DisClaimer: Carrie Underwood, Adam Hambrick Lead With Soaring, Sensitive New Tracks

Adam Hambrick, Carrie Underwood

It’s a Capitol Nashville day here at “DisClaimer.”

The label has both the Disc of the Day with Carrie Underwood’s glory-hallelujah sound and the DisCovery Award winner with sensitive new troubadour Adam Hambrick.

But they’re not exactly resting on their laurels over there at BMLG. That label group has two of today’s strongest challengers, Thomas Rhett and Brett Young.

Toss in winners from Mercury’s Billy Currington and the independently released Thompson Square and you have the makings of a fine listening session.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Bring It On Over
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Round Hill/Natalia’s Music Money/Warner-Tamerlane/Ritten By Rettro/WB/Thankful For This/Pinetucky Road/Telemitry RHythm House/Songs of Roc Nation, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury
– This guy has a seemingly unerring gift for hearing a hit. This crunchy, catchy ditty is like an ear worm. And as if the song isn’t cool enough, there’s a layered, multi-voice production, an echoey atmosphere and a bubbling rhythm track. Crazy good.

WATERLOO REVIVAL/Wonder Woman
Writers: George Birge/Cody Cooper/Marv Green/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jason Massey; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– Generic, routine country-pop.

LINDSAY ELL/Champagne
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Walker Hayes/Fred Wilhelm; Producer: Kristian Bush; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek/BBR
– I fail to hear what this has to do with country music.

THOMAS RHETT/Sixteen
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Sean Douglas/Joe Spargur; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure/Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket On the Line/Sony-ATV Ballad/Eastman Pond/Big Deal Beats/Brodsky Spensive/Nice Life/Words & Music, BMI; Valory Music
– Single #5 from the Life Changes CD is a slice of teen-age life with some dandy turns of phrases and truthful vignettes. Naturally, it ends with a look back from adulthood. But on the way there, your ears will fall in love with the lilting honesty and warm approach. Richly rewarding.

MORGAN EVANS/Day Drunk
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Lindy Robbins/Morgan Evans; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Warner Bros.
– Fall might be upon us, but Morgan has a summer song that’s as bright as sunshine. The video features footage of him with Kelsea, frolicking in tropical splendor.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Love Wins
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Brett James; Producers: David Garcia/Underwood; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/Universal/Brentwood Benson/D Soul/CapitolCMG/Songs of Brett/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
– A full-throated, inspirational shout to the heavens about the ultimate victory of brotherhood over violence, prejudice, madness and hatred. I’m in.

ADAM HAMBRICK/Rockin’ All Night Long
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Kelly Archer/Pete Good; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Publishers: ole Red Cape/RED Like the Sunset/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf/Crack the Glass/Downtown DMP/Garda/King Pen/Songs of Downtown, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Capitol/Buena Vista
– Sweet and charming. His yearning tenor recalls the innocence of youth on a spree, “drinking up every moment ‘til it’s gone.” Hambrick has a reputation as a songwriter for others on Music Row. This debut puts a spotlight on him as a performer. Welcome to the winner’s circle, buddy.

BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight
Writers: Brett Young/Ben Caver/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; BMLG
-Sexy. A romantic swoon. A crooning come-on.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Masterpiece
Writers: Keifer Thompson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; T2
– I am so fond of these two. This lovely song compares the creation of their love to the great works of Shakespeare, Beethoven, Da Vinci and other one-of-a-kind geniuses. An anthem for all lovers, everywhere. Truly uplifting — it will make you want to hold tightly to whoever is dear to you.

TEGAN MARIE/I Know How To Make A Boy Cry
Writers: Tegan Marie/Nathan Chapman; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– This is loaded with hooks and personality. I could have done without the “na-na-na” passages, but otherwise it’s enormously listenable.

DISClaimer: Malcolm Holcombe Leads Gifted Americana Sounds

Malcolm Holcombe. Photo by Andrea Furlan

It’s Americana week in Music City, and the listening is groovy.

The spectacularly gifted Malcolm Holcombe lands our Disc of the Day award with his new Nashville-recorded release.

The DisCovery Award goes to a husband-wife duo who call Nashville home, My One and Only.

But don’t stop with those two. There’s plenty more to hear here. Extra recommended are Mary Gauthier, Amos Lee and Jennifer Warnes. If I were choosing runners-up for our two top awards, they would be Mandy Barnett and Great Peacock.

AMOS LEE/No More Darkness, No More Light
Writer: Amos Lee; Producer: Tony Berg; Publisher: Soma Eel, ASCAP; Dualtone (track)
– The burbling track is quite light and lively, but there’s something serious going on in this lyric inspired by school shootings. As always, he sings with great elan and conviction. His highly recommended, brightly produced new CD is titled My New Moon. You’ll dig it.

MARY GAUTHIER/Soldiering On
Writers: Mary Gauthier/Jennifer Marino; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Publisher: Mary Gauthier/SongWritingWithSoldiers, ASCAP; In The Black/Thirty Tigers
– Gauthier collaborated on all of the songs on her new Rifles & Rosary Beads collection with service men and women. The results ring with emotional honesty and stark inner truth, as though she tapped into their psyches like a therapist. Hubbard’s rumbling production on this track underscores her intense vocal delivery. This gifted singer-songwriter staged her Americana showcase on Wednesday at City Winery and will appear today at one of the convention’s discussion panels.

