat. Dave Adkins (written by Mike Campbell, Tom Petty)

Even though I mentioned my favorite tracks, I want to point out that there is not a track I wanted to skip. This is one of those albums I can listen to again and again. In fact, when it comes to Dale Ann Bradley’s projects, this is par for the course. The singing, playing, song selection, and production is outstanding. I recommend giving Dale Ann Bradley’s new album, Kentucky For Me, a listen today.

September 6, 2023

The Turnpike Troubadours have been making music together since 2005. They started releasing albums in 2007 and have steadily gained an ever growing fan base. The Turnpike Troubadours were introduced to a wider audience when their music was included in TV series Yellowstone. The band took a hiatus in 2019, and many fans were devastated, thinking this was the end of one of the more popular Red Dirt Music acts. Rumors started to swirl in 2021 that the band may be hitting the road and working on an album. They were back to performing together in 2022, and they have just released a new album, A Cat in the Rain.

The Turnpike Troubadours members are the same as you remember: Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Hank Early (pedal steel), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), and Gabe Pearson (drums). The new project features 10 songs, many written by the group’s lead vocalist, Evan Felker. As usual the Troubadours songs have a quality more akin to Jerry Jeff Walker and Guy Clark than any mainstream country. There is not a track I wanted to skip on this album, but one of my favorite tracks on the album is “Mean Old Sun”. Here is a complete track listing for A Cat in the Rain:

Mean Old Sun
Brought Me
Lucille
Chipping Mill
The Rut
A Cat in the Rain
Black Sky
East Side Love Song (Bottoms Up)
Three More Days
Won’t You Give Me One More Chance

The songwriting and song selection on A Cat in the Rain is outstanding. The musical performances, as always, are soulfully superb. I have to mention Shooter Jennings, the producer of the album. With a group like the Turnpike Troubadours, the wrong producer could destroy the feeling that the group conveys in their musical and vocal delivery. It seems that Jennings set the table for the Troubadours to naturally shine through. I highly recommend giving the Turnpike Troubadours’ A Cat in the Rain a listen today.

August 30, 2023

Tim O’Brien is a highly regarded singer, songwriter and musician. Whether playing with Hot Rize, touring and recording with other artists, or as a solo artist, his talent is evident through his expansive body of work. Even though he is respected, I do not believe that Tim O’Brien’s genius is truly appreciated. He has always been able to transfer effortlessly from one genre to the next without a hiccup. Most importantly, the transitions are not just for the point of showing off his versatility, as some artists are known to do. Rather, Tim O’Brien’s approach is to give each individual song whatever musical underpinning it needs, and he is an expert at doing just that. Tim O’Brien’s expertise is on display on his latest offering, Cup of Sugar.

Although Tim O’Brien has had a long career, this is the first album he has ever released that he had a hand in writing every one of the project’s songs. I have always enjoyed his unique writing style, and it is on full display on Cup of Sugar. There are songs from the perspective of animals (“Thinkin’ Like a Fish” and “Bear”), a grave digger (“The Pay’s a Lot Better Too”), and even Walter Cronkite (“The Anchor”). It is truly hard for me to choose a favorite song from this album. As soon as I listen to a song and I think I have discovered my favorite tune on this project, the next song comes on, and my mind is changed. Here’s a track listing for Cup of Sugar:

Bear
Let the Horses Run
Stuck in the Middle
Thinkin’ Like a Fish
Cup of Sugar
The Pay’s a Lot Better Too
Shout Lulu
The Anchor
She Can’t, He Won’t and They’ll Never
Diddleye Day
Little Lamb Little Lamb
Goodbye Old Friend
Gila Headwaters

Although Tim O’Brien is a highly respected artist, I believe he is not fully appreciated. His expert musicianship and that of the other musicians on the album flow effortlessly in various styles from song to song. O’Brien’s ability to write and perform songs that have multiple layers is amazing. He can deliver songs that on the surface are humorous. However, just below the surface the same lyrics can be thought provoking. I highly recommend giving Tim O’Brien’s Cup of Sugar a listen today.

August 23, 2023

There has been a swell of popularity of singer-songwriters in country music circles. Although they are not regulars on country music radio, fans have sought out those songwriters that display gritty authenticity that has not been polished by the Nashville music machine. Some of the artists that have made a mark include Cody Jinks, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, and Margo Price. It seems that some major labels have realized that there is money to be made with the rising class of singer-songwriters. Many of the labels have moved to sign these artists. This week’s review is from one of the new major label signees.

Colby Acuff’s first major label release, Western White Pines, is out on Sony Music Nashville. The Idaho native is not a novice when it comes to music. He began learning instruments at the age of 5, and he performed for the first time at the age of 12. Acuff has released three independent albums before Western White Pines. He wrote or co-wrote each of the new album’s 10 tracks. Acuff’s vocals have a laid back approach that puts me in mind of Brent Cobb, although the two have different tones to their voices. Some of the tracks that stand out include “Boy and a Bird Dog”, a song that switches back and forth from the perspective of the aforementioned boy and dog. The title track is so well written that you can almost see the landscape that Acuff describes. “Better Man” propels the outlaw spirit that is interwoven throughout the entire project. Here’s the complete track list for Western White Pines:

Western White Pines
One Day At A Time
Playing God Again
Outlaw in Me
Boy And A Bird Dog
Better Man
Hard Livin’ Life
Welcome to Toms
All I Got
Rolling With The Wind

Having a major label release will definitely help draw attention to any artist’s music. Colby Acuff might be new to the major label, but he has put in the time as an independent artist and those projects deserves a listen, too. The songwriting, singing, and musical performances on this new project are outstanding. I highly recommend giving Colby Acuff’s Western White Pines a listen today.

August 16, 2023

In recent years, Ward Davis has become one of my favorite songwriters. I became familiar with him through his 2015 release 15 Years in a 10 Year Town. Whether through his solo work, teaming up with Cody Jinks, or having his songs covered by the likes of Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard, I have enjoyed Davis’ work. I reviewed his album Black Cats and Crows in 2020, and it was one of that year’s best projects. I must admit that his latest project somehow slipped under my radar. That is why I not only look to the list of albums’ future release dates, but also check to see if I missed anything. Inevitably, I will often find a gem when I take a second look, and I have found another one in Ward Davis’ Sunday Morning.

The project’s title may lead you to think that this is a gospel album. I guess you can say it is, but not in the traditional sense. You will not find covers of well-known hymns or worship songs. Rather, this album is an emotional, raw look at the spiritual and human struggles that people encounter every day. By the way, he tackles the deep subject matter, and nails it, in only 4 songs. It is truly amazing how Davis’ words and vocals draw you into the song. You can almost feel the emotions that he presents in each song. Of the songs, Ward Davis had a hand in writing 3 of the 4 songs: “Day One” (written w/Greg Jones), “Into the River” (written w/the project’s producer Jim “Moose” Brown), and “Goodbye World” (written by Davis). He also includes a soulful version of James Taylor’s “Lo and Behold”. Each song is great, but my favorite is “Day One”. The song is about the struggles of a recovering addict. I think the song will resonate with many listeners who have dealt with addiction personally, or those that have had addicted friends and family members.

Ward Davis is able to deeply touch your emotions in 4 songs in a way that some artists are unable to do on full length album. That speaks to his writing talent. In addition to his expert songwriting, Davis’s delivery conveys emotions that intensify the EP’s impact on the listener. I have been a fan of Ward Davis for many years. This new project has done nothing but strengthen my admiration of his work. I recommend giving Ward Davis’ Sunday Morning a listen today.

August 9, 2023

On their own, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin are masters at their craft. Gill is known for his tenor vocals and hot guitar licks, while Franklin is one of country music’s greatest steel guitar players. The two combined their forces over 10 years ago on the critically acclaimed album Bakersfield. That album was a tribute to the music of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Vince Gill and Paul Franklin have teamed up again for another tribute album, Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys.

While Bakersfield featured many songs that were easily recognizable, the new album finds Gill and Franklin took a different approach. You will not find Ray Price’s well-known hits, like “Heartaches By The Number”, “Crazy Arms” or “For The Good Times”. Rather, they dive deep into Ray Price’s extensive catalog. To be more accurate, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin searched for the music of not only Ray Price, but of his band, The Cherokee Cowboys. Ray Price’s career is divided into two parts: the 1950s honky tonk style, featuring the 4/4 “Ray Price Shuffle”, and the 1960s string laden tracks that helped push forward what would become known as the “Nashville Sound”. Although this album features songs from both sections of Ray Price’s recording career, you will not find lush string arrangements. This is a honky tonk project, even on the slower songs. Here is the complete track listing for Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys:

One More Time {written by Mel Tillis}
I’d Fight The World {written by Hank Cochran and Joe Allison}
You Wouldn’t Know Love {written by Hank Cochran and Dave Kirby}
Walkin’ Slow (And Thinking ‘Bout Her) {written by Bobby Bare and Lance Guynes}
The Same Two Lips {written by Marty Robbins}
Weary Blues From Waitin’ {written by Hank Williams Sr.}
Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold) {written by Mel Tillis, Ray Price and Wayne Walker)
Sweet Memories {written by Mickey Newbury}
Danny Boy {written by Fred E. Weatherly}
Your Old Love Letters {written by Ray Price}
Healing Hands Of Time {written by Willie Nelson}

Vince Gill and Paul Franklin have done it again. Their attempt to pay tribute to the legends of country music, first with Merle Haggard & Buck Owens, and now Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys, hits the bullseye. Unlike a lot of tribute albums, this album is alive and fresh with Gill and Franklin’s musical interpretations. I hope that every listener, whether longtime Ray Price fans or new country music, will enjoy the album. Then, go back and dig into the catalog of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys, a group that over the years featured many future country superstars, including Johnny Paycheck, Roger Miller, and Willie Nelson. I know Vince Gill and Paul Franklin have busy schedules, but I hope they will continue to pay tribute to past country stars. I recommend giving Vince Gill and Paul Franklin’s Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys a listen today.

August 2, 2023

Molly Tuttle’s music is no stranger to the Catch of the Week. Her albums When You’re Ready and Crooked Tree were both reviewed here. In case you are not familiar with Molly Tuttle, let me give you a quick look at her background. Molly Tuttle has been playing guitar since she was 8 years old, performing on stage for the first time at the age of 11 with her father, Jack. Tuttle’s songwriting skills were evident at an early age, winning the Chris Young songwriting competition at MerleFest. She also received a scholarship in 2012 to Berklee School of Music. Tuttle also has the distinction of being the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year Award in 2017. For an encore, she repeated as the 2018 award winner. Molly also won the 2022 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Award, and Best Bluegrass Album at the 65^th Annual Grammy Awards for Crooked Tree. That album was her first bluegrass style album. Her latest project, City of Gold, continues in the bluegrass vein.

Molly Tuttle not only brought her voice and hot guitar licks to the recording sessions for City of Gold, but she also brought her pen. Tuttle co-wrote all of the albums songs. There are a few other writers on the album, but Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) co-wrote every song on the project. All of the tracks on the album are outstanding. A few of my favorites include “El Dorado”, a song that paints a picture of characters involved in the gold rush. I also enjoyed “San Joaquin”, the story of a smuggler on a train. It is high speed bluegrass storytelling at its’ best. “Yosemite”, a duet featuring Dave Matthews, is a well-crafted song about a couple going through some rough patches in their relationship and how they hope to fix the problems. I will mention one more song that stood out on City of Gold. “Alice in the Bluegrass” is a retelling of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, except in a rural setting. Here is the complete tracklisting for Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s City of Gold:

El Dorado
Where Did All the Wild Things Go?
San Joaquin
Yosemite (feat. Dave Matthews)
Next Rodeo
When My Race Is Run
Alice in the Bluegrass
Stranger Things
Down Home Dispensary
More Like a River
Goodbye Mary
Evergreen, OK
The First Time I Fell in Love

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway are comprised of top shelf pickers. In addition to Molly Tuttle on guitar, there is Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on fiddle, Dominick Leslie playing mandolin, Kyle Tuttle on banjo, and bassist Shelby Means. Jerry Douglas adds dobro on several tracks. He also serves as co-producer on City of Gold, along with Molly Tuttle. With the great playing, singing, songwriting, and production, City of Gold is one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I have encountered this year. I recommend giving it a listen today.

July 26, 2023

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, and she won the 2021 Best Country Song Grammy Award for her hand in writing The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table”. Although she has been recognized as one of the preeminent country music songwriters of our time, she is largely overlooked as performer. Her previous albums, The Bird and The Rifle and The Tree, and The Balladeer are testaments to McKenna’s talents. Those gifts are on display again on Lori McKenna’s latest album, 1988.

As expected, Lori McKenna wrote or co-wrote each of the album’s 10 tracks. Her songwriting is what she is mainly known for. However, as I noted previously, I love to hear her sing. McKenna’s voice sounds great on 1988. The album’s name is a reference to the year she and her husband married. In addition to the nod to her husband, Lori McKenna gets some other family members involved in this project. Her son Chris co-wrote “Happy Children”, while her other son, Brian, co-wrote the title track. Lori McKenna has an ability to write songs in which the listener can connect. Some of my favorite tracks on the album include, “The Old Woman in Me”, “The Town in Your Heart”, and “The Tunnel”. Here is the complete tracklist for Lori McKenna’s 1988:

Lori McKenna – 1988

The Old Woman in Me
Happy Children
Killing Me feat. Hillary Lindsey
Days Are Honey
1988
Growing Up
Wonder Drug
The Town in Your Heart
Letting People Down
The Tunnel

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. McKenna’s songs have a way of pulling you in from the first lyrics to the last word. I must mention that Dave Cobb serves as the producer on 1988. He shows again that he has an expert ability to highlight the talents of the artist he is working with. The focus is on McKenna’s voice, and her ability to tell stories through songs that are relatable. I recommend giving 1988 a listen today.

July 19, 2023

We were introduced to the music of Colter Wall through his 2018 album, Songs of the Plains. Then, we reviewed his excellent album Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs. The 28 year-old Canadian’s baritone voice sounds much older than his years, and it is one of the most unusual, recognizable voices today. I have never been a cowboy, but hearing Wall’s music made me wish I was a cowpoke, sitting around a campfire, and listening to trail songs after a hard day riding the range. His songs are truly the western in country & western music. In addition to the western songs, Wall does his fair share of honky tonk tunes. Colter Wall is back with a new album that again mixes country and western and honky tonk songs.

Little Songs includes ten songs, nine of which Colter Wall wrote. The lone exception is the Hoyt Axton/Ken Higginbotham song, “Evangelina”. From the opening track, “Prairie Evening/Sage Brush Waltz”, to the final track, “The Last Loving Words”, Colter Wall transports the listener to western settings that most have only seen on TV and in the movies. Some of my favorite tracks on Little Songs include, “Prairie Evening/Sagebrush Waltz”, “The Coyote & The Cowboy”, “Cow/Calf Blue Yodel”, and “Honky Tonk Nighthawk”. Here’s the complete track listing for Little Songs:

Prairie Evening/Sagebrush Waltz
Standing Here
Corralling The Blues
The Coyote & The Cowboy
Honky Tonk Nighthawk
For a Long While
Cow/Calf Blue Yodel
Little Songs
Evangelina
The Last Loving Words

Colter Wall is a DYI artist. He wrote the songs, sang, played guitar, and co-produced Little Songs. The other co-producer on this album was Patrick Lyons. He also played multiple instruments on this project, including pedal steel, mandolin, and dobro, just to name a few. The other musicians on Little Songs include, Doug Moreland (fiddle), Jason Simpson (bass), Jake Groves (harmonica), and Russell Patterson (drums). The instrumental work paired with Wall’s lyrics and vocals were a perfect equation to make Little Songs such an enjoyable album. If you are looking to escape from what is routinely offered on mainstream country radio and want something a little more honest and authentic, give Little Songs a listen.

July 12, 2023

Brennen Leigh is a respected singer-songwriter. She has achieved success as a songwriter, with her songs having been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Crowell, and Sunny Sweeney. It was my pleasure to review her superb 2022 album Obsessed With the West featuring Asleep at the Wheel. It was a wonderful foray into the world of western swing. I would be lying if I did not say I was curious how Brennen Leigh was going to follow such a well-received project. I do not have to wonder any longer because Brennen Leigh’s new album, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet, has just been released.

The new project features twelve new songs. Brennen Leigh is credited as the writer or co-writer on each of the songs. The music on Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet is outstanding. The fiddle, steel guitar, piano, and upright bass capture the sound of 1950s & ‘60s Nashville. Just as I was amazed with Leigh’s ability to write new songs in a western swing style on Obsessed With the West, she does again on the new album. If you did not know better, you would think that Brennen Leigh is covering classic songs. Some of my favorite songs on Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet include “Running Out of Hope, Arkansas”, a song that would also sound great as a bluegrass song. I also liked the ode of a truck driving queen, “Carole With An E” and the hilarious “You Turned Into a Dragon”. “Mississippi Rendezvous” might be the best track on the album. Leigh’s vocals are top notch, as well as the call and response on the chorus between her and the backup singers. Here’s the complete track listing for Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet:

Running Out of Hope, Arkansas
Somebody’s Drinking About You
The Red Flags You Were Waving
I Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet
Mississippi Rendezvous
Carole With An E
The Bar Should Say Thanks
Every Time I Do
Throwing Away a Precious Jewel
I’m Still Looking for You
When Lonely Came to Town
You Turned Into a Dragon

Just as Brennen Leigh embraced western swing on Obsessed With the West, she nails the honky tonk sounds of Nashville’s golden era. In addition to Leigh’s outstanding songwriting and singing, Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives) serves as the producer, as well as playing guitar, and provided background vocals. Others that contributed to the album include Marty Stuart (mandolin), Aaron Till (fiddle and acoustic guitar), Tommy Hannum (pedal steel and dobro), Micah Hulscher (piano), Alec Newman (upright bass), and Nate Felty (drums). There are several folks that provided background vocals, including Rodney Crowell. If you need a dose of pure country music, Brennen Leigh has just what you are looking for on Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet. I recommend giving it a listen today.

