DISClaimer: New Music From Doug Seegers, Liz Moriondo

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Doug Seegers.

Spring has sprung.

We have a number of seasonal sounding platters this week. Southern Halo and Lewis Brice are specifically addressing the upcoming summer fun, while Jesse Labelle, Juliet Simmons Dinallo and Sara Simmons all have airy tracks that suit the weather as well.

The Disc of the Day goes to Doug Seegers. He’s the former Nashville street singer who has become a big deal in Europe. I’d lend him your ears if I were you.

Our DisCovery Award this week goes to Liz Moriondo. She hails from the Missouri Ozarks and is evidently a big favorite on outdoorsy TV shows and on the NASCAR circuit.

KOLT BARBER/Cowboy
Writer: Kolt Barber; Producer: Kolt Barber; Publisher: Buck & Spur, BMI; Barbed Wire
– Macho baritone vocal, rebel attitude, rocking electric guitars. Crisply produced and thoroughly listenable. Not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat.

SOUTHERN HALO/Sunshine
Writers: Natalia Elizabeth Morris/Stephen B. Liles/Eric Gunderson; Producer: Catt Gravitt; Publishers: Halo Baby/Original Hooligan/Gunderson, BMI/ASCAP
– Here comes summer. The Morris sisters have a song for the season with this tuneful, harmony-kissed sparkler.

CHUCK MEAD/Big Bear In The Sky
Writer: Charles Mead; Producer: Matt Ross Spang; Publisher: Pagan Idol, BMI; Plowboy (track)
– A retro-rockabilly, echo-chamber, deep-twang fest. Mead was a founder of BR5-49 as well as the musical director of the Million Dollar Quartet musical. Today, he’s a roots-music gem who’s a regular Opry visitor. This is drawn from his highly recommended CD Close to Home, which drops next month.

SARA SIMMONS/Oh I Need You
Writers: Sara Simmons; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Mollydogrecords, ASCAP; SS
– Scampering and sprightly, with rippling banjo backing. Her hillbilly soprano floats above the peppy track nicely. The lyric isn’t much, but the overall energy sells it nonetheless.

DOUG SEEGERS/Demon Seed
Writers: Doug Seegers; Producer: Joe Henry; Publisher: none listed; BMG
– Kinda haunting, minor key and very, very cool. His penetrating vocal wail rolls in a dramatic, echoey, electro-shuddering band arrangement that sounds like the undertow of doom. A thrilling listening experience.

LIZ MORIONDO/You Made Me
Writers: Liz Moriondo/Steve Mitchell/Chris Drizen; Producer: Johnny Dibb; Publisher: Bud Diesel/Grin Like a Dog/Boston Born, BMI/SOCAN/SESAC; Gone Fishin
– Her range-y vocal is so super expressive that your ears are glued to the speakers. The well-written song is a paean to a loving mom. Just in time for Mother’s Day, it couldn’t be a more timely addition to your playlist. Spin it now.

LEWIS BRICE/Summertime Vibes
Writers: Lewis Brice/Nick Norman/Ben Simonetti; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Pump House
– It sounds exactly like a beach party, with a thumpy, rump-shaking rhythm track as well as a catchy, sunny, sing-along tune. Irresistibly fun and smiley.

JULIET SIMMONS DINALLO/Tennessee
Writers: Juliet Simmons Dinallo; Producers: Michael Dinallo/Ducky Carlisle; Publishers: Crooked Road, BMI; Audium (track)
– Bright and pert and sort of “innocent” sounding. The song is too wordy and takes too long to get to the hook.

JESSE LABELLE/Call Me Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Publisher: none listed; Just Listen
– Splendidly breezy country-pop, with an attractive come-on lyric. Lilting and lovely. Jesse isn’t kidding about that title. He really does want you to call him up at 615-823-8779.

LONNIE SPIKER/Behind The Clown
Writer: Lonnie Spiker; Producer: Curt Ryle; Publisher: Den N Dust, ASCAP; Megalith (track)
– He is as country as can be. But he just doesn’t sing all that well. Pitchy is the word.

DISClaimer: Luke Combs, Brandon Ratcliff Debut Top New Tunes

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Luke Combs

Today belongs to the youngsters.

This column is packed with the up-and-comers who are shaping the future of the country genre. There’s nary a superstar in sight.

There is one guy who is closing in on superstardom. That would be Luke Combs, who finishes in a dead heat with newby Tyler Rich for the Disc of the Day prize.

With a debut single that shows loads of promise, Brandon Ratcliff wins a DisCovery Award.

DUSTIN LYNCH/Ridin’ Roads
Writers: Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Publisher:Magic Mustang Music (BMI) admin by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Round Hill Songs II (ASCAP), Caleb’s College Fund (ASCAP) admin by Round Hill Songs II, Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP), Miller Crow Music (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville, Kyler’s Kinda Night (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville; BBR
– Well done. His velvet vocal eases over this airy, echoey production and a small-town lyric infused with romance. An audio delight.

TENILLE TOWNES/I Kept The Roses
Writers: Tenille Townes/Dustin Christensen/Chris Gelbuda; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Year of the Dog Music (admin by Downtown)/Scrambler Music (admin by Bluewater)/National Dog Music (admin by Downtown); ASCAP/SESAC; Columbia
– Her piercing, plaintive vocal delivery contrasts attractively with the retro r&b groove of this ballad. She remains one of our most distinctive new talents.

