Reviews Archives - Page 33 of 84

DISClaimer: Brantley Gilbert Brings “Great Country Craftmanship” To “Bad Boy”

October 10, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Brantley Gilbert.

There’s an awful lot of pop music being marketed as “country” in today’s listening session.

But there are roses among the thorns. Chief among these is Brantley Gilbert. The “outlaw” star achieves new heights with “Bad Boy” and easily claims the Disc of the Day prize.

The DisCovery Award goes to Kentucky mountain boy Ian Noe. This is a singer-songwriter to be reckoned with as a true troubadour of working-class, small-town woes. Embrace his music at once.

RYAN GRIFFIN/Right Here Right Now
Writers: Ryan Griffin/Josh London/Jason Massey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– His plaintive tenor soars over a lively rhythm track augmented by electric guitars in an echoey sonic bed. The song is a “live-for-today” romantic come-on that’s attractive and hooky.

DAN + SHAY & JUSTIN BIEBER/10,000 Hours
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– A sugary sweet pop confection that’s a lot more Bieber than backroads.

IAN NOE/Between The Country
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Silver and Gold
– He’s an Appalachian troubadour from East Kentucky with a gripping way with a song. The slight echo on his voice and the stark production throw a spotlight on his storytelling skill on this dramatic murder ballad. A superb disc debut. By the way, Noe is showcasing tonight at the Exit/In. Seek an invitation from Sacks & Co.

THE MAVERICKS/Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Writers: Waylon Jennings; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, Thirty Tigers
– The band slightly slows down this Waylon Jennings classic, adding harmonica, horns and some extra guitar jangle to the arrangement. The 1975 original has more snarl and snap.

TREA LANDON/What Feelin’ Good Feels Like
Writers: Landon/Danny Myrick/Bryan West; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Rural imagery abounds in this wistful, airy ode to letting the silence in and slowing life down. The details in the lyric are just dandy.

MAREN MORRIS & HOZIER/The Bones
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, Columbia
– Even without Hozier, it was a pop performance. To his credit, his vocal sounds as “country” as hers does.

RUNAWAY JUNE/Head Over Heels
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BBR/Wheelhouse
– “I Can Buy My Own Drinks” has been one of the breakout, against-all-odds country success stories of 2019. The follow-up is a chronicle of a dating misadventure that’s frothy and cheeky.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/Bad Boy
Writers: Brantley Gilbert, Andrew DeRoberts, Josh Phillips; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory
– Exquisitely well written. I have repeatedly raved about his distinctive, haunting vocal tone. This illustrates what an underrated songwriter he is. The brushed-velvet ballad tells the story of a girl in love with a supposed delinquent as told from the point of view of her concerned mother. This is what great country craftsmanship sounds like. Brantley’s new Fire & Brimstone collection is out now. Get it.

BRANDON LAY/Still Rock and Roll
Writers: Brandon Lay/Shane McAnally/JT Hodges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EMI
-He’s carrying a torch for a hottie who can still captivate with just a glance. It must be that insistent beat and impossibly catchy tune, because they wind up back together as the night winds down. Tap your toes and sing along.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH, JENNIFER HUDSON & REBA McENTIRE/I’m A Woman
Writers: none listed; Producer: Steve Tyrell; Publisher: none listed, Concord
-Chenoweth is a Tony winning Broadway star (You’re a Good Man Charley Brown, Wicked, etc.) and an Emmy winning TV actor (Glee, Pushing Daisies, etc.). Her new CD is For the Girls, and it salutes Patsy Cline, Barbra Streisand, Lesley Gore, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and other women who have influenced her. She’s joined on this update of a feisty Peggy Lee classic by Reba and Oscar winner Hudson, and the result is delightful. Dolly is her duet partner on “I Will Always Love You.”

DISClaimer: Collaborations Abound On Duo Day

October 3, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

It’s Duo Day here at DisClaimer.

This week is a bountiful harvest of collaborations — Tim McGraw & Shy Carter, Colt Ford & Mitchell Tenpenny, Carly Pearce & Lee Brice, Maddie & Tae, Logan Ledger & Courtney Marie Andrews. Gone West & Colbie Caillat sounds like a collab, but it’s really the name of a lovely new four-person harmony ensemble.

But all of them take a back seat to our Disc of the Day. It belongs to Craig Morgan, and it is a breathtaking reminder of just how moving great country singing and songwriting can be.

The DisCovery Award goes to Lower Broadway vet Logan Ledger. I am enthralled by his sound.

JUSTIN MOORE/Why We Drink
Writers: Justin Moore/Casey Beathard/David Lee Murphy/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Stover; Publisher: none listed; Valory
– Romping and rollicking, this is a boatload of boozy fun. Plus, the boy can sing.

CARLY PEARCE & LEE BRICE/I Hope You’re Happy Now
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– I’m a big fan of both of these artists, so I was tickled to see them as a duet. The song is about being completely devastated in a breakup, and they’re both singing their faces off in it. The thumping rhythm is just right. The harmony vocals are mixed a mite soft, as though each one wants to let the other have the total spotlight when it’s their turn to sing lead. A sterling single.

GONE WEST & COLBIE CAILLAT/What Could’ve Been
Writers: Gone West/Jamie Kenney; Producer: Kenney; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers
– Lustrous. I fell hard for the stacked vocal harmonies and the swirling melody. Heartache has seldom sounded as glorious as this. Top pop Grammy winner Caillat has moved to Music City and formed Gone West as a four-part, two-couples vocal fiesta. This is its captivating, stunning debut disc. What a treat.

