Reviews Archives - Page 45 of 84

DISClaimer: Big & Rich, Simba Jordan Make The Cut

March 9, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Big & Rich, Simba Jordan

The big news in today’s column is that we have two young African-American country artists in our listening stack.

The even better news is that Tony Jackson and Simba Jordan are both well worth your attention and your spins. Lend them your ears. We fondly remember Tony from his dandy remake of “Nashville Cats” last year. But Simba is a newcomer to the column, so he lands a DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to the always dependable Big & Rich. Their tightly crafted “California” wins on all levels — song, performance and production.

RACHAEL TURNER/Hurts Don’t It
Writers: Kerry Kurt Phillips/Larry Haack/Michael Higgins; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: none listed; Rustic (CDX)
– She has a great deal of vocal “presence,” with an up-close-and-personal delivery that’s married to a crystal-clear production. In addition, she nails the pain in the lyric perfectly. This aching ballad richly deserves your spins.

BIG & RICH/California
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Vicky McGehee/John Rich; Producers: Big & Rich; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Big & Rich/New Revolution
– Their vocal harmonies have never been more stellar. And this rolling country-rocker just might be the most tuneful and catchy song they’ve ever recorded. A home run.

DENNY STRICKLAND/We Don’t Sleep
Writers: Jaida Dreyer/Cole Taylor/Tommy Cecil/Jody Stevens; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Red Star (CDX)
– It’s kinda sexy when he’s in his softer voice on the verses. The power-ballad, shouted choruses shatter the mood. But all in all, this is a performer who shows great promise.

TONY JACKSON/The Grand Tour
Writers: Norro Wilson/Carmol Taylor/George Richey; Producers: Donna Dean-Stevens/Jim Della Croce; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Pathfinder (CDX)
– Taking on this definitive 1974 George Jones classic takes courage. Jackson juts out his chin and goes for it, note for note. Well done, buddy. You gave me chills.

ZAC BROWN BAND/My Old Man
Writers: Zac Brown/Niko Moon/Ben Simonetti; Producers: Dave Cobb & In The Arena Productions; Publishers: none listed; SESAC; Southern Ground/Elektra
– Folkie, like a countrified James Taylor. The gentle ballad’s father-son sentiment is so warm that you’ll melt.

AUBRIE SELLERS/Liar Liar
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic (CDX)
– Aubrie tones down the garage-rock country roaring in favor of an accusatory female attitude tune with a sidewinder backbeat. Gripping. Compelling. Mesmerizing.

SIMBA JORDAN/Those Goodbye Eyes
Writers: Lonnie Wilson/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Lonnie Wilson; Publishers: none listed; Kinfolk (CDX)
– His pleading tenor hurts in all the right places on this heartbreak tune. The song is a winner, and the arrangement is nicely understated. Well done by all.

RACHEL HOLDER/You Only Call Me When You’re Drunk
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Rachel Farley; Producers: Norman DeVasure, Wilbur Rimes, and Rachel Holder; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Curb (CDX)
– The song is strong. Thus, there’s no point in her trying so overly hard to sell it.

SARAH DUNN BAND/Figure It Out
Writers: Sarah Dunn; Producer: Larry Beaird; Publishers: none listed; BMI; 9 North (CDX)
– The song meanders around too much, and there’s nothing that is attention grabbing in her performance of it. My mind wandered off. My attention drifted away.

WHEELER BRYSON/Pour Me Out Of This Town
Writers: Stephen Dorff/Andrew Dorff/Bobby Tomberlin; Producers: Stephen Dorff/Bobby Tomberlin; Publishers: none listed; BMI; Varese Sarabande (CDX)
– “Wheeler Bryson” is the fictional star of the low-fi country movie Wheeler, starring actor Stephen Dorff as the title character. His slightly raspy, growly delivery is ear catching, and this drinking song has plenty of hooks. Stephen and his late songwriter brother Andrew are the sons of successful composer Steve Dorff (”Every Which Way But Loose,” “I Just Fall in Love Again,” “I Cross My Heart,” “Through the Years,” etc.).

DISClaimer: Brett Eldredge, Maren Morris Offer Vocal Power, Rhythmic Tracks

March 2, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

It’s a day for second-generation music makers.

The sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, the cousins born to Don & Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers and Roger Miller’s gifted namesake are all here with new sounds. All of them are heartily recommended. And one of them, Wilson Fairchild (the Reid kids), takes home our DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day gets a male-female split today. Running in a dead heat are Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris, both of whom have absolutely essential additions for your playlists.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Winnebago
Writers: none listed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publisher: none listed; Rebel Engine
– She has some cash saved up and some groovy wheels. So why not hop on in and just go someplace on the open road? A rollicking, sunny come-on that’s hard to resist.

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: busbee & Maren Morris; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Enchanting. Deliciously melodic and wonderfully thumpy as it yearns for romance. Also, she’s singing her heart out here.

LUCAS HOGE/Dirty South
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rebel Engine
– I thought bro country was over.

DEAN MILLER/’Til You Stop Getting Up
Writers: Dean Miller/Sean Patrick McGraw; Producers: Dean Miller/Brian Eckert; Publishers: none listed; Off The Verge
– He’s broken hearted, sitting next to an ex-boxer at the bar. The prize fighter’s advice is, “You ain’t a loser until you stop getting up.” Written and sung like a champ. By the way, former Golden Gloves pugilist Kris Kristofferson co-stars in the video.