JENNIFER WARNES/Just Breathe
Writer: Eddie Vedder: Producers: C. Roscoe Beck/Jennifer Warnes; Publisher: Universal, no performance rights listed; Porch Light
– This peerless song interpreter and longtime Leonard Cohen collaborator has a new album titled Another Place, Another Time. It leads off with this striking reinterpretation of a Pearl Jam tune. The eclectic collection also dips into the catalogs of John Legend, Mark Knopfler, Mickey Newbury, Marcus Hummon and Warren Haynes/Derek Trucks. This track shimmers with French horn, cello, strings and organ. But elsewhere you’ll find everything from blues to country. She remains an enduring treasure.

MALCOLM HOLCOMBE/The New Damnation Alley
Writer: Malcolm Holcombe; Producer: Marco Glovino/Jared Tyler; Publisher: Gypsy Eyes, BMI; Singular (track)
-This gritty North Carolina mountain troubadour evokes dark hollows and woodsy shadows whenever he sings. Iris DeMent and Greg Brown are his harmony singers on the new Come Hell or High Water CD. This dark-umber composition illustrates why he’s a songwriter’s songwriter. The acoustic production lets his smoke-stained voice plainly wheeze out its condemnation of “millionaire barbarians” and “limousine liars” who drag the bleeding poor to despair. Gripping and great.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL & THE AVETT BROTHERS/Willie Got There First
Writer: Seth Avett; Producers: Ray Benson, Sam Seirfert, Seth Avett & Scott Avett; Publishers: First Big Snow/Nemoivmusic/Ramseur Family Fold/Paw Paw/Lew Bob, SESAC/BMI; Bismeaux/Thirty Tigers
– It’s a slow waltz, not a scampering western swinger. “I had such a good idea for a song/But Willie got there first.” It seems that wherever the singer gets close to a gal and wants to woo her with music, the soundtrack has already been written by the Red Headed Stranger. Lots of Willie song titles are name-checked in the clever lyric. The rest of the Wheel’s New Routes CD hews closer to what one might expect. Its Americana showcase is late, late Thursday night at Mercy Lounge.

KATE CAMPBELL/Damn Sure Blue
Writers: Kate Campbell/Tom Kimmel; Producer: Will Kimbrough; Publishers: Large River/Morrissette, BMI/ASCAP; Large River (track)
– The title track to Kate’s new album is a laconic lament with a steady backbeat and some dandy vocal and twang support from her illustrious producer. She’s down but not out. And least not quite. Her always piquant originals form the core of the collection. But she also tosses in a pair of Johnny Cash covers as well as The Louvin Brothers’ “Great Atomic Power.” The album drops a week from tomorrow.

MY ONE AND ONLY/To My Rescue
Writers: Ben Wilson/Kassle Wilson; Producer: Abdrija Tokic; Publishers: none listed; MOAO (track)
– Two-steppin’ country, taken at a brisk pace. The production (by Alabama Shakes helmsman Tokic) is spare and twangy. They’re a husband-wife duo who share leads and harmonies. I like it that they start softly and then let fly with some grand hillbilly wailing. The Past Year is their debut CD, and it makes for some happy listening. Americana talent scouts, take note. These guys deserve some wide distribution.

MANDY BARNETT & JOHN HIATT/A Cowboy’s Work Is Never Done
Writers: none listed; Producers: Marco Glovino/Doug Lancio; Publishers: none listed; Dame/Thirty Tigers
– She’s been typecast as a country neo-traditionalist, but at heart she has always been a torch singer. Thus, the new Strange Conversation CD’s repertoire spans Sanford Clark (”The Fool”), The Tams (”It’s All Right”), Tom Waits (”Puttin’ on the Dog”), Mabel Johns (”More Lovin’”) and Greg Garing (”Dream Too Real to Hold”), because all lend themselves to her sultry stylings. Not to mention a simmering, drunken-gypsy take on this Sonny & Cher chestnut with John Hiatt along for the ride. This is one extremely cool album. Check her out at Mercy Lounge on Thursday night. It’s bound to be an Americana convention highlight. The album drops next Friday.

GREAT PEACOCK/One Way Ticket
Writers: Kenneth Andrew Nelson/Stephen Blount Floyd; Producer: Dex Green; Publishers: Uncle Ken’s/Back 40; SESAC; Ropeadope (track)
-This Nashville band showcases at 5:00 p.m. at Musicians Corner on Thursday afternoon. Its new Gran Pavo Real CD contains this classy country-rocker boasting a delicious melody, high-lonesome harmonies, ultra-tight ensemble playing, dynamic rhythms and a terrifically engaging tenor lead vocal. Captivating and addictive.

AMANDA SHIRES/Parking Lot Pirouette
Writer: Amanda Shires; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Little Lambs Eat Ivy, BMI; Silver Knife (track)
– Her new To the Sunset CD has made her Americana’s current “It” girl. This track from it illustrates the collection’s strengths — pop song craftsmanship, layered arrangement, pert-soprano delivery, echoey atmosphere. Amanda’s convention showcase performance will be Thursday night at the Basement East.

DisClaimer: Delta Rae Deserves Country Radio Love

For a welcome change, women ruled this DisClaimer listening session.

We have a tie for the DisCovery Award, and both winners are female singer-songwriters with exceptional gifts. In addition to being brilliant writers, Heather Morgan and Tenille Townes are both awesome vocalists. I can’t wait for full albums from them.

Led by the sterling lead-vocal performance of Brittany Holljes, Delta Rae takes home a well-deserved Disc of the Day honor. This band deserves so much more love than country radio has given it so far.