MADDIE & TAE/Everywhere I’m Goin’
Writers: Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye/Josh Thompson/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury Nashville
– Shimmering and sparkly, this twirls and spins like a glittering dancefloor ball. The sound of falling in love.

COLT FORD & MITCHELL TENPENNY/Slow Ride
Writers: Colt Ford/Taylor Phillips/Josh Mirenda/Jared Sciullo/Justin David Bertoldie; Producer: J. Sclullo; Publishers: Average ZJS/Warner-Tamerlane/Mirendawrites/Reservoir Media Management/Riley Payton/Lacey Branch, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC
-Hick-hop rides again. It’s a slow groove with a languid vibe alternating with rapid-fire white-boy rap. It loops back on itself over and over again. Colt’s new CD is We the People, and his other guests on it include Jimmie Allen, Michael Ray and Eddie Montgomery.

TIM McGraw & SHY CARTER/Way Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– It has a gritty, funky, crunchy guitar/percussion track topped with a spoken-sung vocal about getting Southern-fried in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other Dixie locales. Carter provides a brief rapped breakdown. Repetitive, but ear-wormy.

LOGAN LEDGER & COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS/Oh Sister
Writers: none listed; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
– Drenched in steel and oozing barroom authenticity, this is utterly mesmerizing. Is it about incest? Logan is following the Nashville path of Margo Price and Joshua Hedley, taking a left-field route to remind us what real country music sounds like. His I Don’t Dream Anymore EP drops tomorrow. Sign me up for the fan club.

CRAIG MORGAN/The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost
Writer: Craig Morgan; Producer: Craig Morgan; Publisher: none listed; BBR
– Powerful. He has always shaken and moved me as a vocalist. Never more so than now, as he pours out his heart in memory of his late son. I was sobbing by the time he hit the finale. So grateful for this artist’s honesty and bravery.

CAYLEE HAMMACK/Just Friends
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– I still say she’s a pop act.

ZAC BROWN BAND/The Woods
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BBR/Wheelhouse
– As cool and listenable as ever, these guys continue with their one-of-a-kind sound. This tickles the ears with non-stop rhythm, soulful singing and mega-hooky melody. Love them to pieces.

DISClaimer: Irene Kelley Is Tops With “Bluegrass Radio”

September 26, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Photo: Jadon Lee Denton

This is bluegrass-music week.

What’s that you say? You don’t hear much bluegrass in the clubs right now? That’s because Nashville let the genre’s annual convention slip through its fingers in 2013. It now takes place in Raleigh, NC.

So that’s where you’ll hear wall-to-wall, real country music all this week, and the IBMA’s annual awards show takes place there tonight.

In this column’s roundup of current bluegrass CDs. Irene Kelley takes home a Disc of the Day award, and the DisCovery prize goes to Mickey Galyean & Cullen’s Bridge.

MERLE MONROE/This Town
Writer: Roger Miller; Producers: Tim Raybon, Daniel Grindstaff & Stephen Burwell; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Ya gotta love the band name. The wry, downbeat song is taken at a lightning tempo, but somehow all five members keep pace, both instrumentally and vocally, complete with harmonies. The banjo and fiddle playing are exemplary, in particular. What the group lacks in vocal distinctiveness is compensated by crisp perfectionism. Vocalist/bassist Tim Raybon is the brother of Shenandoah’s lead singer Marty Raybon, and the two formerly performed as a country duo (1997’s “Butterfly Kisses”).

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & RICKY SKAGGS/Dive
Writer: SCC; Producers: Brent Milligan/Steven Curtis Chapman; Publishers: Primary Wave Brian/BMG Rights/Sparrow Song/CapitolCMG, BMI; SCSEE (track)
– CCM superstar Chapman hails from Kentucky, and he saluted his rural roots with a 2013 collection titled Deep Roots. The bluegrass community welcomed him by making it a No. 1 album in the genre. Deeper Roots is the follow-up, and this lead-off single enters the bluegrass top-20 this month. He’s aided on the choppy, uptempo, inspirational tune by Bluegrass and Country Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs.

LARRY STEPHENSON & RONNIE BOWMAN/Two Ol’ Country Boys Like Us
Writers: Stephenson/Bowman; Producers: Ben Surratt/Stephenson; Publishers: Lee Dawn/Eclipse Music/Whenever You’re Around, BMI; Whysper Dream
– The Larry Stephenson Band is storming the bluegrass charts with this, a vocal and songwriting collaboration with stellar ‘grass vocalist Ronnie Bowman. It’s a light-hearted, midtempo jaunt about downhome friendship. The other songs are equally topnotch, since they boast authors such as Boudleaux & Felice Bryant, Ernest Tubb, Randy Van Warmer, Kostas and Donna Ulisse. The album is titled 30, because this year marks the band’s 30th anniversary.

DALE ANN BRADLEY/Hard Way Every Time
Writer: Jim Croce; Producer: Dale Ann Bradley; Publishers: BMG Gold, no PRO listed; Pinecastle
– Bradley is a five-time Female Vocalist IBMA winner, and she’s competing for that prize again this year. She’s also a member of the Grammy-nominated, all-female band Sister Sadie, which is nominated for IBMA Vocal Group and Album of the Year. Her new solo album’s title tune and lead single enters the top-10 on the field’s popularity chart this month. It’s a rippling, lilting, folkie tune that looks back at tough times as learning experiences. It comes from the pen of one of the great pop troubadours of the 1970s.

