DISClaimer: Tourmates Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey Top New Americana Tunes

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The Americana genre is bringing out some of its most stellar artists for the spring season.

Impressively, there is also gender parity in today’s overview of the style. Five male and five female acts are vying for your attention.

This week, the gals have the goods. Gretchen Peters and Kim Richey finish in a tie for the Disc of the Day award. Which is especially cool, since they are touring together.

The DisCovery Award goes to the acoustic female trio I’m With Her. Rounder Records strikes again.

KIM RICHEY/Chase Wild Horses
Writers: Kim Richey/Mike Henderson; Producer: Brad Jones; Publishers: BMG/Red Equals Luck/Five Window/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Yep Roc (track)
– This rumbling country rocker addresses maturing and adulthood. Her sense of melody is exquisite, and her voice remains a soaring and deeply affecting instrument. An A-plus effort from her new Edgeland album. Buy it.

KYLE FREDERICK/Already November
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producers: Byron House/Kyle Frederick; Publishers: Melody Chef/Byron House, BMI; Belody Chef
– The title tune of this artist’s new collection raises a glass at a wake for lost youth. He sings in a hoarse, almost strangulated fashion. The backing track features choppy percussion and electric-guitar growls.

BRANDI CARLILE/The Joke
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth/Dave Cobb; Producers: Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: Southern Oracle/WB/Old No. 7/Warner-Tamerlane, ASCAP/BMI; Elektra (track)
– She has one of those warm, conversational singing voices that’s always welcome. Here, it is bathed in echoey atmosphere and cushioned with lush strings. The ballad is an anthem for outsiders who will ultimately triumph in life. It appears on this Nashvillian’s excellent CD By the Way, I Forgive You.

BILL LLOYD/It’s Happening Now
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Whole In One
-Lloyd’s current release is an acoustic effort. Its romantic, lilting title song finds his still-boyish tenor wafting over jangly guitar and sighed backup vocals. He’s as tuneful as ever.

DULCIE TAYLOR/Halfway To Jesus
Writers: Taylor; Producer: George Nauful; Publishers: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Black Iris (track)
– This is a dramatic, minor-key, cautionary ode about the damages we have inflicted on our natural world and of the cataclysmic climate that results. Swirling and compelling.

JOHN PRINE/Boundless Love
Writers: John Prine/Dan Auerbach/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Tommy Jack/Corn Country/Hour Box, BMI; Oh Boy (track)
– The new Prine CD, The Tree of Forgiveness, is like a warm greeting from an old friend. This tune of acceptance and grace is just one of its many pleasures. His drawling, distinctive folky singing voice still charms. And his lyrics continue to contain delightful gems like, “Sometimes my old heart is like a washing machine/It bounces around ‘til my soul comes clean/And when I’m clean and hung out to dry/I’m gonna make you laugh until you cry.”

GRETCHEN PETERS/Disappearing Act
Writer: Peters; Producers: Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Circus Girl, ASCAP; Scarlett Letter
– Here, she inhabits the character of a world-weary middle-aged woman whose husband passes away, her babies die and her soldier son’s soul vanishes in Iraq. Her voice is appropriately downtrodden, and the electro-pop production underscores the resigned, defeated mood. You’ll find it on this Americana goddess’s new CD Dancing With the Beast.

Youtube video

BOB REA/Southbound
Writers: Bob Rea/Erik Stucky; Producer: Steve Daly; Publisher: none listed; Shiny Dime (track)
– The title tune of this singer-songwriter’s album is a breezy, rolling ode to gal who is traveling free and easy. The dobro solo is dandy, as is his drawled delivery. Recommended.

I’M WITH HER/See You Around
Writers: Sara Watkins/Sarah Jarosz/Aoife O’Donovan; Producers: Ethan Johns/I’m With Her; Publishers: Fiddle & Fall/SoRaw/Cosmic Seed, ASCAP/BMI; Rounder (track)
– This female trio’s CD title tune and lead-off track is an airy, soprano-led song about shattered dreams and shards of heartbreak. There’s a lot to like in these picturesque lyrics and flawless vocal harmonies. Jarosz is a Grammy winning Americana solo artist. Watkins is a veteran of Nickel Creek. O’Donovan has a solo career and has collaborated with classical music’s Yo-Yo Ma. All three are accomplished instrumentalists, but their shining vocals together are what you’ll remember. Other gems to admire on the album include the sunny “Ain’t That Fine” and the dazzling single/video “Game to Lose.”

ANDERSON EAST/All On My Mind
Writers: Anderson East/Ed Sheeran/Johnny McDaid/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Farmland/Ed Shearan/Sony-ATV/Spirit B Unique/Polar Patrol/Kobalt/Warner-Tamerlane/One Tooth/Super LCS, BMI/PRS; Elektra (track)
– I remain a fan. His ferocious, blue-eyed soul singing pierces through a dark, rock rhythm track, massed strings and keyboard flourishes on this searing, fevered dream of obsession. It can be found on his new album titled Encore.