SISTER HAZEL/Small Town Living
Writer: Ken Block/Patrick Davis; Producer: Sister Hazel & Ben Jackson; Publisher: Crooked Chimney/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Croakin’ Poets (track) (sisterhazel.com)
—This super-tight, five-man Florida band shot to fame in 1997 with with the No. 1 A/C smash “All for You.” The same guys have been together for 25 years, and my hat is definitely off to that. This ringing, tempo tune packs a triple whammy with a chesty melody, soaring guitars and a country-boy lyric. It comes from a Nashville-recorded EP titled Wind that drops tomorrow. Sister Hazel headlines the Clarksville Riverfest Celebration at 9 p.m. this Saturday night.

TENILLE TOWNES/Somebody’s Daughter
Writers/Publishers: Tenille Townes- Year of the Dog Music (ASCAP); Luke Laird- Sony/ATV Story Music Publishing/We Are Creative Nation (GMR); Barry Dean- Be Barry Quiet/Creative Pulse Music/Pulse Nation (BMI); Produced by Jay Joyce; Columbia Nashville
—Wow. This is pretty dang amazing, loaded with empathy and sensitivity. She sees a homeless girl at the side of the road and muses about fate and the luck of the draw. The lyric is simply brilliant, and her delivery of it is superbly heart tugging. The crunching, crashing production drives it home. Sign me up for the fan club.

RYAN HURD/To a T
Writers and publishers: Ryan Hurd – Universal Music Corp./Lake Allegan Pub Club (ASCAP); Nathan Spicer – Red Like the Sunset Music/Spicer and Everything Nicer (ASCAP); Laura Veltz – Big Music Machine/Never Veltz So Good Publishing (BMI); Produced by Dann Huff & Aaron Eshuis; RCA Nashville (download) (ryanhurd.com)
—That’s his sweetie, Maren Morris, singing harmony with him throughout this cleverly written love letter. It has a coy, cuddly and super romantic flavor that’s as tasty as a candy bar.

BRIANA RENAE/Chasin’ Trouble
Writer: Briana Renae/Will Hopkins/Steve Mitchell; Producer: Jason Wyatt; Publisher: BR/Fogg Mountain Breakdown/Grin Like a Dog, no performance rights listed; BR (brianarenae.com)
—She’s a bad girl, so watch out. Her snarky vocal is backed by a furiously rocking track. Get on board or get run over.

DELTA RAE/Do You Ever Dream
Writer: Brittany Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Brittany Hölljes Publishing (ASCAP)./ WB Music Corp. / Eric Hölljes Music (ASCAP). All rights o/b/o itself and Eric Hölljes Music administered by WB Music Corp./ Ian Hölljes Music (ASCAP). Administered by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing; The Valory Music Co. (download) 
—In a word, gorgeous. The dazzling, glittering track swirls like a dreamy-hypnotic force while Brittany’s lead vocal aches with abandonment and thwarted desire. This ridiculously talented band has set up a “Delta Rae Revival” residency of Wednesday-night shows all season long at The Basement. It is promising “special guests” and “a show unlike any you’re ever seen in Nashville” every week from now through Dec. 19. Be there or be square.

HEATHER MORGAN/Your Hurricane
Writer: Heather Morgan; Producer: Paul Moak; Publisher: none listed; HM (download) (facebook.com/HeatherMorganMusic)
—Best known on Music Row for penning tunes sung by Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban and more, Heather steps out as an artist, herself, with this stunning, bruised, heartache power ballad. Her singing voice is a revelation, an arrow of emotional honesty that pierced my heart. Her trills and embellishments sent shivers up and down my spine. The thudding, oomphy, echoey production is awesome, too. Please, please, please play this.

JASON ALDEAN/Girl Like You
Writer: Jaron Boyer/Josh Miranda/Michael Tyler; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Peermusic/Warner-Chappell, no performance rights listed; BBR (download) ()
—Since it sounds like much of the other sounds he’s released, this should please his many fans. It bored me.

THE STRYKER BROTHERS/Charlie Duke Took Country Music to the Moon
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Scriptorium Rex/Thirty Tigers (track) (strykerbrothersmusic.com)
—Twelve men have walked on the moon, but astronaut Charlie Duke is the country fan who took his favorite music to La Luna. The light-hearted song celebrating him is introduced by the late Merle Haggard. The romping, talking-blues number contains lively guitar picking and name-drops Porter, Dolly, Buck, Chet and more. Cute.

HUNTER HAYES/One Shot
Writer: Hunter Hayes; Producer: Hunter Hayes; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic (download) ()
—A catchy, clickety-clack rhythm track underscores a bopping ditty about having fun that you can’t remember, because you blacked out. A dandy comeback single.

JOSH WARD/All About Lovin’
Writer: Terry McBride/Chris Stapleton/William Brice Long; Producer: Greg Hunt & Drew Hall; Publisher: none listed; Smith Entertainment (track) (joshwardmusic.com)
—Solidly country, complete with a Texas accent and twangin’ guitars. The upbeat mood, rollicking track and party-time lyric are all radio friendly, if rather unexceptional.

DISClaimer: Randy Houser Brings “Intensity Of An Inferno” To New Track

Randy Houser

It’s a testosterone fest with an all-male lineup today.

Fortunately, the boys have brought their “A” game — there are some simply dandy listening experiences for our enjoyment.

I’m giving especially high marks to Cody Johnson, Florida Georgia Line, LOCASH and our Disc of the Day winner, Randy Houser.

It’s always a good sign when there are lots of newcomers in the mix who are making music as good or better than established stars. Two of them tied for the DisCovery Award this week, Seth Ennis and the band Levon.

JAKE ROSE/Family
Writers: J. Rose/K. Kadish/N. Chapman; Producer: Kevin Kadish/Nathan Chapman; Publisher: none listed; Starts With Music
– Spoken verses, shouted/sung choruses, pop/rock track. Kinda irritating, but kinda cool at the same time. Despite its musical shortcomings and its non-country qualities, the lyric about crazy best buddies is appealing.