MICKEY GALYEAN & CULLEN’S BRIDGE/No Candy In My Bluegrass
Writers: Rick Pardue; Producers: Mickey Galyean/Cullen’s Bridge; Publisher: Mitchell River, BMI
– These mountaineers have the goods. This is hard-core, straight-from-the-heart, unapologetic, pure bluegrass. The single has blasted into the top-5 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart, and it is a defiant, statement-of-purpose anthem for traditionalism. I am completely into these guys. The album is appropriately titled Songs From the Blue Ridge, and I heartily recommend it.

IRENE KELLEY/Bluegrass Radio
Writers: Irene Kelley/Jerry Salley; Producer: Kelley; Publisher: Shiny Stuff/Very Jerry, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Fever
– This Nashvillian is the hottest bluegrass act heading into this week’s IBMA convention. Her album, Benny’s TV Repair, sits at No. 1. This single has already topped the chart in Bluegrass Today and seems poised to repeat the feat in Bluegrass Unlimited (where it currently sits at No. 3). She’s also the subject of a laudatory feature in the new issue of BU. “Bluegrass Radio” sounds so sweet and Appalachian that she might as well be a mountain angel. Heavenly, heavenly, heavenly.

LONESOME RIVER BAND/Little Magnolia
Writers: Adam Wright/Milan Miller; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publishers: Songs From the Stillhouse/Wrightone, SESAC/BMI; Mountain Home
– It’s an upbeat waltz, so I was hooked from the opening notes of this heartache tune. The twin-brother harmonies of Brandon Rickman and Jesse Smathers are electrifying. The song is at No. 14 and is taken from the Lonesome River Band’s current Outside Looking In CD. Group leader Sammy Shelor is the key to the band’s flawless grooves and is a five-time winner of IBMA Banjo Player of the Year honor.

GENA BRITT/Over and Over
Writers: Eli Johnson/Kevin KcKinnon; Producer: Gena Britt; Publisher: Top O Holston, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Chronicle is the solo debut of this sweet-singing banjo player. On it, Britt collaborates with such top talents as Brooke Aldridge, Alecia Nugent, Marty Raybon, Charli Robertson (of Flatt Lonesome) and her Grammy and IBMA nominated Sister Sadie bandmates Dale Ann Bradley, Deanie Richardson and Tina Adair. The set kicks off with this zippy, high-lonesome, heartbreak train tune. Promising.

UNSPOKEN TRADITION/Dark Side of the Mountain
Writers: paula Breedlove/Brad Davis: Producers: Unspoken Tradition/Scott Barnett; Publishers: PaulaJon, Brad Davis, ASCAP/BMI; Mountain Home
– This spent six months on the bluegrass charts this year. It’s a haunting, graveside tune bolstered by slightly gritty, bluesy vocals and a minor-key melody. With their edgy vocals and passionate instrumental attack, Unspoken Tradition is a band to watch. The CD is titled Myths We Tell Our Young.

LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND/The Other Side
Writers: Lonely Heartstring Band; Producer: Bridget Kearney; Publishers: Lonely Heartstring, BMI; Rounder (track)
– This Boston band definitely pushes at the bluegrass boundaries. It is an acoustic act, but draws from pop, folk, jam-band and even classical influences. The vocals here are soft and mesmerizing. The instrumentation is accomplished, improvisational and experimental. The lyric expresses youthful hope in a time of political distress. Challenging, beautiful and altogether wonderful. The CD that contains this is titled Smoke & Ashes. It will dazzle and delight you. It’s definitely going into my repeat-play stash.

DISClaimer: Sister Hazel, Niko Moon Top New Releases

September 19, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

As we continue to slog through the dog days of summer (even though it’s September), country music is doing its best to keep our spirits up.

Dolly and Vince are here with touching inspiration. Trisha and Garth are bringing the romance. FGL has family values in mind.

The Disc of the Day goes to the enduringly great Sister Hazel. These guys are bona fide survivors who have sold millions on their independent road.

Give Niko Moon a DisCovery Award. I don’t know much about him, except that he shows real promise.

SISTER HAZEL/Raising a Rookie
Writers: Andrew Copeland/Darius Rucker/Barry Dean; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Country Paper/Pulse Nation/Creative Pulse, no performance rights listed; Rock Ridge
– This five-piece Florida band has been at it for 25 years and continues to gather momentum since its move into country music in 2015. This lead track from its new EP finds the vocal harmonies in fine fettle. Lead singer Ken Block delivers with immense heart and charisma, and the power ballad about raising a boy to manhood is infused with truth and tenderness.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Blessings
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Tom Douglas/Jessie Frasure/Jordan Schmidt/Keith Urban; Producer: Joey Moi & FGL; Publishers: Big Loud Mountain/T Hubb/Pranch Ringle/Round Hill Works/Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Countryside/Tomdouglasmusic/Warner-Tamerlane/Telemitry Rhythm House/Songs of Roc Nation/WB/Freshy/We-Volve, BMI/ASCAP; BMLG (track)
– I’ve been liking these guys more and more since they simplified things and got back to their country roots. The song is a lilting ode to home and family that glows with fireside comfort.

NIKO MOON/Good Time
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Josh Murty; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kobalt; RCA
– I like his country drawl laced with some r&b tones. The relaxed, back-porch vibe of this lazy-bones track is a little different, but decidedly ear catching. I could have done without the electronic loops.