June 28, 2023

Dan Tyminski has been a fixture in bluegrass music since the 1990s, playing with the Lonesome River Band before joining Alison Krauss & Union Station in 1994. He went on to critical and commercial success for his recording of the classic “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” for the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou’ movie soundtrack, and his collaboration with Avicii on the song “Hey Brother”. Tyminski has also released several solo albums, and created the Dan Tyminski Band to tour in support of his solo projects when AKUS is on hiatus. His incredible vocals and strong rhythm guitar work is emulated by bluegrassers everywhere. In 2022, Tyminski released his tribute to the late Tony Rice, the excellent EP One More Time Before You Go: A Tribute to Tony Rice. With the release of that EP, word came out that he was working on a full length album to be released in 2023. Well, the wait is over. Dan Tyminski’s new album, God Fearing Heathen, is now available.

The new album features 10 songs, and with the exception of a bluegrass rendition of “Hey Brother”, all of the songs are new. Tyminski co-wrote many of the songs on God Fearing Heathen. Some of my favorite tracks include “Hey Brother”, “Occam’s Razor”, “G.O.A.T”, “Keep Your Eyes on Kentucky”, “Silence in the Brandy”, and the title track. Here is the complete track listing for the album:

God Fearing Heathen

Never Comin’ Home
Hey Brother
Keep Your Eye on Kentucky
Never Met a Stranger
Silence in the Brandy
God Fearing Heathen
G.O.A.T
No Song to Sing
Occam’s Razor
Ode to Jimmy

It goes without saying that Dan Tyminski is the star of this album. However, the supporting cast, the Dan Tyminski Band, is a huge part of this album’s greatness. The band consists of Jason Davis on banjo, Gaven Largent on dobro, Maddie Denton on fiddle, Harry Clark on mandolin, and Grace Davis on bass. Their expert playing, Tyminski’s powerful vocals and musicianship, along with the outstanding songwriting make God Fearing Heathen a definite keeper. I recommend giving it a listen today.

June 21, 2023

Marty Stuart has an elite musical pedigree that includes performing and touring with Country Music Hall of Famers Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash, having success as a solo artist in the 1990s, being a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 30 years, and being inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2020. With that long list of accomplishments, you could not blame Stuart if he leaned back and propped up his cowboy boots and just relaxed. However, that does not seem to be something that is in his DNA. Marty Stuart has been touring and recording with his group, The Fabulous Superlatives, since 2002, and he is not just going through the motions. Stuart’s voracious desire to create new music seems to be one of his driving forces. Since beginning the Catch of the Week over ten years ago, I have had the pleasure of reviewing several Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives albums. I am happy to say that it is time to review a brand new album from Marty and the guys. The project is called Altitude.

It has been six years since Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives last album, Way Out West, was released. Altitude seems to be a sonic continuation of Way Out West. The best way to describe the sound is cosmic country. Stuart pays tribute to his influences on Altitude, from the Byrds inspired “Sitting Alone” to the Johnny Cash styled “Tomahawk”. There are also three musical interludes, called “Lost Byrd Space Train”, throughout the album that ties the project together with a certain vibe. Here is a complete track listing for the album –

Altitude:

1) Lost Byrd Space Train (Scene 1)

2) Country Star

3) Sitting Alone

4) A Friend Of Mine

5) Space

6) Altitude

7) Vegas

8) The Sun Is Quietly Sleeping

9) Lost Byrd Space Train (Scene 2)

10) Night Riding

11) Tomahawk

12) Time To Dance

13) The Angels Came Down

14) Lost Byrd Space Train (Epilogue)

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives – Kenny Vaughan (guitar), Harry Stinson (drums) and Chris Scruggs (bass and steel guitar) – have done it again. They are top notch instrumentalists and singers. Like skilled scientists in a lab, Stuart and The Superlatives have taken parts of the Bakersfield Sound, Byrds California country, and Johnny Cash’s Tennessee Three, and made a new musical compound. I highly recommend giving Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives’ album, Altitude, a listen today.

June 14, 2023

Jason Isbell is lauded as one of this generation’s preeminent songwriters. Since his time as a member of The Drive By Truckers, the world has seen Isbell grow as a songwriter and performer. He has been on quite a streak since the release of Southeastern (2013). During that time, Isbell has won multiple Grammy Awards and Americana Music Honors and Awards. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s latest album is Weathervanes.

Jason Isbell wrote all of the albums 13 songs, and, after successfully teaming with producer Dave Cobb on for several of his releases, Isbell dons the producer cap on Weathervanes. This album has a variety of styles (country, folk, and rock). If you have followed Isbell’s career, it is almost expected. The mixture of styles would be a detriment to many artists. However, Jason Isbell seems at home, no matter the style. I will not try to break down the songs here because it would not do justice to the craftsmanship each track displays. I enjoyed each song on the album, but some of my favorite tracks on Weathervanes include, “Strawberry Woman”, “King of Oklahoma”, “Cast Iron Skillet”, “White Beretta”, and his tribute to Justin Townes Earle, “When We Were Close”. Here’s the complete track list for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Weathervanes:

1. Death Wish
2. King of Oklahoma
3. Strawberry Woman
4. Middle of the Morning
5. Save the World
6. If You Insist
7. Cast Iron Skillet
8. When We Were Close
9. Volunteer
10. Vestavia Hills
11. White Beretta
12. This Ain’t It
13. Miles

I have thoroughly enjoyed Jason Isbell’s music over the years. From his work with the Drive By Truckers, his solo work, and with the 400 Unit, Jason Isbell has released some outstanding records. As far as his work with the 400 Unit, I think Weathervanes is the most complete presentation of what they are able to present musically. It almost goes without saying that Jason Isbell’s songwriting is outstanding. It seems that the producer hat fits him pretty well, too. I recommend giving Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Weathervanes a listen today.

June 7, 2023

When I reviewed Tanya Tucker’s While I’m Livin project in 2019, I said that I have always believed that Tanya Tucker was overlooked in the pantheon of country music legends. I suspect it was because she is a woman. There have been plenty of male country singers that have dealt with their share of bad decisions and battles with demons, and they have rebounded, sometimes with their star shining brighter. She has been making great records since 1972, with 15 reaching #1. However, her While I’m Livin’ received critical acclaim, including winning the Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Song for “Bring My Flowers Now” in 2020. The attention that Tanya Tucker garnered due to the success of While I’m Livin’ caused many to reexamine her career, and she was announced as a 2023 inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame. On the heels of her recent success, Tanya Tucker has just released a new album, Sweet Western Sound.

As on While I’m Livin’, Tanya Tucker teams with producers Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings on Sweet Western Sound. Carlile and Jennings also provided their songwriting talents for the project. In addition, Tim and Phil Hanseroth, of Brandi Carlile’s band, along with Bernie Taupin, JT Nero, Billy Don Burns, Craig Dillingham, and Tanya Tucker wrote songs for the album. Some of my favorite songs from Sweet Western Sound include “The List”, “When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Does The Cowboy Go?)”, and Tanya’s tribute to Linda Ronstadt, “Letter To Linda”. Also, there is a haunting a capella rendition of “Tanya” by Tucker’s close friend, Billy Joe Shaver. Here’s a complete track list for the album:

Sweet Western Sound

Tanya (written by Billy Joe Shaver, Tanya Tucker)
Kindness (written by Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
Breakfast In Birmingham featuring Brandi Carlile (written by Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin)
Waltz Across a Moment (written by Shooter Jennings)
Ready As I’ll Never Be (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
The List (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
Letter To Linda (written by Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings)
City of Gold (written by JT Nero)
That Wasn’t Me (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Do the Cowboys Go?) (written by Billy Don Burns, Craig Dillingham)

I am so happy to see Tanya Tucker’s recent success. It is great to have another new album from Tanya Tucker. This album is fresh and vibrant, but Brandi Carlisle, Shooter Jennings, and all the other folks involved in recording this project have done a great job of making these songs sound like classic Tanya Tucker songs. From the background vocals, to the instrumentation, this album is outstanding. Of course, you could not have that sound without Tanya Tucker. I recommend giving Tanya Tucker’s Sweet Western Sound a listen.

May 31, 2023

Rodney Crowell is a legend. His career includes a three year stint as a member of Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, having 5 number one singles as a solo artist, and, as a songwriter, having his songs covered by the likes of the Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings, and Keith Urban. In recent years, he has taken on the mantle of the preeminent songwriting sage from some of his biggest songwriting influences, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Rodney Crowell’s latest project is The Chicago Sessions.

Rodney Crowell offers 10 songs on The Chicago Sessions. All were written or co-written, save for the Townes Van Zandt penned tune “No Place to Fall”. I recommend to pay attention to the lyrics of each song. It will be a great reminder of just how talented Crowell is as a songwriter. Some of my favorite tracks from this album include “Lucky”, a tune led by a soulful piano riff and laidback drumming. I also enjoy his interpretation of the aforementioned Townes Van Zandt tune, “No Place to Fall”. The musical approach of “Oh Miss Claudia” seems to be akin to that of Lightnin’ Hopkins, and that is definitely a good thing. I think my favorite song on this album is “Somebody Loves You”. It almost feels like a gospel song, and the lyrics are outstanding.

Here’s the complete track list for The Chicago Sessions:

1) Lucky

2) Somebody Loves You

3) Loving You is the Only Way to Fly

4) You’re Supposed to be Feeling Good

5) No Place to Fall

6) Oh Miss Claudia

7) Everything at Once (feat. Jeff Tweedy)

8) Ever the Dark

9) Making Lovers Out of Friends

10) Ready to Move On

Rodney Crowell has done it again. He has given the world an album full of great songs. His songwriting is outstanding. A big tip of the hat must go to Jeff Tweedy. He served as the producer for The Chicago Sessions. As I have said many times in the past, my favorite producers are those that make the performers feel relaxed and gets out of the way of the artists. On this album, Tweedy seems to have hit a bullseye. I highly recommend giving Rodney Crowell’s The Chicago Sessions a listen today.

May 24, 2023

I have been reviewing albums on WLHR since 2014. With that length of time in giving reviews, I have come across the same artists multiple times. It is always a pleasure to listen from album to album to listen performers grow artistically. Whitney Rose is one of those repeat artists. I reviewed her album Heartbreaker of the Year (2015) and the EP South Texas Suite (2017). Her music has an air of classic honky tonk sounds from yesteryear, while at the same time providing fresh, modern lyrics. After dealing with a serious illness that sidelined her for some time, Whitney Rose is back with a new project, Rosie.

Whitney Rose offers 10 songs in a traditional country song. As I mentioned before, although the songs have a traditional sound, the lyrics are fresh. She wrote 9 of the 10 songs. The lone exception is “Can’t Remember Happiness” by Joanne Mackell. Some of my favorite songs on the album include “Minding My Own Pain”, “Honky Tonk in Mexico”, and “Memphis In My Mind.” Here’s the complete track list for Whitney Rose’s Rosie:

1) Tell Me a Story, Babe

2) Can’t Remember Happiness

3) My Own Jail

4) Memphis in My Mind

5) You’re Gonna Get Lonely

6) Minding My Own Pain

7) Honky Tonk in Mexico

8) I Need a Little Shame

9) Barb Wire Blossom

10) Mermaid in a Pantsuit

I am thankful that we have another album to review from Whitney Rose. Rosie features great songwriting, singing, musicianship, and production. However, more than having the opportunity to review a new album, I am thankful that Whitney Rose has bounced back from dealing with the serious illness that had all of her fans praying for her recovery. I recommend giving Whitney Rose’s Rosie a listen today.

May 17, 2023

Megan Moroney seems to come out of nowhere. She grabbed the attention of the country music world with her hit single, “Tennessee Orange”. However, the Savannah, GA native and UGA graduate has been trying to make her mark in the music industry for several years. Moroney began performing several years ago, and she moved to Nashville after graduating UGA in 2020 to pursue a career as a country music performer. For those that may be wondering what is next for Moroney after “Tennessee Orange”, the answer is a complete album, Lucky.

The first thing to notice on Lucky is just how country the album is. You will find steel guitars throughout the project. Also, the songwriting is outstanding. Megan Moroney co-wrote each of the album’s thirteen songs with some great songwriters, including Lori McKenna and Luke Laird. Some of my favorite songs from Lucky includes, “Kansas Anymore”, “Girl in the Mirror”, “Tennessee Orange”, “Why Johnny”, and “Georgia Girl”. Here’s the complete track list for Lucky:

1) “I’m Not Pretty”

2) “Lucky”

3) “Tennessee Orange”

4) “Kansas Anymore”

5) “Girl in the Mirror”

6) “Another on the Way”

7) “Traitor Joe”

8) “Why Johnny”

9) “God Plays A Gibson”

10) “Georgia Girl”

11) “Sleep on My Side”

12) “Mustang or Me”

13) “Sad Songs For Sad People”

Megan Moroney’s vocals are great. She delivers the lyrics with an authenticity that cannot be faked. As I mentioned earlier, the songwriting is very good. Also, I must mention that Kristian Bush serves as producer on Lucky. He does a great job in that role, helping to shape an album that is modern while using elements, such as steel guitar, that many country music fans have been longing for in current country music. If you have only heard “Tennessee Orange” from Megan Moroney, I recommend giving the rest of the songs on her album, Lucky, a listen today.

May 10, 2023

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’s latest release is Here Within My Heart.

This album is, as expected, strictly bluegrass. When many people think of bluegrass they assume the songs will be at breakneck speed with hot picking. Indeed, you will find plenty fast paced tunes on Here Within My Heart. However, Tina Adair offers many different tempos on this album. From ballads like “I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again” to the lightning speed of “Bridge You’re Gonna Burn”, Adair sounds great on every song. My favorite song on this project is “Bad Intentions”. The song is about someone who has been controlled long enough, and they’re not going to take it anymore. The performance by Adair and the musicians are delivered with an attitude that drives home the feelings of the lyrics. Here is the track listing for Here Within My Heart:

1 – Bridge You’re Gonna Burn

2 – Some Things You Can’t Undo

3 – Lonesome Part of Me

4 – My Baby’s Gone

5 – Bad Intentions

6 – I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again

7 – Seasons of Love

8 – As Long as There’s a Shadow

9 – Walk On

10 – Lonesome Valley

Anytime Tina Adair’s name is attached to an album, you know it is going to be a 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 great 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), Jesse Brock (mandolin), and Wes Hightower (harmony vocals). The song selection, production, and performances are outstanding. I recommend giving Tina Adair’s Here Within My Heart a listen today.

May 3, 2023

For this edition of Porkchop’s Catch of the Week, I am again putting my geography skills to good use. Many of the reviews find me looking towards Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, and, recently with Ian Jones, Seattle. Well, we don’t have to look very far for this review: Charleston, SC and Washington, GA. Matt Chase (SC) and Chris Rogers (GA) make up the duo Southerland. The two met years ago through mutual friends, and they decided to combine their forces to create the duo. Southerland released their Boot EP in 2021. The duo has followed up that release with a new eponymous EP.

Southerland’s new project includes six songs. Each of the songs lists Chase and Rogers as co-writers, along with others, and the songwriting is top notch. The EP is solidly country with plenty of crying steel and lead guitar. There is a range of tempos and styles on Southerland. The overall sound is that of ‘90s and early 2000s country music. However, this is not a nostalgia act. Although the music hearkens back to the sounds of Montgomery Gentry and Jason Aldean, Southerland has their own completely modern sound, fitting alongside current artists on country music radio. Here’s the track list for Southerland:

1) Down the Road

2) Underpaid and Overserved

3) Ice Cold Country Music

4) World Without You

5) Ain’t for Me

6) 3 Minutes

Southerland offers a little bit of everything, no matter what your mood, on this EP. The duo offers party tunes, love songs, and everything in between. Matt Chase and Chris Rogers have great vocals individually, but, more importantly, they sound fantastic when they sing together. In addition, I must compliment the instrumentalist on this project. There is not a musical weak link anywhere to be found. Also, the production is outstanding. Many modern artists, it seems, have everything (vocals and instruments) at the same level, and I feel like my ears are being pounded with a very large Music City sledge hammer. On Southerland, I can hear the separation between the vocals and each of the instruments, which is a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend giving Southerland a listen today.

