DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brandi Carlile, Amythyst Kiah, Joy Oladokun, Allison Russell

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Clockwise: Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, Joy Oladokun, Brandi Carlile

This is some kind of landmark day.

DisClaimer’s round-up of current Americana releases is completely dominated by Black Nashvillians. Three of them—Amythyst Kiah, Joy Oladokun and Allison Russell—are newcomers to the column, so they share the DisCovery Award.

Keb’ Mo’ has long been a community standout. He is an enduring DisClaimer column fave, as are Tiera, Yola and Gramps Morgan. By the way, former Memphian Valerie June is now a Nashvillian, and she is up for Album of the Year at next month’s Americana Awards.

Speaking of those awards, non-Nashvillians Brandi Carlile and Rhiannon Giddens are longtime AMA award favorites, and both are here with new music. Representing the alt-country side of things are Rodney Crowell, Grant Maloy Smith and John Scott Sherrill.

In this embarrassment of riches, Brandi Carlile gets the Disc of the Day, but it could have just as easily gone to any of her 11 Americana compatriots here.

YOLA / “Stand For Myself”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Hannah Vasanth/Natalie Hemby/Yola; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye
— This British-born, Nashville-based troubadour reunited with Dan Auerbach to produce her sophomore CD. Yola has been showcasing its single “Diamond Studded Shoes” everywhere from the Newport Folk Festival to NPR’s “All Things Considered,” from a live stream today (www.momenthouse.com/yola) to her tour with Chris Stapleton. She recently performed “Stand For Myself,” the disc’s title tune (and her latest video), on Stephen Colbert (with Oscar winner Jon Batiste on piano, no less). The empowering ode reflects the album’s emphasis on nouveau funk-groove and stakes her claim as one of today’s greatest soul singers. This has intense fire.

BRANDI CARLILE / “Right On Time”
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Dave Cobb/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth; Producer: Dave Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Label: Low Country Sound/Elektra
— This is the advance single from Brandi’s In These Silent Days, an album due Oct. 1. The six-time Grammy winner sounds even more lustrous and evocative on the gorgeous ballad of loss, regret and relief. Her alto shimmers and her Nashville production team shines in every note. Watch for her to rule the Americana Music Awards next month.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “Si Dolce e’l Tormento”
Writers: Claudio Monteverdi; Producer: Francesco Turrisi/Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
— The song is a 17th-century Italian composition that is included on her latest album, They’re Calling Me Home. Her performance is a revelation and a tour de force of classical control. Giddens glides easily between genres as she explores everything from old-time music to blues, from opera to folk. Her exquisite phrasing here is a window into a continually creative spirit.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Triage”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Rodney Crowell/Dan Knobler; Label: RC1/Thirty Tigers
— A dark, doomy percussive thump accompanies Rodney’s ruminations on love and wisdom. It’s the title tune of his new album, and is an absolutely hypnotic, riveting listening experience. His maturity as a composer and his weathered richness as a vocal stylist are both fabulously rewarding here as the song moves from somber musings to hopeful uplift. Essential.

ALLISON RUSSELL / “Nightflyer”
Writers: Allison Russell/Jeremy Lindsay; Producer: Dan Knobler; Label: Fantasy
— Outside Child, the debut solo album from this Our Native Daughters alumna is a singer-songwriter treasure. Its single is a fever dream of pain and glory that contrasts images of violence and peace in a swirl of airy harmonies and light acoustic instrumentation. It begs you to close your eyes and drift away to a better place. This is the birthplace of a major new voice in Americana music. Take heed, everyone.

KEB’ MO’ / “Sunny and Warm”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/Steve Dorff; Producer: Tom Hambridge/Keb’ Mo’; Label: Rounder
— Nashville’s resident bluesman teamed up with established pop-country meister and new Music City resident Dorff to craft this lilting ditty. As its title implies, it’s a floating, gently wafting confection that sings the praises romance in the summer season. Mellow is the word.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Judas”
Writers: Joy Oladokun/James Droll/Steven Colyer; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve/Republic
— In Defense of My Own Happiness came out last year as the debut album by this Nigerian-American songsmith. Previously self released, it has been picked up by a major label and reissued in a deluxe edition featuring this new track. The East Nashville resident is a folkie at heart. Armed with her acoustic guitar, she touches your heart with its plain-spoken, soul-baring, confessional poetry. Classic sounding.

JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL / “Five Generations of Rock County Wilsons”
Writers: John Scott Sherrill; Producer: John Scott Sherrill/ Ronnie Bowman & Scott Paschall; Label: Lobo Libre
— This enduringly great craftsman is going into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year in recognition of the zillions of hits he’s written for John Anderson, Brooks & Dunn, Strait, Wariner, Patty, Allison, Buffett and more. Scotty also makes consistently cool records, himself. His latest is titled Copper Tears, and its single is this terrific story song about the destruction of a boy’s countryside and its signal to escape on the next Grayhound Bus. The instrumentation is bluegrassy while his vocal is an effortless honky-tonk croon. This fellow is such a wonderful artist.

GRAMPS MORGAN / “If You’re Looking For Me”
Writers: Gramps Morgan/Johnny Reid/Morry Trent; Producer: Johnny Reid; Label: Halo/WAMA/Orchard
— The leader of the Grammy-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage has a new solo album titled Positive Vibration. The Jamaican-American artist demonstrates here the influences that living in Nashville have brought him. His reggae groove has acquired some production polish, extra melodic gloss and layered vocal harmonies. He’s such a marvelously expressive singer and the groove is so addictive that you don’t want it to ever stop. I’m a major fan.

AMYTHYST KIAH / “Black Myself”
Writers: Amythyst Kiah; Producer: Tony Berg/Amythyst Kiah/Will Maclellan; Label: Rounder
— Her vocal alto is a thing of wonder. Here, she applies it to an accusatory lyric addressing the hypocrisy of Christians who condoned slavery. The rocking track blends electronic thunder with acoustic punch and is way, way gripping. This Nashvillian is a gigantic addition to our songwriting community. Like Allison Russell and Joy Oladokun, Amythyst is nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year at next month’s Americana Awards. In addition, “Black Myself” is up for Song of the Year.