KELSEA BALLERINI/Homecoming Queen?
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– All teens suffer from self-doubt and pain. Even homecoming queens. The new Opry member’s aching delivery of the ballad is perfect.

SEAN STEMALY/Back on a Backroad
Writers: Michael Hardy/Josh Kerr/Cole Taylor; Producer: Joey Moi, Lex Liptiz; Publisher: noen listed; Big Loud
– Processed vocal. Wall-of-electronics track. Cliche-cluttered, generic backroad lyric. This is contemporary “country” music.

JASON ALDEAN/We Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed: Publisher: none listed; Broken Bow
– His superstardom continues to mystify me. With its irritating rock instrumentation, his back-of-throat singing and the blue-collar lyric, this sounds like just about everything else he has put out. Very successfully, I might add.

CHELY WRIGHT/Say The Word
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jeremy Lister and Dustin Ransom; Publishers: none listed; Painted Red
– As refreshing as a splash of cool water. The echoey track swirls around her minor-key melody while she sings in a dreamy, distant whisper. Americana programmers take note.

FOR KING & COUNTRY WITH DOLLY PARTON/God Only Knows
Writers: Josh Kerr/Jordan Reynolds/J. Smallbone/L. Smallbone/Tjornhom; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb/Word
– I know, I know, it’s Christian pop. But I was overcome with curiosity to hear what Dolly sounded like with the Smallbone brothers. Guess what? She can be just as pop, pop, popping as those CCM rockers. In that genre, this has already been an award-winning No.1 smash in 2018. With her extraordinary voice on it now, I predict a revival.

TRISHA YEARWOOD & GARTH BROOKS/What Gave Me Away
Writers: none listed; Producer: Garth Fundis; Publisher: none listed; Gwendolyn
– Trisha’s new CD includes her newest collaboration with her hubby. It has a sexy, after-midnight, groove-soaked vibe. The stinging r&b guitar solo and simmering organ notes in the background give it some extra juice. It’s really Trisha’s performance, but Garth’s supportive harmony vocal shadows her at every turn.

VINCE GILL/Nothin’ Like A Guy Clark Song
Writer: Gill; Producers: Gill/Justin Niebank;Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– Over a rippling guitar track, he quotes Guy’s song titles, even sounding a little like his hero as he sing-speaks the verses. The choruses drive home the homage eloquently. On the last verse, he asks, “What do you do when your heroes die?” and answers again in Guy’s “voice.” Vince’s new Okie CD also includes “A World Without Haggard,” which is another elegy gem that’s well worth your attention.

DISClaimer: Sarah Potenza, The Marcus King Band Top New Americana Releases

September 12, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

It’s Americana week here in Guitar Town, and there’s non-stop music in nightspots all over the city.

There’s non-stop music on disc, too. Of the hundreds of hopefuls lined up for a listen, I chose these 10 for your edification.

The Disc of the Day belongs to that force-of-nature, body-positive and completely fabulous Sarah Potenza. She is one incredible piece of work.

For our DISCovery Award, I turn to a youngster I only learned about this week. And, boy, am I glad I did. The Marcus King Band makes me hopeful about the future of rock & roll.

MANDOLIN ORANGE/Belly of the Beast
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Yep Roc
– This compelling North Carolina folk duo (Andrew Marlin & Emily Frantz) captivates audiences at sold-out venues like the Ryman. This new single casts its spell with weaving, wandering banjo droplets and dreamy vocals. Haunting.

DELBERT McCLINTON/Let’s Get Down Like We Used To
Writers: none listed; Producers: McClinton/Bob Britt/Kevin McKendree; Publishers: none listed; Hot Shot/Thirty Tigers
– Loose limbed and funky, this is a gently rocking, swaying, romantic come-on for couples of a certain age. Senior citizenry sounds sexy here. Delbert showcases on Saturday at 11:30 pm at 3rd & Lindsley.

AUBRIE SELLERS/Drag You Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– Sassy and ferociously rocking. She lays down the law on this searing, roaring outing, promising doom and despair to her paramour. Aubrie’s fusion of country singing with alternative-rock bashing is completely unique. Also check out her new duet with Steve Earle on “My Love Will Not Change.” Her crystalline country soprano and his backwoods growl are terrific contrasting textures. Coupled with a dark, pounding track they are gripping, essential and utterly magnetic. Both tunes are previews of an album that drops early next year. Catch Aubrie at 8:00 pm Saturday in Mercy Lounge.

CORB LUND & HAYES CARLL/The Cover of Rolling Stone
Writers: none listed; Producer: Corb Lund/John Evans; Publisher: none listed; New West
-This always-welcome Canadian troubadour drops his new, 8-song CD tomorrow. Titled Cover Your Tracks, it is a set of reinvented oldies by everyone from Marty Robbins to AC/DC. Also represented are classics popularized by Billy Joel, Willie Nelson & Ray Charles, Nancy Sinatra, Bob Dylan and The Eagles. And then there’s this, a delightfully rumpled, rollicking duet with Hayes Carll on the 1973 Dr. Hook hit. The original version actually did get Dr. Hook on the cover of Rolling Stone. Can lightning strike twice in the same place? Lund is on Saturday’s bill of the all-day “Under the Sun” show at the Rooftop Lounge of the Westin Hotel.

JOHN HIATT/Cry To Me
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Kevin McKendree; Publisher: So Not That, BMI; New West
– Hiatt is in the spotlight this week as the 2019 winner of BMI’s Troubadour Award. His current album is titled The Eclipse Sessions and includes this strummy, rootsy, midtempo shuffle. His national-treasure strangled rasp promises to never oppress a lover, even though he might not be all that reliable. Rolling, strolling brilliance.