TYLER RICH/Leave Her Wild
Writers: Tyler Rich, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite; Producer: Julian Raymond/Lindsay Rimes; Publishers:Hot Rod 98 Music/Tyler Rich Publishing (SESAC). All rights o/b/o Hot Rod 98 Music and Tyler Rich Publishing administered by Big Machine Music, LLC./ EMI April Music Inc. / CDs Words and Music / Nite Writer Music. All rights o/b/o EMI April Music Inc., CDs Words and Music and Nite Writer Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Valory
– Very cool. The message is this — If you’re gonna love the woman, don’t try to change her and accept her for who she is. The production soars. He sings with great heart. This fellow continues to impress with every effort.

Teddy Robb/Tell Me Now
Writers: Teddy Robb/Blake Chaffin/Aaron Eshuis; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Fowler/Matt McGinn; Publishers: Teddy Robb Music / Songs Of Smack (BMI) / Smackville Music (ASCAP) / Limestone Road / Music Of Parallel (BMI); Monument
– I like how the spare production lets the heartache lyric stay in the spotlight. There’s a certain comfy warmth in his voice that makes him a very effective communicator here.

LUKE COMBS/Beer Never Broke My Heart
Writers: Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Scott Moffatt; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg Music/Straight Dimes Publishing (BMI) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. © 2019 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Sullivan S Guns Music (BMI) adm by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. © 2019 Super Big Music/Jett Music (ASCAP) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.; Columbia/River House
– Want to know why this guy’s career is blowing up? It’s because he is a country-music artist. Got that? Country music. The rest of you should take note. He’s singing his face off on this barroom brawler. Guaranteed to make you want to crack open a cold one.

COLT FORD/We The People
Writers: Corey Crowder/James McNair/Brandon Kinney; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publishers: WB/Big Crowd/Georgia Song Vibez/Stay Creative/Sony-ATV Countryside/Whiskey Tub/Peermusic III, ASCAP/BMI; Average Joes
– As usual, he doesn’t actually sing as much as he just exudes attitude. This is a rowdy, rockin’ stomper with hooks a-plenty. Which is to say, it’s as catchy as can be.

MATT STELL/Prayed For You
Writers: Allison Margaret Veltz/Ash Bowers/Matt Stell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Words & Music/Big Deal/Amplified Administration/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Arista/RECORDS
– The winsome song is well crafted, and he sings with gusto. The paint-by-numbers production does nothing for me.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Rules of Breaking Up
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/AJ Babcock/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– Very promising. It’s a little too pop for my taste, but his gentle vocal delivery and the twisty heartbreak melody are certainly ear catching. Brandon is the son of Suzanne Cox of the esteemed Cox Family, so music is in the boy’s blood.

SEAFORTH/Love That
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitchell Thompson/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producers: Dann Huff/Seaforth; Publishers: Incognito Street Music/Smoke Tavern Publishing (BMI/APRA) ©2019 Mitchell Thompson Publishing / Big Music Machine/Florida Song Vibez/I Finally Got Some Riser House Publishing BMI/APRA/ASCAP/SESAC
– Breezy and summery, with a nice thumpy backbeat and youthful, boyish vocals. An attractive debut.

JAKE OWEN/Homemade
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Bobby Pinson/Drew Parker/Jared Mullins; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Warner Chappell/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– His comeback remains on a roll with this rolling ride through the countryside. This sunny outing has summertime hit written all over it.

DISClaimer: An Americana Blend From Richard Dobson, Yola, The Cactus Blossoms

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The Cactus Blossoms. Photo Nate Ryan, courtesy of Shorefire Media

Today’s Americana survey covers quite a bit of sonic ground — bluegrass, pop, soul, rockabilly and folk all turned up during the listening session.

There’s so much to like here that we’re dividing the Disc of the Day award into three departments. The Male prize goes to the late, great Richard Dobson. The Female honor goes to Yola. The Group du Jour is The Cactus Blossoms.

And please give a DisCovery Award to Kristina Murray.

WILL KIMBROUGH/I Like It Down Here
Writers: Will Kimbrough; Producer: Will Kimbrough; Publisher: Will Kimbrough, BMI; Daphne (BMI)
– If you’re not already a Will Kinbrough fan, there is something wrong with you. As a collaborator, just ask Shemekia Copeland, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Emmylou Harris, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Mavis Staples, Billy Joe Shaver, Jimmy Buffett or Josh Rouse about his worth. In Daddy, he was aligned with the esteemed Tommy Womack. Before that, were Will & The Bushmen and The Bis-quits. Will has put his solo recording career back on the front burner with the title tune of his new collection. It’s a bluesy, white-trash anthem that’s maybe a lot true and maybe kinda ironic. Whichever the case, it’s a drawling, slow-burn, Americana delight.

THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS/Please Don’t Call Me Crazy
Writers: none listed; Producers: Page Burkum/Jack Torrey; Publisher: none listed; Walkie Talkie
– Hot stuff. Burkum and Torrey are modern-day Everlys with their sibling harmonies. The track crackles with neo-rockabilly energy. The duo hails from Minneapolis, but did much of the writing for their new Easy Way sophomore CD in Music City. This thrilling thumper of a track is being used as promo music on the TCM channel, and the Blossoms have also appeared on TV’s Twin Peaks. These guys definitely have the goods. Listen immediately.

DELLA MAE/Bourbon Hound
Writers: Celia Woodsmith; Producer: Della Mae; Publishers: Squawkbox, ASCAP; Rounder (track)
– Boston’s loss was Nashville’s gain when this hotshot female foursome relocated. This sizzling track kicks off a new EP titled The Butcher Shoppe. Whether it’s the sassy lead singing, the flawless group harmonies or the blazing fiddle, mandolin and guitar solos, this edgy bluegrass tune is gonna grab you and not let go. Esteemed guest stars Molly Tuttle and Avril Smith are along for the romp. Covers on the EP include Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons,” Lester Flatt’s “Sleep With One Eye Open” and The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post” (!).