TIERA & BRASSVILLE / “Found It In You”
Writers: Tiera/Cameron Bendell; Producer: Cameron Bendell; Label: Songs & Daughters
— This fan-favorite track has a studio version, an acoustic version and now a live version featuring an eight-piece brass band. No matter how you frame it, the sweetly lilting tune is a highly successful fusion of her R&B and country influences. The Birmingham native is one of the flagship songwriters of Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters female collective in Music City, and this week she signed with Big Machine/Valory. Yippee.

GRANT MALOY SMITH / “I Found Faith”
Writers: Grant Maloy Smith; Producer: Jeff Silverman & Grant Maloy Smith; Label: Suburban Cowboy
— One of the year’s most ambitious productions is Smith’s Appalachia: American Stories. The vinyl version comes in a box with a 40-page color-illustrated book of lyrics, liner notes and background information on every song. He is accompanied by a who’s-who of acoustic musicians during its 43-minute running time. in addition to its “The Coal Comes Up” single, the set includes this searing gospel outing. Smith’s captivating tenor is joined by the soul harmonies of Kim Fleming and Kim Mount, plus a recitation by the Rev. Janice Brown, a Nashvillian famed for her smash “Rough Side of the Mountain.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young, Dylan Scott, Ashland Craft

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Ashland Craft, Dylan Scott, Chris Young

Here in Country Music Land, heartache is what we do best.

Nursing busted romances today are Dylan Scott, Ashland Craft, Cash Creek & Larry Stewart, Travis Denning and Chris Young. The Hobbs Sisters, Cadillac Three and Jake Hoot are trying to keep the country party going, but their efforts are drowned out by the more traditionalist crowd.

And it is from that crowd that all of our award winners are drawn this week. Ashland Craft lands the DisCovery Award, while Chris Young and Dylan Scott finish in a dead heat, tying for the Disc of the Day prize.

DUSTY BLACK & GARY LEVOX / “Somebody’s Mama”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Derek George/Houston Phillips; Producer: Colt Ford/Noah Gordon; Label: Black Label Country
— It’s an openly sentimental ode to a father’s love for his daughter. Very sweet and very country. Dusty delivers with restraint and nuance. Gary offers theatrical, high-tenor acrobatics.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Break Like You Do”
Writers: Anthony Smith/Chris DeStefano/Chris Young/Matt Rogers; Producer: Chris DeStefano/Chris Young; Label: RCA Nashville
— He’s such a superb singer. The rapid-fire construction of these lyrics doesn’t phase him one bit. Following their breakup, she’s doing fine. But he’s not, and he splatters his heartache all over this tempo tune. An unmistakable hit.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Make It Past Georgia”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Reid Isbell/Willie Morrison; Producer: Jonathan Singleton; Label: Big Loud
— I saw her open for Ian Munsick, and she’s a real spitfire. She kicks up some serious dust with a sandpapery delivery of this fierce heartache-on-the-road scorcher. Crank it up, and let her wail.

DYLAN SCOTT / “New Truck”
Writers: Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman/Curt Gibbs/Jim Ed Norman; Label: Curb Records
— This barn burner is a terrific showcase for this guy’s oomphy delivery. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with his vehicle, except for the fact that it reminds him of her every time he drives it. Dylan roars his way through the busted-heart lyric like a man possessed.

THE HOBBS SISTERS / “Turn It Up”
Writers: Hannah Hobbs/Lauren Hobbs/Joey Ebach; Producer: Ben Jackson/Joey Ebach; Label: THS
— They are twins, and the ultra close-knit harmonies sure reveal it. This fizzy, frothy ditty sounds exactly like a summertime party. Very tasty.

JASON ALDEAN & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “If I Didn’t Love You”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
— It’s a power ballad with all the boxes checked. Carrie’s harmony part is flawless, and both singers turn up the heat when they’re in solo spotlights.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Hometown Tonight”
Writers: Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Jacob Durrett/Zach Beeken; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
— “Bar Friends” remains the single, but the trio has issued a new video to go with this romantic, zesty country rocker. All three men sing it with gusto.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Get After It”
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason/Zach Kale; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Big Machine Records
— I still don’t hear this rock band as a “country” act.

JAKE HOOT / “Night Left”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Danny Myrick/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: INgrooves/Deluge Music
— The Voice winner tries on some Southern-rock duds, and they fit him just fine. Deep fried guitars and soulful shouting characterize this raising-hell party stomper.

CASH CREEK & LARRY STEWART / “Hard Time”
Writers: Larry Stewart/Michael Noble/Tim DuBois; Producer: none listed; Label: MCM
— I like the steady thump and the catchy melody of this, but the mix is weird with the vocals sounding strangely muffled.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Jack and Coke”
Writers: Travis Denning/CJ Solar/Chris Stevens; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The lyric has fun mixing the name of a cocktail with a nursery rhyme (Jack and Jill). The track rolls along sympathetically while Travis emotes expressively about a failed relationship. The super clever “ABBY” remains the single, but if you want another sample of his fine upcoming album, here ya go.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Need Your Love”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Mark Neill; Producer: Mark Neill; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— This could be from the soundtrack of American Graffiti. It’s an old-school r&b slow dance, complete with brass accents, bluesy guitar and triplet rhythms. All served up with a countrified Texas accent. This guy is the Real Deal.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins, Tyler Farr, MaRynn Taylor

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Country artists are celebrating summertime this week.

Jeff Bates, Adam Doleac, Kylie Trout, Walker Hayes, Sam Williams and, especially Tebey with Una Healy all have open-air, sunshiney tunes. So does our DisCovery Award winner, MaRynn Taylor.

For that matter, toss in the dynamite, life-affirming Trace Adkins performance. It’s not about summer, but it will sure make you feel warm inside. It earns this edition’s Disc of the Day prize.