RANDY HOUSER/No Stone Unturned
Writers: Randy Houser/Dallas Davidson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
– Righteous and true. He wanders America in search of himself with “no stone unturned, no turn un-stoned.” As always, he sings with the intensity of an inferno. The super-tasty, crunchy production is ringing and magnificent. A fabulous track.

 

JON LANGSTON/When It Comes To Loving You
Writers: Jon Langston/Dan Isbell; Producer: Jody Stevens; Publishers: none listed; EMI (download)
– His vocal is way too compressed. The generic-romance song doesn’t do much for me.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Sittin’ Pretty
Writers: Nick Donley, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell; Producer: none listed; Publisher:MV2 Music / Nick Donley Publishing (BMI). All rights o/b/o MV2 Music and Nick Donley Publishing administered by Words & Music, a division of Big Deal Music Group./ Harding Road Music / Watsky Music LLC (BMI). All rights administered by Songs Of Kobalt Music Publishing./ New Writers Of Sea Gayle Music / West Pass Music (BMI). Both administered by ClearBox Rights.; Big Machine
– Gentle, mellow, romantic and wonderfully groovy. As soothing as a summer breeze.

 

CODY JOHNSON/On My Way To You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros./CoJo
– Cody won a DisCovery Award two years ago. This new effort confirms my faith in him. His has a simply gorgeous country voice, full of expressive warmth and deep emotion. His phrasing is exquisite. His range is terrific. The song is first rate. The production is loaded with dynamics. If this isn’t a star-to-be, I’ve never heard one.

SETH ENNIS/Call Your Mama
Writers: Seth Ennis/Michael Hardy; Producer: Seth Ennis/Jordan Reynolds; Publishers: none listed; Arista (download)
– Lilting, sentimental and very, very sweet. The rippling production, light tenor vocal and delicate lyric are all just perfect. Play this.

 

DAVID NAIL & THE WELL RAVENS/Come Back Around
Writers: none listed; Producers: David Nail/Andrew Petroff/Jason Hall; Publishers: none listed; One Five Sound
-It has an echoey, rocking chorus, but his searing vocal cuts through it all. This is more pop than we’re used to hearing from this guy, but it’s still as listenable as all get out.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE & OLIVER WOOD/Mother Mountain
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; 3 Legged
– Terrific vocal harmonies sung around a campfire with acoustic guitars strumming. Very CSN&Y.

 

LEVON/Ms. Marianne
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed: Publisher: none listed; Epic
– This handsome trio has a winner with this super-fun song. He flunks out of college, takes a job as a bartender and falls for a lady customer. Alas, his crush is unrequited, but the merry melody bubbles along anyhow. Ridiculously catchy.

LOCASH/Feels Like A Party
Writers: Preston Brust/Chris Lucas/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BBR/Wheelhouse
– Pickup trucks, drinking, singing, country girls. Same old, same old. But you can’t deny the hooky, sing-along, irresistible vibe. It even comes with the instruction, “Hands up, side-to-side.” A hit.

 

DISClaimer: Morgan Evans, Cole Bradley Top New Tracks

Pictured (L-R): Cole Bradley, Morgan Evans

We have three handsome young men who are new the column this week.

Actually, almost four, since it has been five years since we’ve heard from the still promising Justin Adams. Anyhow, the three vying for the DisCovery Award are Cash Campbell, Chance McKinney and our winner, Cole Bradley.

There’s no question about who ruled the listening session. Morgan Evans continues to impress, every time I see or hear him in performance. Give this former DisCovery Award winner his first Disc of the Day award.

JUSTIN ADAMS/How It Rolls
Writers: none listed; Producer: Derek Wells; Publisher: none listed; Flycatcher (track)
– He has a pleasant, earnest tenor. The song is country-love generic. The rocking track rumbles along nicely. Easy on the ears, if not exactly life changing.

SOUTHERN HALO/I Think Too Much
Writers: Natalia Morris/Roxie Dean; Producers: Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Publishers: Southern Halo/Sweet 202, BMI/SESAC; Southern Halo
– Jaunty, sunny and sweetly harmonized. I have liked everything I have heard by this trio. Give ‘em a shot.

CHANCE McKINNEY/Take It Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kevin Ray Lawson; Publisher: none listed; CM (track)
– Deeply masculine sounding. The steady rocking tempo draws you in at the same time as his throaty baritone. Hale and hearty and well worth a listen.

CHERISH LEE/Ones You Leave Behind
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CL
– The daughter of Johnny Lee and Charlene Tilton continues to make her own mark in Music City. Her new single is a trembling, shakily sung ballad about loss, addressed to her brother who died of a heroin overdose. Considering our national opioid abuse crisis, it’s quite timely.

KEITH URBAN/Never Comin’ Down
Writers: Keith Urban/Josh Kerr/James Abrahart/Shy Carter; Producer: Josh Kerr/Keith Urban; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Maroma/Songs of Black River/Whistlepig Winners/James Abrahart/Artist 101/Songs of Kobalt/You Want How Much of What/BMG Rights, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
– This ain’t country.

HARPER GRAE/Monster
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Grae Area
– Fearsome memories haunt her sleeping hours in this torrid tempo tune. The video makes it explicit that the “monster” was her mother’s alcoholism.

KATHY MATTEA/St. Teresa
Writers: None listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Captain Potato
-Mattea’s forthcoming Pretty Bird comeback album is heralded by this spooky, ethereal and utterly cool cover of a Joan Osborne gem. Lotsa crunchy, acoustic textures.