MACY MARTIN/Broke Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; GTR
– The relationship is busted like a vehicle that’s never gonna run again. The track is a sprightly country rocker, and her vocal has a nice bluesy, throaty quality.

WILSON FAIRCHILD/How Are Things In Clay Kentucky
Writers: H. Reid/D. Reid; Producers: Gordon Kennedy/Blair Masters; Publishers: none listed; WF (track)
– Wilson Fairchild are Langdon and Wil Reid, the sons of Don and Harold Reid, respectively. As the core of The Statler Brothers, the fathers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The sons’ new CD, Songs Our Dads Wrote, is a reminder that the elder Reids are also masterful tunesmiths. It is, refreshingly, not a collection of remakes of Statler hits, but a series of lesser-known former album cuts that shine just as brightly as the better known Reid songs. The boys sing ‘em like pros, and have also included their own tribute tune “The Statler Brothers Song,” which name-checks many of the cherished Statler oldies.

JESSE & NOAH/This Town Was Built On Heartbreak Songs
Writers: Jesse David Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producers: Jesse & Noah Bellamy; Publishers: Skunk Ape, ASCAP; J&N (track)
– I have liked this duo a great deal in the past. Its new CD is titled Southern Usonia. The collection leads off with this marvelously melodic, atmospheric, soaring anthem. If the boys don’t have a hit with it, somebody else sure should. Looking for a cornerstone composition for your new album? Here it is.

RICK MONROE/This Side Of You
Writers: Jason Duke / Rick Monroe / Ryan Griffin; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Dan Hodges Music(ASCAP)/Jindo Dog Music (ASCAP); MRG (ERG)
– Stately and potent. I have liked just about everything this guy has sung in the past. This ballad shows another side of his voice, and it’s just as chesty and solid as ever.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin’ I’m Good At
Writers: Tom Douglas/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Publishers: ©2017 Sony/ATV Countryside / Paris Not France Music (BMI) / Sony/ATV Tree Publishing / Tomdouglasmusic; Atlantic (download)
– A boatload of fun, fun, fun. He can’t cook toast, change a flat or dance. But he can make her smile with love. And with this delightful, rhythm-happy track, he can make her tap her toes, too. A blast.

TWOSHINE COUNTY/Track 9
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Pitbull (ERG)
– I chose this one because I was intrigued by both the title and the band name. It’s a cool, swirly outing about dizzy love that comes rushing back to him every time he hears “track 9” on their favorite album. Tenor vocals with stacked harmonies, burbling rhythms and ringing guitars are the hallmarks here. Very listenable.

DISClaimer: The Stars Come Out For CRS

February 23, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Backstreet Boys with Florida Georgia Line on the set of their new video. Photo: Justin Mrusek

The stars are out for CRS week.

Among those stepping up to the plate with new sounds are Cole Swindell, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Crowell, Rascal Flatts and Kristian Bush. They all swing for the fences, but the home run hitters turn out to be Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys. They earn the Disc of the Day award.

Interestingly, their closest competitors are not from the roster of any major-label team. Challenging the big boys on the field today are Presley & Taylor, the young female duo with a winning ballad performance.

The DisCovery Award goes to Philip Dain Powell, about whom I know nothing except that Fred Vail produces him.

PHILIP DAIN POWELL/I Died Today At 3
Writer: none listed; Produce: Fred Vail; Publisher: none listed; PDP (track)
– She left him this afternoon, and he is way beyond blue. The song is country cool, and his performance is super strong, range-y and emotional. This guy has the goods.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/You Look Good
Writers: none listed; Producer: busbee; Publishers: none listed; Capitol (ERG)
– Bright brass bursts and thumping beats characterize this party ditty. I fail to hear anything “country” about it.

BROOKE EDEN/Act Like You Don’t
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow (ERG)
– Well sung, if rather forgettable, song-wise.

PRESLEY & TAYLOR/This Phone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; SMG (ERG)
– The female duo’s vocal harmony work is splendid on this lovelorn ballad. Everything about this is perfection, from the swirling, fiddle-embellished production to the beautiful song craftsmanship. Play and believe.

RASCAL FLATTS/Yours If You Want It
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-This has a certain nervous energy that is quite captivating. The boys sing above a driving, propulsive track, delivering a rapid-fire lyric about winning a girl’s heart. Turn it up and sing along.

COLE SWINDELL/Flatliner
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner (ERG)
– She’s so gorgeous she stops his heart, hence the title of this generic country rocker.

THE SCOTT BROTHERS & ERIC PASLAY/My House
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Star Farm (ERG)
– The phrase “my house” is repeated six times in each chorus, just so you don’t forget the title. Except at the end, when “my house” is chanted endlessly. Okay, okay, okay: We get it.

KRISTIAN BUSH/Sing Along
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Wheelhouse (ERG)
-Tuneful and sunny. Very pleasant, with the blush of true romance.

BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS & RODNEY CROWELL
Writers: Fearing/Linden/Wilson; Producer: Colin Linden; Publishers: Fearing and Loathing/Colin Linden, SOCAN; File Under Music (Canada)
-Blackie & The Rodeo Kings are a Juno-winning big deal north of the border. Their new Kings and Kings collection features collaborations with Eric Church, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller and more. It kicks off with this lively bopper featuring a plaintive guest vocal by Rodney Crowell. It’s a toe tapper with a biting edge.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & THE BACKSTREET BOYS/God, Your Mama, and Me
Writers: Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Champagne Whiskey/Words & Music/Hillarody Rathbone/BMG Firefly/Dash8, ASCAP (Big Machine)
– Eternal, unconditional love, expressed in luscious, layered harmonies. An audio landscape to get lost in.