JUSTIN FABUS & CHAPEL HART / “Run”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JF
— His somewhat light tenor voice is bolstered considerably by the female trio’s harmonies. The song’s lyric is wordy and awkward. But there is promise here, so keep trying.

TRACE ADKINS / “The Way I Wanna Go”
Writers: Barry Dean/Troy Verges/T.J. Osborne/John Osborne; Producer: Jon Coleman; Label: Verge
— Nicely produced. A deliriously rhythmic swirl of keyboads & guitars envelope an epic expressive performance. The song looks at a life well lived by a proud man who has loved and fought, worked and danced, soared and sung. Hang on for the gusto coda. This mini masterpiece is the title tune of Trace’s album, which drops next month.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Kids”
Writers: Boots Ottestad/Eric Arjes/Hank Compton; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Mercury Nashville
— Wafting, airy and youthful. Lovely listening. Keith Urban provides the guitar work. Sam is the grandson of the legendary Hank Williams and his upcoming album also features a collaboration with Dolly (”Happy All the Time”) and co-writes with Dan Auerbach and Jaren Johnston. Look for it on Aug. 20.

TEBEY & UNA HEALY / “Song of the Summer”
Writers: Danick Dupelle/Jimmy Thow/Tebey Ottoh; Producer: Tebey/Danick Dupelle; Label: Tebey
— Singer-songwriter Tebey has enjoyed a string of Gold and Platinum hits in his Canadian homeland. He has also been building a solid European following. Una is an Irish country-pop star. She harmonizes splendidly with his hearty, handsome lead vocal on this fresh sounding country rocker. The catchy, joyous, beautifully layered production deserves to become an anthem of this warm season.

KYLIE TROUT / “American Summer”
Writers: Kylie Trout/Dalton Baird/Jason Hamor; Producer: Bill McDermott; Label: KT
— Speaking of summer, this Radio Disney starlet and TikTok fave offers this entry as her tune for the season. Her thin, wispy voice can barely carry it.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Key to the City”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: Arista Nashville
— We got life by the tail, so let’s take off and rock this town. We’re out for a good time, so look out world. Infectious.

WALKER HAYES / “Fancy Like”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Walker Hayes/Cameron Bartolini/Joshua Cole Jenkins; Producer: Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
— Country rap with the theme of poor-folks’ pleasures. This breezy little outing looks like it has a strong start on pop radio.

BRANDON LAY / “Broke”
Writers: Brandon Lay/Dean Dillon; Producer: Jonathan Singleton; Label: EMI Nashville
— It’s a cool song about a busted relationship, using a kaput car as a metaphor. He sings it well, but the choruses are over produced.

ERIN ENDERLIN / “Somebody’s Shot of Whiskey”
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Ben Chapman; Producer: Erin Enderlin; Label: Black Crow
— She’s an old-school traditionalist who sings of swimming upstream here. “I’d rather be somebody’s shot of whiskey/Than everybody’s cup of tea,” she avers, while a fiddle saws and a steel cries. A splash of clear, clean mountain water on the pancake makeup face of Music Row.

TYLER FARR / “Cover Girl”
Writers: Tyler Farr/Blake Bollinger/Ben Stennis; Producer: Jason Aldean/Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR/Night Train
— This is about escaping a domestic-violence situation. Farr performs the troubling, empowering lyric with lots of emotion, and the video ends with help-line information. Recommended listening.

MaRYNN TAYLOR / “I Know a Girl”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins/Shelley Skidmore; Producer: Doug Johnson & Jimmy Robbins; Label: Black River
— Roll down the windows, turn it up and head out on a country road. This soaring offering of love and fun has everything it takes. Wonderfully well written, sung with moxie and produced to perfection.

JEFF BATES / “Friends With Boats”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JB
— A beachy, good-time page from the Buffett playbook.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson, Charlie Worsham, Boy Named Banjo

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Cody Johnson

The country singers are out in full force this week.

We have stellar vocal performances from Charlie Worsham, Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Conner Smith and Jimmie Allen with Chris Tomlin. Our Disc of the Day winner is another vocal powerhouse, Cody Johnson. He’s offering a double dose of his talent with “God Bless the Boy” and “Stronger.”

The DisCovery Award goes to a band dubbed Boy Named Banjo. The group sounds like it is really onto something.

JON LANGSTON / “Try Missing You”
Writers: Jon Langston/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
— He has one of those good-buddy country voices, and it is used to great effect on this honky-tonk ballad. He’s on the road doing shows, but missing his lover desperately. A steel guitar sighs sympathetically.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & DENNIS QUAID / “I Can Help”
Writers: Billy Swan; Producer: none listed; Label: BB
— They sound like they are singing in a tin can. The mix is awful. Quaid sounds like getting out every note is struggle.

BOY NAMED BANJO / “Circles”
Writers: William Reames/Oscar Charles/Jon Sherwood; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Mercury
— Packed with pep, this country rocker ramps up the energy with hearty vocals, relentless percussion and ripples of banjo notes beneath wafting electric guitar. Very zesty indeed. This quintet is going places.

CHRIS YOUNG / “One of Them Nights”
Writers: Chris Young/Rhett Akins/Chris DeStefano; Producer: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jeff Braun/Taylor Bray/Scott Johnson; Label: RCA Records
— One of them raucous, rocking, tuneless country-party songs.

CONNER SMITH / “Learn From It”
Writers: Conner Smith/Daniel Ross; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— Youthful and innocent sounding. He reflects back on all the crazy, silly, dangerous, wild stuff he did as a kid. Promising.

CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Half Drunk”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jay Knowles; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He’s such a complete music man. Everything works here: The shuffling, loose-limbed rhythm, his sincere tenor-vocal swoops, his lead guitar passages, the young-crazy-in-love lyric. A delightful audio experience.

LILY ROSE / “Villain”
Writers: Kyle Clark/Lily Rose/Mackenzie Carpenter; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud / Republic Records
— This is for everyone who has ever been through a messy breakup. She says they can make her out to be the bad guy in the story if that makes it easier for them. The muffled percussion touches in the mix are mesmerizing, and her voice is extraordinarily compelling. More, more, more.

