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DISClaimer: Gretchen Peters, Woody Pines Top Americana Offerings

February 25, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Gretchen Peters

Americana alert: Some of the genre’s top names are in today’s overview of current product — Buddy Miller, The Kennedys, Kate Campbell and Sierra Hull, for instance.

As good as their efforts are, the Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to the divine Gretchen Peters.

The busker-style, good-time jazz of Woody Pines earns him a DisCovery Award. Cool billing. Cool music.

GRETCHEN PETERS/On A Bus To St. Cloud
Writers: Gretchen Peters; Producers:Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tunes/Purple Crayon, ASCAP: Scarlet Letter
-This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member simply does not know how to make a sub-par recording. Her new one is even more breathtaking than usual. Titled The Essential Gretchen Peters, it is a double CD that is both a retrospective of her past work and a collection of formerly unreleased performances. The first CD includes this heart-stopping new rendition of a prayer-at-midnight tune previously popularized by Trisha Yearwood. Other highlights include the songwriter’s demo of “The Chill of an Early Fall,” an acoustic arrangement of “Independence Day,” her own versions of “The Secret of Life” and “If Heaven,” a Bryan Adams duet on “When You Love Someone” and a trio rendition of “Wild Horses” featuring Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss. Not to mention “When You Are Old,” “Blackbirds,” “Sunday Morning” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The woman is a goddess, people.

STONE CUPID/The Cardinal
Writer: Julie Christensen; Producers: Julie Christensen & Jeff Turmes; Publisher: Stone Cupid, BMI; Stone Cupid
-Stone Cupid is a five-piece East Nashville band that’s a vehicle for the songs of its leader, Julie Christensen. The CD’s title tune is a fascinating, dark slab of rock balladry with shuddering electric guitar and vocals that wail and snarl. Her punk roots are showing. Other writers on the collection include David Olney, Kevin Gordon and Leonard Cohen.

DAVID G. SMITH/First Love
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blue Miller; Publisher: none listed; DGS (track)
-This Nashville Americana veteran can always be counted on for excellent song craftsmanship. The new CD’s title tune is a hushed, aching meditation on a dying love. To put it bluntly, it’s a devastating minor masterpiece of grief. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find “In the Silence,” a ballad that tackles the tragedy of Alzheimer’s. The album’s cast includes such greats as Keb Mo, Jelly Roll Johnson, Mary Gauthier and Buddy Mondlock. Heartily recommended.

KATE CAMPBELL/Greensboro
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kate Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Large River (track)
-Campbell’s latest is titled The K.O.A. Tapes (Vol. 1). These are simple, living-room recordings, but her singular talent makes them eloquently listenable. Paul Simon’s “America,” Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and Skynyrd’s “Freebird” are here in unvarnished folk arrangements. Of her original songs, this portrait of the Civil Rights era stands out prominently. Lend her your ears, she’ll steal them away. I remain a committed fan.

WOODY PINES/Black Rat Swing
Writer: Ernest Lawlars; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Muddy Roots
-Bopping, boogie swinging, with deft guitar picking, slapped bass and spare percussion. These viper jazzbos are utterly charming, in a jaunty, busker kinda way.

Woody Pines on the set of “Black Rat Swing” video.

SIERRA HULL/Weighted Mind
Writers: none listed; Producer Bela Fleck; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-The title tune of the mandolin virtuoso’s new CD has a choppy avant-garde rhythm and an unusual atonal melody. Her straightforward soprano singing keeps the jazzy outing grounded. Adventurous listening.

BUDDY MILLER & NIKKI LANE/Just Someone I Used To Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publishers: Glad/Songs of PolyGram, BMI, New West (track)
–Cayamo Sessions at Sea is billed as by “Buddy Miller and Friends.” His duet partners on the collection of classic country tunes include Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth Cook, Kris Kristofferson and Richard Thompson. He tackles this vintage Porter & Dolly hit with Nikki Lane, but his harmony vocal sounds a little tentative and unconfident to these ears.

TAMMY JONES ROBINETTE & THE DRIVE/To Be A Kid Again
Writer: Tammy Jones Robinette; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: MJ&8, BMI; Rural Rhythm
-Enchanting, with a vocal performance straight from Southern Appalachia. The band includes such instrumental luminaries as Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Ron Block and Aubrey Haynie, and you’ll find vocal support from the likes of Dale Ann Bradley, Jamie Dailey and Jimmy Fortune. Country with a bluegrass bent.

JIMMY AND THE MUSTANGS/Roll The Dice
Writer: Jimmy Haddox; Producers: Jimmy Haddox & Mark Youngersmith; Publishers: Mad Horse, ASCAP; JH (track)
-This roots rock ‘n’ roll band kicks off its Another Round CD with this horn-punctuated blues romp with more than a little rockabilly punch. Jitterbug music.