DISClaimer: Carrie Underwood Returns With “Powerful” New Track

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Spring is in the air, and country comes alive with some fresh sounds for the season.

Good things come in “threes” this week. We have three promising newcomers that deserve your attention — Mason Lively, Szlachetka and our DisCovery Award winner, Vince Moreno.

We also have three contenders for the week’s top prize — Chris Stapleton, RaeLynn and our Disc of the Day winner, Carrie Underwood.

Happy listening.

VINCE MORENO/You Live In This House
Writers: Vince Morena/Mary Welch Francis; Producers: none listed; Publishers: Bluwaboo, ASCAP; VM
– It has a dark, bluesy groove. His macho baritone drawls and spits and moans as he delivers the goods in this lyric of a haunted, lonely heartache. Promising in the extreme.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Millionaire
Writer: Kevin Welch; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
– Searing and soulful. Wife Morgane shadows him on high harmony throughout this ballad’s ode to enriching romance. A home run.

MASON LIVELY/Lonely Comes Back Around
Writer: Mason Lively; Producer: Pat Manske; Publishers: none listed; ML (track)
– This is a lively country rocker about escaping from a broken heart by running, running, running. For a young newcomer (Lively is just 20 years old), he displays great vocal confidence and quite adept songwriting skills. You’re on the right path, son.

RAELYNN/Queens Don’t
Writers: RaeLynn/Corey Crowder/James Abrahart; Producer: Josh Kerr; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-Delightful. It’s a terrific female empowerment anthem that builds from gently produced verses to layered, cool, echoey choruses. This sounds decidedly like a big breakthrough record.

Youtube video

 

ANTHONY POWER/The Photographer
Writer: Anthony Power; Producers: Power/Agostino; Publishers: none listed; AP (track)
– He’s an Australian singer-songwriter who accompanies himself on ukulele. This title track from his current CD has a simple, sing-songy melody. It’s more folk ditty than country.

THOMAS RHETT/Life Changes
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley; Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure & Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Sony-ATV/Warner-Tamerlane/Ritten By Rhettro/Telemitry Rhythm House/Songs of Roc Nation/WB/Sadie’s Favorite/Combustion Engine, BMI/ASCAP; Valory (track)
– I love how he’s used the facts of his own life story to craft this. And it sure doesn’t hurt that it is ridiculously catchy.

SZLACHETKA/Heart Of My Hometown
Writers: Matthew Szlachetka/Jamie Kent; Producer: David Blanco; Publishers: Francis Marie/Lama TuMama, SESAC/ASCAP; MS (track)
– He used to be in a Los Angeles band called The Northstar Session that made some noise in Americana music with five albums. His solo outing takes a turn toward mainstream country. This title tune rolls along with admirable country-rock energy and a highly engaging melody. Think Jackson Browne meets Nashville.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Cry Pretty
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producers: David Garcia/Underwood; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/BIRB/BMG Rights/Maps An Records/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse/Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of Crazy Girl, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (download)
– Powerful stuff. Her vocal goes from a quiet, delicately phrased intro into a soprano-shout crescendo. It’s a power ballad with a pounding heart. Listen and believe.

Youtube video

 

JEFF CLAYBORN/Good Bar Attender
Writers: Jeff Clayborn/Doug Wright/Chuck Ebert; Producer: Chuck Ebert; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Axon
– A honky tonker that should have been better, but is dragged down by a muffled production and a thin-sounding vocalist.

SCOTTY McCREERY/This Is It
Writers: Scotty McCreery/Aaron Eshuis/Frank Rogers; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers
– Cool, sparkly production touches. The song is an extremely well written invitation to romance that could easily become an enduring wedding favorite. The ex American Idol winner grows up, and how.

Youtube video

DISClaimer: Ryan Hurd’s Star-Making Single

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Welcome to the first all-downloaded edition of DisClaimer.

Everything was compressed and played through my tiny computer speakers, so nothing sounded especially full bodied.

That said, here’s the good news. Ryan Hurd has released a star making single and triumphs over the competition to take home the Disc of the Day award.

I’ve enthusiastically reviewed the Music City band The Wild Feathers in pop/rock columns before. But their new single sounds like a bid for country acceptance, so they win the DisCovery Award.

LUCAS HOGE/Power of Garth
Writers: Matt Roger/Terry McBride; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Jam Writers Group (BMI), SWMBMGBMI (BMI), TMc Daddy Music (BMI), Ole’ Canalco Publishing (ASCAP), Rebel Engine
– It’s a fine ballad about nostalgia and memory. He was a boy when his parents played Garth Brooks records, and those sounds are still “wrapped around my heart.” Well produced and expressively sung.

DEVIN DAWSON/She Burns
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
-This echoey, spellbinding cover of Foy Vance’s tune fits him like a glove. I never thought he was all that “country” to begin with, so it makes perfect sense.

OLD DOMINION/Hotel Key
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Jaunty and bopping as all get out. Stuttering guitars, rapid-fire lyric delivery, sunny attitude, sexy imagery. Go for it.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Flesh and Bone
Writers: Charlie Starr; Producer: Blackberry Smoke; Publishers: none listed; 3 Legged/Thirty Tigers
– Doomy and darkly rocking. Guitars grind in your face. The lead vocal is buried in the mix. Pass.