CHRIS TOMLIN & JIMMIE ALLEN / “Love People”
Writers: Chris Tomlin/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder/Dave Barnes; Producer: Corey Crowder/Chris Tomlin/Tyler Hubbard; Label: Sparrow
— CCM star Tomlin again teams up with country celebs on his new EP. In addition to tracks with FGL, Thomas Rhett and Russell Dickerson, the collection includes this anthemic, super-positive message song about universal brotherhood. “Faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is……”

CHASE BRYANT / “Think About That”
Writers: Chase Bryant/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Green Iris
— Nostalgia set to melody. His expressive vocal is placed in an exquisite audio setting of echoey guitars and steady percussive thump. There is an unadorned passage where you get to hear him really emote. Very involving.

CODY JOHNSON / “God Bless the Boy”
Writers: Barrett Baber/Terri Jo Box/Scott Sean White; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
— He adores his daughter so much and wishes the very best for the boy who’ll fall in love with her. Cody is one of my very favorites of the country newcomers, and he sings the fire outta this ballad. It’s half of an innovative “double single” that also includes the terrific tempo romance tune “Stronger,” which he also sings like a man possessed. Next month, he stars in a biographical documentary titled Dear Rodeo that traces his rise from the arena dirt to singing for millions.

AARON LEWIS / “Am I the Only One”
Writers: Aaron Lewis/Ira Dean/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Aaron Lewis/Ira Dean; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— Someone is “taking all the good we got and turning it into bad” and he’s pissed off about it. Whatever it is. Evidently “the threads of Old Glory are coming undone” and “statues are coming down” and he’s the only one who sings along to Springsteen and is willing to die for his country. Really?

MUSTANGS OF THE WEST / “T-Shirt From California”
Writers: Suzanna Spring/Wes Hightower; Producer: George Landress/Sherry Rayn Barnett; Label: Blue Elan
— This is a five-piece female band with a lilting, sunny sound featuring creamy three-part vocal harmonies, lovely fiddle work and a wistful, heartache lyric. Refreshing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Randall King

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I sense that somehow we are in the midst of a big shift of the country landscape, with more new talent being injected into the format than is usual.

With that in mind, note that Kat & Alex, Mitchell Tenpenny, Robyn Ottolini and Morgan Evans continue to make sonic waves. Adding to the energy is the stone-country Randall King, who wins this week’s DisCovery Award.

The supremely gifted Eric Church has won more Disc of the Day awards in this column than any other artist. I’d give him another one today, but for the fact that it seems like he needs to share at this point. So give the prize to the lovely sentiments being expressed by Jordan Davis with Luke Bryan along for the ride.

KAT & ALEX / “You and the Radio”
Writers: Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell/Robyn Collins; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— It’s a rockin’ country summer jam. Alex, a Puerto Rican, sings lead. Kat, a Cuban American, provides sprightly vocal harmony. You’ll tap your toes to the snappy beats.

MIDLAND / “Sunrise Tells the Story”
Writers: Jess Carson/Jessi Alexander/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Dann Huff/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine Records
— A steel cries in the distance as the trio moans this slow honky-tonk waltz. The harmonies are solid and the mood is just right.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Truth About You”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Matt Alderman/Thomas Archer; Producer: Jordan M. Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— It’s a breakup song with a hushed, whispery delivery that catches your ear and makes you pay attention. The screaming electric guitar on the backing track is distracting and unnecessary.

MORGAN EVANS / “Love Is Real”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Jordan Reynolds/Parker Welling; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This zippy, peppy, ultra-positive country rocker takes a page or two from the Keith Urban playbook. Which is to say, it is sugary ear candy.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Tell You Everything”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Jesse Slack; Producer: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— The somewhat tedious “F-150” remains the single, but this new release from her EP suggests that she is holding back some of her best stuff. The bright, aware lyric has lots of verve, and the track boasts tempo shifts, cool echoey touches and a complex, layered mix that are all quite involving.

ERIC CHURCH / “Heart on Fire”
Writers: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Records Nashville
— Oh yeah! A little Bruce, a little Elvis, a little Skynyrd, a little Seger and a whole lotta rump shakin’ goodness. This rollicking rocker is one more example why the Chief stands head and shoulders above just about everyone else in this format. Turn it up and lose yourself in its soulfulness.

RANDALL KING / “Record High”
Writers: Drake Milligan/John Pierce/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This dude is a for-real country singer, and this rhythm-happy Texas honky tonker stakes a for-real claim to stardom.

JORDAN DAVIS & LUKE BRYAN / “Buy Dirt”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Jacob Davis/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
— Words of wisdom from a fictional octogenarian set to a shimmering, sterling-silver audio track. Terrific truthful lyric. The two voices blend beautifully. I’m in.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Bridges”
Writers: Frank Rogers/Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine Records
— While certainly novel and ear catching, this has nothing to do with country music.

KANE BROWN & BLACKBEAR / “Memory”
Writers: Kane Brown/Matthew Musto/Andrew Goldstein/Joe Kirkland/Ernest Smith; Producer: none listed; Label: RCA
— Although Brown is coming off a No. 1 country hit (”Famous Friends” with Chris Young), this hip hopper is being correctly marketed as a Top-40, pop-music effort. Brown has previously successfully collaborated with Marshmello and with Swae Lee & Khalid, so this effort with Musto a.k.a. blackbear suits him just fine.

BILLY CRASH CRADDOCK / “Paint Your Toes”
Writers: Billy Crash Craddock/David Wade/Mary Beth Stone; Producer: David Wade; Label: ONErpm
— He’s 82 years old now, but this rockabilly veteran still has rhythm in his heart. Very much in the mode of his classic “Rub It In,” this is a very cute little outing.

FIREROSE & BILLY RAY CYRUS / “New Day”
Writers: Billy Ray Cyrus/Firerose; Producer: none listed; Label: Repost
— Firerose is an Aussie-born singer-songwriter now based in L.A. She and Billy Ray co-wrote this on Zoom during the quarantine. It’s a hypnotic, swirling, dreamy confection, underpinned by echoey synths and slow, thumpy beats. I can hear this becoming a big pop hit. After all, he’s done it before.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tenille Townes, Tyler Braden, Hannah Dasher

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It sounds like country music is roaring back this week.