April 26, 2023

It is hard to believe that this week I will be reviewing an album that is a tribute to one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. However, there is a method to the madness. First, the Rolling Stones are a group that has been influenced by country music. If that thought has never crossed your mind before, just take a listen to their extensive catalog. You will find covers of Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings songs, twangy guitar licks, and country tinged Jagger/Richards compositions. As the group celebrates their 60^th anniversary, that is hard to believe, a new album, Stoned Cold Country, has been released. Now the second reason for choosing to review this album is that it is full of country artists paying tribute to the Rolling Stones.

With a catalog as big as that of the Rolling Stones, one of the biggest dilemmas is choosing which songs to cover. It was narrowed down to 14 songs on Stoned Cold Country. The next conundrum is selecting which artists to include. The songs and artists that were picked were very good choices. Each artist did a great job on paying tribute to the Rolling Stones, but some of my favorites include, “Paint it Black” by Zac Brown Band, “Dead Flowers” by Maren Morris, “Wild Horses” by Little Big Town, and “Honky Tonk Women” by Brooks & Dunn. Here’s a complete list of the songs on Stoned Cold Country:

1) “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – Ashley McBryde

2) “Honky Tonk Women” – Brooks & Dunn

3) “Dead Flowers” – Maren Morris

4) “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” – Brothers Osborne & The War And Treaty

5) “Miss You” – Jimmie Allen

6) “Tumbling Dice” – Elle King

7) “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” – Marcus King

8) “Wild Horses” – Little Big Town

9) “Paint It Black” – Zac Brown Band

10) “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Lainey Wilson

11) “Sympathy for the Devil” – Elvie Shane

12) “Angie” – Steve Earle

13) “Gimme Shelter” – Eric Church

14) “Shine A Light” – Koe Wetzel

Do not be confused by this review. The Rolling Stones are a rock and roll band. However, there are many types of music that have influenced their sound. The Rolling Stones interest in country music was not just a passing fancy. You can hear it over many years on songs like “Sweet Virginia”, “Do You Think I Really Care”, and “We’re Wasting Time”, in addition to songs covered on this project, such as “Wild Horses” and “Dead Flowers”. This is one of the few albums I have recommended in which every song did not hit the target with me. Even though I did not care for every rendition on the album, the performances that did strike a chord with me are strong. I recommend giving Stoned Cold Country a listen today.

April 19, 2023

When you think of country music hotbeds there are certain places on the map that come to mind: the entire south, with the spotlight on Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Well, this review is as far to the west as you can go in the contiguous United States. Ian Jones hails from Washington State. He is a relatively new name in the music field. Jones’ released an EP in 2021, but he has just released his first album, Results Not Typical.

Ian Jones offers music that can be categorized as Americana. However, the canvas that each song is created on is country. There is plenty of steel guitar rides and acoustic guitar strums. Throughout the album you will hear with the gospel sounds of organ and piano, soulful horn sections, and beautiful string arrangements. I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling of each song. Some of my favorites on Results Not Typical include, “Athens Smiles”, “Lost Highway”, “You’re Gone”, “Have Mercy”, and “Goodbyes are the Hardest Words”.

It is definitely worth noting that Ian Jones wrote or co-wrote all 11 songs on Results Not Typical. His songwriting style and vocal delivery have a conversational quality. When you are listening to the songs, it feels like a friend is telling you a story. The album’s production has a relaxed feel, too. A quote in a press release for Results Not Typical may explain the reason. Jones said, “None of the guys had heard the songs prior. There was no click track, and we never did more than three takes. And what you hear vocally on the record is what I was singing, beginning to end – no vocal comps, no overdubs, no anything.” That approach can be daunting to many artists today, but some of the greatest recordings of all-time were recorded in the same fashion. This album is the first time many have encountered Ian Jones, but you can bet it will not be the last time. I recommend giving Ian Jones’ Results Not Typical a listen today.

April 12, 2023

One of my favorite types of songs is those that tell stories. This Catch of the Week is an album full of storytelling songs, and it comes from two experienced songwriting storytellers. Tim Stafford has been writing songs for decades. You may recognize him from his work for over thirty years with Blue Highway, the highly decorated bluegrass group, or from his albums with the late Steve Gulley. An accomplished singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Stafford wrote one of my favorite historical, storytelling songs of all-time, “Wild Bill” (from Blue Highway’s 2005 album Marbletown). Thomm Jutz is also an accomplished guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His songs have been recorded by John Prine, Nanci Griffith, and Balsam Range, just to name a few. Jutz has released some great projects over the years, including the critically acclaimed collaborative album Riverland with Peter Cooper and Eric Brace. Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz have now combined their talents for a new album, Lost Voices.

This new album features 14 original songwriting collaborations by Stafford and Jutz. Each song is a prime example of how to tell a story in a song. The writers cover a variety of people and subjects. There are references to Billy the Kid, Robert Johnson, and Bill Monroe in one song, “Take That Shot” and an ode to the minstrels taken down by moving picture in “Vaudeville Blues”. Stafford and Jutz sing about Negro League baseball players in “The Blue Grays”, and tell the story of Navajo WWII heroes in “Code Talkers”. There are also songs dealing with the people of Appalachia in “No Witness in the Laurel But the Leaves” and “High Mountain Rising”. Whatever the subject matter or time period, Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz paint the lyrical pictures of the America.

Along with Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz on guitar and vocals, there is a great cast of supporting musicians on Lost Voices. They include Shaun Richardson (mandolin), Ron Block (banjo), Tammy Rogers (fiddle), and Mark Fain (bass). Dale Ann Bradley makes a guest vocal appearance from on “Callie Lou”. I also wanted to make mention that Charley Stefl was a co-writer with Stafford and Jutz on the title track. Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz have made an important album highlighting some of the overlooked people and places that make up the DNA of America. I recommend giving Lost Voices a listen today.

April 5, 2023

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Barry Dean’s The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. In case you missed it, let me catch you up on the credentials of the aforementioned Laird, McKenna, and Dean. They are three of the most outstanding songwriters in Nashville today. Luke Laird has written 24 No. 1 hits, including Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger”. Lori McKenna won two consecutive Grammys (2016 & 2017) for Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”. Barry Dean has written numerous No. 1 hits, including Jon Pardi’s “Heartache Medication”. Now we will take a look at the final chapter in their collaborative collection, The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 3.

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1, 2 & 3 were created to present some of the songs that changed their careers of each of these songwriters performed by the writers themselves. Here is the track listing for the latest EP.

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 3:

1 – “Give Me Back My Hometown” performed by Luke Laird (Luke Laird, Eric Church)

Recorded by Eric Church in 2014

2 – “God’s Will” performed by Barry Dean (Barry Dean, Tom Douglas)

Recorded by Martina McBride in 2004

3 – “Crowded Table” performed by Lori McKenna (Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Brandi Carlile)

Recorded by The Highwomen in 2019

4 – “If I Had Known” performed by Barry Dean (Lori McKenna, Barry Dean, Michael Pollack)

The final track on each EP are new songs. Barry Dean performs “If I Had Known” from this latest EP. It is collaboration between all three writers specifically for this project.

It is great to see Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Barry Dean get some time in the spotlight. Having listeners connect the songwriters with the familiar hit songs is a great way to promote the importance of songwriting to the hit making process. For fans of songwriting, like me, the one thing I wish had been included in this collection is the original demo recordings, even just a few seconds, to pair with the finished products. However, that is not a real complaint. I think any awareness that is brought to the music process is a good thing. I recommend giving Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Barry Dean’s The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1, 2, and 3 a listen today.

March 29, 2023

The Panhandlers are a super group consisting of Josh Abbott, Cleto Cordero, John Baumann and William Clark Green. The group’s members have their own careers as performers and songwriters. Three years ago they combined their forces on their self-titled album. Their initial offering was full of great songwriting and performing. That album was straightforward and not overproduced, which was a breath of fresh air compared to the highly polished, sterile sounds that technology allows artists to release nowadays. The Panhandlers return with that same approach on their new album, Tough Country.

On Tough Country The Panhandlers make sure that you know that they are proud to be Texans with songs like “Midland Jamboree”, “Where Cotton is King”, “Moonlight in Marfa”, “Valentine, For Valentines”, and “The Last Gentleman in Southwest Texas”. Although they reference their Lone Star pride, it does not come across as a mean or preachy way. On many of the songs you can almost hear a smile in their voices. Some of my favorite songs on Tough Country include “West Texas is the Best Texas”, “Last Hangover”, “The Chilton Song”, “Santa Fe”, “Moonlight in Marfa”, and the title track. Here’s the complete track listing for Tough Country:

Flat Land
Where Cotton Is King
West Texas is The Best Texas
Midland Jamboree
Tough Country
Moonlight in Marfa
Lajitas
Valentine, For Valentines
Santa Fe
The Chilton Song
The Last Gentleman In Southwest Texas
Last Hangover
The Corner Comedian
I-Got-Your-Back-Dog

Even though Josh Abbott, Cleto Cordero, John Baumann and William Clark Green having their own careers. However, I hope they will continue make time for creating more music with The Panhandlers. Their new album is full of great songwriting, singing, and, as I mentioned earlier, the project is not over produced. I recommend giving The Panhandlers’ Tough Country a listen today. You may want to even make a Chilton to enjoy while listening to the album.

March 22, 2023

I am as much of a fan of songwriters as I am of the singers. There are some songwriters that are wonderful performers of their own songs. Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton are just a couple of names that show up in that category. However, throughout the history there have been more people that specialize in either songwriting or singing. I have always been intrigued by this partnership between writer and performer. This Catch of the Week focuses on a two new projects that highlight three such songwriters: Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Barry Dean’s The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1 & Vol. 2.

Many people may not be familiar with the names of the songwriters. Most people are more familiar with the artists that perform the songs that these writers have penned. So, I want to take a moment to familiarize your with the writers. Luke Laird has had a hand in writing 24 No. 1 hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name” and Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger”. Lori McKenna won two consecutive Grammys (2016 & 2017) for Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”. Barry Dean has written numerous No. 1 hits, including Jon Pardi’s “Heartache Medication”, and his songs have been recorded by artists like Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, and Eric Church. Now that you know a little about the songwriters, let’s take a look at their new projects.

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1 & 2 were created with the idea of presenting some of the songs that changed the career trajectory of each of these songwriters from the writers themselves. Here are the track listings for both EPs.

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1:

1 – “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” performed by Barry Dean (Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Jonathan Singleton) (recorded by Tim McGraw, 2014)

2 – “Humble & Kind” performed by Lori McKenna (Lori McKenna) (recorded by Tim McGraw, 2015)

3 – “American Kids” performed by Luke Laird (Luke Laird, Rodney Clawson, Shane McAnally) (recorded by Kenny Chesney, 2014)

4 – “Settling In” performed by Lori McKenna (Lori McKenna, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 2:

1 – “Girl Crush” performed by Lori McKenna (Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose) (Recorded by Little Big Town in 2014)

2 – “Heartache Medication” performed by Barry Dean (Barry Dean, Jon Pardi, Natalie Hemby) (Recorded by Jon Pardi in 2019)

3 – “So Small” performed by Luke Laird (Luke Laird, Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey) (Recorded by Carrie Underwood in 2007)

4 – “The Good Parts” Luke Laird (Luke Laird, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins)

The final track on each EP are new songs. “Settling In” is a collaboration between all three writers specifically for this project. “The Good Parts”, co-written by Laird, is a never before released song from his catalog.

Having Laird, McKenna and Dean perform some of the biggest songs that they have penned in their career is akin to Dorothy discovering the man behind the curtain is The Wizard of Oz. These EPs have much more studio production than the stripped down sound of The Marfa Tapes from Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall. However, I think you can group them all together as a study in songwriting, from newly formed songs to full-fledged hits. I recommend giving Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, and Barry Dean’s The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1 & 2 a listen today. By the way, Vol. 3 will be released in the not too distant future.

March 15, 2023

Michael Cleveland is a name that is well-known in bluegrass and country circles. However, many more people are aware of him because of a recent feature on Cleveland that aired on NBC Nightly News. The feature gave the Grammy winning artist’s background, especially focusing on how he has excelled in music despite being born blind and losing 80% of the hearing in one ear. If you are new to Michael Cleveland’s story, his ability to overcome his physical disabilities is inspiring. However, we are going to focus on his musical expertise.

Michael Cleveland began playing fiddle at the age of 4. Very soon after he began playing, it became evident that he was supremely talented. As a youngster, Cleveland performed at the Grand Ole Opry, as well as with bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe. His notoriety led to stints with Rhonda Vincent, Dale Ann Bradley, and Jeff White. However, Cleveland’s desire was to lead his own band, and since 2006 he has been doing just that with his group Flamekeeper. Michael Cleveland is one of the most decorated artists in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), winning 12 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year trophies and his group has been named the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year 7 times. Michael Cleveland displays his fiddle prowess on his latest project, Lovin’ of the Game.

The album features 12 songs, and Michael Cleveland calls upon some musical friends to help him out. The list includes Vince Gill, Billy Strings, Dan Tyminski, Jeff White, The Travelin’ McCourys, Béla Fleck, Bryan Sutton, Charlie Starr, Luke Bulla, Cody Looper, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Barry Bales, Cody Kilby, and, of course, Cleveland’s group, Flamekeeper. Some of my favorite tracks on this project include, the Gram Parsons penned “Luxury Liner” w/The Travelin’ McCourys, “For Your Love” w/ Billy Strings & Jeff White, “Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again)” w/Dan Tyminski & Jeff White, and the instrumental barnburner “Contact” w/ Béla Fleck, Cody Kilby, & Barry Bales. Let me say that there is not a track on Lovin’ of the Game that is a letdown. Here’s the complete album listing:

Michael Cleveland – Lovin’ of the Game:

1) Thousand Dollar Holler

2) Luxury Liner (feat. The Travelin’ McCourys)

3) Five Points (feat. Cody Looper and Ronnie McCoury)

4) For Your Love (feat. Billy Strings and Jeff White)

5) I Wish I Knew Now What I Knew Then (feat. Vince Gill)

6) Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again) [feat. Jeff White and Dan Tyminski]

7) Contact (feat. Béla Fleck, Cody Kilby and Barry Bales)

8) Temperance Reel (feat. Luke Bulla and Tim O’Brien)

9) Empty Pocket Blues (with Flamekeeper, feat. Bryan Sutton)

10) Now She’s Gone (with Flamekeeper, feat. Jerry Douglas)

11) One Horse Town (with Flamekeeper, feat. Charlie Starr)

12) The Lovin’ Of The Game (feat. Flamekeeper)

Michael Cleveland, Flamekeeper, and all of the guests on Lovin’ of the Game are outstanding. Whether on a strictly instrumental tune or backing up the likes of Vince Gill, I am amazed every time I hear Michael Cleveland pull the bow across the strings. With his fiddle, Cleveland is able to emote the feelings required to support a slower song. When the tempo needs to be upbeat, the speed at which he plays fiddle is amazing. However, it is the clarity of the notes he strikes in combination with rapidness of his playing that bends my mind. Cleveland has been the gold standard in fiddle playing for over a decade, and that designation remains with the release of his new album. I recommend giving Michael Cleveland’s Lovin’ of the Game a listen today.

March 8, 2023

If anyone ever embodied the designation of “legend” in music, it is Willie Nelson. The Red Headed Stranger’s singing, songwriting, and guitar playing have been influencing other artists for over six decades. Willie has released an unbelievable number of albums during his career. However, I will never take for granted the announcement of a new Willie Nelson album. I understand this unique situation. It is almost unheard of to have a singer releasing quality albums at the age of 89. However, I thoroughly enjoy Willie’s recent albums, and his new album is no exception. Willie Nelson’s latest project is I Don’t Know a Thing About Love: The Songs of Harlan Howard.

When it comes to songwriters, Willie Nelson is a giant. However, he has always taken time to pay tribute to other musical giants. Harlan Howard wrote over 4,000 songs, many of them became well-known radio and jukebox hits. Howard’s famous quote about songwriting is, “All you need to write a country song is three chords and the truth.” That may be so, but some truth tellers are better than others. Willie Nelson picked ten songs for this tribute to Harlan Howard. You may recognize the songs from the catalogs of Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Mel Tillis, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ricky Van Shelton, Bobby Bare, Charlie Rich, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and Brenda Lee. Willie Nelson’s renditions of these classic tunes are excellent. His approach will bring to mind the hit versions, but, as always, when Willie plays and sings a song he puts his own stamp on it. Here is the track list for the album:

Willie Nelson – I Don’t Know A Thing About Love

Tiger By The Tail
The Chokin’ Kind
Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)
Life Turned Her That Way
I Don’t Know A Thing About Love
Streets Of Baltimore
Busted
She Called Me Baby
Too Many Rivers
Beautiful Annabel Lee

Willie Nelson has always been quick to heap praise on other singers and songwriters. He is glad to shine the light on others, when, in fact, he is the one deserving of oblations. However, if he were going to pick someone in which to pay respect, Harlan Howard is very deserving. The songs that Willie included on this project does not even the scratch the surface of Howard’s vast library of compositions. I want to mention that Willie Nelson teamed on this album with his longtime musical partner, producer Buddy Cannon. Also, it is worth noting that the album’s cover art, which features Willie as the Man in the Moon that is mentioned in the title track, was created by Willie’s son, Micah Nelson.