DISClaimer: Trace Adkins Rises To The Top With “Watered Down”

February 16, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Love songs and ballads are the order of the day.

Among those basking in a post-Valentine glow are LANCO, Brett Young, Nick Tyrrel and Kip Moore. The first named has a possible wedding classic on its hands. Young has the romantic-balladeer role sewn up.

Trace Adkins rises to the top with a moving ballad about growing older, gaining wisdom and slowing down. He wins the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to the Houston-based Charlie & The Regrets. In a world of synth productions and chick-fantasy, bro-country lyrics, they sing and write about what’s going on in the real world.

CHARLIE AND THE REGRETS/Time Moves Slow
Writers: Harrison/Golden; Producer: Derek Hames; Publishers: none listed; Edgewater (track)
– This dark, doomy country rocker has a swampy undertow that is inescapable. Its portrait of folks living on the wrong side of the tracks has both hopelessness and power.

BRETT YOUNG/In Case You Didn’t Know
Writers: Brett Young/Tyler Reeve/Kyle Schlienger/Trent Tomlinson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Caliville/Big Machine/Brown Hound/Kyle Schlienger/Big Spaces/BootHeel/Big Mosquito/Amplified, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-We need one of these right now, a tender and expressive ballad that tugs the heartstrings. He’s a guy who has trouble expressing himself, but aches out his emotions with a plaintive plea for her love.

KIM McABEE/Journey On
Writers: Ty Herndon/Caleb Collins; Producer: Ty Herndon; Publishers: none listed; Soigne (track)
– Be brave. Hold your head high. Weather the storm. A better day is coming. This is a beautifully written expression of hope and inspiration. Play it.

SAM HUNT/Body Like A Back Road
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville (download)
– The electro backing track stays out of the way as he drawls his praise of his baby’s anatomy (”I know every curve like the back of my hand”). The song is minimal, but the groove is insistent.

NICK TYRREL/Breathe The Air Tonight
Writers: Nick Tyrrel/Clark Abbott; Producers: Dustin Smith/Clark Abbott; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; NT (CDX)
– He sings with authority. The track bops lightly as he spins a wish for romance. The production veers between simple clarity and fuzzy, too-dense electric guitar noodling.

LANCO/Greatest Love Story
Writer: Brandon Lancaster; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Arista (download)
– This love story burbles along at a jaunty pace. A belated Valentine for your country listeners, and quite possibly a wedding-dance evergreen.

BRIAN PHAROAH/Fighting Another War
Writers: Bill DiLuigi/Brian Pharaoh/Randy Barber; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: 888 Red/Spunkem, SESAC/BMI; Spunkem (CDX)
– He’s trying to get through PTSD with her love as his weapon. It’s a great story. I just wish he was a better singer.

KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You
Writers: Kip Moore/Steven Olsen/Josh Miller/David Garcia; Producers: Kip Moore/David Garcia; Publishers:© 2017 WB Music Corp./Point Break Publishing/Music of the Corn, admin. by WB Music Corp.; WB Music Corp./Music of the Corn, admin. by WB Music Corp.; Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/D Soul Music, admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com (ASCAP); Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Jack 10 Publishing/Songs of the Corn, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI).; MCA Nashville (download)
– Urgent. Stomping. Upbeat and positive. I remain a fan.

RION PAIGE & CORENASHVILLE/Rise
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Savan Kotecha; Producer: CoreNashville; Publishers: When I’m Rich You’ll Be My Bitch/WB/MXM/Kobalt/Wolf Cousins/Warner Chappell/Scand/Ma-Jay, ASCAP/STIM; CoreNashville
– This “country” take on Katy Perry actually isn’t all that far from the original. Tuneful and catchy.

TRACE ADKINS/Watered Down
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Trevor Rosen/Shane McAnally; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: none listed; BBR/Wheelhouse/BMG (download)
– I love it when he really sings. This ballad is a vocal showcase that gives him space to be truly expressive. More than that, it is a superb meditation on aging and finding grace. Honest and profound.

DisClaimer: Blake Shelton, Lari White Offer Top New Tracks

February 9, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

The guys and gals competed head to head this week.

The ladies were paced by the superbly diverse new collection by Lari White. And two of them tied for the DisCovery Award. That would be Arista Manning and Kristi Warner.

As for the fellows, they fielded quite a team to compete against Lari for Disc of the Day. Her challengers included Marty Stuart, Travis Rice, Kane Brown, Randy Thompson and our winner, Blake Shelton.

SOUTHERN HALO/Living Like That
Writers: Nathan Dale Stoops/Paul Taylor/Benjamin Francis Harris/Aubrey Felice Collins; Publishers: Tunes of RPM/Paul Taylor/Music of RPM, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Producers: Cat Gravitt & Gerald O’Brien; Southern Halo (track)
-This female trio rocks out on a rapid-tempo ode to living life in the fast lane. Feisty and fun.

