DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker ‘Exudes Enduring Charisma’

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Superstars and baby acts mix and mingle in today’s DisClaimer.

Clocking in with star power are Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Jimmie Allen and Chris Janson. Outshining them all is country queen Tanya Tucker, who has the Disc of the Day.

Two newcomers are sharing the DisCovery Award. First, lend your ears to Curb’s American Idol alumnus Harper Grace and her superbly produced debut single. And for something completely different, check out the airy, wafting, folkie, Afro-pop delight of Peter One. Both are well worth your attention.

CONNOR SMITH/ “Creek Will Rise”
Writers: Connor Smith/Chris LaCorte/Chase McGill/Parker Welling; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– It’s a frothing rocker with plenty of twang in the production. There’s a certain processed quality about Smith’s vocal compression, but the overall vibe is fun and sexy.

TANYA TUCKER / “Kindness”
Writers: Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
– Pensive and powerful. The living legend exudes enduring charisma in this stunning, stirring performance. An echoey atmosphere surrounds her as she sings of a turbulent life yearning toward peace. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming Sweet Western Sound collection that reunites her with Carlile and Jennings. I love this woman’s style: She rode a magnificent black stallion on the streets of downtown Nashville this week to announce it, as well as her upcoming June 3-4 concerts at the Ryman. Oh, and one more thing: FINALLY she is going into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she so richly and deservedly belongs. I have been wishing for this day for years.

LOGAN MIZE / “Bloodline”
Writers: Django Walker/Josh Hoge/Randy Montana; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– A small-town meditation about yer roots and branches. As always, Mize sings it with heart.

JIMMIE ALLEN / “Be Alright”
Writers: Jimmie Allen/Jason Evigan/Gian Stone/Castle; Producers: Gian Stone/Jason Evigan/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– I dig this. It has a cool, funky groove that flows through a comforting song that’s like a gentle pat on the back. Allen’s on a roll. Well done, all.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “History of Repeating”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Ashley McBryde/Nicolette Hayford; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I’m always interested in whatever this fiery vocalist is singing. She is always just so compelling. This outing is a mid-tempo croon about a relationship that seems to be stuck in its troubles. Will somebody please make this woman the star she deserves to be?

DARIUS RUCKER / “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– It’s a romantic country come-on to get it on. “Gonna love you, baby, all night long,” he sings. “Turn the lights down low.” Fiddles and guitars scream in the background.

CHAPEL HART / “Welcome to Fist City”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle; Producer: Jeffrey Glixman; Label: CH
– The feisty, fun trio continues its winning ways with this rollicking, lickety-split romp about the floozy Loretta sang about in 1968. Joyously, deliriously playable. Chapel Hart will include this on its new CD, Glory Days, which drops May 19. I, for one, will be buying it.

CHRIS JANSON / “All I Need Is You”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brad Clawson/Chris Janson/Mitch Oglesby; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– The thumping, rolling groove is a delight. Janson delivers the romantic lyric with unforced baritone dips and mellow slides. His best performance in quite some time.

PETER ONE / “Birds Go Die Out of Sight (Don’t Go Home)” featuring Allison Russell
Writers Peter One; Producers: Peter One/Matt Ross-Spang; Label: Verve Forecast
– Country music is quite popular in West Africa. Peter One rose to stardom there 30 years ago. But political pressures led him to migrate from his Ivory Coast homeland to the U.S. He has been working in obscurity in Nashville as a nurse. Until now. Jason Isbell has taken him on tour, he’s been signed by Verve and at age 67 will issue his comeback album on May 5. This supremely pleasurable acoustic track from it features sighing harmonica, gently strummed guitar and an insistent, underlying sense of rhythm that is irresistible. The esteemed Allison Russell lends entrancing backing vocals. Essential listening. Peter One stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next weekend, on April 14. This, my friends, is a story worth sharing.

COLE SWINDELL / “Broken”
Writers: Cole Swindell/Chris LaCorte/Cole Taylor/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The marvelously clever “Drinkaby” remains the single. But this multiple country chart-topper is amping up anticipation for his upcoming album with the release of this dandy tempo tune about healing a gal’s broken heart. It works, splendidly.

HARPER GRACE / “Sparkle”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Cameron Jaymes/Ben West; Label: Curb Records
– The crashing, choppy production is sensational. It bolsters a personality-packed vocal performance about a down-to-earth country woman. “A little rust on my heart….is just my kinda sparkle.” This is an excellent debut single that deserves massive attention.

JOSH ROSS / “Red Flags”
Writers: Chris Sligh/Josh Ross/Mason Thornley/Matt Geroux; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: UMG
– Ross is a new country hitmaker in Canada. This hearty performance is a bid for Stateside success. The overall sound is somewhat generic, but he demonstrates serious chops as vocalist as he unspools his tale of a couple who just don’t belong together. Spin worthy.

Robert K Oermann
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