SARAH POTENZA/Diamond
Writers: Potenza/Ian Crossman/Justin Wiseman; Producer: Jordan Brooke Hamlin; Publishers: none listed; Snax
– This former contestant on The Voice is a take-no-prisoners artist. Cross this bodacious, soulful, brassy, in-your-face dame at your own peril. Drawn from her Road to Rome CD, this stormy, fierce, edgy, roaring number is a powerful self-love anthem. The whole album is anchored by this East Nashvillian’s colossal, bluesy voice and her lyrics of determination, self-worth and empowerment. A feminist battle cry. Her live performances are super theatrical, and she’s showcasing at 10:30 pm Friday at Analog in the Hutton Hotel.

THE MARCUS KING BAND/Goodbye Carolina
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Easy Eye Sound
– He’s a young pup of 23, but King is a full-grown guitar slinger. Blessed with a rock-star’s soulful shout as well as instrumental chops to spare, he gets down to basics on this deliciously moaning ode. He has, indeed, said farewell to South Carolina and now calls Music City home. You’ll be tempted to call his sound throwback Southern rock, but he’s a lot cooler than that. The Marcus King Band showcases at 8:15 pm tonight at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. Expect to have your socks rocked.

STURGILL SIMPSON/Sing Along
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sturgill Simpson/John Hill; Publishers: none listed; Elektra
– This dude simply refuses to fit in any musical category. Instead of a neo-classicist country guy, he’s now a ZZ Top techno stomper, at least judging by this throbbing track. Exciting, electronic and innovative.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS/Up and Rolling
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; New West
-Despite the band name, these guys are Nashvillians. Their new album doesn’t appear until next month, but this advance single/video of the title track is out now. As the lyrics indicate, the vibe is Delta-dirt hippies tripping on LSD to a languid, bluesy accompaniment. Mellow and groovy. The group will be at the “Music City Roots” broadcast from Yee Haw Brewing Company tonight at 7:00 pm.

GARY NICHOLSON & THE McCRARY SISTERS/Hallelujah Anyhow
Writers: none listed; Producer: Gary Nicholson; Publisher: none listed; Blue Corn
-This esteemed, hit-machine, Music Row tunesmith has crafted a semi-political collection titled The Great Divide. Its songs contemplate our nation’s troubled state and search for understanding and cooperation. On this bluesy, ragtimey hand clapper Gary offers a tuneful prescription to your “blues watching the evening news.” He’s helped along in no small measure by our city’s favorite soul siblings and some get-happy piano tickling by Catherine Marks. Catch Gary on Friday at 8 pm at 3rd & Lindsley and the McCrarys on Friday at 9:30 pm at Analog in the Hutton Hotel.

DISClaimer: Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, Alex Hall Lead New Releases

September 6, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Is it just me or is the country industry in the midst of a huge, new-talent drive?

There are a number of stars-in-waiting on tap today, including Parker McCollum, Adam Hambrick, new hitmaker Morgan Wallen and our DisCovery Award winner, Alex Hall.

There is only one female solo record in this week’s column. It’s by Ashley McBryde, and it wins the Disc of the Day award.

ADAM HAMBRICK/Forever Ain’t Long Enough
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Joe Ginsberg/Kelly Archer; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Capitol/Buena Vista
– It ain’t all that “country.” But it has a teeny-bopper, cutesy-poo charm.

OLD DOMINION/Young
Writers: Katelyn Tarver/Shane McAnally/Old Dominion; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Love the throbbing rhythm track and the celebratory, joyous melody. Matthew’s lead vocal soars with sincerity and heart. Song was a product of the TV songwriting-contest show Songland and is now featured in a national Jeep commercial.

THOMAS WESLEY/DIPLO & MORGAN WALLEN/Heartless
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– The song is completely disposable, but Morgan’s excellent country voice is in fine form. He is one groovy dude.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Over Drinking
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Steph Jones/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Little Big Town; Publishers: W.C.M./Songs of Rhythm House Black/Bennett’s Dad’s/Roc Nation US Music/Warner-Tamerlane/Telemitry/Round Hill/Caleb’s College Fund/Vistaville/Steph Jones Who/Big Deal Hits/410/BMG Rights Management, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
-This solid, stompin’ honky tonker is a super change of pace for these folks. As heartache country as it gets. Turn it up. Make it a smash.

ALEX HALL/Half Past You
Writers: Alex Hall/Shane McAnally/Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Producers: Alex Hall/Shane McAnally/Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– The bopping. processed track has a slight ‘80s vibe. But his confident, clear performance is right up to date. Super tuneful, irresistibly rhythmic and highly listenable. Sign me up. Send more soon.

RANDY TRAVIS/Lead Me Home
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
– The Warner archives continue to unearth previously unreleased performances by this Hall of Famer. The dobro-fiddle-steel-mandolin acoustic track creates a magical mood, and then his awesome voice sweeps your heart away. A love song — and a performance — for the ages.

PARKER McCOLLUM/Pretty Heart
Writers: Parker McCollum/Randy Montana; Producer: Jon Randall; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– The crisp, dynamic production draws you in. Parker’s cry-at-midnight vocal is a pristine piece of brilliance. The accusatory song is superbly written. Everything about this works for me. I loved him when he was an indie Texas act, and I love him even more now.