KEITH URBAN & CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Fighter
Writer: Keith Urban/busbee; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Mary Rose/7189 Music/BMG Rights, BMI; Producer: busbee & Keith Urban; Capitol Nashville
-This pop-music duet features electronic beats and processed vocals. It is nicely composed, with her asking questions about their love and him responding with assurances of strength, fidelity and endurance.

RANDY THOMPSON/Midnight Blue
Writers: Randy Thompson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Sean Russell; RTB (track)
-Ringing guitars, an echoey atmosphere, a super melody and a solid, manly vocal are the calling cards here. This guy has the goods.

KANE BROWN & LAUREN ALAINA/What Ifs
Writers: Kane Brown/Matthew McGinn/Jordan Schmidt; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Dann Huff; RCA Nashville (track)
– Nicely done. The craftsmanship in the songwriting is top notch, and his baritone vocal is packed with personality. The swirling melody and the dense production are the icing on this tasty cake. The female accompanying voice belongs to Lauren Alaina.

KRISTI WARNER/Gravity
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Fred Vail; KW (track)
– The title tune of this gal’s CD is a driving, forceful, uptempo tune that she delivers like a pro. I like the little falsetto soprano embellishments in her phrasing on the choruses as well as her straightforward drawl in the verses. Promising.

LARI WHITE/Moonshine
Writers: Tom Bukovac/Lari White; Publishers: SWG, BMI; Producer: Lari White; Skinny WhiteGirl Music (track)
– Lari’s first new collection in 13 years is a double CD titled Old Friends / New Loves. One disc contains imaginative reinterpretations of her 1990s hits (”Now I Know,” “That’s My Baby,” “Lead Me Not,” “That’s How You Know,” etc.). The New Loves disc showcases her new songwriting accomplishments, including this moody, multi-tracked, swampy delight. Haunting, compelling and completely captivating. The album drops tomorrow. Get it.

TRAVIS RICE/Don’t Waste The Rain
Writers: Travis Rice; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; Producer: Noah Henson; TR
– This former DisCovery Award winner is back, this time with a sexy, romantic ballad. It’s raining. He’s horny. And he’s calling her at work with a come-on to come home. A steamy video accompanying this can be seen on his website.

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear That Song
Writers: Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Publisher: Warner Tamerlane/The Queen of Dot Dot Dot/Universal/Chris Lindsey’s Songs/EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Famlove, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Warner Bros. (track)
– The romance may be over, but a song can bring back its memory in an instant. Blake sings with heartfelt intensity and the song’s solid structure gives Scott’s production enough space to move around in. Listenable in the extreme.

ARISTA MANNING/Ride This Night
Writer: Phillip James Roselle/Andrew Rollins/Nicole Scott; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Steve Pope; AM (track)
– The title tune of her debut EP is a rushing wind of energy with some very clever audio gimmicks in the production. Her soaring delivery is a burst of brightly smiling sunshine. I just have one question: Did her parents name her after a record company?

MARTY STUART/Whole Lotta Highway
Writer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Mike Campbell; Superlatone (track)
– The advance single from Marty’s forthcoming Way Out West collection (due March 10) is a rolling, wide-open-road song that sports silvery steel work, a splendidly thumping country-rock rhythm track and smooth-groove harmony vocals by his Fabulous Superlatives. I remain an enormous fan.

DISClaimer: Frankie Ballard, Mo Pitney Tie In A Dead Heat

January 26, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

It’s Star Time in today’s country edition of DISClaimer.

Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Reba McEntire and Jason Aldean are all here with new tunes. The rockers ruled the listening session, with Frankie Ballad and Mo Pitney finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day prize.

The DisCovery Award goes to youthful-sounding Bailey Bryan.

Bailey Bryan

BAILEY BRYAN/Own It
Writers: Bailey Bryan/Dennis Matkowsky/Casey Brown; Producer: Dennis Matowsky; Publishers: Kompass Kopyrights/Bailey Bryan/Karles/Kobalt/So Essential/Not Just Another Song, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; 300/VAR (CDX)
– Punchy and perky. The up-to-date lyric drops lots of contemporary, youthful references and the bouncy beats just don’t quit. Plus, it’s cool that it stops dead in its tracks.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell/Matt Jenkins/Jerry Flowers; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Ind./WB/Atlas/Who Wants to Buy My Pub, ASCAP; MERCURY (CDX)
– An attractive come-on with a breezy tempo, a softly pleading vocal and a wafting audio atmosphere. Let’s face it, this guy just has an unerring knack for finding hit songs.

LUKE BRYAN/Fast
Writers: Luke Bryan/Rodney Clawson/Luke Laird; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud Crowd/Farm Town/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-I like the way his voice is so high up in the mix that it sounds like he’s sitting next to you. It gives the record a relaxed, intimate quality that’s quite lovely. It also helps that the song is so well written.

MO PITNEY/Everywhere
Writers: Mo Pitney/Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Producers: Dean Dillon/Paul Overstreet; Publishers: Mike Curb/Sixteen Stars/Tenorado/Music From Philbily, BMI; Curb (CDX)
– Mo shows that he knows his way around a tempo tune. This is a roll-the-window-down driver with a relentless rush of energy. His strong singing in the verses is joined by celestial harmony vocal work on the choruses. Loved it.

LAUREN ALAINA/Road Less Traveled
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Jesse Frasure/Meghan Trainor; Producer: busbee; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Lylas/Rio Bravo/Year of the Dog/MTrain/Words & Music, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury/19
– The message of this bopper is to be yourself and don’t follow the crowd. The “rebel heart” in the lyric is carried through in her bright, upbeat, soprano delivery. But it went on a little too long, and by the time it finally ended, I was kinda worn out.