SMITH & WESLEY/Hook Line & Sinker
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed;
-Yet another Jimmy Buffett sonic rip off. However, they do sing well.

RYAN HURD/Diamonds Or Twine
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz/Mark Trussell; Producer: Aaron Essuis; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Superb. The melody is just lovely, and the lyric is ultra romantic. He wrote it for his bride, Maren Morris, and the video features lotsa footage of the lovebirds. He sings like he is head-over-heels. When you hear it, you will be, too.

Youtube video

WALKER HAYES/Craig
Writers: Walker Hayes; Producers: Hayes/Shane McAnally; Publishers: Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Smack/Smack Songs/Spark In Your Pocket/Rare Spark, BMI, Monument
– Sentimental rapping with a sparse rhythm track.

THE WILD FEATHERS/Big Sky
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-This Nashville rock band emphasizes its stellar vocal harmonies on this airy and utterly charming tune. Evocative of California country-rockers The Eagles or of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Highly recommended.

CASSADEE POPE/Take You Home
Writers: Paul Digiovanni/Ben Hayslip/Emily Wesiband; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Fusion
– She’s a strong singer, so I don’t understand why her vocals are so processed here. Let the lady loose.

PARMALEE/Hotdamalama
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Stoney Creek
– The summer party season starts early with this rocking release. It ain’t exactly hillbilly music, but the kiddies will dig it.

DisClaimer: Moon Taxi, Big Shoes Offer Top Pop/Rock Tracks

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Moon Taxi

It’s a sunny season for the Nashville pop/rock community.

With Kelly Clarkson judging on The Voice, Jack White on the cover of the current Rolling Stone, blues rocker Mike Henderson cowriting with million-selling Chris Stapleton and The Shadowboxers out on the road opening for megastar Justin Timberlake, this side of Music City is definitely having a Moment.

Today’s listen to the community’s current sounds includes the legendary Peter Frampton, a comeback record by Raging Fire and a new album by my enduring favorite Beth Nielsen Chapman.

Taking home the Disc of the Day award is Moon Taxi. This former indie act is now on the RCA star-maker roster.

The DisCovery Award goes to the party band Big Shoes.

JACK WHITE/Connected By Love
Writers: Jack White III; Producer: Jack White III; Publishers: Third String Tunes, BMI; Third Man/Columbia
-His new Boarding House Reach collection kicks off with this shuddering throbber featuring ear catching percussive effects, rippling piano, soul-chorus backup singing and a passionate, shredded, top-of-his-range vocal performance. Gripping.

MOON TAXI/Two High
Writers: Moon Taxi; Producer: Spencer Thomson; Publishers: No More Worry, BMI; RCA (track)
– Joyous. This smile-a-minute bopper beckons us to raise our hands to the sky and celebrate life. A surprise, stuttering-sax section enters in mid song and gives the already ecstatic track an extra jolt of energy. I love this band. The album is called Let the Record Play. It’s available on vinyl. Buy it now.

MORGAN HERITAGE/Selah
Writers: M. Heritage/P. James; Producers: Morgan Heritage/Shannon Sanders; Publishers: Heritage 4 Life/Dubsmuggla, ASCAP; CTBC/Empire
– This Grammy Award winning family reggae band calls Middle Tennessee home. The members are the sons of Jamaican star Denray Morgan. On this single/video from its current Avrakedabra album, the group mixes traditional reggae beats with cool electronic touches, a segment of rapping and layered singing vocals. The track will make you want to move your body.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS/Prayer For Peace
Writers: Luther Dickinson/Cody Dickinson/Oteil Burbridge; Producer: Dickinson Brothers; Publishers: Vibratone/Tandem Liberi/Ausar Auset, BMI;
– Judging by their name and the fact that their dad was a Memphis music mainstay, you wouldn’t expect these sonic wunderkinds to be Nashvillians. But there they are, right there in West Meade. This is the title tune of the group’s current album (which is available on vinyl, hallelujah). It’s a hypnotic stew of blues, gospel, trance and pop that will set you free. By the way, their late father Jim Dickinson’s book I’m Just Dead I’m Not Gone is a pip.

BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/Come To Mine
Writers: Beth Nielsen Chapman/Graham Gouldman/Kevin Montgomery; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Publishers: Songs of Prismlight/Union Square/BMG Rights Management/Winona Blvd., SESAC/PRS/ASCAP; BNC (track)
– This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer’s new Hearts of Glass CD drops next month.It leads off with this percolating, rhythm-happy pop tune about living life to the fullest while we’re here. “Bring your smile with its light/Bring what’s wrong we’ll make it right.” Bop along and believe.