LUCINDA WILLIAMS & MERCURY REV/Ode To Billie Joe
Writer: Bobbie Gentry; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Partison/Bella Union
– The neo-psychedelic pop band Mercury Rev has issued a Bobbie Gentry homage CD with a several female guest vocalists, including Norah Jones, Margo Price and Hope Sandoval. The group’s re-imagining of Gentry’s The Delta Sweete 1968 LP concludes with Lucinda’s soulful, dark, echoey, deep-Dixie rendition of the singer-songwriter’s best-known song (which wasn’t on that particular album). I don’t care how many times you’ve heard the song, you’ll hang on every line of this performance.

RICHARD DOBSON/I Hear Singing
Writer: Richard Dobson; Producers: David Bollinger/Peter Uehlinger; Publisher: none listed; Brambus (track)
– This gifted singer-songwriter passed away in December 2017. He’d recorded most of his final album, and producers Bollinger and Uehlinger have now finished the tracks in his honor. Dobson was from the Texas fraternity that also included Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Susanna Clark, Nanci Griffith and Rodney Crowell. Like the others, he migrated to Nashville, but he ended his days as an expat in Switzerland, the site of this posthumous recording. The collection’s title song is a stirring anthem that rejoices in nature, agriculture and freedom. I believe he left us in a blaze of glory, for he has never sounded better.

TOMMY EMMANUEL & JOHN KNOWLES/Cold Cold Heart
Writer: Hank Williams; Producers: Tommy Emmanuel/John Knowles; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Acuff Rose, BMI
– Nashville’s Knowles and Australia’s Emmanuel are two of the finest acoustic guitarists on the planet. Their awesome collaboration CD lifts off with this eloquent audio tapestry that plucks at the heartstrings without uttering a single word. Elsewhere on the collection, the duo interprets Don Gibson, Leonard Bernstein, Michael McDonald, Billy Joel and even The Bee Gees. The record is titled Heart Songs. It is divine.

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS/When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings
Writers: Welch/Rawlings; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Acony
– The song earned them an Oscar nomination after Tim Blake Nelson and Willie Watson sang it in the Coen Brothers flick The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. David and Gillian performed it on the Academy Awards telecast, and their version of the tune is also available online. In the movie, the song’s tone was darkly humorous, but this version’s wistful reverie is so much better. Right now, it’s only a single. These two are way, way overdue for an album release.

YOLA/Faraway Look
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Pat McLaughlin; Producers: Dan Auerbach; Publishers: Downtown/Profit Daniel/Corn Country, BMI
– Don’t let the Black Keys imprint mislead you — this is airy, classy, evocative pop. Her voice is liquid silver, and the production is shimmering gloss. Her phrasing and control are truly impressive. The Nashville-recorded CD is titled Walk Through Fire, and on it you’ll find strings, as well as twang guitar, steel as well as Mellotron. Americana programmers are directed to the r&b title tune.

KRISTINA MURRAY/Strong Blood
Writer: Kristina Murray; Producer: Michael Rinne; Publisher: Scoot’s Blues, BMI; Loud Magnolia
– I dig her. This Nashvillian draws upon classic country, folk and acoustic pop to create a drawling, magical mood here. Gorgeous, lilting instrumentation wafts around her gentle Southern drawl. The album is titled Southern Ambrosia, and it is.

TONY LUCCA/Everything’s Changing
Writer: Tony Lucca; Producer: Ken Coomer; Publisher: Off the Record, ASCAP
– This guy has turned a few corners in his career, from being on The Mickey Mouse Club (with Justin and Christina) to competing on The Voice. But he’s found his true niche as a Nashville singer-songwriter. The troubadour displays a hearty vocal ability and a hooky compositional style on this lead track from his new CD Ain’t No Storm. Fans of Jackson Browne or Tom Petty might feel at home here. I know I do.

DISClaimer: Jordan Davis Sings It Loud And Clear

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All stars, no waiting.

With Blake, Strait, Kane, Luke and Thomas Rhett all in the mix, today’s column is loaded with headliners. So loaded, in fact, that there was no room for any newcomers. Hence, no DisCovery Award.

And as it happens, the Disc of the Day doesn’t belong to any of the superstars. It goes to up-and-comer Jordan Davis. Sing, bro. I hear you loud and clear.

INGRID ANDRESS/More Hearts Than Mine
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic
– This woman has talent in spades. The single remains “Lady Like,” but check out this dynamic ballad for an extra special treat.

KANE BROWN & BECKY G/Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere
Writers: Kane Brown/Lauren Alaina Suddeth/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Universal/Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV/Downtown, no performance rights listed; RCA
– Bopping and infectious. In fact, the bounce and the groove are so catchy, you don’t even notice that there’s not much of either a lyric or a melody. There’s a Spanish-language mix, too.

MIDLAND/Mr. Lonely
Writers: Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne; Producer: Shane McAnally, Osborne and Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– A cool, retro-country, uptempo shuffle, complete with twang, vocal harmonies and plenty of steel. Enthusiastically recommended.

GEORGE STRAIT/God and Country Music
Writers:Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna; Producers: George Strait/Chuck Ainlay; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Just one thing: God doesn’t need “saving.” God is omnipotent, that’s kind of the whole point. However, this is a very pretty country ballad.