THE MAVERICKS/Swingin’
Writers: none listed; Producers: Niko Bolas/Raul Malo; Publishers: none listed; Mondo Mundo/Thirty Tigers
-The Mavericks take this 1983 John Anderson classic out for a spin, applying their trademark, churnin’-burnin’ rhythm might to the tune. A groove-soaked delight.

WATERLOO REVIVAL/Like I Miss You
Writers: George Birge/Cody Cooper/Scotty Emerick/Casey Beathard; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Show Dog
– The duo switches gears here, adopting a softly wistful tone on this lovelorn ballad. Lulling and lovely.

ASHLEY MCBRYDE/One Night Standards
Writers: Nicollette Hayford/Ashley McBryde/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
-She is such a special artist. This stunning song accepts the reality of a one-night stand with a shrug and a willing heart. The track drives forward relentlessly while her penetrating delivery delivers the superbly written lyric with effortless finesse.

DISClaimer: Lady Antebellum Offers “Uniform Excellence” On New Song “Pictures”

August 29, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Everybody is batting a thousand today.

Knock-it-out-of-the-park entries by Eric Church, Luke Combs, Cam, Chris Young and Ingrid Andress are the order of the day. Plus, we have breath-takingly great collaborations between Miranda and Maren, as well as Taylor and the Chicks.

Give a Disc of the Day to Lady Antebellum for uniform excellence on every level with “Pictures.”

The DISCovery Award goes to the FGL-found Dylan Schneider. I believe you’re gonna like this guy.

NOAH SCHNACKY/I’ll Be The One
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Seth Ennis/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: WB/Sony-ATV Countryside/Sony-ATV Accent/Songs From the Rose Hotel/Wc/We-volve/Georgia Song Vibez/Smacknacky, no performance rights listed; Big Machine
– The performance has a slight blue-eyed-soul quality. His jaunty, youthful tenor seems sincere. For all those dewy-eyed, tween-country gals out there.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Pictures
Writers: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Sarah Buxton/Corey Crowder; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
– Very nice. The mellow melodic vibe pushes a wafting breeze over the wistful, downbeat lyric that is mighty, mighty pleasing. The relationship is over, but the sentimental photos remain. Love the guitar work. Love the harmonies. Love the songwriting.

DYLAN SCHNEIDER/How To Country
Writers: Dylan Schneider/Mark Holman/James McNair/Justin Wilson; Producer: Mark Holman; Publisher: none listed; Interscope/Round Here
– The “I’m-so-country” lyric territory is well worn. Practically worn out, in fact. But the funky production, processed audio effects and his strong vocal make the whole thing sound super fresh. The four-song EP is called Whole Town Talk, and it is an introduction to a fine talent.

LUKE COMBS/Even Though I’m Leaving
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; River House/Columbia Nashville
– The newest member of the Grand Ole Opry proves again how much he deserves his stardom. Life might be fleeting, but those who depart from us never really do. The feelings conveyed here are authentic, and his vocal is country perfection. Say “Amen,” somebody.

CAM/La Marcheuse
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jokke Pettersson; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– It’s a lilting Nashville cover of a pop song by the Euro act Christine & The Queens. Cam sings it entirely in French. It is simply beautiful, even if you don’t understand a word. I remain a huge fan of this sublimely creative and individualistic artist.

CHRIS YOUNG/Drowning
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– He’s lost in waves of misery and mourning. Chris sings for all of us who have lost someone way too soon. And he does it with a true country heart.

INGRID ANDRESS/We’re Not Friends
Writers: Ingrid Andress/A.J. Pruis/Derrick Southerland/Nate Cyphert; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic
– This lady so beautifully captures how complicated relationships can be. It’s a complex song, full of twists and turns. But her assured performance and brilliant writing keep the whole thing wooshing down the tracks. Wonderfully involving, ear-catching and brain tickling. She’s a terrific music creator. Play her.

ERIC CHURCH/Monsters
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Longer and Louder/Mammaw’s Friend Okra/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; EMI
– For my money, this is the greatest singer-songwriter currently working in country music. Every single line of this had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a cautionary ode of an unsettled heart, a loving father and soul sicknesses that stalk us all. And the rhythm track kicks ass.

TAYLOR SWIFT & THE DIXIE CHICKS/Soon You’ll Get Better
Writers: Taylor Swift/Jack Antonoff; Producers: Jack Antonoff/Taylor Swift; Publishers: none listed; Republic
– The softly melodic, heartfelt, hopeful ballad is reportedly about Taylor’s mother’s battle with cancer. The harmonies and banjo droplets by the Chicks are heavenly. This stop-the-world performance touches every corner of your heart. Awesome and gorgeous and real.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & MAREN MORRIS/Way Too Pretty For Prison
Writers: Lambert/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA/Vanner
– They’ve thought about “Goodbye Earl” and “Thelma and Louise” (not to mention Brandy Clark’s “Stripes”), but those prison jumpsuits just won’t do. These two Texas twisters define “feisty.” In a word, a hoot.

DISClaimer: Kip Moore, Kendell Marvell Come Out On Top

August 22, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Kip Moore takes home Disc of the Day for “She’s Mine.”

You take a week off, and you return to an “in” box crammed with tunes.

These 10 are just a fraction of the backed-up and piled-up releases waiting to be auditioned. As you might expect, there are both studs and duds.

Heading the “studs” column is Kip Moore. He has the Disc of the Day. But he’s not without plenty of competition, namely from Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi, Vince Gill and, especially, Tenille Townes.