PETE KENNEDY/Union Square
Writer: Pete Kennedy; Producer: Pete Kennedy; Publisher: Parade of Echoes, BMI; The Kennedys
-Pete and his wife Maura comprise the enduring, 20th-anniversary Americana act The Kennedys. In the past year, they’ve issued a bonanza of music. There’s their group project, West (enthusiastically reviewed in this column last April) plus Maura’s highly recommended solo set titled Villanelle and, most recently, his song-cycle, extended love letter to New York City, Heart of Gotham. Pete leads his collection with this country rocker. It crackles to life with his soulful, hoarse vocal accompanied by jangling electric guitar and driving drumming (Pete plays all the instruments on the CD). By mid-song, you’re completely hooked. This set is a keeper.

DISClaimer: Chuck Wicks, Maren Morris Offer Exceptional New Singles

February 18, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Chuck Wicks

We have an even blend of familiar names and newcomers this week, and that’s just how I like it.

Among the “name” attractions are Eric Church, Loretta Lynn, The Randy Rogers Band and Trick Pony. The tenor singing of hit maker Chuck Wicks has never sounded more pure and clear. His “Always” is the Disc of the Day.

The newcomers include our DisCovery Award winner, naturally. That would be Maren Morris. I’m all ears. Send more.

POOR J BROWN/Southern Fried
Writer: Leon Waddy; Producer: Omar Vallejo and Poor J Brown; Publisher: none listed; PJB (track)
– Pleasant enough. They play and sing well. But, as before, the weakness is in the songwriting.

A THOUSAND HORSES/Southernality
Writers: Michael Hobby/Corey Crowder/Neil Mason; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/Carolina June/Greashakin/Universal/Crowder Taylor/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Nevada House, BMI, Republic Nashville
– Shouting and rocking and loud and in your face. Subtlety is in short supply.

THE RIFTERS/A Hundred Miles
Writers: D.L. Richmond/D.E. Clemmer/A. Biggs; Producers: The Rifters and Don Richmond; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Howlin’ Dog (track)
– Folky, with a gentle ‘60s vibe. Very acoustic, with lovely band harmonies. Welcome to the party.

ERIC CHURCH/Record Year
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Longer and Louder Music; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Little Louder Songs/Mammaw’s Friend Okra Music (BMI); EMI (track)
– Extremely well written. I love the way he incorporates song titles and stars’ names as he runs down his lonely playlist since she’s left him. Solid.

Maren Morris

MAREN MORRIS/My Church
Writers: Maren Morris/busbee; Producer: Maren Morris/busbee; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog, BMG; Columbia (ERG)
– Earthy and refreshingly rootsy. She sings with raw honesty, and the production is spare and clever. Love the down-home gospel vibe.

LORETTA LYNN/Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven
Writers: Loretta Lynn; Producer: Patsy Russell/John Carter Cash; Publishers: Surefire Music Group (BMI); Legacy (track)
– This rouser first appeared on Loretta’s 1965 LP Hymns. It still sounds feisty and lively. And her singing remains a force of nature.

CHUCK WICKS/Always
Writers: Chuck Wicks/Emily Shackleton; Producer: Chuck Wicks/Andy Dodd; Publishers: none listed; Blaster (track)
– Chuck Wicks created one of the enduring wedding anthems with 2007’s “Stealing Cinderella.” His new Turning Point collection contains a second. This gorgeous waltz is sung with heart-in-throat intensity and is guaranteed to melt hearts.

TRICK PONY/Everybody Wanna Be Us
Writers: Victoria Banks/Kyle Sackley/Blake Bollinger; Producer: James Stroud; Publishers: Little Extra/Spark Ark/Petrelli Tunes, BMI/ASCAP; Permian (track)
– Keith takes a turn as lead vocalist with Heidi offering a mirror harmony vocal. The track simmers with energy and the song trips along splendidly. A winner.

TUCKER BEATHARD/Rock On
Writers: Tlucker Beathard/Casey Beathard/Marla Cannon; Producer: Angelo Petraglia; Publishers: Big Music Machine/Fayde 49/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Six Ring Circus/Scrambler/My My My/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine
– The shuddering wah-wah guitar effect is cool, as is the processed vocal sound. The song is well constructed, with nice wordplay in the hook. A promising debut.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/Neon Blues
Writers: Derek George/Geoffrey Hill/Randy Rogers; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publishers:WB Music Corp./Funky Friar Music (ASCAP)/ Bull Noon Muisc (BMI)/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Trouble Songs (BMI); Tommy
– She comes into the bar every night looking heartbroken. And she’s not looking for companionship, buddy. As usual, Randy sings with regular-guy conviction. The straightforward, mid-tempo track doesn’t throw you any curve balls, but maybe it should, to perk up your ears a little.

DISClaimer: Vince Gill, Dan+Shay, Tara Thompson Offer Noteworthy New Tracks

February 11, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

This is a week when new sounds are presented.

One of the biggest agenda items during Country Radio Seminar is to get the visiting radio moguls interested in the format’s new and upcoming artists. Appropriately, in this edition of DisClaimer more than half the platters come from first timers to the column.

They are Sam Riggs, 8 Ball Aitken, Sierra Black, Reagan Boggs, Troy Johnson and the winner of our DisCovery Award, Valory Music’s Tara Thompson.