JASON ALDEAN/Any Ol’ Barstool
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-You want to know how he feels since she left? Ask any ol’ barstool in this town. The lyric is nifty, and the track is very cool sounding.

MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writers: Mark McKinney/Cassie McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publishers: none listed; Texas Evolution
-Somewhat spare sounding. The sparsely instrumented production is matched by his stark vocal performance. Compared to what else is in today’s reviewing stack, it seems a little weak.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/The Weekend
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Andrew DeRoberts; Producers: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/BMG Gold/Lanercost, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
– It’s one of those spoke-sung things in the verses that then bursts into semi-melodic,shouted choruses. This is getting old.

FRANKIE BALLARD/You Accomp’ny Me
Writer: Bob Seger; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Gear, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Back in the day, Frankie used to open shows for fellow Michigan music maker Bob Seger. So an homage to his mentor seems entirely appropriate. His churning guitar work and earnest vocal give this golden goodie new luster. It’s totally cool how it builds in intensity as it goes along.

REBA McENTIRE/Back To God
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Randy Houser; Producer: Reba McEntire/Doug Sizemore; Publishers: ole Big Business/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Burn 1 Baby/BMG, BMI; Rockin/Nash
– Reba’s new double-disc gospel set Sing It Now consists of classic tunes on Disc One. Disc Two contains newly penned religious numbers. This one instructs us to return to praying and working on salvation.

DISClaimer: Natalie Hemby’s Dazzling ‘Puxico’

January 19, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Today’s survey of current Americana sounds has both old friends and fresh faces.

First things first. Drop whatever you are doing today. Go find the new album by Natalie Hemby. Give it a spin and prepare to be dazzled. It is absolutely brilliant. It is also the Disc of the Day.

We had plenty of first timers to choose from. Next to Natalie, my favorite was the new Nashville male-female duo Terra Bella. Give those kids a DisCovery Award.

HUGH PRESTWOOD/I Used To Be The Real Me
Writer: Hugh Prestwood; Producer: Hugh Prestwood; Publishers: Hugh Prestwood/Judy Collins, no performance rights listed; Wildflower/Cleopatra (track)
– The latest album by this Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is on Judy Collins’s label. That’s sort of a “full circle” thing, since she was the first person to have a hit with one of his songs (1979’s “Hard Times for Lovers”). Judy sings with Hugh on two of the new CD’s tracks. Its compelling title tune is a rhythmic story song about a broken man who ruefully remembers better days. Also included is his own version of his celebrated “The Song Remembers When.”

ME AND MOLLY/Old Friend
Writers: Molly Stevens/Declan McGarry; Producers: Jeff Crawford/Molly Stevens/Declan McGarry; Publishers: Me and Molly, no performance rights listed; Tiny Human (track)
– This Nashville songwriting duo has a strummy, folkie sound. Both are strong singers. Amid this title track’s gently rhythmic track are their note-perfect harmony vocals. He carries the lead. She soars above.

THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND & JACKSON BROWNE/These Days
Writers: Jackson Browne; Producers: Michael Davis/Jeff Hanna; Publisher: Open Window/no performance rights listed; NGDB (track)
– The soundtrack to this band’s 50th-anniversary PBS TV celebration has now been released. Guests include John Prine, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Jerry Jeff Walker and Rodney Crowell. The inclusion of Jackson Browne is apt, since he was briefly a NGDB member in the band’s early days. The band evocatively backs him with echoey licks on performance of his signature 1973 song. On the track, he reveals that he actually wrote it way back when he was in the group. Recommended, as is the whole package.

TERRA BELLA/Road To Forever
Writers: Joseph Costa/Dave Gibson; Producer: Johnny Garcia; Publishers: none listed; TB (track)
– This couple made the move from California to Music City and got married. They are staging their disc debut with a six-song EP. Its title tune is a tough little country rocker with many hooky pleasures. Producer Johnny Garcia has been Trisha Yearwood’s guitar accompanist for years, and it sounds like he has a future behind studio boards.

JENNY GILL/Lonely Lost Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: Vince Gill; Publishers: none listed; JG (track)
– Vinnie’s daughter sings with a confident pop lilt. Her dad’s accompanying track has an irresistible groove embellished with guitar and organ accent notes. Very listenable. Very sweet.

SAINTS ELEVEN/Coming Back Around
Writer: Jeff Grossman; Producer: Walt Wilkins/Ron Flynt; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP; JG (track)
– These three are evidently a big deal on the live scene in Texas. Their third CD’s title tune moans the blues with plenty of twang and heart. There’s a raw, authentic edge to frontman Jeff Grossman’s honky-tonk drawl.

JIM LAUDERDALE/This Changes Everything
Writers: Jim Lauderdale/Bruce Robison; Producer: Tommy Detamore; Publishers: Laudersongs/Mighty Nice/Tiltawhirl/Bluewater, BMI; Sky Church (track)
– This prolific Americana record maker enters the new year with a solid 11-song collection that kicks off with this smoothly shuffling title tune. The band cruises like a finely tuned car, while Lauderdale’s vocal hangs back ever so slightly. This behind-the-beat phrasing keeps you hanging on with anticipation, note for note. As always, Lauderdale is reliably country throughout the album.