CASH CAMPBELL/Cannon Ball
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CC
– Extremely well produced in a Euro-pop kinda way, but melodically repetitive and lyrically dull.

MORGAN EVANS/Young Again
Writers: Morgan Evans/Chris DeStefano/Josh Kear; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– I dig this guy a lot, and he seems to be on his way. This extremely catchy, bopping anthem is another big step forward. Sing along and shout for joy. It needs to become huge.

COLE BRADLEY/Happy Hour
Writers: Cole Bradley/Sandy Chila/Michael Fitzgerald/Alex Dezen; Producer: Sandy Chila; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Kala, no performance rights listed; Kala
– Summer fun beats, cute barroom lyrics and groovy spoken passages. The drinks are on Cole Bradley.

DISClaimer: Roots Music Veterans Take The Spotlight

Pictured (L-R): David Olney, Phil Madeira

Nashville’s roots-music veterans grab the spotlight in this week’s Americana review column.

Two of them are sharing the Disc of the Day award. One of them is the eternally esteemed David Olney. The other is Phil Madeira, who is taking a radical left turn into jazz with his excellent new project.

Even the DisCovery Award winners have a vet connect. Rolling River Royalty includes Robert Jetton, who has been a Nashville fixture for 40+ years.

Also lending class to this listening session were such old faves as James House and Doug Green (a.k.a Ranger Doug).

JAMES HOUSE & THE BLUES COWBOYS/Long Way Down
Writers: James House; Producer: James House; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James House; Victor (track)
– James has long been a shape shifter. He began as a pop act in the ‘80s, achieved moderate success as country artist in the ‘90s (”This Is Me Missing You”) and then became a highly successful writer for others (”A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “In a Week or Two”). Now he’s a steamy blues rocker with a new billing and a new CD. His new voice is a hoarse, strangulated, urgent squall, and the tracks are hot stuff. Recommended.

ROLING RIVER ROYALTY/Pissed
Writers: Robert Jetton/Wen Tilley; Publisher: Rocking Ranchero/Wendell Tilley, BMI; Producer: none listed; Kingfish/New Bohemian
– I am a longtime fan of Nashville singer-songwriter Robert Jetton. His latest project is a collaboration with a neighbor named Wen Tilley. Their debut CD features tunes that “Robo” has written with Dennis Lord and Delbert McClinton, a pair of Haggard covers and two traditional tunes, as well as some of the songs he’s created with his new confederate. This one is tongue-in-cheek honky tonker that will have you tapping your toes and smiling like a loon. The sound is charmingly uncomplicated, clear and clean, featuring tasteful guitar work, lilting mandolin, steel, twang and sweet harmonies.

DON MCLEAN/Botanical Gardens
Writers: Don McLean; Publishers: Benny Bird/Universal; Producers: Mike Severs/Don McLean/Pat Severs; BMG
– The title tune of this veteran’s new CD is a rumbling, echo-y, bluesy rocker. But all the cool, moody production in the world can’t change the fact that he sings in a white-boy folk voice.

BEN DE LA COUR/Dixie Crystals
Writers: Ben de aa Cour; Publisher: Flour Sack Cape, BMI; Producers: Ben de la Cour and Joe Lekkas; Flour Sack Cape
– This Music City sing-songwriter kicks off his new CD, The High Cost of Living Strange, with a bopping, fiddle-soaked, dark little vignette of meth addiction. It’s pretty “noir,” but pretty dang cool.

PHIL MADEIRA/Rich Man’s Town
Writers: Phil Madeira; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Phil Madeira; Mercyland
– This man does so many things well. He’s been a stalwart of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys band, an ace session musician, a respected contributor to the CCM genre, a hit Americana music creator and a songwriter for the likes of Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and The Civil Wars. Now he’s a piano-based jazzman with a CD about the tribulations of his working-class New England homeland. This track is a dazzling accomplishment, just one of many on his Providence collection. Essential.

JOHNNY RIVERS/I Stand Accused
Writers: Jerry Butler/Billy Butler; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Soul City
– This ‘60s pop star has crafted a new EP that collects some of his longtime favorite songs. They come from the likes of Glenn Frey, Jack Tempchin and Roy Orbison. His own ballad, “Land of Dreams,” serves as the title tune. The set kicks off with this languid, soulful take on Jerry Butler’s 1964 oldie.

MISSOURI MILE/Make Me Fall
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Rambler American/DHM, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Byron Hill; BHP
– This sister duo has a flawless vocal-harmony blend and a strummy, acoustic-guitar sound. Think of a more folkie Judds. Their new CD, A Million Miles Away, begins with this gentle, airy, relaxing outing that will pleasantly lull your senses. In case you haven’t heard, their producer and songwriting collaborator, Byron Hill, is most deservedly being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.

RANGER DOUG/The Blue Juniata
Writers: Marian Dix Sullivan; Publishers: public domain; Producer: Joey Miskulin; Rural Rhythm
– No, he hasn’t left Riders In the Sky. In fact, the other members of the group are very much a part of his “solo” Songs of the Frontier album. Four of the selections are traditional cowboy folk songs and all of the rest are so old they’ve slipped into the public domain, including this lovely 1844 tune that begins the proceedings. You’ll take a scenic audio ride into Americana western glories when you spin this disc.

MARK HUFF/Stars For Eyes
Writers: Mark Huff; Publishers: Zero Weather/BMG; SESAC; Producer: Chad Brown; Exodus Empire
– This fellow has been a singer-songwriter on the Nashville scene for about a decade. The title song of his newest CD boasts a sincere, soft, tenor lead vocal and a swirl of layered pop instrumentation. Engaging, if not exactly rootsy.

