DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sam Williams Graces Cirque du Soleil With A ‘Gorgeous, Stately Waltz’

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Sam Williams. Photo: Alexa King

It’s party time at DISClaimer this week.

Break out the booze and your dance moves as Post Malone and Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Ashlie Amber and Lee Brice with his pals serve up the summer sounds. Upbeat tunes by Sacha and Phil Vassar and Jeffrey Steele will raise your spirits as well.

You’ll also be uplifted if you attend the Cirque du Soleil Songblazers show at TPAC. Its beautiful theme song by Sam Williams is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to both Jett Holden and his record label, both of which are staging their debuts in the column today.

ASHLIE AMBER / “Beer Chaser”
Writer: Ashlie Amber; Producers: Ashlie Amber, Victor Wilson; Label: AA
– This Nashvillian sings with sprightly verve and the production is a pop-country dandy. The song rambles along attractively, but could have used a more memorable chorus. Promising. Send more.

KEITH URBAN / “Wildside”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Keith Urban; Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A scampering, good-time summertime bopper with some super cool, shuddering electric burbling. The guitar solo is a burst of sunshine, as is Urban’s bright vocal.

JETT HOLDEN / “West Virginia Sky”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry Records
– The debut artist on the new Black Opry record label has a mystical, mysterious story to tell on this listenable folkie outing. It seems to be about a cancer death and a Phoenix-like rebirth, with myth-like imagery in the lyric. Holden also has a more rock-ish single titled “Backwood Proclamation.” Both are drawn from his forthcoming album debut, The Phoenix, due Oct. 4.

LEE BRICE, NATE SMITH & HAILEY WHITTERS / “Drinkin’ Buddies”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Justin Wilson/Zachary Kale; Producers: Ben Glover, Jerrod Niemann; Label: Curb Records
– This one will make you want to bend that wrist, for sure. The shouted choruses are ridiculously catchy and the party vibe is irresistible. Brice is always a delight, and his pals here are both lively additions. An instant playlist add.

SACHA / “Hey Mom I Made It”
Writers: Jake Saghi/Sacha Visagie/Shawn Chambliss; Producers: James Robbins, Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– In a word, terrific. She’s been through a personal hell, but is still standing. The anthemic choruses are tuneful, inspirational and uplifting. She sings with joy and conviction. The Nashville production propels this Canadian toward the stardom that was promised when she was chosen for CMT’s Next Women of Country class back in 2021. This is Sacha’s major-label debut.

POST MALONE & BLAKE SHELTON / “Pour Me A Drink”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/John Byron/Jordan Dozzi/Louis Bell/Rocky Block; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic/Big Loud
– I am so digging this guy’s move into country music. Post Malone can bust a honky-tonk tune with the best of ‘em, and he has one of the best as his duet partner here. Talk about a rompin’ stompin’ fiesta, ya gotta love this million-smiles ditty.

DON LOUIS / “Mine In My Mind”
Writers: Don Louis/Tanner Olsen; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Empire Nashville
– I have admired this guy’s chesty baritone delivery in the past. On this moody, midtempo, acoustic meditation, he sees his ex lover in a bar with another guy. But he’s not worried, because he wants to believe that she’ll remember him and come back. Keep dreaming, buddy.

PHIL VASSAR & JEFFREY STEELE / “Hillbillies in Hollywood”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Phil Vassar; Producers: Jeffrey Steele, Scott Baggett; Label: 3 Ring Circus Records
– These two harmonize brilliantly together. The song is a nostalgic reverie about country-music life in Los Angeles. They rhythmically reminisce about The Troubadour, Linda Ronstadt, Sunset Boulevard, Bakersfield, “Hotel California,” Malibu, Laurel Canyon and more. The track is as thrilling as their vocal performance. A must-listen.

AVERY ANNA / “Girl Next Door”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This poignant acoustic ballad portrays a youngster who had to grow up and assume responsibilities way too young. Anna pines for her friend’s lost childhood, but reminds her that when things seem to much to bear that the singer is right next door. A brilliant piece of songwriting from a woman who deserves our universal support.

GAVIN DEGRAW / “Chariot (Chariot 20)”
Writer: Gavin DeGraw; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This former pop star transitioned to country a couple of years ago. He is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album with a soulful reworking of its title track. Organ, guitars and backup vocals give the whole thing a rousing, gospel vibe.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Carnival Heart”
Writers: Ned Houston/PJ Harding/Sam Williams; Producers: Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This ballad is the theme song of the dazzling Cirque du Soleil Songblazers show currently ongoing at TPAC. It’s a gorgeous, stately waltz with a swirling production, an aching tenor vocal, lovely lyrics and a melody to get lost in. Williams is getting ready to release his sophomore album this fall. Can’t wait to hear it.

JERRY DOUGLAS / “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Writer: George Harrison; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– The dobro master teams with an awesome band to remind us what a spectacular melody this 1968 Beatles classic has. In addition to the poetic, emotive Douglas lead, the track features sweet notes from fiddle, bowed bass and Telecaster. The prettiest instrumental I’ve heard all year.

Robert K Oermann
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