As Willie Nelson approaches his 90^th birthday on April 29^th, he is preparing for a two-night concert extravaganza at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. I am willing to bet he will include a few of the songs from his new album across the two nights. I recommend giving Willie Nelson’s I Don’t Know A Thing About Love a listen today.

March 1, 2023

It is hard to believe that Dierks Bentley first hit the national radio airwaves 20 years ago. Since making his debut, Bentley has compiled a long list of hits, such as “What Was I Thinkin'”, “Come a Little Closer”, “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)”, and “I Hold On”. Despite his success, he seems to be down to earth, both in interviews and his songs. Because of that humble approach to stardom, Bentley’s music continues to strike a chord with country music fans. His latest album, Gravel & Gold, should continue his successful run as a fan favorite.

Gravel & Gold is the first time that Dierks Bentley has served as producer of one of his projects. That can be a daunting task, but he has risen to the occasion. The album features 14 songs. You will recognize his single “Gold”. Some of my favorites include the opening track, “Same Ol’ Me”, a reminder that even though it has been 20 years since his arrival he is basically the same guy as back then. “Beer at My Funeral” is a humorous song about life and death. It is a song that any middle-aged or older person can appreciate. Ashley McBryde helps Dierks Bentley on the well-written “Cowboy Boots”. There is another guest appearance on the album’s final track, “High Note”. Billy Strings joins forces with Bentley to sing about their plans on riding out the end of the world: “a big ol’ stack of Flatt & Scruggs, and a bag of Willie’s best”. Dierks Bentley has shown a love for acoustic music, especially bluegrass. So, it is no shock to find him teaming up with Billy Strings. “High Note” left me craving an entire project from them. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Dierks Bentley has done an outstanding job as singer, songwriter, and producer on Gravel & Gold. It is refreshing to see an established artist release new music that is completely them, and not an example of an artist frantically trying to change their sound in order to stay current. Dierks Bentley is current, and he will continue to be current for as long as he stays true to himself. This project holds up with any of the other albums from his catalog. I recommend giving Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold a listen today.

February 22, 2023

If you have followed along with Porkchop’s Catch of the Week for any amount of time, it is apparent that a great number of the albums I review are made by artists from Texas. This is not intentional. It just happens that the Lone Star state is a hotbed for singers and songwriters. Another place that has a rich musical history, but is sometimes overshadowed by Texas, is the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The musical lineage includes legends, like Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Skaggs, and current artists, like Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Sturgill Simpson. We turn to the Bluegrass State for this week’s Catch from Kentucky native Brit Taylor’s new album, Kentucky Blue.

There are ten songs on Kentucky Blue, and Brit Taylor co-wrote all ten songs. This album features a wide variety of styles, from a song that would have been a perfect fit for Patsy Cline in “Love’s Never Been That Good to Me”, to the groovy and sassy “If You Don’t Wanna Love Me”. The one thread that seems to run through the majority of the songs on Kentucky Blue is the struggles of life and finding love. Some of my favorite songs from Kentucky Blue include “No Cowboys”, “Best We Can Do”, “Love’s Never Been That Good to Me”, and the title track.

Kentucky Blue is an outstanding album. Brit Taylor’s vocal performance conveys the emotion each song warrants. Whether it is sass, frustration, or vulnerability, Taylor’s delivery fits the songs perfectly. Also, It is worth mentioning that Sturgill Simpson and David “Fergie” Ferguson co-produced Kentucky Blue, and they did a great job. I recommend giving Brit Taylor’s Kentucky Blue a listen today.

February 15, 2023

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley’s music has been turning heads since they combined forces in 2014. Both artists are rooted in bluegrass music: Ickes played resophonic guitar for more than 21 years with the award winning Blue Highway, while Hensley made his first public appearance at the age of 11 on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry alongside Earl Scruggs and Marty Stuart. Because of their connection to the genre, the duo’s sound will always have shades of bluegrass included. However, Ickes and Hensley’s musical interest is far more expansive than one genre. That fact is evident on Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley’s new album, Living in a Song.

This album leans heavily towards country. In fact, anytime you hear Hensley sing, on this album or others, it is evident that he was influenced by country singers such as Haggard and Jones. So, it should not be a shock to find Ickes and Hensley effortlessly moving toward the country genre. However, bluegrass fans should not be dismayed. There is plenty of bluegrass underpinning the overall sound of Living in a Song. In fact, their version of Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown” is strictly bluegrass. With the combination of bluegrass and country, I believe many will categorize this album as Americana. However you want to label it is fine with me. I enjoyed the entire 12 song project. Ickes and Hensley had a hand in writing all the songs on the album except 2, the aforementioned Doc Watson tune and A.P. Carter’s “Working on a Building”. Along with Hensley and Ickes songwriting and vocal delivery, you cannot forget their superb playing skills. Some of my favorite tracks on Living in a Song include, “Backstreets of Broadway”, “Louisiana Woman”, “Just Because”, “Moonshine Run”, and “Is The World Still Turning”.

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley can pick with the best of the hot pickers around. I have been known to enjoy listening to lightning fast licks. However, Ickes and Hensley do not solely rely on their musical prowess to provide the power for this project. The soulful playing is carefully placed alongside the well-crafted lyrics, each highlighting and supporting the other. I recommend giving Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley’s new album, Living in a Song a listen today.

February 8, 2023

Categorizing music into genres can be a dangerous thing to do when offering an album review. I hope once you read my reviews, it is evident that when a particular style of music is mentioned to describe an artist’s album it is not meant to place said artist in a box. I use genres, probably better listed as styles, to describe an album’s flavor. Each artist has a unique approach to their music. I highly encourage you to listen to each of the albums that I review, and draw your own conclusions. I wanted to clarify that because the album I am reviewing this week, JD Clayton’s Long Way From Home, is a musical style buffet.

JD Clayton is an Arkansas singer-songwriter, and Long Way From Home is his full-length debut. The project features ten songs. Of those, Clayton wrote or co-wrote all of the tunes, save one. The songwriting is outstanding! The lines seem to flow effortlessly from one to the next, aided by Clayton’s soulful lilt. As I mentioned earlier, you cannot put JD Clayton’s music in a musical genre box. It seems to be rooted in country, but there are flavors of blues, soul, and rock and roll. Some of my favorite tracks on the album include, “American Millionaire”, “Beauty Queen”, the Beatlesque “Cotton Candy Clouds”, “Sleepy Night in Nashville”, a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s rendition of “Midnight Special”, and “Different Kind of Simple Life”.

From the short introduction song, “Hello, Good Mornin’” to the final track, the acoustic sing-along “Sleepy Night in Nashville”, JD Clayton delivers a truly enjoyable album. Clayton’s songwriting and singing are outstanding. He is also unafraid of changing tempos, styles, and moods from song to song. This is the first time he has popped up on my radar, and I am glad he did. I recommend giving JD Clayton’s Long Way From Home a listen today.

February 1, 2023

As I have stated in the past, some of America’s greatest storytellers are from the south. Many scholars debate the reasons, but the fact cannot be denied. Many times when accolades are bestowed on storytellers, songwriters are not given the same respect of other authors. I am going to take this time to focus on songwriters and their place as some of the greatest storytellers the south has ever produced. In particular, I will be shining the spotlight on one such songwriter, Pony Bradshaw.

Pony Bradshaw released his first album at the age of 38. That may seem like a late start for a singer-songwriter. However, I think it means he has more life experiences to draw from. I reviewed his earlier album, Calico Jim. I was blown away by his attention to detail in the lyrics. Each line is like an artist’s brush strokes that make up a larger picture of the song. His expertise as a wordsmith continues on Pony Bradshaw’s latest album, North Georgia Rounder. He wrote each of the ten songs on the new project. Some of my favorite songs on North Georgia Rounder include, “Foxfire Wine”, “A Duffel, a Grip, and My D35”, “Kindly Turn the Bed Down, Drusilla”, and the title track.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of 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. With his album, Calico Jim, and his latest, North Georgia Rounder, Pony Bradshaw can be added to their ranks. If you have not listened to his previous albums, I would encourage you to check them out. I recommend listening to Pony Bradshaw’s North Georgia Rounder .

January 25, 2023

This week I am reviewing an album that features songs that you will recognize. No, it is not a tribute album. Well, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead of paying tribute to a particular artist, the four singers that make up Brothers of the Heart pay tribute to some of their favorite songs. The group consists of Jimmy Fortune (The Statler Brothers), Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers (Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder), and Ben Issacs (The Issacs), and their latest album is Listen to the Music.

This 12-song offering defies genre. You will hear country, rock, pop, and gospel songs. The artists associated with the songs on this album are eclectic: The Doobie Brothers, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Jackson Browne, The Statler Brothers, Wings, Eagles, The Everly Brothers, and Vince Gill. Here is the song list for Brothers of the Heart’s Listen to the Music:

1) Listen To The Music

2) Gentle On My Mind

3) Ring Of Fire

4) These Days

5) I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You

6) Let ’em In

7) Just As I Am

8) Precious Memories

9) Desperado

10) Bye Bye Love

11) God Bless America/America The Beautiful

12) Liza Jane

I must admit, this is normally not the type of album I would review. I try to look for projects that feature primarily new songs, with the exception of the aforementioned artists tribute albums. However, there is something about this album that feels comfortable, like putting on your favorite sweater, and invites you to sit back and sing along. It is not just because the songs are familiar; rather it is the way the songs are delivered by Fortune, Walker, Rogers, and Issacs. You can feel the fondness they hold for each tune. The harmonies these four men showcase on this album is outstanding, as is the musical performances, and Ben Issacs’ production prowess. I recommend giving Brothers of the Heart’s Listen to the Music a listen today.

January 18, 2023

Volume Five is one of the most outstanding bands in bluegrass music today. Their string of albums have turned the heads of many bluegrass aficionados, and gained many fans in the process. Volume Five has a history of excellent musicianship, singing, songwriting, and song selection that places them in the top tier of current bluegrass groups. In recent years, Volume Five has gone through some personnel changes, many which may have flown under the radar during the dreaded pandemic shutdown. Resophonic guitarist and bass player Jeff Partin left the group to back Rhonda Vincent as a member of The Rage. In early 2021, banjo player Patton Wages suffered a stroke and at this time is not able to return to the stage. However, Volume Five already had an album recorded and ready for release. That album, Karma, has just been released.

The Volume Five lineup on Karma is Glen Harrell on lead vocals and fiddle; Jacob Burleson on guitar and harmony vocals; Aaron Ramsey on mandolin, bass, and harmony vocals; Jeff Partin on resophonic guitar, bass and harmony vocals; and Patton Wages on banjo. As you come to expect from a Volume Five project, the song selection is outstanding. There are 11 tracks on Karma, and each song is strong. It is worth noting this album’s guest appearances. You will hear harmony vocals Russell Moore (IIIrd Tyme Out) on “My Love Will Never Fade”, Shawn Lane (Blue Highway) on “Walk Beside Me”, and Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart) on “Losing My Religion”.

With the lineup changes for Volume Five, you do not have to worry about their continuation as a bluegrass music force. Jacob Eller has stepped in as the bass player, and Chris Wade has taken over the banjo duties. I have seen videos of Volume Five’s current lineup and they sound great. I cannot wait to hear what album from this configuration sounds like. I recommend giving this new album, Karma, featuring the Volume Five lineup of Glen Harrell, Jacob Burleson, Aaron Ramsey, Jeff Partin, and Patton Wages, a listen today.

January 11, 2023

It is time to take a look back at my favorite 2022 Catches of the Week (Part 2: July-December 2022). These are listed in order in which they were reviewed. The full reviews can be seen further down on this page:

Dan Tyminski – One More Time Before You Go: A Tribute to Tony Rice (reviewed on July 27, 2022)

Wade Bowen – Somewhere Between the Secret and the Truth (reviewed on August 24, 2022)

Bri Bagwell – Corazón y Cabeza (reviewed on September 7, 2022)

Listening to this album, from the first track to the last, is like walking through an art exhibit, stopping to admire each painting, taking in its’ mood and meaning, before moving on to the next offering and starting the wonderful process all over again.

Dailey & Vincent – Let’s Sing Some Country! (reviewed on September 28, 2022)

Dailey & Vincent have done it again! Each project they release is outstanding. When you listen to a Dailey & Vincent project you get the complete package. The song selection is outstanding, the singing is superb, and the musical performances are excellent. In addition, the production quality is always top shelf.

Drake Milligan – Dallas/Fort Worth (reviewed on October 12, 2022)

This album’s 14 songs were written or co-written by Milligan. The album has a ‘90s country vibe, completely with fiddles and steel guitars. I enjoyed all the songs on this album. Some of my favorites include, “Sounds Like Something I’d Do”, “Over Drinkin’, Under Thinkin’”, the western swing “Goin’ Down Swingin’” featuring Vince Gill, and “Long Haul” featuring James Burton’s killer guitar licks.

Gabe Lee – The Hometown Kid (reviewed on November 9, 2022)

Gabe Lee offers songwriting that is beyond his years. Lee has a good singing voice, but there is something about his delivery that almost makes me forget he is singing. It is as if I am sitting in a cafe, drinking a cup of coffee, across from someone telling me a story, and I can’t wait to hear what happened next.

Billy Strings – Me/And/Dad (reviewed on November 23, 2022)

Billy and his dad Terry Barber, make it feel like you are listening to a jam session, and what a jam session it is. Joining Billy and Terry on this 14 song album are Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Mike Bub (bass), Jason Carter (fiddle), Michael Cleveland (fiddle), and Jerry Douglas (dobro). You will recognize songs, like “Long Journey Home”, “Way Downtown”, “Dig a Little Deeper (In the Well)”, and the Larry Sparks classic, “John Deere Tractor”. Billy and Terry sound phenomenal. Hearing them reminds me of listening to the great recordings of Doc & Merle Watson picking and singing together.

Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver (reviewed November 30, 2022)

This album will be a hit with Billy Joe Shaver’s fans. However, I hope that for those that are not familiar with his music will use this project as an introduction to great songwriting of Shaver. The artists featured on this album in all-star lineup: Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Miranda Lambert, Edie Brickell, Nathaniel Rateliff, George Strait, Amanda Shires, Steve Earle, Margo Price, Joshua Hedley, Allison Russell, Ryan Bingham, and Nikki Lane.

Willie Nelson – Willie Nelson Live At Budokan (reviewed on December 21, 2022)

The album, recorded February 23, 1984 in Tokyo, Japan, was officially released in Japan on LaserDisc, and has been available for years. However, it was not commercially available in the U.S. Now the recording is available digitally, as a 2 CD/1 DVD configuration. The album captures Willie and The Family Band in their full power and glory. In addition to Willie, the band’s configuration that night his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Paul English on drums, Grady Martin on guitar, Bee Spears on bass, and Jody Payne on vocals and guitar.

January 4, 2023

It is time to take a look back at my favorite 2022 Catches of the Week (Part 1: January-June 2022). These are listed in order in which they were reviewed. The full reviews can be seen further down on this page:

Brent Cobb – And Now, Let’s Turn to Page… (reviewed on February 9, 2022)

Although a gospel album is not what I expected from Brent Cobb, it is a pleasant surprise. He puts his own stamp on gospel standards, but it is done with a reverence that can be felt through Cobb’s delivery. Even if you are not a gospel music fan, if you appreciate the music of Brent Cobb, I recommend giving a listen to And Now, Let’s Turn to Page…

Texas Hill – Heaven Down Here (reviewed on February 16, 2022)

The group members are Adam Wakefield, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Casey James. You may know their names as solo artists. Wakefield and Boyd were contestants on The Voice, and Casey James was an American Idol finalist. It is not a given that musical magic will happen when you put talented artists together. There has to be natural chemistry, and that cannot be forced. When singers and musicians click, the end results are amazing. Wakefield, Boyd, and James vocals tightly fit together like a jigsaw puzzle that makes a complete picture.

Bob Minner – From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn: The Songs of Norman Blake (reviewed on March 9, 2022)

Bob Minner has done an outstanding job in tipping his hat to the music of Norman Blake. You can sense the love and care that Minner has for the songs. It goes without saying that Norman Blake’s songs are very deserving of the adoration. However, I want to tip my hat to Minner for paying tribute to Norman Blake with some of the best picking and singing you will hear this side of heaven.

ERNEST – Flower Shops (reviewed March 16, 2022)

ERNEST is a great singer and songwriter, and those talents are on display. Mix that with the musical choices on the album, especially steel guitar, and you have a project that would seem to be in a category that very few find. That category is one in which older and younger country fans will find music that they both enjoy.

Randall King – Shot Glass (reviewed March 23, 2022)

This is Randall King’s first major label album release. I do not believe it will be his last. If you need a traditional country music fix, I recommend giving Randall King’s Shot Glass a listen today.

Ned LeDoux – Buckskin (reviewed March 30, 2022)

I know that anytime Ned LeDoux’s name is brought up, folks mention his father, Chris. However, I do not believe that he is just imitating his father. Rather, Ned seems to be unapologetically comfortable in his own skin. Ned LeDoux’s Buckskin is country music about cowboys, rodeos, and real life with an honest delivery, sometimes singing, and at others offering a bit of spoken word-like poetry.