The DisCovery Award this week goes to Kendell Marvel. He might look like a veteran to you, but to me he sounds shiny and new.

Kendell Marvel gets the DisCovery Award.

JON PARDI/Tequila Little Time
Writers: Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler & Ryan Gore; Capitol Nashville
—I like the mariachi coloring—horns, squeezebox, rhythm—as well as the overall romantic beach vibe. Charming and hit bound.

TENILLE TOWNES/Jersey on the Wall
Writer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Columbia Nashville
—I’m completely on board with this singer-songwriter. “Somebody’s Daughter,” “White Horse” and “I Kept the Roses” were just the beginning. This track’s scintillating tempo underlies an extraordinary lyric about a boy who died too young and a heartbroken girl who asks, “Why?” Tenille Townes is the future. Get on board now.

VINCE GILL/Forever Changed
Writer: Vince Gill; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; MCA Nashville
—Powerful and poignant. It’s a ballad about the scars that are permanent in the wake of child sexual abuse. His trembling, emotional delivery will shake you to your core. This is one more reason why the man is one of the all-time country-music greats.

TEMECULA ROAD/Never Knew I Needed You
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Buena Vista
—Quite polished and professional. Perhaps a little on the slick side, but these kids can really sing, and the tune is catchy. Promising. Next time, inject a bit more warmth and grit, please.

KIP MOORE/She’s Mine
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Scott Stepakoff; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kip Moore; MCA Nashville
—The edgy energy grabs you from the opening notes. When he swings into the chorus, it’s katy-bar-the-door. By the time he got to the finale, I was on my feet with my fist in the air. A superb blue-collar rocker with just the right touch of angst and questing.

CANAAN SMITH/Beer Drinkin’ Weather
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Canaan Smith, Brian Kelley & Tyler Hubbard; Round Here
—I’m certainly glad that he’s staging a comeback. I just wish it was with a stronger song than this routine boozer.

BLAKE SHELTON & TRACE ADKINS/Hell Right
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
The ”Hillbilly Bone” team reunites for an attitude stomper about raising a ruckus the right way. Don’t look for meaning or melody—it’s the macho vibe that counts here.

KENDELL MARVEL/Hard Time With the Truth
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Dan Auerbach/John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Dan Auerbach & Dave Ferguson; Easy Eye Sound
—Very cool. Marvel has an admirable track record as a songwriter for others. This slab of “outlaw” country proves he has the vocal chops for stardom, himself. He has a baritone for the ages.

MAREN MORRIS/The Bones
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Publishers: International Dog/Downtown DMP/Jimmy Robbins/Round Hill/Extraordinary Alien/Oh Denise/Warner-Tamerlane/Big Music Machine; BMI/ASCAP; Greg Kurstin; Columbia Nashville
—Attractive pop music.

RILEY GREEN/I Wish Grandpas Never Died
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; BMLG
—He sings wonderfully. The track is tasty. The lyric is dreadful: Even for a country music song, this is outstandingly emotionally manipulative.

DISClaimer: Allie Colleen, Tyler Childers, Sheryl Crow, Jason Crabb, Mac Powell Lead New Releases

August 8, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

Allie Colleen, Tyler Childers

Come one, come all.

This week’s column includes several folks who made their name in other genres, but who now fit comfortably under country music’s umbrella. Sheryl Crow, Jason Crabb and Mac Powell are such great artists, that we should welcome them with open arms, however and whenever they come calling.

The same goes for Americana favorite, Tyler Childers, who wins this week’s Disc of the Day award. The DisCovery Award honor goes to singer-songwriter Allie Colleen. Lend her your ears.

ALLIE COLLEEN/Work In Progress
Writers: Allie Colleen/Marcus Hummon/Greg Beick; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MC1 Nashville
– Lilting and lovely, it’s a meditation on growing up and taking “a journey to me.” The lyrics describe the uncertainty of youth, but there’s nothing immature about this performance. Extremely promising. This recent Belmont grad is the daughter of Garth Brooks, but richly deserves to be judged on her own talent. Allie Colleen is booked to play The Dawghouse in Music City next Tuesday (8/13).

MAC POWELL & THE FAMILY REUNION & CRAIG MORGAN/Whoo!
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jason Hoard; Publishers: none listed
– A rowdy and rocking invitation to party, party, party. The rhythmic undertow and the chesty baritone lead vocals are irresistible. Powell was formerly with the CCM act Third Day, but he’s a country-rocker now. And how.

SHERYL CROW & CHRIS STAPLETON/Tell Me When It’s Over
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Chris Stapleton; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory
-Thumping and tart, this has a distinct, old-school r&b groove. She begins in a light soprano range, but dips into a throaty alto when Chris joins her on the choruses. The searing guitar solo is the icing on the cake. Sheryl’s highly anticipated Threads CD appears on Aug. 30.

JASON CRABB/Day One
Writers: Jason Crabb/Gloria Gaynor/Chris Stevens; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: none listed; Daywind
– This native Kentuckian possesses one of the most powerful voices in gospel music. Drawn from his Grammy winning Unexpected CD, this stately ballad is one more example of his electrifying greatness.

CASSADEE POPE/I’ve Been Good
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Awake
– When her ex asks how she is, she answers, “I’ve been good,” meaning she’s been good at being miserable. But she’s darned if she’s going to show him that. As usual, she sings with aplomb, even when the track plods just a little.

RODNEY ATKINS/Thank God For You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb
– The hell-raising boy becomes a settled man. He sings well, and the rocking song is a good one. But there is something unattractive about how compressed and muffled this sounds. It should have been much edgier.