JORDAN DAVIS/Slow Dance In A Parking Lot
Writers: Davis/Lonnie Lee Fowler; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Publishers: ole Red Cape/Jordan Davis/Amylase Songs N Such/Matching Cowlicks/WB, ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– The combination here is a dense, echoey, pop production with his extraordinary vocal warmth and an ultra romantic lyric. Dreamy is the result.

THOMAS RHETT/That Old Truck
Writers: Rhett Akins/Julian C. Bunetta/Ryan B. Tedder; Producer: none listed; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Write Me a Song, no performance rights listed; Valory
– This is a country-music smash if I’ve ever heard one. It has a summer-nostalgia vibe that is super listenable and undeniably addictive.

RUSTON KELLY/All Too Well
Writers: Taylor Swift/Liz Rose; Producer: Ruston Kelly/Jarrad K; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
-Hushed and swirly and atmospheric. Lost in the reverie of a faded romance. Utterly lovely. You need to listen to this artist. Now.

BLAKE SHELTON/God’s Country
Writers: Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt/Devin Dawson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Relative Music Group (BMI), Administered by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing (BMI) / WB Music Corp. / Georgia Song Vibez / We-volve Music (ASCAP) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / Neon Cross Music (BMI); Warner Bros.
– Dark and passionate, with a Bocephus outlaw vibe. A salute to the hard-working everyday folks of Middle America. A terrific change of pace for this superstar.

SCOTTY McCREERY/In Between
Writers: McCreery/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis/Derek Wells; Publishers: none listed; Triple Tigers
– Very well written. As usual, he sings with aplomb. The toe-tapping rhythm is perfect for a springtime playlist.

LUKE BRYAN/Knockin’ Boots
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– It is doubtless timed to become a summer radio fave and intends to beckon you to a weekend good time. Thanks, but I believe I’ll sit this one out.

DISClaimer: Hailey Whitters’ “Ten Year Town” Offers Eloquence And Truth

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Hailey Whitters

In a genre infamous for its treatment of female artists, country music’s women command center stage today in DISClaimer.

The top tempo tune belongs to that Irish lass, Mags. A quartet of distaff singer-songwriters pinned my ears back during the listening session. Among them, you’ll find our award winners.

The gifted four are Jenny Tolman, Lauren Jenkins, Rachel Wammack and Hailey Whitters. The DisCovery Award goes to Lauren Jenkins. And give a long overdue Disc of the Day honor to Hailey Whitters.

These are all women you need to get to know. NOW.

LAUREN JENKINS/Running Out Of Road
Writers: Lauren Jenkins/Ingrid Andress/Jessie Jo Dillon/Tina Parol; Producers: Julian Raymond/Lauren Jenkins; Publishers: Super Big/Elle Jae/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Straight From the Art/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Clear Box Rights/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Songs of Blue Bandana/Twentyfourtina, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Languidly pleasing. The tempo drags somewhat, but that allows for clarity in her husky delivery of the lyric. The ringing, extended guitar solo at the fade is ultra cool (thank you, Tom Bukovac). Extremely promising.

AMERICAN YOUNG/Gonna Be You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Lovely. Their voices are like twin pearls in an oyster shell. The production surrounding them is a velvet jewel case. The aching-for-love lyric is poignant and sweet. I’m in.

BRAD PAISLEY/My Miracle
Writers: Brad Paisley/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Arista
– Groove soaked, yet heartfelt. It’s an unabashed love song to his wife with finely polished lyrics. He had me from the opening lines, “This is the gospel, according to me/A tale of whiskey turned to wine.” The icing on the cake is his guitar work.

CORINNE COOK/One Box of Tissues
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CCM
– It’s such a cool title. But the stumbling, oafish, lead-footed production does her no favors. And she has sharp, pitchy vocal problems of her own.

HAILEY WHITTERS/Ten Year Town
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HW
– Eloquence and truth in every perfectly crafted line. If there’s a better song about being an aspiring country female artist, I’ve never heard it. It’s obviously her own story, which makes her dry, ironic delivery all the more touching. The great Brandy Clark is here as her cowriter, but Hailey’s recording deserves its own shining spotlight and a standing ovation. You must hear this. As for me, I absolutely cannot wait for her next album. It’s going to be awesome.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Enough
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Laura Veltz/Sam Ellis; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– She’s so talented. Her ballad “Damage” was a masterpiece. This upbeat follow-up finds her vocally taking wing in a churning, echoey, dense, electronic bed of sonic splendor. I remain a major fan.

CALE DODDS/I Like Where This Is Going
Writers: Cale Dodds/busbee/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: none listed: Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Young romance set to music. Warm sounding, with plenty of verve and enthusiasm. You can practically hear him smiling.

JENNY TOLMAN/Welcome Mat
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; JT
– This woman is a major talent. Her new ballad is effortlessly country, yet with a contemporary, conversational lyric about acceptance and inclusiveness. In these divisive times, she is a voice of gentility, grace and peace. Play this.

MAGS/Run
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: noen listed; Emerald Field
– She’s rocking out, cautioning her heart to get outta Dodge fast, before it falls too hard for a charming ex. This got my heart pumping and my feet tapping from the opening downbeat.

COLT FORD/How To Lose A Woman
Writers: Noah Gordon/Lance Miller/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– His finest effort to date. The cautionary, instructional lyric is loaded with truth. The melody is delicious. His delivery sounds like your buddy on the next barstool telling you things you need to hear. A star-making performance.

DISClaimer: Tucker Beathard, The Vegabonds Issue Career-Making Music

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It’s an alpha-and-omega kinda day here at DisClaimer.