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – Crooked Tree (reviewed April 6, 2022)

Many fans of traditional bluegrass music have been clamoring for Molly Tuttle to release a completely bluegrass style album. Well, the wait is over! Along with her outstanding band, there are guest performances from Margo Price (“Flatland Girl”), Billy Strings (“Dooley’s Farm), Sierra Hull (“Over the Line”), Dan Tyminski (“San Francisco Blues”), and Gillian Welch (“Side Saddle”). I have always enjoyed Molly Tuttle’s projects, and I am sure I will enjoy her future albums. However, this new album is one of my favorites.

Joshua Hedley – Neon Blue (reviewed May 18, 2022)

Although many were speculating that Joshua Hedley’s new album would be full of 1950s and 1960s style songs, Neon Blue features songs that are rooted in ‘90s country music. If you did not know better, you would think that he was covering songs from that era. However, all but one of the twelve songs on the album are originals, co-written by Hedley. In addition to the great songwriting, Hedley does an outstanding job of performing these songs as his own, while at the same time bringing to mind the style of the 1990s, with shades and hues of Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Joe Diffie, and Mark Chesnutt.

Brennen Leigh featuring Asleep at the Wheel – Obsessed With the West (reviewed June 1, 2022)

Asleep at the Wheel’s legacy is already cemented as a purveyor of western swing. You can add that descriptor to Brennen Leigh. There have been many artists that cover Bob Wills’ tunes. It is a much harder thing to create new music in Wills’ style, but Leigh has done just that. The new album is made up of twelve original songs, all written or co-written by Brennen Leigh.

American Aquarium – Chicamacomico (reviewed June 15, 2022)

BJ Barham’s lyrics will definitely hit home with the listeners. He wrote or co-wrote all ten songs. The words of each song are powerful and real. There are no wasted words or phrases. Barham’s singing and the musical performances of American Aquarium are outstanding on this new album.

Mary Gauthier – Dark Enough to See the Stars (reviewed June 22, 2022)

Mary Gauthier has a way with words that is seldom matched. She is able to paint a picture that is more than clear. Gauthier is able to make it seem that you are in the picture, either as an observer, or as the subject. The deep feelings that she is able to convey with her lyrics is a songwriting masterwork.

December 21, 2022

Since it is the final review before Christmas, I thought I would offer a gift idea for the country music fan on your list, especially if they are fans of Willie Nelson. The red headed stranger has released a plethora of albums in his long, illustrious career. A few of those releases have been recorded live at Willie’s legendary concerts. Willie and Family Live is probably my favorite. However, this new album, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan, features music from a live recording that was not available in the U.S. until recently.

Willie Nelson Live At Budokan was recorded February 23, 1984 in Tokyo, Japan. The recording was officially released in Japan on LaserDisc, and has been available for years. Bootleg VHS copies surfaced in the U.S., but were not commercially available. Now the recording is available digitally, as a 2 CD/1 DVD configuration. It was also released on LP on National Record Store Day in November, and you may be able to find a copy on vinyl. The album captures Willie and The Family Band in their full power and glory. In addition to Willie, the band’s configuration that night his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Paul English on drums, Grady Martin on guitar, Bee Spears on bass, and Jody Payne on vocals and guitar. Here’s the track list for the album:

Willie Nelson Live At Budokan

Disc 1

Whiskey River
Mona Lisa
Good Hearted Woman
Down Yonder
If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time
Workin’ Man Blues
Help Me Make It Through The Night
Me and Bobby McGee
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Under The Double Eagle
Blue Skies
Georgia On My Mind
All Of Me
Stardust

Disc 2

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
On The Road Again
Always On My Mind
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line
Who’ll Buy My Memories
Till I Gain Control Again
Without A Song
Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)
Whiskey River
Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line

As I mentioned earlier, this would make a great gift for the country music fan on your Christmas list. However, as always, be sure somehow check to make sure they do not already have this new release of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan. If not, this is a great gift for the music lover, especially if they are fans of Willie Nelson. You might even want to get a copy for yourself. I recommend giving Willie Nelson Live At Budokan a listen today.

December 14, 2022

Each year as Christmas rolls around, I review at least one new holiday album. This year I have chosen a new EP from Thomas Rhett, Merry Christmas, Y’all. Generally, I look for a project that includes at least a few new Christmas songs. However, Rhett’s new EP doesn’t include any new songs, but the songs that are included are excellent renditions. Thomas Rhett’s new project feature four holiday favorites that will have you singing along as soon as you hear them: “Winter Wonderland”, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. The arrangements are outstanding, and Rhett sounds like he is having the time of his life singing these Christmas tunes. The inclusion of horns, strings, and piano give this EP the sound of Yuletide records from years past. I could not help smiling, tapping my toes, and singing along to this EP. I recommend giving Thomas Rhett’s Merry Christmas, Y’all a listen today.

November 30, 2022

The outlaw movement of the 1970s featured a lot of interesting characters. Out front were names like Waylon and Willie, but there was a whole host of other songwriters and singers that were fueling the fire. One of those characters was Billy Joe Shaver. Almost all of the songs from Waylon Jennings’ Honky Tonk Heroes were written or co-written by Shaver. That album is one that many music historians point to as the beginning of the outlaw movement. With the attention that Jennings’ album received, people started to recognize the songwriting talent of Billy Joe Shaver. He was not only a songwriter, but a performer, too. Shaver released many records before his death in 2020. There is a new album featuring an all-star lineup tipping their hats to the music of Billy Joe. It is called Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver.

When I tell you it is an all-star lineup, I think the track listing is the best way to prove my point:

Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver

Willie Nelson w/ Lucinda Williams – “Live Forever”
Ryan Bingham w/ Nikki Lane – “Ride Me Down Easy”
Rodney Crowell – “Old Five And Dimers Like Me”
Miranda Lambert – “I’m Just An Old Chunk Of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be A Diamond Someday)”

Edie Brickell – “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You”
Nathaniel Rateliff – “You Asked Me To”
George Strait – “Willy The Wandering Gypsy And Me”
Amanda Shires – “Honky Tonk Heroes”
Steve Earle – “Ain’t No God In Mexico”
Margo Price w/ Joshua Hedley – “Ragged Old Truck”
Willie Nelson – “Georgia On A Fast Train”
Allison Russell – “Tramp On Your Street”

You can find an all-star lineup on any tribute album, but the thing that sets this project apart is the fact that you can feel the love and respect each artist has for Billy Joe Shaver’s music. There is not a track that sounds like a performer showed up to just collect a check. I applaud everyone that contributed to this album.

This album will be a hit with Billy Joe Shaver’s fans. However, I hope that for those that are not familiar with his music will use this project as an introduction to great songwriting of Shaver. Then, an exploration of the extensive catalog of Billy Joe Shaver should ensue. I am a huge fan of Billy Joe Shaver. Although his music is held in high regard by fellow singers and songwriters, it is wonderful to have this album a way to acknowledge Shaver’s talents, and shine a spotlight on his music for a younger generation to see. I recommend giving Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver a listen today.

November 23, 2022

When it comes to introducing younger listeners to bluegrass music, a good place to start is with Billy Strings. The 30-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 bluegrass standards as to offering 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, Me/And/Dad, is a heavy dose of bluegrass standards with Billy’s dad, Terry Barber, serving as his musical partner.

Terry is the person that nurtured Billy’s musical talents, and he did so through the songs that are featured on Me/And/Dad. If you are a picker or enjoy going to jam sessions, you will recognize these songs. There are fourteen tracks in all, and they include “Long Journey Home”, “Way Downtown”, “Dig a Little Deeper (In the Well)”, and the Larry Sparks classic, “John Deere Tractor”. Billy and Terry sound phenomenal. Hearing them reminds me of listening to the great recordings of Doc & Merle Watson picking and singing together. Although Billy and Terry are in the spotlight, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the rest of the performers on this album: Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Mike Bub (bass), Jason Carter (fiddle), Michael Cleveland (fiddle), and Jerry Douglas (dobro).

Many people know Billy Strings through his successful recent records, but instead of just putting out the next album to capitalize on the gained momentum, he took a moment to introduce his fans to the man that got him started on this musical journey that we are all enjoying. On behalf of all of the Billy Strings fans, I give you our sincere thanks. Billy Strings and his dad, Terry Barber, sound great on this new album. I recommend giving Me/And/Dad a listen today. I believe you will enjoy, and, if you are a picker, you may be inspired to pull out your 6-string and pick along.

November 16, 2022

John Hartford is one of the most revered artists in American music. He made an impression with his songwriting (Glen Campbell’s “Gentle on My Mind”) and his performances. Hartford was a vocalist and multiple instrumentalist, and he seemed to be a bridge to various branches of American music. John Hartford connected the folk movement of the 1960s, and the hippies that supported it, to traditional bluegrass fans. He then reached back to earlier folk songs, including songs that had lived along U.S. riverboats, and resurrected the tunes for ears that had never heard them before. John Hartford’s unique career has inspired countless artists, and one of those artists is Sam Bush.

The latest album from Sam Bush, Radio John: Songs of John Hartford, is a 10 song tribute to Hartford. Of those, 9 of the 10 songs are Hartford tunes. At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, I am glad that Sam Bush did not include “Gentle on My Mind” or “Steam Powered AereoPlane”. I love those songs, but they have been covered by everybody and their brother. The songs that Bush selected are a great introduction to the uninitiated to the music of John Hartford. The only new song on the album, “Radio John”, co-written by Sam Bush, really is a nice bow to tie up the album, but also paints a picture of one of the most unique artists in American music history, John Hartford.

Many people download music nowadays. It is convenient and makes it easier to take your music with you. However, I recommend a copy of the CD because the liner notes are worth reading. The love and respect that Sam Bush has for John Hartford is evident in the liner notes. But you can’t go wrong if you download the album. Bush’s sentiments for his musical mentor and friend shines through on each song. I recommend giving Sam Bush’s Radio John: Songs of John Hartford a listen today.

November 9, 2022

Gabe Lee’s name may sound familiar. We reviewed his 2020 album, Honky Tonk Hell. The Nashville based singer-songwriter has the rare distinction of not only being based there, but he can also say that he was born and raised in the Music City. Lee’s songwriting skills and vocal delivery amazed me, especially for someone under the age of 30. Gabe Lee has just released a new album, The Hometown Kid, and he continues to showcase his amazing talents.

Gabe Lee wrote or co-wrote every song on The Hometown Kid. The lyrics on all the songs seemed to be picked with a surgical precision. Some songwriters are so surgical that the songs are sterile. Not so on The Hometown Kid. Every phrase seems to be just the perfect selection of words to paint a picture. Lee’s delivery of the lyrics from page to microphone is special, too. Not everyone can convey the songwriter’s intended feelings, and that sometime includes the songwriters’ themselves. However, Gabe Lee’s songwriting and vocal delivery are a perfect match.

With the release of his third album, Gabe Lee has started to show up on the musical radar. He offers songwriting that is beyond his years. Lee has a good singing voice, but there is something about his delivery that almost makes me forget he is singing. It is as if I am sitting in a cafe, drinking a cup of coffee, across from someone telling me a story, and I can’t wait to hear what happened next. I recommend giving Gabe Lee’s The Hometown Kid a listen today.

October 26, 2022

This Catch of the Week will feature a new album from Alex Williams. You may recognize that name. His debut album, Better Than Myself, was released in 2017. For his rookie release, Williams received positive reviews. Many noted his vocal delivery and musical style as a refreshing change from the country music sounds that were dominating the airwaves. Something I did not realize at the time of the first album’s release is that Alex Williams had done little to no touring before recording his first project. It has been five years since Better Than Myself was released. That is five years of living, singing, touring, and songwriting that he has under his belt. With those gained experiences, it was time for Alex Williams to release a new project. His new album is Waging Peace.

Alex Williams wrote or co-wrote all twelve songs on Waging Peace. He gets some songwriting help from the likes of Mickey Raphael, Tennessee Jet, Mando Saenz, and Ben Jarrell. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite song from this project. I could listen to these twelve songs over and over again, and I will. However, if you want a sample of the different styles and moods that are included on Waging Peace, listen to “Old Before My Time”, “Confession”, “The Best Thing”, and “The Struggle”.

Alex Williams’ Waging Peace is a thoroughly enjoyable album. The songwriting is rock solid. Williams’ voice is unique and recognizable, which is something I love to hear. Nothing kills my listening experience more than hearing an artist sing, and then forgetting who I am listening to because they sound like another artist. The music is outstanding, in a style that embodies the Outlaw sound. I hate categorizing music, but I use it as a signpost to decide if you want to listen to the album. By the way, I think you will want to listen to Waging Peace.

October 12, 2022

If you are a fan of the TV show America’s Got Talent, you might recognize the name Drake Milligan. He came in third on the popular television talent show. It might actually be a good thing that Milligan did not win. There are only a handful of winners of those types of shows that go on to have successful singing careers (i.e. Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, and Kelly Clarkson). Drake Milligan definitely got a boost with his appearance on AGT. However, Milligan is free to pursue his musical career in whatever way he wants. Drake Milligan has done just that with the release of his new album, Dallas/Fort Worth.

Drake Milligan’s new album includes 5 songs from his 2021 EP. It is not uncommon to see songs from an EP added to full-length album. By the way, adding those 5 songs to the collection of 14 that make up Dallas/Fort Worth was a good choice because they are excellent tunes. All the songs on this album were written or co-written by Milligan. The album has a ‘90s country vibe, completely with fiddles and steel guitars. I enjoyed all the songs on this album. Some of my favorites include, “Sounds Like Something I’d Do”, “Over Drinkin’, Under Thinkin’”, the western swing “Goin’ Down Swingin’” featuring Vince Gill, and “Long Haul” featuring James Burton’s killer guitar licks.

Drake Milligan’s Dallas/Fort Worth is thoroughly enjoyable. The songwriting is great, the musicianship is outstanding, and Milligan’s baritone voice is wonderful. This album and Drake Milligan is radio ready. Sometimes when it is said that an album is radio ready, it can mean you need to brace yourself for cookie cutter music in which it can be hard to determine which artists is singing. Not so with Drake Milligan. Dallas/Fort Worth is one hundred percent country, and, most importantly, it is one hundred percent Drake Milligan. I recommend giving Dallas/Fort Worth a listen today.

September 28, 2022

When you mention the musical act Dailey & Vincent, you think of bluegrass music. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent became known for their time as part of legendary bluegrass bands. Dailey was a longtime member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, while Vincent had a long tenure with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. When Dailey & Vincent was formed in 2007, it was a no-brainer that they would make great bluegrass music. Although that is the basis of all of their projects, the Grand Ole Opry members have shown their musical versatility with projects that show their love of southern gospel music and country music with their tribute albums to the music of the Statler Brothers. On their latest project, Let’s Sing Some Country!, Dailey and Vincent venture further down the country roads.

Let’s Sing Some Country! Includes eleven songs, and some of them you may recognize. Dailey & Vincent went to the Vince Gill well for three songs on this project. They cover Gill’s “Colder Than Winter” and “Young Man’s Town”. Dailey & Vincent’s recording of “If I Die Drinkin’”, co-written by Gill and Ashley Monroe, might be my favorite on the album. “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee”, designated as an official song of the Volunteer State, is another outstanding song from this project. Dailey & Vincent also do a great job on Steve Earle’s “Hillbilly Highway” and the Oak Ridge Boys’ “Dig a Little Deeper in the Well”.

September 14, 2022

Jon Pardi started out as an artist on the fringes of stardom, making music in a style that is akin to ‘90s country. It was respected and appreciated, but he received nominal national airplay. However, Pardi slowly started to gain a following among country fans, and soon his music was receiving more and more spins. Eventually, he broke through with Top Ten hits like “Head Over Boots”, “Dirt on My Boots”, “Heartache on the Dance Floor”, and “Ain’t Always the Cowboy”. With Pardi’s chart success and growing popularity, many anticipated his next album. The wait is over because Jon Pardi’s Mr. Saturday Night is here.

The album consists of 14 songs, and you get a full dose of fiddle and steel guitar. You will recognize a couple of the songs that have already been released as singles (“Last Night Lonely” and “Longneck Way to Go” featuring Midland). If you enjoy those songs, there are 12 more that will tickle your fancy. A couple of my favorites include “Hung the Moon”, “New Place to Drink”, and the title track. Some of Pardi’s songs on this album include clever wordplay that country music is known for, “Reverse Cowgirl” being the prime example.

Since I was introduced to Jon Pardi’s music, I have been a big fan. Mr. Saturday Night does nothing but bolster my fandom. Pardi delivers music that will continue to please younger country music fans, but also find allies in older fans who enjoy the sound of ‘90s country. In a recent interview, Pardi talked about touring with Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn. He said that they told him to , “keep doin’ what you’re doin’.” I have to agree with both of those Country Music Hall of Fame acts. I recommend giving Jon Pardi’s Mr. Saturday Night a listen today.

September 7, 2022

This week we turn again to the leader in the production of great music, Texas. I will not go through my normal explanation of how great the Lone Star State is for music (see about half of my 2022 reviews). I will point out that I don’t intentionally look for Texas artists when choosing which albums to review. I listen to new projects, and, if I like an album, look up the artist’s biographical information. Regardless, this Catch of the Week is from a Texas artist named Bri Bagwell, and her latest album is Corazón y Cabeza.