WOOTEN CHAMBERS FRANCESCHINI/Trypnotyx
Writers: none listed; Producer: Victor Wooten; Publishers: none listed; Vix (track)
-Victor Wooten is best known for his work in Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. But he has an independent reputation as one of the best electric bass players on the planet. The title track to his current trio CD with funk drummer Dennis Chambers (Bootsy Collins, Santana) and sax man Bob Franceschini (Paul Simon, Mike Stern) is a dizzy, complex, whirlwind of percussive picking and stop-start jazz rhythms. Brain tingling.

RAGING FIRE/After Loving One Man From East Texas
Writers: none listed; Publishers: Pristine/BMI; Producers: Mike Purcell/Raging Fire; Pristine (track)
– Back in the 1980s, these folks were among Nashville’s finest punk rockers. The first album in more than 30 years by Raging Fire is titled These Teeth Are Sharp. This track from it stings and bristles with snarling energy and snarky attitude. They’ve still got the goods. I loved them then. I love them now.

KELLY CLARKSON/ I Don’t Think About You
Writers: Andre Davidson/Sean Davidson/Jessica Ashley Karpov/Michael Pollack; Producer: The Monarch; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Numbers Don’t Lie/The Fraternity Music Group/Songs of Kobalt/Jessica Ashley Karpov/Evan And Eman Publish This/What Key Do You Want It In/Songs With a Pure Tone, BMI; Atlantic (track)
– Nashville’s reigning pop diva has just issued this torrid ballad as a single/video from her current Meaning of Life collection. Her high-soprano chops are on full display. Some gospel-y backup vocals are the icing on the cake.

BIG SHOES/Walked Out The Front Door
Writers: Mark T. Jordan/Rip Stock; Producer: Andy Peake; Publishers: none listed; Biglittle (track)
– Big Shoes is a seven-man blues-rock band comprised of top-tier Nashville and Muscle Shoals studio musicians. Its Music City notables include keyboardist Mark T. Jordan and singer-songwriter Rick Huckaby. The group’s Step On It! debut CD features this Jordan tune originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt. Their arrangement gives the number a certain New Orleans/funk vibe that’s mighty groovy. Collectively, these guys’ credits include Van Morrison, Etta James, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton and Bobby “Blue” Bland, as well as Raitt. So you know they know what the deal is.

PETER FRAMPTON/Black Hole Sun
Writers: Chris Cornell; Producers: Peter Frampton/Gordon Kennedy; Publishers: You Make Me Sick I Make, ASCAP; Phenix Phonograph
– Frampton’s Grammy-winning Fingerprints album has been reissued on vinyl this year. The Nashville resident guitar wizard demonstrates he has lost none of his power on this moody, dense, echoey instrumental that builds to a searing crescendo.

DisClaimer: Eric Paslay Tops New Releases

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Eric Paslay. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Today’s stack of discs features returning vets, current superstars and shiny new faces.

The blasts from the past are Ronnie McDowell and John Schneider. The hottest hitmakers are Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert. And our baby acts include Lonny Ray, Risa Binder and our DisCovery Award winner, Tenille Arts.

Despite their many merits, none of the above takes home this week’s championship ring. The Disc of the Day honor goes to Eric Paslay.

TENILLE ARTS/Moment of Weakness
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; 19th & Grand
– Nicely done. The ringing piano, thumping percussion and echoey atmosphere on this melodic power ballad underscore a penetrating soprano performance. Lend this your ears.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Midnight Train To Memphis
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (ERG)
– The grinding guitar and relentless percussion announce a ferocious Southern-rock outing. Yet another hair-raising vocal performance from this powerhouse.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Keeper of the Flame
Writers: Lambert/Hemby/Rose; Producers: Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf & Eric Masse; Publishers: Pink Dog/Sony-ATV/Happygowrucke/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse Songs/Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of Crazy Girl, BMI; RCA (track)
– Miranda’s double CD The Weight of These Wings is full of awesome tunes. This irresistible toe tapper is a deliciously listenable song of strength and survival. She’s such a pistol.

JOHN SCHNEIDER/Fish
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Maven Music (ERG)
– An attempt at good-humored funkiness. The production is appropriately jaunty/goofy, but there’s a certain built-in seriousness in his voice that doesn’t do “cute” well.

KEITH URBAN & JULIA MICHAELS/Coming Home
Writers: Keith Urban/J.R. Rotem/Nicole Galyon/Merle Haggard/Julia Michaels; Producers: Urban, Rotem; Publishers: none listed; Capitol
– Haggard’s guitar licks kick it off, but after that it is tongue-tripping, burbling electro-pop all the way. Cleverly produced and crisply performed.

MIDLAND/Burn Out
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (track)
– Is it just me, or does this sound like a clone of “Drinkin’ Problem?”

ERIC PASLAY/Young Forever
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; EMI (ERG)
– I love the way it starts out simply and then builds into such a joyous anthem. This is a bona fide hit, amen.

LONNY RAY/I’m Right Here
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMI, LR (track)
– It’s a baritone ballad with a mellow, r&b vibe and some cool guitar filigrees. Well written and sung with warmth.