We have everything from bona fide Country Music Hall of Fame members to the newest of baby acts. Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are here to remind us of what great country music sounds like. Maddie & Tae, Tenille Townes and Sam Grow are on board with strong bids for future stardom.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Tucker Beathard. It sounds like a career breakthrough to me.

Our DisCovery Award winners are The Vegabonds. I see that this is not their first record, so where has this awesome band been all my life? And will somebody please pick these guys up for a major-label shot?

SAM GROW/History
Writers: Cam Montgomery/Mike Hardy/Nick Donley; Producer: Jacob Rice; Publishers:MV2 Music (BMI), Harding Road Music/Watsky Music (admin. by Kobalt) (BMI), Big Loud Mountain, CamTrack Music, Cam I Am Music (BMI); Average Joe’s
– Very involving. He has a wonderfully strong, expressive delivery. The production soars in all the right places. The song about a troubled relationship has hooks a-plenty.

MADDIE & TAE/Tourist In This Town
Writers: Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye/Barry Dean/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Publishers: Super Big Music/Seven Red Birds Publishing/Big Machine Music/Jehovah Nissi/Be Barry Quiet/Creative Pulse Music/Pulse Nation; Round Hill Songs Jimmy Robbins/Extraordinary Alien/Jammy Rabbins Music; Mercury Nashville
– Yowza. This has spunk, vocal verve and tempo, tempo, tempo to chase away those winter doldrums.

DAVE ERNST/Superstar
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Eastwood
– This Louisville alt-country fellow has a new CD titled Hickory Switch. This track finds him emoting over a garage-y rock backing track featuring organ, guitar and crashing percussion. He doesn’t have the pipes for mainstream country appeal, but brims with conviction.

STELLA PARTON/Dirty Rotten Dog
Writers: Stella Parton; Producer: Stella Parton; Publisher: none listed; SP
– The track could use a little bass. But the humorous, sarcastic ditty is catchy, her slide-guitar work is dandy and her stacked vocals in the fade are an audio delight. Worth some spins.

THE VEGABONDS/Best I Can
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tom Tapley; Publisher: none
-Love it, love it, love it. This has all the pulse-quickening snap, crackle and pop you could want of a country rocker. The band has the heat cranked up to “10,” and the blue-collar, working-musician lyric blazes like an bonfire. I turned it up and howled. Here’s to all the “poor boys doin’ the best they can.”

 

TENILLE TOWNES/White Horse
Writers: Tenille Townes/Daniel Tashian/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: noen listed; Columbia
– I dig this artist. Her feisty voice sounds like no one else. This hand clapper has slammin’ beats, a chorus with big hooks and a layered track, as well as her personality-packed vocal performance.

TUCKER BEATHARD/Better Than Me
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dan Isbell/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Tucker Beathard; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– His best yet. Tucker is singing his face off here, especially on that airborne chorus. The track rolls with admirable forward momentum as he sings of a breakup where she’s doing better than he is. Played it twice, and can’t wait to hear it on the radio. By the way, that’s him on lead guitar and drums, as well as vocals.

 

REBA McENTIRE/Stronger Than The Truth
Writers: Hannah Louise Blaylock/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Reba McEntire; Publishers:Big Deal Beats / Fouche River Publishing (BMI)/ Catch This Music / Autumn McEntire Songs (ASCAP); Big Machine
– Praise be, there’s still an artist in this format who believes in telling a story, feeling some pain and cherishing real song craftsmanship. This Hall of Famer proves she remains way out in front of the youngsters when it comes to taking a heartbreak lyric straight into your heart. Great song. Great performance.

THE HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS/Virginia
Writers: none listed; Producers: Greg Cohen/Charles Czarnecki; Publishers: none listed; HPD
– The song is okay, in a simplistic-melody kinda way. The lounge-y lead vocal is way too pop for me.

RONNIE MILSAP & DOLLY PARTON/Smoky Mountain Rain
Writers: Kye Fleming/Dennis Morgan; Producers: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Publishers: none listed; G-Force
– They sound great together. Dolly rewrote the lyric to make the song come from the points of view of two lovers, instead of one lovelorn man. The beautifully melodic tune remains a timeless country treasure. A terrific listening experience.

DISClaimer: Newcomer Hits From Logan Brill, Abby Anderson, Jimmie Allen, Morgan Wallen, Zac Clifton

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Today’s listening session belongs to country’s up-and-comers.

Despite the presence of proven hit makers Thomas Rhett, Jennifer Nettles, The Randy Rogers Band and pop stars A.J. McLean and Danny Woods, the winning sounds in today’s DisClaimer column belong to artists with less marquee power.

In fact, I loved the baby acts so much that I’m dishing out three Disc of the Day prizes. The Female winner is Logan Brill. The Male winner is Morgan Wallen. The Group honoree is the duet by Jimmie Allen & Abby Anderson. Play them all.

The DisCovery Award winner is a revelation. I can’t remember the last time I was so blown away by a young talent as I am by Zac Clifton. If you love real country music, by all means lend him your ears.

A.J. MCLEAN/A Boy and a Man
Writers: Rob Crosby/Dave Fenley; Producer: Jason Massey; Publishers: none listed; InTune
– This Backstreet Boy tosses his hat into the country winner’s circle with this lilting come-on. He’s going to be her best lover because he’s gonna show her the difference between a boy and a man. A mid-tempo charmer with a lovely, wafting production.

DANNY WOOD and JESSIE CHRIS/Bodyguard
Writers: Danny Wood; Producer: Dow Brain; Publisher: none listed; JC
– New Kids on Block vet Danny teams up with new country soprano Jessie on this would-be power ballad. The anti-bullying song falls flat, and they lack chemistry as a vocal team.