There were few pretensions to pop-crossover music in this listening session. Instead, we have beefy, bodacious, hardcore slabs of sound by Toby Keith, Tony Jackson, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Janson and Connie Smith.

Kicking it country-rock style are Tyler Braden and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.

The DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Sony newcomer Hannah Dasher, who has buckets of personality.

TYLER BRADEN / “Ways to Miss You”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Randy Montana/Mark Holman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I have been on board with this Nashville firefighter from the beginning. Every release has been a gem, and this heartache rocker continues his admirable track record. It’s a lot more electrified and driving than his previous tracks, but his superb singing and melodic sense both still shine brightly. Will somebody please bring this guy the stardom he deserves?

CHRIS JANSON / “Hawaii on Me”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Janson/Will Nance; Producer: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Noted for his high intensity live performances, Janson strips it down to an acoustic presentation on this superbly written message song about life, death and love. With just an acoustic guitar, he grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. “When I die, go to Hawaii on me,” spread his ashes and have a good time. Amen, bro.

CONNIE SMITH / “Look Out Heart”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Harry Stinson; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: Fat Possum
— Connie’s return to the Opry stage last weekend was a triumph. Her one-of-a-kind, heart-in-throat vocal powers are undimmed. This track heralds her new Cry of the Heart collection. If there’s one thing I know about this woman, it’s that she loves to sing with a steel guitar answering her vocal lines. This brisk toe tapper fills the bill, and then some. An instant classic from an enduring classic.

GARTH BROOKS / “That’s What Cowboys Do”
Writers: John Martin/Mitch Rossell/Garth Brooks; Producer: Garth Brooks; Label: Pearl Records
— He falls in love, but leaves because it’s in his male nature to move along. The lilting, Texas-style arrangement is very much in ‘90s Strait territory. Deja vu.

NATALIE HEMBY / “Heroes”
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Jeff Trot/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Label: Fantasy Records
— Over a sultry, r&b flavored track, the electronically processed Hemby seethes with attitude about turning down a hero’s role in life. Ear catching. This woman is a potent Music City songsmith who has co-penned such monsters as “Bluebird” (Miranda), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (Justin Moore), “Automatic” (Miranda), “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi), ”I’ll Never Love Again” (Lady Gaga), “Crowded Table” (The Highwomen), “Tornado” (LBT), “White Liar” (Miranda) and much more.

TOBY KEITH / “Old School”
Writers: Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd/Brett Tyler; Producer: Kenny Greenberg/Toby Keith; Label: Show Dog Nashville
— A total ear worm. This ridiculously catchy ditty extols the virtues of ordinary, small-town life while a choppy rhythm track bops along. As usual, Toby’s delivery rings with confidence and strength. Absolutely radio ready: “Just the way we like,” indeed.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Girl Who Didn’t Care”
Writers: Tenille Townes/David Pramik/Steph Jones; Producer: David Pramik; Label: Columbia Nashville
— This driving, percussive, rocking outing beats right alongside your heart as Townes unspools her wish to recapture the innocence and verve of youth. She’s in search of that unspoiled girl who didn’t care what others think. She wants to spin and twirl as a dreamer, and by the time she finishes, you will too. I fell head over heels for this.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Boat Names”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Label: Nashville South Records/Warner Music Nashville
— The “F” in FGL has returned to Florida to make mellow beach music like this drowsy dream of a rich-folks romance. Easy on the ears.

HANNAH DASHER / “Girls Call the Shots”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/David Frasier/Lance Miller; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Very wise, very country, very accomplished. Everything works here—her perfectly nuanced vocal, the clear production, the fantastic lyric. I have a feeling we are listening to a future star. There’s magic in this performance, and elsewhere on her EP she also writes like a champ.

LAINE HARDY / “Memorize You”
Writers: Michail Tyler/Eric Arjes/Steven Dale Jones; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Buena Vista Records/Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings
— The American Idol winner releases a paint-by-numbers country-romance ditty. Perfectly professional, adequate and ….. boring.

BRANTLEY GILBERT, TOBY KEITH & HARDY / “Worst Country Song of All Time”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producer: Will Weatherly/Brantley Gilbert; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— I had high hopes for this, since three of my favorites are involved. They didn’t disappoint: It’s hilarious. Best line: “Stick a fork in the Constitution/I support Kim Jong-Un and Putin.” Runner up: “I don’t eat deer and I can’t stand fishin’/I don’t know the words to ‘Family Tradition’…. ‘Folsom Prison’ or ‘Walk the Line.’

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Isaacs, Nathaniel Rateliff, Yola, Valerie June

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The Isaacs

The Fourth of July is almost upon us, and DisClaimer has the song for the holiday.

Our Disc of the Day winner is “The American Face” by The Isaacs. Previously noted for their work in Southern-gospel and bluegrass settings, the family band steps out with a solid country-rocker that will make you feel patriotic no matter what your political leanings.

It is just one of the many pleasures to be found in this week’s overview of current Americana sounds. Your ears will thank you when you lend them to John Hiatt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Yola, Valerie June and several others gathered here.

The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Grant Maloy Smith.

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Memory”
Writers: Jim Lauderdale/Robert Hunter; Producer: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Yep Roc
— This ballad has extra poignancy, in that it is awash in nostalgia for a departed loved one, and Lauderdale’s longtime lyricist Robert Hunter passed away last year. The singer’s familiar country drawl lingers long on every word. Hunter probably remains best known for his work with The Grateful Dead, but he had a highly creative, decades-long career as a collaborator with this Americana titan.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Transient Global Amnesia Blues”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: RC
— Transient Global Amnesia is a real diagnosis, a temporary condition wherein the brain switches off temporarily. Rodney crafted this fever dream of a song while recovering from it in a hospital. His haunting delivery of the images is spoken-word poetry at its most beautiful. Jesus Christ, Bob Dylan, The Titanic, The River Styx and Yellowstone all make appearances as he contemplates mortality.