RONNIE MCDOWELL/Crazy Crush
Writers: McDowell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Richland Station, no performance rights listed; RM (track)
– This has a retro-country feel. The falsetto yodel each time he gets to the chorus word “crazy” is particularly ear catching.

RISA BINDER/You Came Along
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warehouse (CDX)
– The day’s strongest rocker boasts a “nervous” guitar run, a rumbling rhythm track and a sunny, soaring soprano chorus. Bright sounding.

DISClaimer: Willie Nelson’s Voice Remains “An Instrument Of Perfect Wonder”

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It’s a real horse race for today’s top-ranked new country sound.

Coming around the far turn and galloping into the home stretch are the records by The Frontmen, Jagertown, Tyler Rich and Josh Gracin. They’re running neck-in-neck for the Disc of the Day prize.

But coming from behind is a wise old pro who knows just when to turn up the heat. It’s Willie Nelson crossing the finish line first and leaving the youngsters in his dust.

The talented colt who takes home this week’s DisCovery Award is a young son of Texas named Zach Stone. Lend him your ears.

TYLER BOOTH/Hand Crankin’ People
Writers: Phil O’Donnell/Josh Thompson/Kendell Marvel/Justin Moore; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: 16 Stars/Rooster Pecked/Sony-ATV/ole Songs of Better Angels/Blank Sheet/Georgia Buggy/Marvelicious/Big Music Machine/Double Barrel/Ace, BMI; TB (track)
-He sounds like Bocephus wading through molasses.

JAMES HOUSE/Leading Me Home
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Victor House (CDX)
– The vocal performance is spectacular, but the backing track is mixed too hot.

JOSH GRACIN/Nothin’ Like Us
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Revel (CDX)
-Sung with gusto, this has plenty of oomph. The rhythm track is dynamite. The song is loaded with hooks. Everything works. Definitely worth your spins.

THE FRONTMEN/If It Wasn’t For The Radio
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Frontmen (CDX)
– Now here’s some singing for ya. Individually, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) have enough vocal firepower to send any song heavenward. As it happens, this one is a hit waiting to happen. Together, these three are an embarrassment of riches. And give a gold star to whoever produced the potent track.

TYLER RICH/The Difference
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory (download)
– Kinda pop-ish. Kinda catchy. Kinda clever. Ear candy.

JAGERTOWN/Rearview
Writers: Preston Creed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: none listed; JCT
– I dig this. The fierce lead singer has bite and grit. The band plays with fiery conviction and lotsa punch. The kiss-off song packs a wallop. A winner.

MIDLAND & JAY DE LA CUEVA/Drinkin’ Problem
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
-It’s their breakthrough hit, sung in Spanish. Whatever…..

MAGGIE ROSE/It’s You
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MR (download)
– I have been a fan of this lady for a long time. Her ear-opening new music is a fusion of her country roots and old-school soul. Piercing, righteous passion.

ZACH STONE/Four Letter Word
Writers: Zach Stone/Will Stone; Producer: Sam Martinez; Publishers: Jetpack/Ripcord South, ASCAP
– His voice is quite wonderful, characterized by baritone warmth, expressive phrasing and controlled volume. His songwriting is just as impressive, because this is as polished and professional and hooky as any works by country’s master tunesmiths. This Belmont alumnus is ready for the big time.

WILLIE NELSON/Me and You
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Legacy (download)
– Willie rocks! This irresistible toe tapper percolates like a coffee pot. His voice remains an instrument of perfect wonder as he drawls out the wry, witty lyric. Play it again. And again.

DISClaimer: Sir Rosevelt, Southern Halo Offer Top Performances

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There’s strength in numbers.

Both of today’s award winners come from groups. We have strong solo performances here from Jillian Jacqueline, Luke Bryan and Shane Owens. But threesomes rule the roost in this listening session.

The Disc of the Day belongs to those three studs fronting Sir Rosevelt.

The DisCovery Award goes to those three blonde lovelies in Southern Halo.

JILLIAN JACQUELINE/Reasons
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud (ERG)
It has a very “thick,’ heavily produced sound and is admirably “different.” Penetrating through the sonic rumbling is a true, clear, personable vocalist with a winning song about a turbulent relationship.

SIR ROSEVELT/Something ‘Bout You
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Hearty and masculine, with some very cool, pulsing rhythmic undertows. Sensuous and romantic and highly listenable.

Youtube video

 

SOUTHERN HALO/Anything Is Possible
Writers: Catt Gravitt/Carl Falk; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Razor & Tie/Ink Pen Mama/BMG, SESAC/ASCAP; SH
– The brightly rocking production is first rate, and so is this female trio’s superbly harmonized performance. Turn it up and twirl around the room.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/Brand New Star
Writers: Adam Raitiere/Mando Saenz; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Super LCS/Warner-Tamerlane/Scrambler/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Lightning Rod
– Hand clapping, toe tapping gospel. Of course, the quartet harmonies are splendid. A veteran act returns to its roots.

Youtube video

 

MICHELLE LEBLANC/Loving A Hurricane
Writers: Michelle LeBlanc/Amy Gerhartz; Producer: Nick Buda; Publishers: none listed; BMI/SESAC; MLP
– The tempo plods like it’s having an opioid overdose. Her pitch wanders and warbles every whichaway.