JIMMIE ALLEN & ABBY ANDERSON/Shallow
Writers: Lady Gaga/Mark Ronson/Anthony Mossomando/Andrew Wyatt; Producer: Ash Bowers and Doug Johnson; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, House Of Gaga Publishing LLC, Concord Copyrights, Songs Of Zelig; Downtown DMP Songs, Downtown DLJ Songs, Warner-Barham Music, LLC and Warner-Olive Music, LLC; BBR
– This ballad won the Oscar as Best Movie Song and is a proven pop favorite. Jimmie and Abby’s acoustic version shimmers with the tension and finesse that only two vocalists of outstanding ability can deliver. These country kids sing their hearts out here. An undeniable winner.

LOGAN BRILL/Walk of Shame
Writers: Logan Brill/Nathan/Chapman/Chad Carlson; Producer: Jason Lehning; Publishers: WB Music Corp./Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp/Eight Nine 89 Music/Cabana Publishing; ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; LB
– I dig this. She sounds wise and bruised. Booze can lead you to regret and recrimination. The chiming production gives oomph to every line of her tale of feeling dirty after spending a night of weakness with an old flame.

LOCKWOOD BARR/I’m Not Crazy
Writers: Lockwood Barr/Ryan Youmans; Producer: Ryan Youmans; Publishers: Barr None Entertainment
– It begins with an ear-catching hesitation in her delivery and a deliberate, halting quality in the production. The tempo and the sonic complexity increase as she gets to the hook. The contrast between her rippling banjo notes and her sultry singing is oddly pleasing. Although I think this is a terrifically creative record, it’s probably a mite too meditative, atmospheric and hook-challenged to succeed on country radio.

MORGAN WALLEN/Chasin’ You
Writers: Craig Michael Wiseman/Jamie Moore/Morgan Cole Wallen; Producer: Christen Pinkston; Publishers: Kobalt/Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– I think this guy is a superstar in the making. I have loved everything he has issued, including this airy, open-road ode to a romance that has its taillights fading off in the distance. Great vocal, great song.

THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music
– This thumpy toe tapper has a light-hearted innocence that’s infectious. Highly listenable.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/Crazy People
Writers: Brad Clawson/Jamie Paulin/Will Weatherly; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher:© 2019 Mandy’s Favorite Songs/Five Miles West/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Songs of Universal, Inc./Songsfortatum Publishing (BMI), Mandy’s Favorite Songs/Track House Worldwide Entertainment/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI); Thirty Tigers
– I’d have mixed the lead vocal a little hotter. But the band remains a total groove governor. And you have to give props to an outfit that has retained the same membership for 20 years. This is an endearing and enduring country treasure.

JENNIFER NETTLES/I Can Do Hard Things
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– Sung from the point of view of a woman who has endured much, but who perseveres through it all with joy, gratitude and wisdom. Sung with force and believability, this ballad has the power to become an anthem.

ZAC CLIFTON/Honky Tonk Heaven
Writer: Zac Clifton; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publishers: Rain In Spain, BMI; RD
– This 17-year-old Texan is a breath of fresh air. He’s a hard-country, honky-tonk throwback with a penetrating vocal delivery and a delightful, fiddle-and-steel production. The title tune of his album salutes Lefty, Paycheck, Merle, Patsy, Waylon, Hank, Johnny & June, Mel, Jones, Tammy, Kitty and your other gone-away country favorites in a place where “heroes spread their wings and fly.” Yee-Haw! from this corner. Not only does he sing like a bird, he wrote every song on the collection.

DISClaimer: Kip Moore, King Calaway Lead New Releases

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Country music is shaking off the winter doldrums.

The tempo tunes here seem designed to chase away those gray skies. So a hearty thanks to Hunter Hayes, Blackberry Smoke, Alexis Ebert and our Disc of the Day prize winner, Kip Moore.

Interestingly, all three of the DisCovery Award contenders are groups. Farewell Angelina, Rebel Union and our winners, King Calaway, all have audio enchantment in their arsenals.

KING CALAWAY/World For Two
Writers: Ross Copperman/James Abrahart/Josh Osborne; Producers: none listed; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Artist 101/Smackville/Anderson Fork in the Road/Rezonant/Plain Jane/Let’s Get Brunch, no performance rights listed; Stoney Creek
– Wafting and dreamy. The soft, seductive lead vocal blends into enchanting group harmonies as you drift into the choruses. A head-in-the-clouds musical moment.

HUNTER HAYES/Heartbreak
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Thomas “Tawgs” Salter/Gordie Sampson/Simon Wilcox; Producers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis; Publishers: Published by Songs of Universal, Inc. / Ogden Avenue Publishing (BMI) / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada (SOCAN) / 1217 Music / Still Working For The Woman Inc. (ASCAP), All rights administered by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing / EMI Blackwood Music Inc. / Stellar Songs Limited / Dames Booze And Chains (BMI); Atlantic
-Wonderfully energetic, delightfully upbeat, undeniably hooky. Loved it.

JON LANGSTON/Dance Tonight
Writers: Jon Langston/Jody Stevens; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, EMI/32 Bridge
– Lotsa guitar. Lotsa everything. Busy sounding.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Living
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jon Nite/Ashley Gorley/Dierks Bentley; Producers: Ross Copperman & Jon Randall Stewart; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Plain Jane/Rezolant/EMI April/Nite Writer/Combustion Engine/Sadie’s Favorite/WB/DudeTunes/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
– Drink in every moment. Savor your existence. Experience the beauty of life with every breath. “Have a heart full of grateful for all you’ve been given.” Cool message. Cool record. Cool artist.