THE ISAACS / “The American Face”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Sonya Isaacs Yeary/Tom Douglas; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Bryan Sutton; Label: House of Isaacs
— For my money, Sonya Isaacs is one of the greatest female country singers walking on this planet. This splendid, electrified country-rocker surrounds her silvery delivery with potent percussion and her family’s always-stellar harmonies. The anthem-like lyric couldn’t be timed more perfectly for Independence Day. Toss your hat in the air. The album by the same title is due in August and will include Isaacs covers of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” and The Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out,” among other new directions for the group.

STURGILL SIMPSON / “Paradise”
Writers: John Prine; Producer: none listed; Label: Oh Boy/Thirty Tigers
— Drawn from an all-star John Prine tribute album that’s due this fall, this version of one of the late, great troubadour’s best known songs is delivered in a deliberate, acoustic setting. Simpson’s vocal interpretation is low key, allowing the lyric to breathe and live anew. A fitting salute to a humble genius.

THE FLATLANDERS / “Sittin’ on Top of the World”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Flatlanders & Lloyd Maines; Label: Rack ‘Em/Thirty Tigers
— Comprised of Texas stars Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, The Flatlanders are back with new music for the first time in 12 years. This advance track from the group’s Treasure of Love collection finds the boys totally rocking a cover of a classic popularized by Bob Wills, The Grateful Dead and Asleep at the Wheel, as well as its originators,The Mississippi Shieks. Smokin’ hot and ripe for massive airplay.

JP HARRIS’ DREADFUL WIND & RAIN / “Closer to the Mill”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Free Dirt
— This Nashville carpenter and fretless banjo maker creates “Gothic Appalachian music” in an old-time string-band setting. Former Old Crow Medicine Show fiddler Chance McCoy is along for the lively, catchy, acoustic ride. It’s a heart-warming sound.

YOLA / “Diamond Studded Shoes”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye
— Yola’s Nashville recorded debut album was an Americana sensation of 2019. Its follow up, Stand For Myself, is due July 30. This advance, peppy, feel-good single/video from it demonstrates that she’s still on a roll. Producer Auerbach (The Black Keys) once again surrounds her commanding voice with perfect instrumental textures, in this case a snappy little pop-rock ensemble. Tap yer toes and smile.

GRANT MALOY SMITH / “The Coal Comes Up”
Writers: Grant Maloy Smith; Producer: Grant Maloy Smith/Jeff Silverman; Label: GMS
— Smith has a penetrating, searing tenor voice that brings his lyrics of everyday Americans vividly to life. The highly effective harmonica work of Jelly Roll Johnson highlights this piercing, country-folk ode to coal miners. The new album, Appalachia: American Stories, drops tomorrow (6/25).

VALERIE JUNE / “Smile”
Writers: Valerie June; Producer: Jack Splash/Valerie June; Label: Fantasy Records
— This fabulously unclassifiable, unforgettable Memphis personality has two nominations at this year’s Americana Music Awards, thanks to her album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers. This new single/video from it is a bouncing bundle of joy. It is sprightly, positive, uplifting roots-pop. Get on board.

JOHN HIATT & THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “Long Black Electric Cadillac”
Writers: John Hiatt; Producer: none listed; Label: New West
— Hiatt’s soulful, bluesy growl finds a surprisingly sympathetic accompaniment in Douglas’s bluegrassy outfit. This ear-grabbing, addictive toe tapper is a highlight of his current collection, Leftover Feelings. You’ll crave more of this Dobro-rockabilly-blues sound, guaranteed. I am a diehard Hiatt fan, as well as a Douglas devotee, so I’m tickled by this new direction.

TODD SNIDER / “I Resign”
Writers: Todd Snider; Producer: none listed; Label: Aimless
— This groove-soaked slab of sound is directed at former business associates from whom Snider has declared his independence. It’s a slow stomper with loads of personality and profanity. He’s always been a one-of-a-kind songsmith, and that’s underscored here once more.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF / “Redemption”
Writers: Nathaniel Rafeliff; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
— This man has so much soul. His plea for spiritual freedom rings with gospel-tinged conviction. The yearning ballad grapples with divorce, faltering faith, escapism and a quest for meaning. Rateliff is due to drop a live album next month. In the meantime, get lost in this slow-burn meditation and check out his current duet with Willie Nelson, “It’s Not Supposed to Be That Way.” The man is a monster talent.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Thomas Rhett & Rhett Akins, Pryor & Lee, Shy Carter & Friends

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Country music can rock you, touch your heart, or tickle your funny bone, and all three of those are in today’s DisClaimer.

You wanna rock? Let Shy Carter and his buddies show you how. If sentiment is what you crave, settle in with Pryor & Lee. As for humor, may I introduce you to today’s goofy DisCovery Award winner, Toby T. Swift?

My dad has been gone for several years, but Thomas Rhett’s is still very much with us. In fact, they played the Opry together last weekend. So as a sweet salute to Father’s Day, play his Disc of the Day winner, “Things Dads Do.”

DIRT REYNOLDS / “Battleship Chains”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Dishen; Label: Ditto
— This is a Nashville country-rock band. The song is a Georgia Satellites goldie. It rocks, but could use some production polish.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Rescue Me”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Mark Holman; Producer: Chris Young/Mark Holman; Label: RCA Nashville
— I’m not sure I understand the reasoning behind taking a singer this strong and doubling the vocal track, but the sound is intriguingly “different” for him. The ballad pleads for her hand in a novel way. Toward the end, we do get to hear his vocal phrasing unadorned by production. I remain a fan.

PRYOR & LEE / “Good Ol’ Dogs & God”
Writers: Adam Wood/Doug Johnson/Elvie Shane/Trent Fisher; Producer: Doug Johnson; Label: Black River
— Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee are dog lovers. Next Wednesday (June 23), they are doing a virtual concert for 130 animal-rescue organizations nationwide in conjunction with this single release. The gist of the ballad’s dobro-laced lyric is unconditional love, which is what you can count on from both your dog and your God. “Best friends, amen,” they sing. These two singers were roommates when they competed individually on The Voice. As a duo, they pack a punch.