SHANE OWENS/Lie
Writers: Brian Callihan/Trent Tomlinson/Wayne Underwood; Producers: Steve Popovich Jr./Joe Kelly; Publishers: none listed; Amerimonte
– MusicRow’s 2017 Indie Artist of the Year kicks off 2018 with a lively country rocker. The totally cute lyric offers winking advice on how to get the best out of a weekend pickup.

Youtube video

 

WHISKEY WOLVES OF THE WEST/Lay That Needle Down
Writers: Jones/Powell/Ward Gunther; Producer: Leroy Powell; Publishers: none listed; Rock Ridge (track)
– This has a rootsy, bar-band country-rock approach. The lead singer has a kinda greasy, earthy sound. The lyric attempts to use nostalgic images to woo his gal, but doesn’t quite work.

LUKE BRYAN/Most People Are Good
Writers: David Frasier/Ed Hill/Josh Kear; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: SB21/Purdy Beard/Bluewater/Songs of Amylase/Five Hills/Do Write/Year of the Dog/Champaghe Whiskey/Downtown DLI, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
– I’m way into this. Wise and tender sentiments, delivered with smooth sincerity and backed by a wafting, breezy production. His strongest single in quite some time is already a well-deserved hit.

Youtube video

 

VINCE YOUNG/My Turn
Writers: Bernie Faulkner/Keith Harling; Producer: Bernie Faulkner; Publishers: Fancy Pants/Harling, BMI
– He’s trying awfully hard, but all the shouting in the world can’t save this overly rocking earache.

DOM WIER/Doses
Writers: none listed; Producers: Matthew Miller/Dom Wier; Publishers: none listed; DW (track)
– This rolls along with a steady beat. He sings well. Alas, the song is a muddled dud.

DisClaimer: The Guys Have It

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The guys have it.

Despite appearances by Cherish Lee, Kelsea Ballerini and Leslie Tom in this edition of “DisClaimer,” the standout releases all belong to country males. And I do mean “country,” because that seems to be the trend du jour.

Newcomer Patrick Darrah calls Nashville home these days, but he originally hails from upstate New York. Hence, his debut CD is titled Northern Truth. Give the man this week’s DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day contest boils down to two outstanding performances. I never thought I would hear myself say this, but one of them belongs to Cole Swindell, whom I have previously thought only mildly interesting. He is edged out only by Mitchell Tenpenny. Donna Hilley’s grandson comes into his own with “Drunk Me.”

PATRICK DARRAH/I Never Got Over You
Writers: Brad Wolf/Don Goodman; Producers: Drew Smith/Kevin Grantt; Publishers: Big Hitmakers/Little Tornadoes, no performance rights listed; Double Darrah
– Darrah is the latest graduate of the honky tonks of Lower Broadway. His debut single has a crunchy, ringing track and loads of melodic hooks. This is country heartache with a contemporary edge and plain-spoken honesty. Recommended.

KELSEA BALLERINI/I Hate Love Songs
Writers: Ballerini/Trevor Rosen/Shane McAnally; Producers: Forest Glen Whitehead/Jason Massey; Publishers: Songs of Black River/KNB/ReHits/Smacktown/Kobalt, ASCAP/GMR; Black River
– Smartly written: The lyrics turn romantic cliches on their heads. The ballad tempo is a nice change of pace for her.

Youtube video

 

RICKY COOK/Thanks A Lot Loretta
Writers: Cook/Pennington; Producer: J.P. Pennington; Publishers: Hill Pick N/Guitar Juice/Suzie Pennington, BMI/ASCAP; Imperator (track)
– His woman listens to Loretta Lynn’s records and makes it hard on her hubby. It seems he can’t come home a drinkin’ or carry on like he used to. From the guitar licks to the steel to the baritone vocal, this is country, country, country all the way.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & CHRIS STAPLETON/Say Something
Writers: Justin Timberlake/Chris Stapleton/Timothy Mosley/Nate Hillls/Larrence Dopson; Producers: Timbaland, Timberlake, Danja; Publishers: Tennman Tunes/Universal Z/Ken Tucky/WB/ole Red Cape/VB Rising/Danjahandz/Reservoir; RCA (track)
– Burbles of rhythm and electronic bleeps decorate this dizzy bopper. Both men are blue-eyed soul practitioners, so the vocal collaboration works well. Highly entertaining, but it ain’t country. The ending is so whiplash abrupt that it sounds like somebody suddenly yanked out the power cable.

NICK BRENNAN/I Want A Girl
Writers: Brennan; Producers: Cherle Brennan/Daryl Phenneder; Publisher: CEB, ASCAP; MCI
– His delivery is more spoken than sung. The track is grinding and groovy. The lyric is goofy-cute.

COLE SWINDELL/Break Up In The End
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Very, very touching. Beautifully produced in an understated way. Looking back at a failed romance, he’d do everything all over again even knowing the story has an unhappy ending. As both a song and a performance, this is head and shoulders above everything else this guy has released to date.