DAVID OLNEY/This Side Or The Other
Writers: David Olney/Annie McCue/John Hadley; Publishers: Reed Lily/Milkman’s Daughter/Hadley Six, ASCAP/APRA/BMI; Producers: Steve Dawson/DAvid Olney; Black Hen (track)
– This durable troubadour’s troubadour is back with another darkly expressive collection. As always, he is a mountain of vocal charisma as well as a stunning song poet. In addition to a clutch of originals, you’ll find a fascinating cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” on the CD. The title tune waltz speaks of love until death to the accompaniment of sighing steel, chiming guitar and wistful harmonica. Check out the cast — Fats Kaplan, The McCrary Sisters, Charlie McCoy and the man’s own road warriors. This is a record to spend some quality time with, so get in line when it drops a week from Friday.

DISClaimer: Kenny Chesney Tops New Tracks With “Better Boat”

How about a little Louisiana hot sauce with your music meal today?

That’s what is being offered by our DisCovery Award winners, Yvette Landy & The Jukes featuring Roddie Romero. They’re serving something zesty and different. Go ahead, give ‘em a taste.

Kenny Chesney takes home a Disc of the Day trophy. Give both the man and his new label props for letting his debut for the company be a benefit record for Caribbean hurricane relief.

Other worthy items on your plate today include singles by Jake Owen, the Calamity Janes and the splendid Danielle Bradbery/Thomas Rhett duet.

DALLAS REMINGTON/Never Turned Around
Writers: Dallas Remington/Regan Stewart; Producers: Kirk Willie/Kimo Forrest; Publishers: none listed; RoadWarrior
– Her vocal is just the teensiest bit flat. The punchy track is masterfully mixed.

HUNTER HAYES/Dear God
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic
– The lyric is very anguished. It reminds me of how conflicted and tormented we all felt as teenagers. The verses are semi-spoken, a style I have never liked much. But there are melodic moments in the choruses. All in all, an odd little single.

YVETTE LANDRY & THE JUKES/I Need Somebody Bad
Writers: B.J. Peters Jr.; Producers: Yvette Landry, Roddie Romero & Justin Tocket; Ben Peters, BMI; Soko Music (track)
– It’s an echoey ‘50s retro sound, complete with piano triplets, sighing steel guitar and softly punctuating sax. She has a cool, seductive voice that dips attractively into deep alto pockets. The track makes you feel like you’re in a bayou honky-tonk. And that’s a good feeling to have. The swampy, spicy album, featuring co lead vocalist Roddie Romero, is titled Louisiana Lovin.’ Seek it out.

 

JAKE OWEN/Down to the Honkytonk
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
– Holy mackerel! Jake Owen has issued his most “country” tune ever, and you are going to love it. This is a barroom sing-along, a drinking anthem and a party pleaser. Steel guitar abounds. The chorus is classic. Grab a brew and stomp along.

JOHN SCHNEIDER/Can I Buy You A Beer
Writers: Mason Douglas; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Odyssey
– This sounds feeble. Find a producer.

TUCKER BEATHARD/Real World Hall of Fame
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Casey Beathard/Ryan Tyndell/Jordan Rigby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; TB
– Written to salute his grandfather’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it also recognizes that there are “Hall of Fame” people everywhere. The video shows footage of a teacher, a fireman, a soldier, a mom, a policeman and other folks, in addition to gridiron stars. Bobby Beathard, the granddad, was a g.m. and/or administrator of the Redskins, Chargers, Dolphins, Chiefs and Falcons during a three-decade career that included four Super Bowl wins.

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CHRIS LANE & TORI KELLY/Take Back Home Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
-Tuneless hip-hop. I hate it.

DANIELLE BRADBERY & THOMAS RHETT/Goodbye Summer
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory Music
– They sound great together. This swirling, melodic outing showcases both voices beautifully. And both of them prove to be able harmonizers. This is headed straight to the top.

CALAMITY JANES/Light It Up
Writers: A. Childs; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; CJ
– Love their harmonies. The gist of the languid, sensuous song is that sometimes it’s best to burn your bridges behind you.

KENNY CHESNEY & MINDY SMITH/Better Boat
Writers: Travis Meadows/Liz Rose; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; WB/Blue Chair
– Gentle, acoustic, contemplative and completely lovely. Mindy’s harmony vocal is angelic. An exquisite listening experience.

DISClaimer: Runaway June Offers A Runaway Hit

Country’s guys and gals are going head to head this week.

Kelly Willis and Cassadee Pope are duking it out with Chase Rice and the Wild Feathers, not to mention darkhorse contender R.J. Comer (who is checking in with his second stunning album in a row). In this contest, we listeners are the winners.

The ladies snare the Disc of the Day prize, thanks to the splendidly catchy release by Runaway June.

The men have the DisCovery Award winner, an interesting new singer-songwriter named Justin Fabus.

JUSTIN FABUS/Remedy
Writers: J. Fabus; Producers: Matt Very, Austin Ostiguy, Justin Fabus; Publishers: none listed; JF (track)
-His voice is a fizzy, ear-catching tenor and the CD title track has a nice, r&b feel. Unfortunately, the tempo is tediously sluggish. There are better single choices on this collection.

CHASE RICE/Eyes On You
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase Rice/Chris DeStefano; Producer: Chris Destafano & Jacquire King; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Jack Daniels/EMI April/CDS Words and Music/WB/Combustion Engine/Sadie’s Favorite, BMI/ASCAP; BBR/Jack Daniels
– Nicely romantic. Wherever they go, whatever they do, he only has eyes for her. I like the way his vocal is mixed with so much intimacy and presence. The title is repeated about 30 times too often for my taste, but it’s still a nifty little record.