THOMAS RHETT / “Things Dads Do”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Matt Dragstrem/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— Sunday is Father’s Day, and who better to have a tender papa ballad than this guy? Singer-songwriter dad Rhett Akins launched one of our most consistent contemporary country hit makers. No wonder Thomas has crafted something so well written and perfectly produced. An emotional bullseye.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Perennial Bloom”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— This jangly country rocker is the single from the band’s new album, A Few Stars Apart. The record’s release party is at the Basement East on Wednesday (June 23). Lukas has papa Willie’s high, reedy tenor tone, but with a tougher edge. And he seems to be gaining strength with each new release. Americana programmers also take note.

GABBY BARRETT / “Footprints On The Moon”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Zach Kale; Producer: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This uber-produced, empowering, pop-rock banger says that anything is possible for you. After all, there are human footprints on the moon. Gabby goes for a three-peat.

TOBY T. SWIFT / “Cicada Love Call”
Writers: Toby T. Swift; Producer: none listed; Label: TTS
— Totally dumb and totally hilarious. He compares an ex-wife to a 17-year cicada who has come back to bug him. I love his oafish delivery as well as his flat-footed melody. Ya gotta love the lyric. Essential listening.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Same Boat”
Writers: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
— A summer jam, for sure. The bouncy tempo, upbeat hippie message and band vocal harmonies are all back, as strong as ever. Bop along.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Bar Friends”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Tyler Filmore; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
— This catchy thumper is a rousing celebration of buddy drinking. It’s such a toe tapper that it’s hard to sit still while it unspools. The trio continues to show promise.

JASON ALDEAN / “Heaven”
Writers: Bryan Adams/Jim Vallance; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR
— Aldean has been singing this classic Bryan Adams ballad in his concerts for years. Now the studio version is an Amazon exclusive. It’s a reminder that he really can sing, which isn’t always evident in his rock-’em-sock-’em performances.

SHY CARTER, COLE SWINDELL, DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Beer With My Friends”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a rowdy, shout-along, gang performance of a barroom banger that sounds exactly like a party. Raise a glass, turn it up and sing with them.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Tequila Talkin’”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Kameron Marlowe/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
— I still dig his Southern-fried singing voice with its hints of r&b. This slow-burn romance tune simmers like a steamy summer afternoon. The video debuts today on YouTube.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brad Paisley, Tyler Booth, Ernest

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Brad Paisley

The winners here are all gentle persuaders.

Country music makers often make the mistake of believing that listeners need to be hit over the head to get them to pay attention. Defying that mindset today are the subtle and charming Brittney Spencer, Ernest, Jameson Rodgers and our Disc of the Day winner, Brad Paisley. Our Fourth of July superstar drops his “City of Music” tomorrow. Get ready to be impressed.

Our DisCovery Award winner comes to us from Sony, a busy company that accounts for four of our DisClaimer entries this week. It’s Tyler Booth with his dandy “Beautiful Outlaw.”

TYLER BOOTH / “Beautiful Outlaw”
Writers: Buddy Owens/Phil O’Donnell/Tyler Booth; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Villa 40/Sony Music Nashville
— The solid “outlaw” beat and the drawling, personality-plus vocal draw you in at once. The clever lyric does the rest of the work. I’m in.

ROSS ELLIS / “I Wish You Would”
Writers: Dan Fernandez/Michael Whitworth/Ross Ellis; Producer: Brandon Hood/Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville
— It’s well produced, and his pleading vocal is on the money. The song seems kinda masochistic to me.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Shoulda”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Producer: Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Label: EMI
— Rocking and sexy. She has a pert, saucy vocal style. The stomping, guitar-screaming track is mixed a little too high, threatening to thoroughly overwhelm her. Tone it down.

BRAD PAISLEY / “City of Music”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller/Ross Copperman; Producer: Ross Copperman/Luke Wooten; Label: Arista
— It’s a musical love letter to Nashville. A wonderful song, delivered by one of our greatest artists.

ERNEST / “American Rust”
Writers: Ernest/Rodney Clawson/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— This new artist is an award-winning songwriter (as Ernest Keith Smith), having been behind hits by FGL, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen and Chris Lane. On disc, he is a marvelously evocative story teller. Over a shuffling beat, he softly sings of heartland America in a lyric loaded with vivid imagery. A superb debut.

RAY STEVENS / “Gas”
Writers: Barry Smith; Producer: Ray Stevens; Label: MCC/Curb
— Pun after pun after pun after pun … about farting. Goofy and maybe a little crass, but awfully clever. His legendary zaniness remains intact.

JAMESON RODGERS / “When You Think of Mississippi”
Writers: Jake Mitchell/Jameson Rodgers/Josh Miller/Smith Ahnquist; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House/ Columbia
— Beautifully done. Heartfelt, wistful, dreamy and country all the way. This guy is the bomb and should be a star.

CLAY WALKER / “You Look Good”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/Michael Tyler; Producer: Michael Knox/Jaron Boyer; Label: Show Dog Nashville
— She looks attractive to him no matter the setting. It’s a simple sentiment, simple production and simple performance. A little too simple. I liked his last single better. Pass.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Sober & Skinny”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: BS
— Very nice. Over a gently rolling rhythm, she plaintively sings of the little failings we all have. Most especially, she relates to the imperfections in a relationship—“when you get sober, I’ll get skinny.” There is magic in her voice, an instrument of lovely nuances and beautifully turned phrases. Open the door and let her in.

TRACY LAWRENCE & EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Price of Fame”
Writers: Tracy Lawrence/Brad Arnold/Rick Huckaby; Producer: Tracy Lawrence/Flip Anderson; Label: TL
— These two veterans sound completely authentic on this rolling anthem about the cost of living your life on the country-music highway. Produced with clarity and sung with finesse.