Youtube video

 

CHERISH LEE/Tequila Cowgirl
Writers: none listed; Producers: Nate Wedan; Publishers: none listed; CL
– Cherish is the daughter of Urban Cowboy Johnny Lee (”Lookin’ for Love”) and Dallas TV vixen Charlene Tilton. The title tune of her debut Nashville album is a mid-tempo word portrait of a free spirit who goes her own way in the world. Her vocal performance is admirably expressive.

JAKE OWEN/I Was Jack (You Were Diane)
Writers: none listed; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
– The track cleverly quotes the guitar licks of John Mellencamp’s 1982 rock smash “Jack and Diane.” Not surprisingly, the lyric is full of nostalgia for lost youth. It’s all very hooky and listenable.

LESLIE TOM/Ain’t It Something, Hank Williams
Writers: none listed; Producer: John Macy; Publishers: none listed; Coastal Bend
– Plaintive and evocative, this ballad imagines what life was really like for the heartbroken Hillbilly Shakespeare. It’s the title tune of an entire concept album about the music and the legend of Hank Williams. Dean Miller guest stars on the lively track “Are You Ready for Some Hanky Panky.”

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Drunk Me
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Riser House/Columbia
– I have been in this guy’s corner from the get-go. This is a terrific outing, full of passion and fire. His vocal goes from a whisper to a scream as the saga unfolds of a fellow who’s been sober ever since she left because when he’s drunk, he wallows in her memory. The production supports his vocal gymnastics every step of the way. Essential.

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DisClaimer: Bluegrass In The Springtime

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Today’s stroll through the field of bluegrass is as refreshing as springtime.

Highlights include outstanding outings by such stars of the genre as The Grascals, The Infamous Stringdusters and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

Finishing in a dead heat for Disc of the Day are the chart-topping Lonesome River Band and the reigning Vocal Group of the Year Flatt Lonesome.

Our DisCovery Award goes to The Farm Hands.

LONESOME RIVER BAND/Wrong Road Again
Writers: Allen Reynolds; Producers: Lonesome River Band; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram, BMI
– Perched at No. 1 on the current bluegrass chart is this lively remake of Crystal Gayle’s 1974 country smash. Award winning Sammy Shelor’s rippling banjo leads the sprightly way with the stellar harmony singing of his band mates turning the tune into an extra audio delight. This veteran group has long been one of my faves. Here’s one more reason why.

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/Life To My Days
Writers:Jerry Salley/Lee Black/Devin McGlamery; Producers:Doyle Lawson; Publishers: Banner/Extry Good/Christian Taylor/Winding Way/Dixie River, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP
– Year after year, bandleader and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Lawson attracts and trains his genre’s finest vocalists. This philosophical song about making the most of your time on earth deservedly enters the bluegrass top-10 this month.

THE GRASCALS/Sleepin’ With the Reaper
Writers: Becky Buller/Grant Williams; Producers: The Grascals; Publishers: Goodnight Sparky/Fun Money, BMI
– The new album by these Nashville favorites is titled Before Breakfast, and it kicks off with this haunting story song. The married guy gets in over his head with a temptress who has dark intentions. Co-writer Buller, by the way, has a new solo CD coming out next month.

VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE/Small Town Hero
Writers: Sarah Majors/Penny Clark/Katy Clark; Producers: Valerie Smith; Publishers: Nashgrass/Sony-ATV Harmony, ASCAP
– A couple of counties south of Music City lies the charming village of Bell Buckle, TN. Smith rules the bluegrass kingdom there, issuing a string of homemade CDs. Her sturdy, earnest voice anchors this ode to small-town values. It’s the theme song of her current collection, Small Town Heroes.

DONNA ULISSE/Back Home Feelin’ Again
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Marc Rossi; Producers: Doyle Lawson; Publishers: Uncle Hadley/Marc My Words, ASCAP
– Singer-songwriter Ulisse is a leading light of today’s influx of female bluegrass performers. She’s currently midway up the Bluegrass Unlimited chart and climbing with this lilting, winsome, nostalgic ditty. She is the reigning Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year whose current collection is titled Breakin’ Easy.

STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS/Caroline
Writers: Steve Martin; Producers: Peter Asher; Publishers: None listed
– Movie star Martin is merely an adequate banjo player. The Steep Canyon Rangers are a somewhat average band. But in this case, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, they create delightful listening experiences like this comedic tune about a guy who can’t help talking about his ex while on a dinner date. Taken from The Long Awaited Album (yes, that’s the CD’s title), it has just entered the charts.

THE FARM HANDS/Rural Route
Writers: Daryl Mosley; Producers: Lonnie Lassiter & Ethan Burkhardt; Publishers: Songs of Daryl, ASCAP
– Everyone is picking their brains out here, guitar and dobro, in particular. The toe-tapping tune skips along with a built-in smile. The band lacks a distinctive lead vocalist, but when the four members sing together in harmony, magic happens. Other highlights of its new Colors CD include remakes of “Nashville Skyline Rag,” “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore” and “Sin City.”