If you do not speak Spanish, or have not since taking Spanish II in high school, the album’s title translates to “Heart & Head”. Bri Bagwell wrote or co-wrote all 11 songs on the album, and she is an expert songwriter. The musical underpinning of each song highlights the lyrics. Speaking of the music, Bagwell offers a wide variety of styles on this album. From rocking songs like “Free Man” to the country ballad “Old Together”, there is a little bit of everything on this album. Some of my favorite songs on Corazón y Cabeza include “Cowboy Cold”, “The Dust”, “Hello Highway”, and the heartbreaking “Happy New Year”. She also addresses domestic violence through the story told in “Josefina”. Those are a few of my favorites, but this album does not have a bad song.

Many times when I have reviewed a singer-songwriter’s new album, it is a stripped down, mostly acoustic project. There is nothing wrong with that. I think it is one of the most effective ways to put the lyrics and storytelling front and center. However, there are other methods in which to present the songs other than with a minimalist approach. On Bri Bagwell’s Corazón y Cabeza, there is a wide variety of fully fleshed out musical arrangements that help to color the pictures that the lyrics present. Listening to this album, from the first track to the last, is like walking through an art exhibit, stopping to admire each painting, taking in its’ mood and meaning, before moving on to the next offering and starting the wonderful process all over again. I highly recommend giving Bri Bagwell’s Corazón y Cabeza a listen today.

August 31, 2022

My musical tastes are eclectic. Whether it is country, bluegrass, gospel, R & B, soul, rock, or pop, if the music is good, I like it. That is one of the reasons I like Jim Lauderdale’s music. He has released more than thirty albums in his career, and he has covered a lot of musical genres on those projects. Most importantly, Lauderdale’s music is always excellent. He is known not only for his varied musical catalog, but for his outstanding songwriting, with his songs being covered by numerous artists, including George Strait (“We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This”) and Mark Chesnutt (“Gonna Get a Life”). Well, Jim Lauderdale has just released a new album, Game Changer, and it is country to the core.

There are so many different musical moods you will find on Game Changer. From the upbeat “That Kind of Life (That Kind of Day)” to the ballad “Our Happy Hour”, Jim Lauderdale has every emotion covered. Some of my favorite songs on the album include the title track. It has a sound that is reminiscent of country music of the 1960s. Another of my favorites is “Keep it Real”, a beautiful love song that sounds like it came from Ray Price’s catalog. I am also a big fan of “You’re Hoggin’ My Mind” has funny lyrics over a funky, swampy country sound.

If you are a fan of the traditional country styles, you will love Game Changer. Jim Lauderdale wrote all twelve songs on the album. Each song is another example at the exemplary songwriting talent that he possesses. From album to album, you may never know what style Jim Lauderdale is going to present. However, the one thing you can count on is that, whatever the style, the music will be outstanding. I recommend giving Jim Lauderdale’s Game Changer a listen today.

August 24, 2022

Texas artists have provided many of the albums that I have reviewed during my time with the Catch of the Week. One of those artists that I have reviewed in the past is Wade Bowen. Whether as a solo artist or in tandem with Randy Rogers, Bowen has released some great projects. Most recently, in December 2021, I reviewed his EP Where Phones Don’t Work. It was full of great performances and songwriting. Now, we have a full length album from Wade Bowen to talk about. His latest project is Somewhere Between the Secret and the Truth.

Wade Bowen includes so many different styles on Somewhere Between the Secret and the Truth. From the modern sound of “Everything Has Your Memory” to the barroom burner “Honky Tonk Roll”, Bowen’s songs offer such variety that you are bound to find something that is to your liking. Some of my favorites on the album includes the cry in your beer tune “Burnin’ Both Ends of the Bar” and the rocking “She’s Driving Me Crazy”. A couple of other favorites from the album feature special guests. Lori McKenna duets with Bowen on “A Beautiful World”, a song co-written by the two performers. Also, Vince Gill makes an appearance on “A Guitar, A Singer, and A Song”. The song, another Bowen-McKenna co-write, will strike a chord with anyone who is a fan of singer-songwriters.

Wade Bowen is one in a long line of talented Texas singers-songwriters. He is building up quite a reputation of releasing projects that I can listen to from beginning to end without ever skipping a track. I am a fan of the music coming out of Texas. However, of all the current independent artists from the Lone Star state, Bowen’s music has the best chance of breaking into the mainstream. I hope that I am right about that because if just one of those artists gains national attention, it may draw attention to the entire rich, thriving scene. Bowen’s album features outstanding singing, playing, songwriting, and production. You cannot ask for more. I recommend giving Wade Bowen’s Somewhere Between the Secret and the Truth a listen today.

August 17, 2022

One of my favorite country music singers of the 1980s & 1990s is John Anderson. There are a few things about Anderson’s music that made me a fan. First, his voice is recognizable. Every era has people that make a big splash, and they are followed by sound-alikes that every record label puts out there, hoping to ride on the first artist’s success. Good luck trying to find someone that sounds like John Anderson, and that is not a knock on Anderson’s voice. Another reason that I love John Anderson’s music is his song selection. They ranged from humor to heartbreak, and he is comfortable singing the songs, no matter the subject matter. With that being said, I was excited to see that a new album paying homage to his songs was being released.

Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson is a collection of 13 songs from the John Anderson catalog, performed by an amazing group of artists. This album has been in the works for several years now, and that is evident by the album’s first track, “1959”, performed by the late John Prine. I think that song gets overlooked when folks refer to John Anderson’s great songs. I have always thought the song is one of his best, and John Prine does a great turn on “1959”. Some of my other favorites on this project include Tyler Childers’ bluegrassified “Shoot Low Sherriff”, Sturgill Simpson’s “When It Comes to You”, Brent Cobb’s “Wild and Blue”, Ashley McBryde’s “Straight Tequila Night” and Jamey Johnson’s “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day)”. However, there is not a clunker on the album. Other artists that pay tribute to John Anderson include, Nathaniel Rateliff, Eric Church, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Luke Combs, Brothers Osborne, and Del McCoury & Sierra Hull.

One of the glaring omissions is “Swingin’”. I am glad that producer Dan Auerbach did not include a version of John Anderson’s signature song. Can you imagine the wrangling that would have occurred when trying to decide which artist was going to record the song? Speaking of Auerbach, he did a wonderful job of spearheading this project, and kudos to each artist that put their individual touch on John Anderson’s songs. This is one of my favorite tribute albums in recent memory. I recommend giving Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson a listen today.

August 3, 2022

Ronnie Dunn is one half of one of the most successful duos in country music history, Brooks & Dunn. The duo’s success led to their 2019 induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Ronnie Dunn has recorded several solo projects in recent years. Whether with Brooks & Dunn or as a solo artist, Dunn’s unique voice has always made him easy to identify on country music radio. You can hear his recognizable voice on his latest solo project, 100 Proof Neon.

Ronnie Dunn’s vocal delivery is great, as always, on 100 Proof Neon. When an album has a title like that, you get what you would expect…a lot of honky tonk music. That is not a complaint at all. There is plenty of steel guitar, lead electric guitar, and fiddle throughout the album. It is reminiscent of not only ‘90s Brooks & Dunn, but a lot of other country artists from that era. The entire album is a good listen, but a few songs stand out. The opening track, “Broken Neon Hearts”, is a great way to start a honky tonk style album. It features some outstanding steel guitar work. “Road To Abilene” featuring Parker McCollum is a song about a guy chasing his musical dreams while still dreaming about the girl he left behind. Another standout track is “The Blade”. You might remember this song as the title track from Ashley Monroe’s 2015 album, which I reviewed back then and thoroughly enjoyed. Ronnie Dunn’s take on “The Blade” is wonderful!

Ronnie Dunn has never strayed far away from the Brooks & Dunn sound. Yet, somehow, on 100 Proof Neon it seems to be a throwback to the earlier ‘90’s Brooks & Dunn style. That statement may sound crazy, but take a listen to the album and I believe you will understand what I am talking about. The song selection, vocal delivery, and musical performances make this a highly enjoyable listening experience. I recommend giving Ronnie Dunn’s 100 Proof Neon a spin today.

July 27, 2022

Dan Tyminski’s latest project is a tribute to a giant in the bluegrass world, Tony Rice. Known for his outstanding guitar style, Rice also recorded some of the most popular and endearing songs in modern bluegrass history. Rice passed away on Christmas Day 2020, and with his passing many musicians paid tribute to him. Barry Waldrep and Friends and The Punch Brothers both released albums in tribute to Tony Rice. Dan Tyminski is the latest artist to honor Rice. Tyminski’s latest EP, One More Time Before You Go: A Tribute to Tony Rice, features his take on 4 of Rice’s iconic songs, plus an original song co-written by Tyminski.

The EP starts with the classic Norman Blake composition “Church Street Blues”. Joining Dan Tyminski is guitarist and singer Molly Tuttle. “One More Time Before You Go”, the title track, features Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Todd Phillips, and Josh Williams, who co-wrote the song with Tyminski. Williams, one of many artists to share a stage with Tony Rice, wrote the song with Tyminski as a way to deal with Tony Rice’s death. Dailey & Vincent join Tyminski on the Gordon Lightfoot penned “10 Degrees and Getting Colder”, a song that Rice first recorded as part of J.D. Crowe & The New South’s legendary Rounder 0044 album. Billy Strings joins with Dan Tyminski on “Where the Soul of Man Never Dies”, a song that Tony Rice and Ricky Skaggs recorded on their famous duet album. Billy and Dan should look into recording a similar duet album. The final song on the project is “Why You Been Gone So Long”, featuring dobro master Gaven Largent. The entire project is outstanding, but this song is my favorite from the project.

Dan Tyminski nailed this tribute to Tony Rice. Although there are only five songs on the EP, the Rice songs, plus the original song, that are included seem to be perfect picks. Kudos to Dan and all the special guests for providing a musical tribute worthy of the great Tony Rice. Also, there is a nice tip of the hat, or flash of the wrist watch, if you will, on the cover of this EP, with a picture of an Accutron watch, a passion of Tony’s, front and center. By the way, the Dan Tyminski Band will be releasing a new album in 2023, and I cannot wait to hear it. Until then, sit back and enjoy Dan Tyminski’s One More Time Before You Go: A Tribute to Tony Rice.

July 13, 2022

I was searching for my next Catch of the Week, and I found an album that was somehow overlooked earlier this year. The artist is Matt Daniel, a Texas singer-songwriter that I feel like I should be familiar with. However, after scouring the memory banks of my brain and computer, I could not find anything on Daniel. So, I went to the internet to find anything I could, and there is not much, save for his Facebook page. He is a true independent artist, working at his craft on the road and on his new album All I’ll Ever Need.

The album features eight songs, all written or co-written by Matt Daniel, and the lyrics are laid out in excellent fashion, drawing you into the story that each song tells. Daniel’s voice is outstanding, too. It will draw comparisons to Jamie Johnson and Chris Stapleton. However, he is no copycat. Daniel has a timbre that is all his own. You get a full range of emotions on this album, all the way from love to heartbreak. Some of my favorite songs on All I’ll Ever Need include, “Trailer Truck”, “Weatherman”, “Better Place”, and “Homeless in Heaven”.

I have always been attracted to authentic music. I want music that has some substance in the lyrics and grit in the performances. I feel like Matt Daniel is the real deal. He is a gifted songwriter and talented songwriter. I hope that we hear more from him in the future. I recommend giving Matt Daniel’s All I’ll Ever Need a listen today.

July 6, 2022

It is time to take a look back at my favorite Catches of the Week from the first half of 2022 (January-June 2022). These are listed in order in which they were reviewed. The full reviews can be seen further down on this page:

Brent Cobb – And Now, Let’s Turn to Page… (reviewed on February 9, 2022)

Texas Hill – Heaven Down Here (reviewed on February 16, 2022)

The group members are Adam Wakefield, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Casey James. You may know their names as solo artists. Wakefield and Boyd were contestants on The Voice, and Casey James was an American Idol finalist. It is not a given that musical magic will happen when you put talented artists together. There has to be natural chemistry, and that cannot be forced. When singers and musicians click, the end results are amazing. Wakefield, Boyd, and James vocals tightly fit together like a jigsaw puzzle that makes a complete picture.

Bob Minner – From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn: The Songs of Norman Blake (reviewed on March 9, 2022)

ERNEST – Flower Shops (reviewed March 16, 2022)

Randall King – Shot Glass (reviewed March 23, 2022)

Ned LeDoux – Buckskin (reviewed March 30, 2022)

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – Crooked Tree (reviewed April 6, 2022)

Joshua Hedley – Neon Blue (reviewed May 18, 2022)

Brennen Leigh featuring Asleep at the Wheel – Obsessed With the West (reviewed June 1, 2022)

American Aquarium – Chicamacomico (reviewed June 15, 2022)

Mary Gauthier – Dark Enough to See the Stars (reviewed June 22, 2022)

June 29, 2022

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has been a fixture in Nashville since the late 1950s. Whenever someone lists the great country music songwriters, Bill Anderson’s name is mentioned, and rightfully so. He has had a hand in writing more than 100 charted country songs. His career has been long and successful. Anderson’s songs have been recorded from the 1950s, by artists like Ray Price & Lefty Frizzell, all the way into the twenty first century, by artists like George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley. That success led the South Carolina born, Georgia raised Anderson to entry to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He made a mark as a performer in the 1960s, when his songs landed inside the Top Ten, including Number 1 hits, like “Still” and “Mama Sang a Song”. Whisperin’ Bill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. After giving you the Cliff Notes version of Bill Anderson’s career, which, by the way, is still going, it is my pleasure to let you know that he has released a new album, As Far As I Can See: The Best Of.

The new album is a collection of some of Bill Anderson’s biggest hits. The previously released hits that are included on the album include, “City Lights”, “Walk Out Backwards”, “Three AM”, “Still”, “The Tip of My Fingers”, “I Love You Drops”, “I Get The Fever”, “Po’ Folks”, “Wild Week-End”, “Happy State Of Mind”, “My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To)”, “Sometimes” featuring Mary Lou Turner, “If You Can Live With It (I Can Live Without It), and “The Corner Of My Life”. In addition to those songs, there is a recently discovered demo of “If It Is All The Same To You”. The 1964 recording is a duet between Anderson and Dolly Parton. The song was later recorded by Bill Anderson & Jan Howard, and was released as part of his 1969 album of the same name. There is one new recording on the album. It is another duet, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”, from Bill Anderson & Dolly Parton.

With such a long and successful career, Bill Anderson’s discography is massive. Trying to dive into his catalog can be a daunting task. This album is a great sample of his songs from 1961-1973, and is a wonderful introduction for a younger country music fan to Bill Anderson. The final song on the album, the new duet with Dolly Parton, is a great bow to top off this album. I highly recommend giving Bill Anderson’s As Far As I Can See: The Best Of a listen today.

June 22, 2022

Mary Gauthier is one of the preeminent songwriters of our time. Her ability to write songs that capture the emotions of a moment is at an expert level. Her songs have been recorded by many artists, including Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, and Bobby Bare. Gauthier’s albums have received critical acclaim, including Grammy nominations. Her songs have been included on the soundtracks of various TV shows, most recently Yellowstone, which has added to her fan base. Mary Gauthier’s latest masterpiece is Dark Enough to See the Stars.

The majority of Mary Gauthier’s albums could be classified as folk or singer-songwriter. Dark Enough to See the Stars also earns that same classification. With that musical approach, your attention is drawn to lyrics. The songs on this album deal with love, loss, and the cost, not monetary, of being a human being. I enjoyed each of this album’s ten songs, but some of my favorites are “Thank God For You”, a song that has a gospel feel, complete with an organ, “Truckers and Troubadours”, and “How Could You Be Gone”.

June 15, 2022

American Aquarium has been around for over fifteen years. Bandleader BJ Barham has been the driving force behind the band, both singing and writing the majority of the songs American Aquarium’s repertoire. Although they have been performing for years, many discovered the group through their 2020 album, Lamentations. On the strength of that album and the song “The Luckier You Get”, American Aquarium started to gain critical and commercial success, expanding their audiences, including playing The Grand Ole Opry. American Aquarium released Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers, Vol. 1 & 2. last year. It was a collection of country songs from the 1990s. American Aquarium have gotten back to releasing original material with their new album, Chicamacomico.

BJ Barham’s singing and songwriting is front and center on the new album. He wrote or co-wrote all ten songs. The majority of the songs deal with real life situations, from love and family life to dealing with the death of a loved one. Some of my favorite songs on the album include “The First Year”, “Wildfire”, “Just Close Enough” (co-written with Lori McKenna), “The Hardest Thing” (co-written with Hayes Carll), and “All I Needed” (co-written with Carl Anderson). The lyrics of each song are powerful and real. There are no wasted words or phrases. I have to take a moment to compliment to the music on Chicamacomico. The band’s performance dovetails the lyrics perfectly.

I am happy to see the success that American Aquarium have had in recent years. I always cheer when songwriters are able to offer their songs to the world and see the impact it has on the listening audience. BJ Barham’s lyrics will definitely hit home with the listeners. Barham’s singing and the musical performances of American Aquarium are outstanding on this new album. I recommend giving Chicamacomico a listen today.