NATALIE HEMBY/This Town Still Talks About You
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Kelly Archer/Jnan Schott; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publishers: none listed; GetWrucke (track)
– She’s been cowriting hits for Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and other top stars for years. Now a CD titled Puxico introduces her as a record maker. Her expressive, languid vocal on this track is matched with a dreamy, atmospheric production by her hubby, Mike Wrucke. It goes without saying that it is brilliantly written. Definitely don’t stop with this tune; hang around for the whole collection and get bathed in beauty.

RENEE WAHL/See You On The Way Down
Writers: Renee Wahl/Bill Maler; Producer: Patterson Barrett; Publisher: Renee Wahl/Ten Gallon Fat, BMI/ASCAP; Double R (track)
– Like many of our community’s Americana record makers, this gal is an East Nashvillian. Her six-song EP kicks off with this plaintively sung roots bopper. She’s not the strongest vocalist in the world, but the chugging production and hearty harmony vocals give her the oomph she needs.

BILL COOLEY/In Search of Home
Writer: Bill Cooley; Producer: Paul Martin/Bill Cooley; Publishers: Nancy Lee, ASCAP; NLM (track)
– Cooley has been Kathy Mattea’s accompanist for decades. He periodically issues instrumental guitar collections, and this is the title tune of his latest. It’s an acoustic tone poem with lovely filligreed picking that’s so inventive and involving that you forget you’re listening to just one instrument. Mattea drops by to offer a vocal on the Jesse Winchester song “That’s What Makes You Strong.” Enchanting listening.

DISClaimer: Dwight Yoakam Returns To ‘Grass Roots on New CD

January 12, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Dwight Yoakam

To refresh your head and restore your spirit, I recommend a stroll through the field of bluegrass.

The sounds of The Infamous Stringdusters, of Jerry Salley, of Kristin Scott Benson with Claire Lynch, of Jeff White and of Adam Steffey will greet you on your journey like kindly companions. Lend all of them your ears.

Our Disc of the Day belongs to Dwight Yoakam. His debut bluegrass collection is a perfect fit for his singing and songwriting. The DisCovery Award goes to Volume Five. The band’s album is called Drifter, and it’s a winner.

BRYAN SUTTON/The More I Learn
Writer: Bryan Sutton; Producer: Byran Sutton; Publisher: Deepwood BMI, Sugar Hill (track)
-Sutton has entered the top-30 on the bluegrass chart with this title tune of his current CD. His gentle, rippling guitar work is matched by his tender, soft vocal delivery of this philosophical ditty. This goes down smooth and easy.

DWIGHT YOAKAM/These Arms
Writer: Dwight Yoakam; Publisher: ƒigs D/Bicycle, BMI; Producers: Gary Paczosa, Jon Randall Stewart & Dwight Yoakam; Sugar Hill (track)
-Flatt Lonesome’s rendition of Dwight’s oldie “You’re the One” led its being named Song of the Year at the IBMA awards. So his releasing a bluegrass collection couldn’t be more timely. It’s called Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars and contains this sprightly, tuneful reworking of his 1998 country single. Davey Faragher’s tenor harmony voice and Stuart Duncan’s greased-lightning fiddle work compliment the star’s performance brilliantly. The collection also contains Dwight’s fabulous bluegrass version of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” by the way.

JEFF WHITE/Run Little Rabbit Run
Writer: David Akeman; Publisher: Fort Knox, BMI; Producer: Jeff White; JW (track)
-This is an old Stringbean tune, given a sizzling, mountain-wildfire arrangement by White and his sellar cohorts Charlie Cushman, Michael Cleveland, Vince Gill and Barry Bales, with a harmony-vocal assist from Shawn Camp. It’s at No. 11 and rising fast on the current bluegrass hit parade. Hot stuff.

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS/Gravity
Writers: The Infamous Stringdusters; Publisher: The Infamous Stringdusters, BMI; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters & Billy Hume; Compass (track)
-This ridiculously gifted group is sort of a fusion of bluegrass and jam-band styles. Billed as “The Future of Bluegrass,” the band drops its new Laws of Gravity collection tomorrow (Jan. 13). This enchanting track captures how deeply involving this act’s music can be. It’s a swooning dream that mixes fluid vocals with a stirring, complex instrumental smoke cloud. Essential listening.

MAC WISEMAN/I Sang the Song
Writer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Mountain Fever
-At age 91, this Bluegrass Hall of Fame member continues to amaze. The title tune of his latest collection is nothing short of his life story in one elegant lyric. He’s called “The Voice with a Heart” with good reason.

TRINITY RIVER BAND/Come Back Train
Writer: Jerry Salley/Cassidy Lynn Alexander; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Joshua Harris & Sarah Harris; Orange Blossom
-This family band is celebrating its 10th album, Things We Do For Dreams. This single from it has just entered the Bluegrass Unlimited chart. The song is as cool as the breeze. Alas, there’s not a vocalist in the group who’s electrifying enough to truly bring it life.

ADAM STEFFEY/Dear John
Writers: Aubrey A. Gass/Tex Ritter; Publisher: Tex Ritter, ASCAP; Producer: Adam Steffey; Mountain Home
-This East Tennessee native is one of the bluegrass genre’s hottest mandolin pickers. His warm mountain baritone croons this 1951 Hank Williams oldie with ease, and his dazzling fingers do the rest of the work. The track is new this month on the bluegrass chart. It comes from his CD Here to Stay.