ALEXIS EBERT/Ride Or Die
Writers: Alexis Ebert/Tammy Hyler; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: Wrensong Music Publishing/Rezonant Music Publishing/Smashville Entertainment Music Publishing; BMI; Smashville
– She has a dark, smoky delivery that matches the deep-bass rumble of the rocking production perfectly. Fiery and sexy.

KIP MOORE/The Bull
Writers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick; Producer: Luke Dick; Publishers: BMG Platinum/SWMBMGBMI/Lonesome Vinyl/Emileon/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; MCA
– His finest performance to date. Full of bluster, packed with rhythm snap, swaggering with pride and blazing with intensity. Every second is an amusement-park ride.

REBEL UNION/Brand New
Writers: Allie Johnson/Zach Laughlin/Madison Parks/Suzanne Dennis/Blake Mohler; Producers: Dan Hannon; Publishers: none listed; RU
– There’s a lot of talent here. The pop-ish arrangement bubbles along nicely. The voices are charming. The song is sweetly endearing. Send more.

LOGAN MIZE/Better Off Gone
Writers: Abe Stoklasa/Donovan Woods, Producer: Daniel Agee; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog/CMRRA/Sony ATV/Downtown, ASCAP; Big Yellow Dog
– Everything this guy releases is just dandy. I remain a fan with his performance of this bittersweet farewell song.

FAREWELL ANGELINA/Women and Wine
Writers: Nicole Witt/Andrea Young/Lauren Lucas/Sarah Davidson; Producers: Farewell Angelina; Publishers: Wittsong Entertainment, Sagivarius Songs, Sparky Noodle Music, Little Georgia Peach Music; 117 Entertainment
-This female quartet has flawlessly rehearsed vocal harmonies to spare. The shimmering, echoey production is lovely. The song is super contemporary: “You know only two things get better with time, women and wine.” Welcome to the winner’s circle.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Best Seat In The House
Writers: Keith Nelson/Charlie Starr; Producers: Blackberry Smoke; Publishers: none listed; BS
– Nice work. Chiming, shining, hooky, rhythm-happy roots-pop in the vein of Tom Petty. These popular country rockers are booked to play the Ryman on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 22 & 23). I am told that they are fantastic live.

DISClaimer: Kacey Musgraves, Ingrid Andress Bring Star Power

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Country’s big guns are out for Country Radio Seminar.

Today’s stack of platters is loaded with star power, with some of today’s hottest hit makers next to living legends.

I am happy to report that — at least this week in “DisClaimer” — we have gender parity. The four finest releases are split between two female and two male acts. The women are Kree Harrison and Kacey Musgraves. The men are the newly stellar duo Dan + Shay and a trio consisting of Florida Georgia Line and Hardy.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Grammy queen Kacey Musgraves. The DisCovery Award also goes to a galentine, Ingrid Andress.

CHRIS JANSON/Good Vibes
Writers: Chris Janson/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producers: Chris Janson & Zach Crowell; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Not as innovative as his earlier efforts, but it is irresistibly merry and smiley. Ya gotta love this guy.

KREE HARRISON/I Love The Lie
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Morgane Stapleton/Liz Rose; Producers: Jordan Lehning/Skylar Wilson; One vision
– Everything works here — her silvery vocal delivery, the super hooky song, the steel guitar solo and the superb, rolling-rumble production. Rock on, sister.

GEORGE STRAIT/Every Little Honky Tonk Bar
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producers: Strait/Chuck Ainlay; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
-A hillbilly toe tapper with tightly-packed lyrics portraying your favorite roadhouse. I particularly like the “answering” steel and the super-close vocal harmonies.

INGRID ANDRESS/Lady Like
Writers: Derrick Southerland, Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis; Producer: Sam Ellis; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic
– Cool, offbeat, tomboy lyrics. She sounds like a comer to me. Lend her your ears.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & HARDY/Y’all Boys
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Brett Tyler; Producers: Joey Moi/FGL; Producers: Warner-Tamerlane/Telemitry Rhythm House/Songs of Roc Nation/Songsofgroceries/Round Hill Songs II/Caleb’s College Fund/Relative/Songs of Kobalt/Extremely Combustible/Music of One77, BMI/ASCAP; BMLG
-The dense production holds audio delights around every corner. The good ol’ boy lyrics sound like retreads, but there’s no getting around the overall sonic splendor.

DOLLY PARTON/Red Shoes
Writers: Dolly Parton/Linda Perry; Producer: Linda Perry; Publishers: Velvet Apple/Dark Robot/Peer, BMI; RCA/Dolly
– Tucked in among her classics in the show-stopping Grammy telecast medley was this riveting gem from Dolly’s Dumplin’ soundtrack. Perry’s production builds nicely as the superstar relates her empowering lyric.

ADAM HAMBRICK/All You, All Night, All Summer
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Producers: Andrew DeRoberts/Paul DiGiovanni; Capitol/Buena Vista
-It’s February, so Adam thinks we need a sunshine song. It’s a catchy dandy, full of bright production touches and featuring a boyish, upbeat, tenor vocal. I remain a fan.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Rainbow
Writers: Natlie Hemby/Shane McAnally/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian & Kacey Musgraves; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Wow. As we saw on the Grammy Awards where she triumphed, it’s just Kacey’s poignant voice and Ian’s piano. But what an enchanting spell they cast. The sweet ballad of perseverance offers strength and encouragement to the oppressed and downtrodden everywhere. Country music needs this song.