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS/What’s Going On
Writers: Brooks/Cleveland/Gaye; Producers: James Tuttle & Jon Gold; Publishers: none listed
– Marvin Gaye goes bluegrass? I’m afraid so, complete with a dazzling acoustic instrumental jam in mid song. These hot-picking crazies are in the midst of a series of cover recordings of rock classics. The current batch also includes tunes by My Morning Jacket, The Allman Brothers, Daft Punk and The Cure.

SHANNON SLAUGHTER/That Old Country Road
Writers: Rusey Hendrix/Shannon Slaughter; Producers: Wes Easter, Randy Kohrs & Shannon Slaughter; Publishers: Sonic Hill/Elite Circuit, no performance rights listed
– Slaughter is perhaps best known in bluegrass circles as a songwriter for Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid, Larry Stephenson and others. His second solo CD, Never Standing Still, illustrates that he’s a fine interpreter of his own stuff. His homespun tenor conveys loads of warmth on this jaunty romantic ditty.

FLATT LONESOME/All My Life
Writers: Paul Harrigill/Tim Stafford; Producers: Flatt Lonesome & Danny Roberts; Publishers: Truegrass/Daniel House, BMI
– With two consecutive IBMA Vocal Group of the Year honors under its belt, Flatt Lonesome is flying high. It’s a measure of how great these six musicians are that this somber yet uptempo hit single isn’t even the strongest track on its CD Silence In These Walls. The absolutely jaw dropping gospel ballad “Draw Me Near,” the heart-tugging, lovelorn “It’s Just Sad” and the soaring, contemplative “Where Do You Go” are just three other standouts on an album that has brilliance around every corner. You won’t find better country picking and singing anywhere on this planet.

DISClaimer: Trent Harmon’s Star-Making Heartache Ballad

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Trent Harmon

Nostalgia seems to be the order of the day.

The new tracks by Wade Bowen, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Swon Brothers all have this theme in their lyrics. And if you’re feeling nostalgic about the ‘90s, Carpenter, Michael Peterson and John Berry are all here to refresh your memory about what great talents country produced in that decade.

Dynamic vocalist Trent Harmon has this week’s Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Adrian Johnston’s duet partner Jordan Isaac, who is making his debut in the column today.

THE SWON BROTHERS/What Ever Happened
Writers: Zach Swon/Colton Swon; Producers: The Swon Brothers & Brad Hill; Publishers: none listed; SB (download)
-Breezy, wafting nostalgia for “the good old days.” It sounds like ‘70s pop.

WADE BOWEN/Acuna
Writers: Bowen/Gattis/Freed; Producer: Keith Gattis; Publishers: They Call Me Paul/Gattis/In Stereo, ASCAP/BMI; Bowen
– The good times have faded away and ain’t comin’ back in this rolling, dusty, inescapably “Texas” performance. I have always enjoyed this artist’s work. His new Solid Ground collection includes collaborations with Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.

MICHAEL PETERSON/Lookin’ For Love
Writers: Mallette/Ryan/Morrison; Producers: Steven McClintock, Billy Yates & Michael Peterson; Publishers: EMI/Music City/Bluewater/Southern Days, No performance rights listed; 37 (track)
-Peterson has such extraordinary warmth in his voice that he makes this 1980 classic sound utterly fresh. A glowing performance that’s worth your spins.

CHRIS YOUNG/Hangin’ On
Writers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge; RCA (track)
– She has him dizzy in love. The track is appropriately swirling and spinning. His vocal is, of course, as super expressive as always.

ADRIAN JOHNSTON & JORDAN ISAAC/Damn I Want A Love Like That
Writers: Maloy/Ottestad; Producer: Zac Maloy; Publishers: none listed; AJ (track)
– Both vocalists are strong, penetrating vocalists. This is as potent a duet performance as I’ve heard so far this year. Highly recommended.

MAGGIE ROSE/Pull You Through
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MR
– I dig this. It has a bluesy, doo-wop, retro feel that is robo cool. She makes the most of its r&b groove with some minor-key swoops and phrasing embellishments.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/This Shirt
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ethan Johns; Publishers: none listed; Lambent
– A performance to get lost in. A gentle, echoey, acoustic production backs her intimate, resonant, alto delivery. Complete audio magic. Those of you with long memories might recall the song as being a promotional Sony video back in 1990. Its nostalgic warmth still casts a dreamy spell.

TRENT HARMON/You Got ‘Em All
Writers: Trent Harmon/Justin Ebach/Jordan Minton; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Scott Borchetta; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
– Trent pinned everyone’s ears back at CRS when he debuted this powerful, urgent, passionate and super melodic slab of sound. He was the champ on the 2016 American Idol season. Based on this torrid heartache ballad, he just might be that rare AI singer who actually becomes a star.

JOHN BERRY/Beautifully Broken
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; JB (download)
– Chesty, soaring and anthemic. Which seems apt, since it is an upcoming inspirational-movie theme song.