June 8, 2022

It is a safe bet that country music fans of a certain age were introduced to the music of Bob Dylan when he made an appearance in 1969 on The Johnny Cash Show. Bob Dylan’s association with Music City, USA, where the show was filmed, was cemented with the appearance along with the three albums he recorded in Nashville (Blonde on Blonde, John Wesley Harding, and Nashville Skyline). Although Dylan’s music has never been classified as country, his impact on the artists and songwriters within the genre is huge. Now we get a tip of hat to Bob Dylan on behalf of country music fans and artists with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s latest album, Dirt Does Dylan.

With a catalog as large as Bob Dylan’s, it would be hard to narrow down the list of songs to include on a tribute album. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did a great job creating a project that captures the many lyrical styles of Dylan, while staying true to their own sound. Some of my favorite tracks on the album include, “I Shall Be Released”, which sees Larkin Poe join the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The harmonies will give you goosebumps. “Forever Young” is a perfect pairing of Dylan’s lyrics and the NGDB’s music. The stripped down “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” will have you singing along and tapping your toes. In my opinion, one of the most powerful songs ever penned by Dylan is “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, and The War and Treat join the band for a stirring rendition of this Bob Dylan classic.

If you grew up enjoying the music and lyrics of Bob Dylan, you will enjoy Dirt Does Dylan. I fear that as we move further away from the time when he was releasing what would become classic songs, Dylan’s music will not be enjoyed or studied by future generations. I am afraid his name will become nothing more than the answer to a game show trivia question. If you have a young music fan in your family, I suggest you introduce them to Bob Dylan’s music. A good way to start is with Dirt Does Dylan. Once that seed is planted, maybe you can point them in the direction of the source of the songs, the original recordings by Bob Dylan. I recommend giving Dirt Does Dylan a listen today.

June 1, 2022

When you think of western swing, the names that usually come to mind are Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and Asleep at the Wheel, and rightfully so. However, it seems that any country artist that was born in or lives in Texas or Oklahoma is influenced by western swing. However, influence is about as far as it goes. There are not many artists that embrace the style of Bob Wills with the intention of making a new western swing album. That is why this Catch of the Week is so unusual.

Brennen Leigh is a respected singer-songwriter that was born in North Dakota. She was raised in Minnesota, starting to tour at 14 years old. Leigh moved to Austin, TX at the age of 19. That is where she met Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson. They talked about working together on a western swing album, but Leigh eventually left the Lone Star State to pursue songwriting opportunities in Nashville. She achieved success as a songwriter, with songs having been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Crowell, and Sunny Sweeney. In the past few years, Leigh and Benson revisited the idea of making a western swing album. The stars aligned and now we have a new record from Brennen Leigh featuring Asleep at the Wheel.

The new album, Obsessed With the West, twelve original songs, all written or co-written by Brennen Leigh. The songs are so well crafted in the western swing style that you could swear you have heard the Bob Wills’ version before. Leigh’s vocal style instantly draws comparisons to that of Cindy Walker’s delivery, while Asleep at the Wheel plays the role of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. There is also appearances from Emily Gimble (“If I Treated You Like You Treat Me”) and Katie Shore (“Tell Him I’m Dead”). I have no favorite song on this project. Each song is equally pleasurable.

Asleep at the Wheel’s legacy is already cemented as a purveyor of western swing. You can add that descriptor to Brennen Leigh. There have been many artists that cover Bob Wills’ tunes. It is a much harder thing to create new music in Wills’ style, but Leigh has done just that. I recommend giving Brennen Leigh featuring Asleep at the Wheel’s Obsessed With the West a listen.

May 25, 2022

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 released an EP, The Last Resort, last year with the promise of a LP this year. They have kept their promise with the release of The Last Resort: Greetings From.

Midland’s new project consists of the five songs (“And Then Some”, “Two To Two Step”, “Take Her Off Your Hands”, “Sunrise Tells The Story” and “Adios Cowboy”), from the previously mentioned EP. I loved all five of those songs. The seven new songs on the LP continue 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. Some of my favorites from the new batch of songs include “The Last Resort”. It has sort of a Kenny Chesney or Bellamy Brothers vibe, completely with sand, the ocean, strong drinks, and strong regrets. I also enjoyed the collaboration between Midland and Jon Pardi on “Longneck Way to Go”. There is not a bad song on the album, and it would be a great addition to your summertime playlist.

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 fan base grows. With the release of the new LP, 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: Greetings From a listen today.

May 18, 2022

As country music has expanded in recent years to include many new sounds and influences, many fans of a particular style congregate with like-minded people: modern country in one corner, and traditionalist in another. Because the styles are so disparate, it can be hard, though not impossible, to find a middle ground. We were introduced to Joshua Hedley with his 2018 release Mr. Jukebox. That album was directly from the country music sounds of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. We have not had a new project from him since then, but that does not mean that Hedley has been taking it easy. He has been performing regularly at Robert’s Western World, a famous honky tonk in Nashville. Those that did not find their way to Nashville to see Hedley perform have been clamoring for another album from the Mayor of Lower Broadway. Well, the wait is over! Joshua Hedley’s new album, Neon Blue, is now available.

Although many were speculating that Joshua Hedley’s new album would be full of 1950s and 1960s style songs, Neon Blue features songs that are rooted in ‘90s country music. If you did not know better, you would think that he was covering songs from that era. However, all but one of the twelve songs on the album are originals, co-written by Hedley. Some of my favorite tunes on Neon Blue include “Down to My Last Lie”, “Bury Me With My Boots On”, “Free (One Heart)”, the cover of Roger Miller’s “River in the Rain”, and the title track. In addition to the great songwriting, Hedley does an outstanding job of performing these songs as his own, while at the same time bringing to mind the style of the 1990s, with shades and hues of Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Joe Diffie, and Mark Chesnutt.

If you are looking for something to cleanse the musical palate, I recommend giving Joshua Hedley’s Neon Blue a listen. Although he is extremely talented, one cannot tell if Hedley’s recording and performing older style songs will further his career. The main difference between Mr. Jukebox and Neon Blue is the era the songs are styled in. There seems to a be a growing feeling of nostalgia for the music on the 1990s, and I believe enough people are fans of the sound provided with Neon Blue that Joshua Hedley will find and keep an audience. I recommend giving Joshua Hedley’s Neon Blue a listen today.

May 11, 2022

Legend is a word that is thrown around too flippantly these days. There are not that many true legends. The greatness of legends is 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 those that soar in such rarefied air is Willie Nelson. His singing and songwriting have been influencing other artists for over six decades. Willie has released an unbelievable number of albums during his career. However, I will never take for granted the announcement of a new Willie Nelson album. I understand this unique situation. It is almost unheard of to have a singer releasing quality albums at the age of 89. Willie is somehow still making albums that hold up against earlier projects. Willie Nelson latest album is A Beautiful Time.

Willie Nelson teams up with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon on A Beautiful Time. Cannon co-wrote six new songs on this album, five of which were co-written with Nelson. Cannon, as he has done on many of Willie’s recent albums, served as the producer of A Beautiful Time. With the exception of two cover songs (Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song” and The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends”) almost all the other songs are originals, including two songs written by Shawn Camp (“A Beautiful Time” and “We’re Not Happy (Till You’re Not Happy)”. I enjoyed the entire album, but I want to mention two songs that I am especially fond of. The first is “I Don’t Go to Funerals”, co-written by Nelson and Cannon. It is a bit of dark humor, but also a small dose of reality. The second song is “I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die”, written by Rodney Crowell and Chris Stapleton. The song sounds like it could have been on one of Willie’s albums from the ‘70s or ‘80s.

Willie Nelson’s ability to continue to tour and make new albums is amazing. The “Red Headed Stranger”, now 89 years old, is an anomaly. Performers are not supposed to be able to sing and play into their 80’s, much less be expected to. However, I am not complaining. I am ready for any music that Willie feels the need to release. I realize the uniqueness of this situation, and will enjoy it for as long as Willie is willing and able to produce new albums. I recommend giving Willie Nelson’s A Beautiful Time a listen today.

April 27, 2022

This week’s Catch finds us staying close to home. Anderson County, SC is where you will find Andrew Crawford. If you have followed the local music scene in the past fifteen years, you have probably seen and heard Andrew’s guitar. He has played with local bands, like the Heaven’s Echoes, Last Road, and the Jake Bartley Band. He worked professionally as a member of Randy Kohrs’ band for several years. Crawford has been building his resume, recording and sharing the stage with the likes of Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, and Jim Lauderdale. In addition, he has found time to teach guitar, hone his songwriting skills, and add producer to a growing list of accomplishments. He has decided to return to his bluegrass roots with his latest album, The Lonesome Season.

The album features ten tracks, and Crawford assembled an all-star cast to help shape the album. The guests includes Aaron Ramsey, Tim Crouch, Patton Wages, Jason Moore, Jeff Partin, Josh Shilling, Shawn Lane, Glen Harrell, Brian Stephens, Maggie Stephens, Daniel Slayer, Curtis Bumgarner, Scott Hawkins, and Stephen Hudson. Of the ten tracks, two are instrumentals (“Land of Giants” and “Fear of the Mountain”). Even with all the added firepower, Andrew Crawford’s talent is front and center. Many people know about his outstanding guitar skills. However, he played several other instruments on this album. Crawford also shows off his singing skills, including the title track, “The Lonesome Season”. His songwriting prowess is also in the spotlight. He co-wrote my favorite song on this project, “Big Montana”, with songwriter Trey Ward.

Even though Andrew Crawford is from SC, The Lonesome Season has gained national attention, with several songs landing on the Bluegrass Today charts. I feel like we may see more of Crawford’s songs in the charts. I feel like the success of this album is due to several factors. First, Crawford’s musicianship is top notch. Second, his songwriting and song selection is excellent. Third, Crawford stepping from the role as sideman and putting himself front and center to sing connects with the listening audience. You can hear that Crawford understands this style of music, and he delivers it with a sincerity that cannot be faked. I recommend giving Andrew Crawford’s The Lonesome Season a listen today.

April 20, 2022

When you think of country music hot beds, you usually think of Nashville or the Red Dirt Music scene in Texas. This week we venture to a new location, the state of Illinois. That is the home of singer-songwriter David Quinn. To note the different origin point of his music, Quinn calls his music Black Dirt Music. As with many albums we have heard in the past few months, Quinn’s latest project was written and constructed during the pandemic. He found his way away from the city life in Illinois to the Indiana countryside to write the songs for his latest project. By the way, Quinn wrote all twelve songs on the new album. He also served as the album’s producer. David Quinn’s new album is called Country Fresh.

When I am introducing a new artist, many listeners want to know what they are getting into musically. They want something to compare it to. I do not like to draw comparisons, but I understand the apprehension of the unknown. So, David Quinn’s music is definitely in the classic country vein with some songs having a Waylonesque tendencies. His vocal delivery is also very country with a hint of John Prine. I wonder if there is a similarity to Prine in the pronunciation of words because they are both from Illinois. There is also a complete range of emotions through the album, as the good Lord and Hank Williams intended. You get fun, upbeat songs like “Boy From Illinois”, “Easy Like a Breeze”, and the title track. Quinn also offers much heavier lyrics on “I Came Back to You (To Say Goodbye)” and “I Just Want to Feel Alright”. I want to mention some of the great instrumentalist on Country Fresh, including guitar player Laur Joamets (Drivin N Cryin’, formerly with Sturgill Simpson), Fats Kaplin (John Prine) on dobro, fiddle, banjo & harmonica, Brett Resnick (Kacey Musgraves) on pedal steel, and drummer Miles Miller (Sturgill Simpson). The combination of the music with Quinn’s lyrics and vocals are a perfect fit.

The great thing about the music industry today is how easy it is to find music from artists that suit your tastes. With the click of a mouse you can discover new artists, give them a listen, and decide if you will add it to your playlist. There is such a wide variety of styles to enjoy in today’s music that you are bound to find one that suits you. If you are a fan of straight forward classic country sounds, you need to check out David Quinn. Give a listen to his previous album, but, first, give Country Fresh a listen today.

April 13, 2022

From there start playing at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery to gracing the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and securing a Grammy nomination, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have been building a reputation as one of the top up and coming traditional bluegrass bands. For the majority of their existence the band has been made up of CJ Lewandowski (mandolin), Jereme Brown (banjo), Josh Rinkel (guitar), and Jasper Lorentzen (bass). Recently, the boys have added a female to their ranks in the way of seasoned fiddle player and vocalist, Laura Orshaw. With the new addition to the band, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have released a new album, Never Slow Down.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys present eleven tracks on Never Slow Down. The album continues in the traditional style that the group is known for. Some of my favorite tracks on the album are cover songs, “Little Glass of Wine” (The Stanley Brothers), “Lonesome” (Ralph Stanley), and “Ramblin’ Woman” (Hazel Dickens), the latter featuring Orshaw on lead vocals. Some of my other favorites on this project include, the Jim Lauderdale penned “Old Time Angels” and “Take My Ashes to the River”. The song selection and performances, both musical and vocal, are outstanding
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (and one Ramblin’ Girl) are in their element on Never Slow Down. They build on the rich bluegrass musical tradition that is the foundation of the genre. Their previous albums are might enjoyable, too. I recommend that you check those out. However, the addition of Laura Orshaw to the band seems to have given the group another musical gear. I recommend giving the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Never Slow Down a listen today.

April 6, 2022

Molly Tuttle has been playing guitar since she was 8 years old, and she quickly became recognized for her extraordinary talent on the acoustic guitar, performing on stage for the first time at the age of 11 with her father, Jack. Tuttle’s songwriting skills were evident at an early age, winning the Chris Young songwriting competition at MerleFest. She also received a scholarship in 2012 to Berklee School of Music. Tuttle also has the distinction of being the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year Award in 2017. For an encore, she repeated as the 2018 award winner. She has just released several solo albums and appeared as a guest artist on numerous other recordings. Most of Tuttle’s albums are a mixture of pop with acoustic instruments. However, she has appeared on stage with many artists in recent years to play traditional bluegrass songs. That is why many fans of traditional bluegrass music have been clamoring to have her release a completely bluegrass style album. Well, the wait is over! Her latest project is a bluegrass album called Crooked Tree.

Before I go any further, I have to mention that the album is credited to Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. The band is made up of Bronwyn Keith-Hines on fiddle, Kyle Tuttle (no relation) on banjo, Dom Leslie on mandolin, Shelby Means on bass, and Molly Tuttle on guitar. Their sound is outstanding! I also need to mention that Molly co-wrote all of the thirteen songs on Crooked Tree. Molly’s singing is wonderful on this album. She gets some help from several guest vocalists, including Margo Price (“Flatland Girl”), Billy Strings (“Dooley’s Farm), Sierra Hull (“Over the Line”), Dan Tyminski (“San Francisco Blues”), and Gillian Welch (“Side Saddle”). It is truly difficult for me to choose a favorite track. I genuinely enjoy each of the songs on Crooked Tree.

Although Crooked Tree is a bluegrass album, I do not expect to see Molly Tuttle turning out just bluegrass albums. Rather, I think Molly will continue to put out music that interests her, regardless of genre. There are already artists that have done this, including Billy Strings and Sturgill Simpson. I think we will see more artists follow this path. I have always enjoyed Molly Tuttle’s projects, and I am sure I will enjoy her future albums. However, this new album is one of my favorites. I recommend giving Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s Crooked Tree a listen today.

March 30, 2022

With the recent popularity of the TV shows Yellowstone and 1883, there seems to be a growing interest in cowboys, rodeos, and ranches. With that interest there comes a desire to find music that celebrates the western way of life. If you count yourself as one of those that has that interest, let me point you in the direction of Ned LeDoux. His music carries on a musical tradition started by his father, Chris LeDoux. If you are not familiar with Chris LeDoux, let me give you the Cliff Notes version of his life: he was a real cowboy, competed in rodeo, and wrote and sang songs about cowboys and rodeos, even being name dropped by Garth Brooks in “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)”. Drawing from that lineage, Ned LeDoux, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father in both looks and singing, continues the legacy of singing and writing songs about the west, not looking back to yesteryear, but celebrating the here and now.

Ned LeDoux’s latest album is Buckskin. The album includes twelve tracks, seven of which he wrote or co-wrote, and one of his father’s songs, “He Rides The Wild Horses”. Some of my favorite songs on Buckskin include “This Ain’t My First Rodeo”, “Only Need One”, “Cards in San Antone”, “Rodeo Dreams”, and “Damn Good Cowboy”. I liked all of Ned’s previous projects, but this is the first one that I think finds him cemented in a sound and style throughout, and it fits him like a glove. I want to take a moment to tip my Resistol to producer Mac McAnally for a job well done on Buckskin. I’ll tip it again to Ned LeDoux for a great “rodeo country” album.

I know that anytime Ned LeDoux’s name is brought up, folks mention his father, Chris. In fact, I have done it myself in this review quite a few times. However, I do not believe that Ned is just imitating his father. He is definitely influenced by DNA and example, but who isn’t? Rather, Ned seems to be unapologetically comfortable in his own skin. Ned LeDoux’s Buckskin is country music about cowboys, rodeos, and real life with an honest delivery, sometimes singing, and at others offering a bit of spoken word-like poetry. I recommend giving Buckskin a listen today.