BRELAND & KEITH URBAN / “Throw It Back”
Writers: Daniel Breland/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— It’s a thumpy, banjo-laced banger that combines Urban’s soaring tenor with Breland’s droll, dry, quasi-rapped electronically-processed baritone. It’s quite repetitive, but that’s the way pop and hip-hop are, right?

NOAH SCHNACKY & JIMMIE ALLEN / “Don’t You Wanna Know”
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Joshua Wade Dorr/Dylan Guthro; Producer: Dylan Guthro; Label: Big Machine
— Noah brings youthful verve to this, and Jimmie rides along gamely. Electronic burbles of sound, synth beats and a murky hip-hop vibe are all deployed. But the whole thing sounds aimless and vague. I think the gist of the “song” is talking a city girl into loving a country boy, but beyond that, I find no real point to it.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Balsam Range, Rhonda Vincent, Danny Paisley

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Balsam Range

The bluegrass grows all around in today’s edition of DisClaimer.

Unquestionably, the DisCovery Award goes to The Kody Norris Show, a band that simply delighted my senses.

The Disc of the Day contest is a little more complicated, so I’m giving out three of these prizes. The Female vocal winner is bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent with her Porter Wagoner song revival. The Male vocal winner is big Danny Paisley, who has soul to spare. The Group performance award goes to the lovely gospel effort by Balsam Range.

Happy listening.

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW / “Love Bug”
Writers: Kody Norris; Producer: none listed; Label: Rebel
— Charming. This rhinestoned, retro costumed foursome plays with crisp precision and sings with high-lonesome authenticity. The song is an upbeat, light-hearted ditty about falling head over heels… and it will leave you with a grin on yer face.

DALE ANN BRADLEY / “Falling Down”
Writers: Ashby Frank; Producer: none listed; Label: Pine Castle Records
— This much awarded bluegrass Female Vocalist winner has a sterling collection titled Things She Couldn’t Get Over that is currently the No. 1 bluegrass album. This thoughtful, mid-tempo song from it has both poetry and rippling instrumental textures to transport you to hillbilly nirvana.

ALAN BIBEY & GRASSTOWNE / “Hitchhiking to California”
Writers: Wes Goldberg/Alan Bibey/Jerry Salley; Producer: Alan Bibey, Grasstowne, Ron Stewart, Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Blue
— The sprightly title tune of this quintet’s current CD is presently at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart. The vocals are somewhat creamy, rather than edgy, so it goes down smoothly.

ROLAND WHITE & FRIENDS / “Alabama Jubilee”
Writers: George L. Cobb/Jack Yellen; Producer: Ty Gilpin & Jon Weisberger; Label: Mountain Home
— White’s illustrious career has included stints with Country Gazette and The Nashville Bluegrass Band. His current CD is A Tribute to The Kentucky Colonels, the group that launched the legendary mandolinist’s career. On this deliciously lively instrumental track, he’s joined by Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals, and the album’s other bluegrass celeb guests include Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Gina Furtado, David Grier, Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle. At age 83, his fingers still fly over the fretboard like greased lightning.

BALSAM RANGE / “Grit and Grace”
Writers: Ann Melton/Beth Husband/Milan Miller; Producer: Balsam Ridge; Label: Mountain Home
— Sublimely lovely. The gentle gospel ballad is caressed by this durable ensemble with enormous heart. As a man looks back at his life’s ups and downs, he recognizes, “I supplied the grit, and God supplied the grace.”

RHONDA VINCENT / “What Ain’t to Be Just Might Happen”
Writers: Porter Wagoner; Producer: Rhonda Vincent; Label: Upper Management
— Vincent takes a 1972 Porter Wagoner country oldie out for a brisk romp with dynamic fiddle, mandolin and banjo breaks. It goes without saying that her wailin’ vocal is supreme. This new track is headed skyward.

DANNY PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS / “Blink of an Eye”
Writers: Robert Amos; Producer: Wes Easter, Danny Paisley, Ryan Paisley & Bobby Lundy; Label: Pinecastle
— This new release is the lead track from Paisley’s Bluegrass Troubadour collection. It has a captivating, cool, rolling groove, and the excellent, bluesy singing is mountain soulful in the extreme. Mournful majesty. So nice I played it twice.

LARRY CORDLE / “Cherokee Fiddle”
Writers: Michael Martin Murphey; Producer: none listed; Label: Mighty Cord
— I’ve always liked this Michael Martin Murphey tune from 1977 (revived by Johnny Lee on the Urban Cowboy soundtrack) and am not at all surprised by how well it adapts to a bluegrass treatment. Nashville tunesmith Cordle can always be counted on for quality.

BARRY ABERNATHY & VINCE GILL / “Birmingham Jail”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Barry Abernathy & Jim VanCleve; Label: Billy Blue
— Banjo picking singer Abernathy has rounded up a busload of buddies for his new CD, which debuted on the bluegrass album chart this month. They include Dan Tyminski, Rhonda Vincent, Steve Gulley, Doyle Lawson, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Rob Ickes and, on this toe-tapping album opener, everyone’s favorite tenor harmony singer.

JUNIOR SISK / “Just Load the Wagon”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Fever
— Rural nostalgia reigns here, and it doesn’t get much more down-home and old timey than this. The tempo will have you dancing around the kitchen, and the vintage mood will make you smile. Pure pleasure.

HIGH FIDELITY / “Banjo Player’s Blues”
Writers: Charlie Monroe; Producer: Jeremy Stephens, Corrina Rose Logston & Brad Benge; Label: Rebel
— Infectious. It’s the title track of this Nashville band’s current album. Jeremy Stephens’ hearty lead vocal is nearly outshone by the dashing fiddle of Corrina Rose Logston, and the overall effect is good vibrations all around.

BRONWYN KEITH-HYNES & SARAH JAROSZ / “Last Train”
Writers: Peter Rowan; Producer: none listed; Label: Sugar Petunia
— Fiddler Keith-Hynes has a high, yearning vocal delivery, but the spotlight shines brightest here on the sizzling instrumental work featuring mandolin magician Jarosz as well as her own slippery, silvery bowed notes.