DAN + SHAY/All To Myself
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-An intoxicating romantic cocktail, mixed with twirling rhythm and delicious melody. A stone smash.

JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town
Writers: Kelley Lovelace/Bobby Pinson/Neil Thrasher; Producers: EMI Music Publishing/Sea Gayle Music Publishing/peer music; Publishers: Michael Knox; BBR
– Lots and lots of people will relate to this lyric. There’s not much to the tune or the production, so it’s left to Jason’s vocal performance to carry the day. And it does.

DISClaimer: Indie Acts Take The Spotlight

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The wait is over.

Week after week, country music’s indie-label artists wait in a long line behind releases by major-label artists in the DisClaimer column. This week, 10 of those indies get noticed.

Highlights include the releases by Sister Hazel and column newcomers Tyler Resch and Josh Pruno.

But the day belongs to two guitar aces named Eddie. Our DisCovery Award goes to Eddie Heinzelman. And my longtime fave Eddie Bush wins the Disc of the Day prize.

JOSH PRUNO/Just A Minute Ago
Writers: Josh Pruno/Lew Garrison/Jack Williams; Producers: Pruno/John Willis/Jack Williams; Publishers: moboymusic, ASCAP; JP (track)
– Sweet nostalgia, delivered in an aching tenor. The twang-guitar, tinkling piano and sighing steel interludes are dandy, too. Well worth your attention. Josh’s record-release party takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at B.B. King’s.

RICK MONROE/Smoke Out The Window
Writers: Adam Craig, Rick Monroe, Isacc Rich; Producer: JD Shuff; Publisher: none listed; Thermal
– The bass-heavy production nicely underscores his snarly “outlaw” vocal vibe on this title tune to his latest collection. The galloping electric guitar is also on the money.

SISTER HAZEL/Life and Love
Writers: Ken Block/Trent Summar; Producers: Sister Hazel & Ben Jackson; Publishers: Crooked Chimney/Songs of Universal/Songs of NTN, BMI
– This five-piece band is one of country’s indie success stories. With more than a million followers on social media, a guest appearance on the Opry and a Platinum album already to its credit, Sister Hazel returns with a seven-song EP titled Fire. This uplifting track features the group’s characteristic close-harmony vocal work and Block’s forceful lead. I got so hooked that I played the whole collection twice through.

EDDIE BUSH/Love That Remains The Same
Writers: Eddie Bush; Producer: Dave Matthews; Publisher: none listed; EB
– This guitar slinger has backed many Music City greats while also releasing a long string of solo CDs. The title tune of his latest features his hearty, warm vocal delivery as well as his sizzling, fleet-fingered guitar flash. Exciting is the only word that will do. Catch Eddie next Wednesday with Marcus Hummon at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Greatest Show Ever” event.

EDDIE HEINZELMAN/Wherever You Go
Writers: Eddie Heinzelman/Radney Foster; Producers: Heinzelman/Casey Wood; One Louder
-Heinzelman plays guitar and mandolin for Radney Foster on the road, and Radney is his collaborator on this title tune of the sideman’s sophomore solo CD. The rolling, rollicking number showcases a jaunty, engaging vocalist and some splendid slide guitar as well as a terrific, multi-layered production. Foster and American Idol alumnus Kendra Chantelle provide splendid backup singing. I guarantee you’ll fall for this. Eddie appears with Radney on Feb. 15 at City Winery, then has a show with his Band of Brothers at the Fillin’ Station in Kingston Springs on Feb. 22.

DEARLING/Silver and Gold
Writers: Rachel Jones; Producer: Dave Preston/Rachel James; Publisher: none listed; Dearling
– Fronted by the husband-wife duo of Dave Preston and Rachel James, this Denver band stirs up an echoey, polished sound on its EP. The title tune is lilting and lovely. The only drawback with this and Rachel’s other songs here is that they seem rather wordy and take a long time to get to their hooks.

MARTY BROWN/Umbrella Lovers
Writers: Jon Tiven/Marty Brown; Producers: Jon Tiven/Marty Brown; Publishers: Lead Pencil Publishing (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV / Uncontrolled Compositions (BMI), admin by Kobalt; Plowboy
– This fellow made some noise on MCA in the 1990s. His comeback single combines country romance with beach imagery. The relaxed atmosphere in the track contrasts with his urgent, in-your-face vocal delivery. It’s a little jarring, but you get used to it.

TYLER RESCH/Honkytonk Overtime
Writers: Tyler Resch/Byron Hill; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Triage/Ramber American/DHM, ASCAP; BHP
– The latest discovery by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Byron Hill steps out with a collection titled Highways and Honkytonks. This toe-tapping standout tune from it boasts frothing guitar accompaniment, a blue-collar lyric and a sincere vocal delivery. So wonderfully catchy that you want to dance around the room while it spins. Get to know this guy’s music.

TIFFANY WILLIAMS/When You Go
Writers: Tiffany Williams; Producer: Britton Patrick Morgan; Publisher: none listed; Blue Redbird
– Her languid contralto delivers this acoustic ode to coal country with sad grace. It’s the title tune of a five-song EP that introduces a singular songwriting talent. Mournful yet lovely. Tiffany performs at Alley Taps on Monday, Feb. 18.

JEFF CLAYBORN/Caddy In The Campground
Writers: Clayborn/Betsy Walter/Chuck Ebert; Producer: Ebert; Publisher: none listed; Cabin
– Rockin’ country with a decided attitude. It’s about a slumming daddy’s girl checking out the macho Texas music man.