KRISTIN SCOTT BENSON AND CLAIRE LYNCH/When Fall Comes to New England
Writer: Cheryl Wheeler; Publisher: Penrod And Higgins/Amachrist, ASCAP; Producer: Kristin Scott Benson; Mountain Home
-Benson is the banjo player in The Grascals. On her solo CD, Stringworks, you’ll find this lilting little slice of paradise. The divine Claire Lynch sings lead while the banjo wizard conjures her instrumental magic. Lynch, by the way, has her own new CD, North By South. More on that in another column.

VOLUME FIVE/I Am A Drifter
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Marc Rossi; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Marc My Words, ASCAP; Producer: Volume Five & Aaron Ramsey; Mountain Fever
-These relative newcomers have entered the bluegrass top-10 with this wandering-boy song. They sound like they have it all going on — a yearning, melancholy, soulful lead singer backed with the silvery fiddle of a crack, five-piece acoustic ensemble. Stardom awaits these guys.

JERRY SALLEY/All Dressed Up
Writers: Jerry Salley/Dianne Wilkinson; Publisher: Den What/Christian Taylor, SESAC/BMI; Producer: Jerry Salley; Very Jerry (track)
-Singer-songwriter Jerry Salley has issued his first bluegrass-gospel CD, Gospel From My Grassroots. It contains his heart-in-throat performance of this cowritten tale of a simple man who is headed for Heaven. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers won an IBMA Award last fall for their version of the song. For extra treats on Jerry’s collection, check out the triple harmonizing on Jerry’s rousing “Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church,” Steven Curtis Chapman’s guest turn on their cowritten classic “His Strength Is Perfect,” bluegrass queen Dale Ann Bradley’s gossamer voice on “Send the Angels Down” and the thrilling, gospel-quartet tune “The Cross on the Right.”

DISClaimer: Three Promising Newcomers Earn DISCovery Honor

January 5, 2017/by Robert K Oermann

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Ben McPeak, Dylan Jakobsen, Midland

Happy New Year.

We’re starting 2017 the right way in DISClaimer, by showcasing artists who are new and promising. In a first for this column, we have a three-way tie for the DisCovery Award. Let me direct your attention to one of the most solid singers I’ve heard in a while, Ben McPeak. Next pay heed to a trio of hunks called Midland. Then lend the edgy Dylan Jakobsen your ears. All three are fine, fine listening experiences.

One theme of the day seemed to be weird band names — Australia’s Tornadoes, The Runaway Hamsters, The Easy Leaves — and that’s the most interesting thing about all three.

The Disc of the Day goes to veteran Billy Hardwick Jr. His “The Day Merle Haggard Died” is as country as it gets.

THE EASY LEAVES/Fresno
Writers: Sage Fifield; Producer: Brad Dollar; Publisher: none listed; Omega (track)
-The tempo slogs through sludge. The echo chamber is ten miles deep. The vocals are hillbilly nasal and way pitchy. It says here that it was recorded live.

BILLY HARDWICK JR./The Day Merle Haggard Died
Writers: Billy Hardwick Jr.; Publisher: Rusty Washboard, BMI; Producer: none listed
-Country to the core. It name-checks the Hag’s song titles as it tells the tale of a performer who yearns to be just like his idol. This veteran has always been considered “too country.” Which is fine with me.

THE RUNAWAY HAMSTERS/A Little Country
Writers: The Runaway Hamsters/Kent Wells; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Way West/Creek Valley, BMI/ASCAP
– This acts consists of three sisters and a brother, all of whom are pre-teen. They sound exactly like little kids playing dress-up. Bouncy and bubblegummy.

MIDLAND/Drinkin’ Problem
Writers: Jess Carson/Cameron Duddy/Mark Wystrach/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Shane McAnally, Dann Huff & Josh Osborne; Publisher: WB/Jess Carson/Warner-Tamerlane/Vaqueros Galacticos/Tropical Cowboy/Smack Hits/Kobalt/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek, ASCAP/BMI/GMR; Big Machine
-Airy and vaguely “western” sounding, with plenty of breezy steel and lightly twanging guitar work. Nicely understated vocal work on the gentle melody. Extremely promising.

GARY WEST/Right
Writer: Wynn Varble; Producer: Gary West; Publisher: none listed
-West’s new CD is a salute to The Man in Black, titled For the Love of Cash Volume 2. He offers his own take on standards like “Ring of Fire,” “Understand Your Man” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” mixed in with new tunes. This witty, tongue-in-cheek ditty is a catchy toe tapper with stuttering guitar and rumbled, Cash-like vocals. Also check out the equally catchy “I Ain’t Playin’ No Jason Aldean.”

JOSEPH WELZ/Save The Night
Writers: Joey Welz; Producer: Joey Welz; Publisher: Ursula, BMI
-His whispered vocal wobbles from note to note, seldom landing accurately. The cheesy, piano-and-saxophone production is a riot.

THE HAMMOND BROTHERS/Let It Rain On Me
Writers: Dale & Gale Hammond; Producers: Dale & Gale Hammond; Publishers: Vonger, no performance rights listed; Vonger (CDX)
– Pleasant and inoffensive, featuring good sibling harmony vocals. But I don’t know that I’d play it more than just this once.