March 23, 2022

There have been signs in country music of a turn to more traditional elements: steel guitar, fiddles, and emotional lyrics. Those elements can be heard on music from modern artists like Cody Johnson, Midland, Jon Pardi, and ERNEST. Fans that have been starved for anything that sounds traditional are gobbling up everything they can find that has the least little bit of twang. However, I would not call this a traditional country music revival. The review for this week is of an album from an artist that does not just add traditional elements to his music, but his entire style is that of a more traditional style. This week we are reviewing Randall King’s Shot Glass.

The first thing to point out is the distinctive sound of Randall King’s voice. It has drawn comparisons to those of George Strait and Alan Jackson. I believe that many of those that draw those parallels are confusing the traditional country music that is found in the music of Strait, Jackson, and King. However, in a time where so many artists sound similar, I believe Randall King’s voice is clearly recognizable. Shot Glass features 11 tracks, and you get a little bit of everything: honk tonks, heartbreak, humor, and even King’s take of the gospel hymn “I’ll Fly Away”. My favorite tracks on Shot Glass include “Hard Way to Make it Rain”, “Roger, Miller Lite and Me”, “Record High”, and “Middle of Nowhere Church”.

This is Randall King’s first major label album release. I do not believe it will be his last. Time will tell how hungry country music fans are for a new artist whose sound is completely traditional. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I hope that the operators of the Nashville music machine continue to diversify their music offerings, making country music a real sound smorgasbord. If you need a traditional country music fix, I recommend giving Randall King’s Shot Glass a listen today.

March 16, 2022

You may just have started hearing the name of ERNEST on country radio. His latest single “Flower Shops”, featuring Morgan Wallen, is receiving significant airplay. With the exception of the aforementioned song, you might not know much about ERNEST. However, you might be familiar with #1 songs that he has penned: “Big, Big Plans” (Chris Lane), “More Than My Hometown” (Morgan Wallen), “I Love My Country” (Florida Georgia Line), and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (Sam Hunt). With those hits that he penned under his belt, along with his own “Flower Shops”, ERNEST is ready to make an even bigger mark on country music with the release of his album, Flower Shops.

The songs on Flower Shops cover a range of emotions, mainly love and loss. It is good to see songwriters not avoiding the tough realities of life. I have to say that I did not expect this album to have so much steel guitar. I am not complaining. I think that steel guitar, along with fiddle, remains one of the primary ways to underpin emotional lyrics in country music. It sounds like the albums features mostly instrumentalists instead of relying on electronic substitutes. I do not want anyone to misunderstand that last observation. I am not against the various styles of music that we hear in modern country music. There is so much variety that I compare it to an all you can eat buffet. There is so much to choose from, but I have my favorite flavors, and the musical choices on Flower Shops are more in line with my tastes. There are eleven tracks, ten songs on the album (one of the tracks is an acoustic version of the title track). Some of my favorite tracks include, “Sucker for Small Towns” “Tennessee Queen” “Comfortable When I’m Crazy”, “Feet Wanna Run” and the title track.

I feel like we need more albums like Flower Shops. ERNEST is a great singer and songwriter, and those talents are on display. Mix that with the musical choices on the album, especially steel guitar, and you have a project that would seem to be in a category that very few find. That category is one in which older and younger country fans will find music that they both enjoy. I recommend giving ERNEST’s Flower Shops a listen today.

March 9, 2022

I usually wait to review an album until it is released. I am making an exception with this review and jumping the gun by just a few days. This week’s catch will be released on Friday, March 11^th. It is from Bob Minner. He is a guitarist and songwriter that has been a fixture for almost thirty years as the guitarist for Tim McGraw. Although he is known as a member of McGraw’s band, Bob Minner is a bluegrasser at heart. As a songwriter, the Missouri native’s songs have been recorded by the likes of Blue Highway, Volume Five, and Dailey & Vincent. Minner has also released several solo projects highlighting not only his songwriting, but also his expert guitar work. Just by listening to his songs, it is easy to hear the influences of various guitarists. One of those pickers that left a big impression on Minner was Norman Blake. If you are not familiar with Norman Blake, let me give you a brief overview. Although he toured and recorded with the likes of Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and John Hartford, Blake is known for playing traditional fiddle tunes, note for note, on the acoustic guitar. Because of this he is compared to Doc Watson. However, Norman Blake also wrote and recorded many of his own songs, and that is what separates him from Watson and fellow guitar picker, Tony Rice. Bob Minner pays tribute to Blake on his latest project, From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn: The Songs of Norman Blake.

The album’s title is a reference to the town where Norman Blake grew up (Sulphur Springs) and where he now resides (Rising Fawn). With so many tunes from Blake’s catalog to choose from, it must have been a daunting task to decide which ones to include on the album, but Bob Minner’s song selection on this project is superb. There are fifteen tracks on this project (14 songs and 1 poem). You will find a mixture of instrumental tunes and songs with vocals. The instrumental tunes include “Widow’s Creek” with Kenny Smith (guitar), “Macon Rag”, “Hangin’ Dog” with Mike Compton (mandolin), “Year of the Locust (Farewell to Old Rufus)” featuring Bob Minner on mandolin and guitar, and “Fiddler’s Dram/Whiskey Before Breakfast”. There are plenty of guest vocalist including Vince Gill (“Church Street Blues”), Tim Stafford (“Last Train From Poor Valley”), Ron Block (“Ginseng Sullivan”), Jeremy Stephens & Corrina Rose Logston (“On & On & On”), Ronnie Bowman (“Green Light on the Southern”), Chris Eldridge (“Ridge Road Gravel” – Dedicated to Tony Rice From Norman Blake), and Trey Hensley (“Randall Collins”). Two of my favorite songs on the album include “Lonesome Jenny” featuring Dale Ann Bradley and “Slow Train Through Georgia” featuring Shawn Camp. I enjoyed all the tunes on this project, but the vocal delivery on those two songs create an emotion and paint a picture that is hard to duplicate.

February 23, 2022

Del McCoury is one of the most respected, and recognizable figures in bluegrass music. The 83-year old singer’s list of accomplishments warrants the praise he receives. He was a member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, he has recorded with a plethora of artists, including Doc Watson, Mac Wiseman, and Steve Earle. McCoury has recorded more than 30 albums, is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and has won multiple Grammy and IBMA awards. With all of those accolades, Del could very easily sit back and relax. However, he continues to tour and record new music. The Del McCoury Band’s latest album is Almost Proud.

In addition to Del’s voice and guitar, the rest of the band consists of Jason Carter (fiddle), Alan Bartram (bass), and Del’s son, Ronnie McCoury (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo). Almost Proud contains 12 songs, and each one is a perfect fit for Del. Some of the outstanding tracks on the album includes, the title track, penned by Eric Gibson and Mike Barber of The Gibson Brothers. It is a perfect kickoff track for the album. Del and the boys put their touch on Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, and it sounds as if the song was wrote specifically for the bluegrass genre. Vince Gill makes a guest appearance on “Honky Tonk Nights”, reminding everyone that he can sing just about any style of music. Pianist Josh Shilling guests on “Once Again”, a song that he wrote. Putting the piano with the bluegrass instruments gives the song a jazzy, New Orleans style that works so well with Del’s vocals. I have to mention two songs written by Del McCoury. ‘The Misery You’ve Earned’ and ‘Running Wild’ are excellent songs that showcase Del’s songwriting skills.

The Del McCoury Band is one of the bands that seems to be respected and enjoyed by multiple generations of people that have interest in many genres other than bluegrass. From playing the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to electrifying the crowd at Bonnaroo, the Del McCoury Band always delivers. Del and the boys deliver again on this new project. The musical and vocal performances, the songwriting, song selection, and production are outstanding. I recommend giving the Del McCoury Band’s Almost Proud a listen today.

February 16, 2022

This week we will take a look at a new group and their new album. The group is called Texas Hill. The group members are Adam Wakefield, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Casey James. You may know their names as solo artists. Wakefield and Boyd were contestants on The Voice, and Casey James was an American Idol finalist. They have been moving forward with their own solo careers, but once they bumped into each other a few years ago, and discovered that they had much in common, Wakefield, Boyd, and James decided to join forces and create the group Texas Hill. Their latest album is called Heaven Down Here.

Having seen them individually on the respective singing competition shows in which they competed, we know that the members of Texas Hill can sing. After searching the web, it is worth noting that Wakefield, Boyd, and James are also songwriters as well. They wrote or co-wrote the majority of the 11 songs on Heaven Down Here. Texas Hill presents many different musical flavors on this album, but it’s all rooted in the country genre. The songs feature a splash of blues, a pinch of rock, a dose of rock, and, on “Where the Lonely Goes”, a smidgen of mariachi horns. However, the thing that is the main thread that runs through the album is the outstanding vocals. The members swap lead vocals while the others provide strong harmonies. The vocal arrangements remind me of groups like Blackhawk and Restless Heart, but, make no mistake, Texas Hill is doing their own thing. Some of my favorite tracks on Heaven Down Here include “Four Roses”, “Sugar Cane”, “Love Me When I’m Leaving”, “Where the Lonely Goes”, “Love is a River”, and the title track.

It is not a given that musical magic will happen when you put talented artists together. There has to be natural chemistry, and that cannot be forced. When singers and musicians click, the end results are amazing. Wakefield, Boyd, and James vocals tightly fit together like a jigsaw puzzle that makes a complete picture. I recommend giving Texas Hill’s Heaven Down Here a listen today.

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February 9, 2022

Brent Cobb is one of my favorite artists that I have discovered during my never ending search for great music to review on Porkchop’s Catch of the Week. With albums like Keep ‘Em On They Toes, Shine On Rainy Day and Providence Canyon, the Georgia born singer-songwriter has not only won me over, but he has gained many new fans and critical acclaim. His laid back vocal style is a refreshing change from the Nashville norm. With the aforementioned projects under his belt, many were anxiously waiting for Cobb’s new project. The wait is over, and it may surprise you to learn that Brent Cobb’s new album, And Now, Let’s Turn to Page…, is an all gospel album.

Although a gospel album is not what I expected from Brent Cobb, it is a pleasant surprise. If you have spent much time leafing through a hymnal, trying to find the correct number, and rising to sing with the congregation on a Sunday morning, you will recognize eight of the nine tracks on this project. Some of the songs are very close to the traditional versions. However, each one has Cobb’s musical fingerprints on them. The songs you will recognize include, “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”, “In the Garden”, “Are You Washed in the Blood”, “Softly and Tenderly”, “Old Rugged Cross”, “We Shall Rise”, “Old Country Church”, and “Blessed Be the Ties That Bind”. The one all new song is “When It’s My Time”. The song, co-written by Brent Cobb, is a song about not fearing death because of the great promise of walking through the pearly gates. I have to give a quick tip of the cap to Brent’s cousin, Dave, on producing this album. The performances paired with the production make And Now, Let’s Turn to Page… a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The idea that a secular artist would release a gospel project is not a new one. It used to be expected that a country artist, especially in the 1950s through the 1970s, would release a religious record. It became less frequent through the 1990s into the current day. It should not be expected of an artist to offer a gospel album. The album should be an endeavor in which an artist is interested. The songs should mean something to the artists. When gospel songs hold a special place in an artist’s heart, the result is a collection that can move the listening audience. That is the case with Brent Cobb’s new album. He puts his own stamp on gospel standards, but it is done with a reverence that can be felt through Cobb’s delivery. Even if you are not a gospel music fan, if you appreciate the music of Brent Cobb, I recommend giving And Now, Let’s Turn to Page… a listen today.

February 2, 2022

Preparing for the onslaught of new albums scheduled for 2022, I have been looking forward to the new project from Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutz, Surely Will Be Singing. Rogers, Grammy award winner, is a member of the SteelDrivers and Jutz is a highly regarded, Grammy nominated singer and songwriter. Their songwriting collaborations through the years have produced over 100 songs. Therefore, it was no surprise that all of the songs on this new album were written by Rogers and Jutz.

Surely Will Be Singing features 12 original songs. Although the songs are new, they have a familiar sound, harkening back to tunes from yesteryear. I think it is extremely difficult to write new songs that have an older sound. Many people try, and a lot of those attempts sound corny and forced. However, Rogers and Jutz hit the nail on the head with their new songs. I love each track on the album, but some of my favorites include, “A Writer’s Tear”, “Long Gone”, “The Door”, and the title track.

In addition to Tammy Rogers vocals, she adds multiple instruments to this album (fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and viola). Jutz is featured on vocals and guitar. There are a few other instrumentalists that round out the recording, including Justin Moses (banjo and dobro), Mark Fain (upright bass), and Lynn Williams (drums and percussion). Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutz shine on Surely Will Be Singing. Their songwriting, singing, and along with the musical performances make this a thoroughly enjoyable project. I recommend giving Tammy Rogers & Thomm Jutz’ Surely Will Be Singing a listen today.

January 19, 2022

We start the year with a great album from Jamestown Revival. The group’s new album, Young Man, features ten songs featuring the wonderful harmonies of Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance, drawing comparisons to groups like the Everly Brothers and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I want to point out they may draw influence from other artists, but there presentation is completely their own. This is not the first album from Jamestown Revival. However, it is their first project without electric guitars. An almost all acoustic album, except for the expertly placed steel guitar, Young Man not only featuring the aforementioned harmonies, but it also features expert songwriting. The lyrics along with the musical performances set a landscape that the listener can exist in for this ten song journey. I also have to tip my hat to producer Robert Ellis for his work on this album. Ellis is a Texan, just as Clay and Chance are. The album was recorded in Texas. I do not want to beat a dead horse, but there is something special about the music that comes out of the Lone Star State. There always has been, and there always will be. Again, great songwriting, singing, musical performances, and production is what you will find on Jamestown Revival’s Young Man. I recommend giving it a listen today.

January 5, 2022

It is time to take a look back at my favorite 2021 Catches of the Week (Part 2: July-December 2021). These are listed in order in which they were reviewed. The full reviews can be seen further down on this page:

Midland – The Last Resort (reviewed on July 21, 2021)
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. 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.

Vincent Neil Emerson – Vincent Neil Emerson (reviewed on August 4, 2021)
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.

Merle Monroe – Songs of a Simple Life (reviewed on August 11, 2021)
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.

Flatland Cavalry – Welcome to Countryland (reviewed on August 18, 2021)
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 group’s musical and vocal performances are great. Add to the equation the aforementioned songwriting, and you have a fun, enjoyable album.

Sturgill Simpson – The Ballad of Dood & Juanita (reviewed on August 25, 2021)
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. Set in Kentucky in 1862, the album 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.

Mike and the Moonpies – One to Grow On (reviewed on September 1, 2021)
Mike and the Moonpies are smoking on One to Grow On. The songwriting is outstanding, the musicianship is superb, and the 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.

Jon Randall – Jon Randall (reviewed on September 29, 2021)
Randall is a premiere songwriter. This album consists of nine songs that are an example of his songwriting expertise. Also, the instrumental tune, “Ranchero”, is a bold reminder that Jon Randall knows his way around the fretboard. 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.

Billy Strings – Renewal (reviewed on October 13, 2021)
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 include, Billy Failing (banjo), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), and Royal Masat (bass). Along with Strings, the group works like a well-oiled machine on Renewal.

Erin Enderlin – Barroom Mirrors (reviewed on October 20, 2021)
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.

Cody Jinks – Mercy (reviewed on November 13, 2021)
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.

Lori McKenna – Christmas is Right Here (reviewed on November 24, 2021)
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. 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.

Wade Bowen – Where Phones Don’t Work (reviewed on December 1, 2021)
This EP is proof that it does not matter if he records in Texas or Tennessee, Wade Bowen’s projects are a cut above the rest. Where Phones Don’t Work has outstanding singing, playing, songwriting, and production. You cannot ask for more.

December 29, 2021

It is time to take a look back at my favorite 2021 Catches of the Week (Part 1: January-June 2021). These are listed in order in which they were reviewed. The full reviews can be seen further down on this page:

Barry Gibb – Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook, Vol. 1 (reviewed on January 13, 2021)

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.

Justin Moses – Fall Like Rain (reviewed on January 27, 2021)

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.

Pony Bradshaw – Calico Jim (reviewed on February 10, 2021)

Bradshaw’s attention to detail in the lyrics is like an artist’s brush strokes that make up a larger picture. “Dope Mountain”, “Hillbilly Possessed”, “Sawtooth Jericho” and the title track are my favorite tracks on this project.

Mickey Lamantia – Honky Tonk Confessions: The Final Chapter (reviewed on April 7, 2021)

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.

Amanda Cook – Narrowing the Gap (reviewed on April 14, 2021)

Her vocals are outstanding, the songwriting superb, and the musicianship is top shelf. No disrespect to Amanda Cook’s previous projects, but I think that Narrowing the Gap is her best to date.

Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram – The Marfa Tapes (reviewed on June 9, 2021)

Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram have captured the joy of songwriters sitting around and singing their songs for each other. 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.

December 22, 2021

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Porkchop