DYLAN SCOTT/When You Say Nothing At All
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jim Ed Norman, Matt Alderman, Curt Gibbs; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Dylan sings this classic every night in his concerts. Now it is the debut video from his Keith Whitley tribute CD An Old Memory. It’s a flawless, heartfelt performance on a record meant to keep alive Whitley’s music and legacy. It’s Dylan’s way of saying “Thanks” to his biggest influence. And just as important, it’s a statement about who he really is as an artist, a proud neo-traditionalist. Absolutely play this.

CRYSTAL GAYLE/Ribbon of Darkness
Writer: Gordon Lightfoot; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Southpaw
– For her first album in 16 years, Crystal revisits the country classics she grew up on. You Don’t Know Me features the first recorded trio of her with sisters Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue (”Put It Off Until Tomorrow”), as well as this rippling, lustrous lead single. The evergreen was previously a hit for Marty Robbins (1965) and Connie Smith (1969). Crystal’s single of it drops tomorrow.

JOE DIFFIE/As Long As There’s A Bar
Writers: Jessica Pearson/Galen Griffin/Keith Burns; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: none listed; Silverado
– Diffie returns to down-home honky tonking with this steel-soaked, twanging, drawling roadhouse outing. Personality on parade.

TYLER CHILDERS/Country Squire
Writer: none listed; Producer: Sturgill Simpson/David Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– The title tune to Tyler’s latest is a peppy two stepper. He reigns as the Americana genre’s Emerging Artist honoree, but there’s no reason on earth why mainstream country music shouldn’t embrace this authentic, gifted, rootsy singer-songwriter. I love this real-deal artist. You should too. Tyler appeared on Jimmy Fallon this week. I’d say that’s a pretty good launch for his CD.

DISClaimer: The Highwomen, Hailey Whitters Top New Tracks

August 1, 2019/by Robert K Oermann

We have kids, veterans and everyone in between on today’s DISClaimer playlist.

The juveniles are Mason Ramsey and Gabby Barrett. The vets are Tanya Tucker, Billy Currington and the Randy Rogers Band.

In the catbird seat as the easy DISCovery Award winners are The Highwomen. I don’t know whether this is a one-off collaboration or something more permanent, but whatever it is, I’m in.

Two Big Loud artists go head to head for the Disc of the Day prize, Morgan Wallen and Hardy. But in another blow for country female empowerment, both are bested by Hailey Whitters.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Details
Writers: Mark Trussell/Nicolle Galyon/Stephen Lee Olsen; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publishers: WB/Future Heartbeat/Mark Trussell/Warner-Tamerlane/A Boy Named Ford/Slo Circus/Roc Nation/Songs of Rhythm House Red, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury Nashville
– Pleasant and craftily worded, but in one ear and out the other.

MORGAN WALLEN/Chasin’ You
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Craig Wiseman/Jamie Moore; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
– The “Whiskey Glasses” man confirms his stardom with this softly aching performance of a love memory that continues to haunt him. This guy is way cool.

HAILEY WHITTERS/The Days
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Ben West; Producer: Jake Gear; Publisher: Carnival Music; HW
– The slappin’ beats and echoey audio atmosphere are superb, and the song craftsmanship is even more so. “Instead of counting up the days/I just wanna make them count.” Amen, sister. This brilliant artist/writer is being criminally overlooked by the mainstream country industry. Can I get another amen?

BILLY RAY CYRUS & JOHNNY MCGUIRE/Chevys and Fords
Writers: Johnny McGuire/Jordan Walker/Rodney Clawson/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: none listed; BBR
– Formerly of the duo Walker McGuire, Johnny has a terrific country-rock voice with an ear-catching “edge.” The blue-collar lyric is a dandy. And it sure doesn’t hurt his cause that he’s collaborating with America’s No. 1 artist.

HARDY/Rednecker
Writers: Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt/Michael Wilson Hardy; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Kobalt/Downtown/Warner Chappell, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– Pretty dang funny. This pushes every bro-country trope over the edge of parody and into the realm of delightful wackiness. Also: The first country song with the masterpiece lyric, “I piss where I want.”

TANYA TUCKER/Hard Luck
Writers: none listed; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: none listed; Fantasy
– As spicy and saucy as tabasco, this takes a page or two from her bad-girl-image book. The track rumbles along like chugging steam engine and The Texas Tornado turns in a personality-packed vocal performance. Love this. Love her.

MASON RAMSEY/Twang
Writers: Brian Kelley/Jordan Schmidt/Hunter Phelps/Ernest K. Smith; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud/Atlantic
– From Walmart to the “Old Town Road,” this 12-year-old is on his way to …. someplace.

THE HIGHWOMEN/Redesigning Women
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Elektra/Low Country Sound
– There’s strength in numbers. Just ask Natalie Hemby, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile, collectively recording under this billing. Their fun-loving, girl-power tune has a video featuring everyone from Wynonna to Tanya Tucker. The more the merrier. Proved it again with Dolly at the Newport Folk Festival last Saturday.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/I’ll Never Get Over You
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: noen listed; Thirty Tigers
– A Texas two-stepper with a decided bounce in the beat. As always, tuneful and accomplished, but I’d shop around for a stronger song.

GABBY BARRETT/I Hope
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– She’s a teenager, but sounds strikingly mature as a vocalist on this torrid, vengeful tale. Next time, try producing this former American Idol competitor with a lot less pop gloss and echoey audio compression.