AUSTRALIA’S TORNADOES/Cowboy For A Night
Writer: Darrell T. Ewing; Producers: Hillbilly Rick, Dave Goodger, Mark Borg; Publishers: none listed; BMI; HR (CDX)
– Basic neo rockabilly, with a rollicking piano, a honking sax and a jitterbug beat. There’s nothing special about the singing, but it gets the job done.

DYLAN JAKOBSEN/Silverado
Writer: Dylan Jakobsen; Producer: Dylan Jakobsen; Publishers: none listed, BMI; CB (CDX)
– I like the rasp in his voice and the powerful rhythm track. The lonesome lyric is sweet, too. This is very, very cool sounding. Who are you? Send more.

BEN McPEAK/Fix You Up
Writers: Hayslip/Wiseman/Akins; Producer: Billy Decker; Publisher: none listed; BMM (CDX)
– He’s gonna cure her heartache with a night on the town, followed by some smooching in the car. He sings with plenty of chesty oomph, and the track rocks nicely. Well done.

DISClaimer: Brothers Osborne Close Out 2016 With A Righteous Stomper

December 22, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Some of country’s top stars are closing out the year in style.

Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town and Brothers Osborne are offering choice new singles to see us into 2017. Our endearing new choice as CMA Duo of the Year leads the way. Give a Disc of the Day honor to Brothers Osborne. But don’t overlook LBT and its Taylor Swift-penned song jewel.

Call it a tie for the DisCovery Award between a gal and a guy, namely Tenille Arts and AJ Hobbs.

THOMAS MICHAEL RILEY/Between The Tick n’ the Tock
Writer: Thomas Michael Riley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TMR
– The melody is pretty basic, with a ding-dong, nursery-rhyme quality. The production is fairly minimal, and his voice is just average. But there’s a certain sincerity here that I found appealing.

BROTHERS OSBORNE/It Ain’t My Fault
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: WB/Trampy McCauley/All the Kings Pens/Songstein/Warner-Tamerlane/The Country and Western Music, ASCAP/BMI; EMI (track)
– This righteous stomper features snarling electric guitar and a striking “outlaw” vocal on a very cool, torrent-of-words lyric. The stark, “ah” interjections are as ear catching as the chanted background singing. Play this all the dang time.

SAM BROOKER/Stay
Writers: Brent Anderson/Sam Brooker; Producers: Jamie Tate; Publishers: Sea Gayle/Artist Revolution, no performance rights listed; SB
– Softly plaintive and aching. His soft tenor swims in a pool of chiming guitars, gentle percussion, hushed harmonies and ringing sonic touches. Enchanting. We first encountered Sam several years ago in the pop duo Sam & Ruby. Since then, he has tasted success as the publisher of “Cruise” and other top tunes. As this illustrates, his skills as a writer-artist remain potent.

SHANE OWENS/All The Beer In Alabama
Writers: Shane Owens/Dan Murph/Phillip Douglas; Producer: James Stroud; Publishers: Oxi Rock/231 South/Sixteen Stars/Curb, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; AmeriMontie (track)
-This guy continues to impress. This honky-tonk ballad gives him plenty of room to showcase his bent-note phrasing and expressive lyric skills. This is real country music, the way it’s meant to be sung.

AJ HOBBS/Too Much Is Never Enough
Writer: AJ Hobbs; Producers: Ted Russell Kamp/AJ Hobbs; Publishers: Tee Hobbs, ASCAP; Booker (track)
– The title tune of this fellow’s CD is a rockabilly rave-up that puts pedal to the metal and never lets up for one second. Need tempo on your playlist? Look no further than this barrelhouse romp.

KENNY CHESNEY/Bar at the End of the World
Writers: J.T. Harding/Aimee Mayo/David Lee Murphy; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: Songs Music/Mighty Seven/Heavy Metal Disco/Songs of SMP/Warner-Tamerlane/The Queen of Dot Dot Dot/Old Desperados/N2D/Carol Vincent, ASCAP/BMI; Columbia/Blue
– Kenny’s inviting you to take a toe-tapping tropical journey. I’d go if I were you.

MIGHTY ORQ/The Possum Song
Writer: J. Davidson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; ORQ
– It turns out that it really is about a nocturnal marsupial. With a bluesy backing track, no less.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Better Man
Writers: Taylor Swift; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Capitol (CDX)
– I am a hopeless fan of this foursome. Karen’s lead vocal on this dreamy track is extraordinarily intimate. When the other three join her on the choruses, it’s audio heaven. Close your eyes and let this fabulous production wash over you.

TENILLE ARTS/Wildfire and Whiskey
Writers: Tenille Arts/Jason Massey; Producers: Matt Rovey/Adam Wheeler; Publishers: Oven/Ole Red Cape/Apartment Studio, BMI/ASCAP; 19th & Grand
– She is a Canadian writer-artist with a winsome, piercing delivery. The song is a lightly rocking, ridiculously catchy, brightly shining gem about falling head over heels. Promising in the extreme.

REX ALLEN JR.
Writer: Greenback Dollar; Producer: Rex Allen Jr.; Publishers: none listed; BPR (track)
-Rex is usually a cowboy singer, but Garage Songs: The Folk Years salutes his background as a ‘60s folkie. His warm baritone takes on “Tom Dooley,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Don’t Think Twice” and other fare such as that. The collection leads with a steady, solid rendition of this rounder’s anthem.