THE BAND STEELE/Sit Awhile
Writers: Bo Steele/Ben Rubino; Producers: Rob Burrell/Stacy Savola; Publishers: FRMG/Kadence Faith/B Rubino, BMI; Fire River
– This has a richly masculine sound. It’s about reflecting and meditating and letting grief take its time. It’s a good thing the vocals are so strong, because the production isn’t much.

KELLY WILLIS/Don’t Step Away
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Premium/Thirty Tigers
– Love it! The r&b backbeat, steady throb and sensuous groove push alla my buttons. As always, her Texas-country vocal phrasing, slightly saucy tone and gentle confidence are utterly charming.

SARAH LAWTON/Sticks and Stones
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kenny Zaridar; Publishers: none listed; SL
– This has plenty of sass and attitude. But the song does nothing for me, and there’s not much about the irritating production that I would characterize as “country.”

CASSADEE POPE/One More Red Light
Writers: Cassadee Pope/Kelly Archer/Emily Shackelton; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; CP
– Punchy and propulsive. Loaded with energy and drive.

BAILEY JAMES/Kiss Me Goodbye
Writers: Bailey James Koehler/Jeannie McQuinn/Shelby Lee Lowe; Producer: Jeffrey Teague; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI, BJ
– She sings with moxie. The song is too wordy. The arrangement just lays there.

WILD FEATHERS/Stand By You
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– I love this Nashville band. I liked ‘em when they were rockers, and I think it’s very cool that they’ve shifted gears into country. This thing has more hooks than a tuna boat. If the track doesn’t make you want to get up and bop around the room, you need a rhythm injection. Ridiculously catchy.

R.J. Comer/One Last Kiss
Writers: R.J. Comer; Producer: Shawn Byrne; Publishers: Pack of Three, SESAC; Growling Moon
– The title tune of Comer’s new CD is a doomsday dirge of despair. But it was so compelling that I couldn’t turn away. Death has seldom sounded more fascinating. Recommended, especially at midnight.

RUNAWAY JUNE/Buy My Own Drinks
Writers: Hannah Mulholland, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: 2018 BMG Platinum Songs (BMI) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, BMG Silver Songs (SESAC) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, Rezonate Music (ASCAP) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, BIRB Music (ASCAP) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, Champagne Whiskey Pub (ASCAP) admin by Downtown DLJ Songs, Downtown DLJ Songs (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by permission.; BBR/Wheelhouse
-Feisty and frisky. She’s got a busted heart, but she’s going out to the neon lights to party all by herself. The rollicking tempo, triple harmonies and deliciously crunchy production are all just fabulous. Make this a smash.

 

DISClaimer’s Day For New Beginnings: Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Riley Green, Tenille Arts

Pictured (clockwise from bottom left): Riley Green, Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Tenille Arts

This is a day for new beginnings.

Today, DISClaimer presents a flurry of deserving newcomers. Mason Ramsey, Sarah Ross, Riley Green and Tenille Arts are all staging worthy disc debuts. In a very, very tough competition, I’m giving a DISCovery Award to Riley Green.

Considering that it’s July, it is somewhat surprising to find that two of the three contestants for Disc of the Day are ballads. Morgan Evans has the day’s top uptempo tune, which leaves two blue-eyed soulmen seething in downbeat misery—Ryan Kinder and our winner, Randy Houser.

TENILLE ARTS/I Hate This
Writer: Tenille Arts/Adam Wheeler; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Reviver 
—The shuffled-brush drumming and dobro embellishments are way cool. She harmonizes with herself throughout the performance, and since she’s such a strong singer, that’s double the pleasure. The lyric is about taking a break in a relationship and not enjoying that one little bit. A terrific debut disc.

CLEDUS T. JUDD/Weight’s Goin’ Up Down Up Down
CTJM
—He always makes me smile. This comeback single humorously addresses his eternal battle of the bulge. Just so you know: At his heaviest, he weighed 291, and he has dieted down to as low as 168. He’s somewhere in between, nowadays. Whatever the pounds, he’s out to have some goofy fun, this time at the expense of Morgan Wallen and FGL.

RAELYNN/Tailgate
Writer: RaeLynn/Canaan Smith/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. 
—Sprightly, youthful and endearing. Teen fun, country style.

SARAH ROSS/Nervous Breakdown
Writer: Shane McAnally/Kacey Musgraves/Trevor Rosen/Brandy Clark; Producer: Jim Kaufman; Publisher: Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Smack Songs/351/Warner-Tamerlane/Rehits/Smacktown, GMR/BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe’s
—Swirling and dizzy-sounding, featuring a production packed with dark rhythmic power, unexpected melodic twists and catch-’em-quick lyrics. Brilliantly written, frenetic and fascinating.

RANDY HOUSER/What Whiskey Does
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BBR/Stony Creek
—This is a searing barroom weeper from a man whose voice can turn a lyric inside out. Country music hallelujah amen.

RYAN KINDER/Stay
Writer: Ryan Kinder/Fred Wilhelm/Luke Sheets; Producer: Ryan Kinder & Luke Sheets; Publisher: none listed; Crimson Garden
—Ferociously soulful. He tears into this torrid ballad like his very life depends on it. The gal he is pleading to will surely succumb.

MASON RAMSEY/Famous
Writer: Corey Crowder/Canaan Smith/Sarah Buxton/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights; Atlantic/Big Loud
—In general, I hate kiddie acts. Unless they are/were Stevie Wonder or Brenda Lee or Judy Garland. Well, it turns out that the yodeling Walmart kid can really, really sing. So not only is this a wonderful Cinderfella story, it is accompanied by music with legs. His debut single is delivered in a solid, winning fashion and an uncomplicated directness that is marvelously refreshing.

MORGAN EVANS/American
Writer: Morgan Evans/Chris DeStefano/Josh Osborne; Warner Bros.
—Stirring and anthemic. You’ll shake your butt, bob your head, tap your toes, pump your fist and want to sing along. This man has the goods.

WILLIAM SHATNER & JEFF COOK/Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Alone
Writer: Corey Lee Barker/Gary Hannan; Producer: Brian Curl, Jeff Cook & William Shatner; Publisher: Heartland/Never Forgotten; Heartland
—A throw-back honky tonker with barrelhouse piano, bouncing fiddle bow, woozy steel and thumped drums. Shatner recites the verses while Cook tries to salvage things by singing the choruses. An amusing diversion.

RILEY GREEN/There Was This Girl
BMLG
—Bubbling, boiling and shooting off steam. The rollicking rhythm, country-boy vocal delivery and unstoppable energy are a dynamite combination. Stardom awaits.

DISClaimer: Top Tracks Go To David Nail, Radney Foster, Ry Bradley

Today’s honored discs don’t belong to the biggest country stars.

Despite the presence of titans Eric Church and Blake Shelton, both of whom have dandy new efforts, I’m tossing bouquets at David Nail and Radney Foster.

David has always moved me with his mighty voice. His new sound is splendid.

And leave it to country music and to Radney to show decency, love, caring and true Christian charity to people who have been treated as sub-humans by our government. “Godspeed,” indeed.

These two share this week’s Disc of the Day award.

The DisCovery Award honoree is Southern California country rocker Ry Bradley.

RY BRADLEY/Hard Not To Feel
Writers: Ry Bradley/Justin Busch; Producer: Justin Busch; Publishers: Grade One View, ASCAP/BMI; Grade One View
– Pretty dang cool. It has a throbbing, irresistible rhythm and double-time delivery of its verse lyrics. His voice ranges from a gritty growl to a shouted tenor, which gives the disc loads of dynamics. Toss in a sizzling electric guitar solo and an electronic effect or two and you’ve got a mini audio sensation.

CAM/Road To Happiness
Writers: Cam/Tyler Johnson/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Tyler Johnson; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– This is quite a switch from that barn-burner “Diane,” which I adored. It’s a low-key, philosophical ballad with an acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Very pretty, but I’m fearful of its chances at radio. In a word, disappointing.
 

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CODY JINKS/Must Be The Whiskey
Writers: Cody Jinks/Josh Morningstar; Producer: Joshua Thompson/Arthur Penhallow Jr.; Publishers: Late August/Sad Smiles, BMI; Rounder
– This bearded Texas baritone is a real-deal country singer. This steel-soaked barroom toe tapper mines familiar boozy country ore. Spare and ear catching. His second Rounder single is more languid, a ballad titled “Somewhere Between I Love You and I’m Leavin.’” Play this one instead.

ERIC CHURCH/Desperate Man
Writers: Eric Church/Ray Wylie Hubbard; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Londer and Louder/Snake Farm/BMG Rights, BMI/SESAC; EMI
– Urgent sounding. A nervous, choppy rhythm track sets the mood. Church comes in shouting like a latter-day Mick Jagger while the production builds in volume and intensity. Rocking and roaring. Co-writer Ray Wylie Hubbard is featured in the tune’s “vinyl-heist” video, which also offers beaucoups footage of Church without sunglasses (!).
 

 
BUCKY COVINGTON/I Probably Won’t
Writer: Bucky Covington; Producer: Bucky Covington; Publisher: none listed; Barefootin’
– A wistful heartache ballad that unfortunately reveals a rather thin singing voice.

DAVID NAIL & THE WELL RAVENS/Heavy
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jason Hall; Publisher: none listed; One Five Sound
– This man was born to sing. In his latest incarnation, he’s surrounded by a gripping, taut, echoey band. But that soulful, searing voice remains the gripping centerpiece of the sound as he pleads fiercely for a lover to stay. Charisma on the hoof.
 

 
KATHY MATTEA/I Can’t Stand Up Alone
Writers: Martha Carson; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Publishers: none listed; Captain
– Mattea’s comeback is a dip into gospel waters. The production is acoustic and minimal, which throws the spotlight on her performance and on the classic song. Rootsy and listenable.

BLAKE SHELTON/Turnin’ Me On
Writers: Blake Shelton/Jessi Alexander/Josh Osborne; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Thankful For This/Damn Country/WB/Anderson Fork in the Road/Smackville/Smack Songs/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Kinda steamy and a little swampy. It’s a swirling, fevered dream of desire.
 

 
KAREN WALDRUP/Justified
Writers: Brian Kolb/Karen Waldrup; Producer: Garth Fundis; Publisher: none listed; The Fuel Music
– It says here that she is a viral sensation thanks to her online videos of “I Hope You Dance,” “Me and Bobby McGee” and her vivacious originals. Her new album’s soul-rock title tune showcases a potent, wailing, penetrating vocalist with moxie and fire. It’s about how getting on stage and making music gives her life meaning and reason. Be prepared to be energized.

RADNEY FOSTER/Godspeed (Dulces Suenos)
Writer: Radney Foster; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RF
– This brought me to tears. Radney’s bi-lingual musical prayer for the children at the border is gorgeous, heartbreaking and intensely moving. It’s a rewrite of his 1998 lullaby to his son, and the proceeds go the charity RAICES Texas. Lift this man up for his decency, heart, soul and compassion.