Things are less clearcut when it comes to the Disc of the Day award. I’m torn between the dreamy romance of Dan + Shay’s “From the Ground Up” and the exciting “Take Me Down” collaboration between Vince Gill & Little Big Town. Give ‘em both a prize.

SIERRA BLACK/Heart On Ice
Writers: none listed; Producer: Michael Omartian/Tom Hemby; Publishers: none listed; O.M.G.
– A country lyric, a rock attitude and a singer with fire. Energetic.

DAN+SHAY/From The Ground Up
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Chris DeStefano; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Publishers: WB/Beats and Banjos/Warner Tamerlane/Shay Mooney/EMI April/CDS Words and Music, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
– A little swoon of a disc. It’s an ultra romantic waltz about love that lasts forever. The harmonies are twin-like, the track is glossy and the strings sigh just perfectly.

TROY JOHNSON/Stop Following Me
Writers: Greg Hudik/Dillon Dixon; Producer: Greg Hudik; Publisher: none listed, BMI
– He’s a picker on the road with a memory of a woman that he can’t escape. The song is a little wordy, but he sings it so forcefully that you’re sold.

HIGH VALLEY/Make You Mine
Writers: Seth Mosley/Brad Rempel/Benjamin Stennis; Producers: Sam Mosley/Mike X. O’Connor; Publishers: Ceentricity/Kickin’ Pub/Songs of Kicking Bird/Songs of Windswept Pacific, BMI; Atlantic
– The rhythm track seems kinda “nervous,” until they swing into the first chorus. Then the twitchiness turns into a hurricane wind. From that point on, this rocks solidly all the way to the finale.

REAGAN BOGGS/Empty Glasses
Writers: Reagan Boggs; Producer: Dave Coleman; Publisher: Reagan Boggs, BMI; Reckless Bess
– This loping, rolling tune is the title track of this singer-songwriter’s CD. Sung with admirable clarity and produced with plenty of open space for her to shine in. Promising.

VINCE GILL & LITTLE BIG TOWN/Take Me Down
Writers: Vince Gill/Richard Marx/Jillian Jacqueline; Producers: Vince Gill/Justin Niebank; Publishers: Vinny Mae/Songs of Kobalt/Richard Marx/Kobalt Songs/Downtown DLJ/Archer and Arrow, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Heart quickening. Vince begins singing over a steady, driving beat. Then on the chorus, the Little Big Town voices take it straight into vintage Fleetwood Mac territory. Then they oooh as Vince takes a stellar guitar solo. The voices return to swirl around each other like smoke rings into the dazzling fade.

ABBI WALKER/Too Good A Woman
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AW
– I have liked this woman’s work in the past. But this ballad is too slow and draggy.

Tara Thompson

TARA THOMPSON/Someone To Take Your Place
Writers: Tara Thompson/Alex Kline/Leslie Satcher; Producer: Alex Kline; Publishers: Big Music Machine/Songs of Spoons Tunes/Songs of Starstruck/Vision Board/Airplanes for Stars/Sony-ATV Tree/Leslie Satcher, BMI/SESAC; Valory Music
– Fabulous lyrics. She’s on the prowl in her new Payless high heels, Chanel No. 5 perfume and hot make-up to get over their breakup. She purrs and spits delightfully and the track shudders and rawks. A blast.

SAM RIGGS/The Lucky Ones
Writers: Sam Riggs/Chad Camp; Producers: Erik Herbst/Sam Riggs; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Thirty Tigers/Deep Creek (track)
– Nicely done. It’s a nostalgic look back at his youth with chiming electric guitars all around him. Hang on for the finale, when the University of North Texas Drum Line comes stomping in.

8 BALL AITKEN/She’s Going To Mexico, I’m Going To Jail
Writers: 8 Ball Aitken; Producer: Michael Flanders; Publisher: none listed; Indie Extreme
– 8 Ball is a guitar slinger who lives in Austin, records in Nashville and is a native of Australia. This rollicking story song has already been a No. 1 country hit in Oz. Over
an outlaw beat, he bellows the yarn about a guy who gets roped by a redneck girlfriend into robbing a convenience store with a stolen car. She gets away and pins the evidence on him. Big party music.

DISClaimer: Cam, Brandy Clark, Aubrie Sellers Break Up The Boys Club

February 4, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

Pictured (L-R): Brandy Clark, Cam, Aubrie Sellers

For a while, it looked like Billy Currington, LOCASH or Dierks Bentley was going to rule the day, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Down the track came Brandy Clark and Cam, and they ran over those boys like a pair of locomotives. The two women finish in a tie for the Disc of the Day award.

Today’s DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Aubrie Sellers.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/That Was The Whiskey
Writer: Nini Camps; Producer: Denny Diante; Publisher: none listed; CM (track)
-I think I have liked everything this gal has put out. This time around she applies her soulful, husky pipes to a punchy rocker about a wild child who looked an awful lot like her when she was tearin’ up the town last night. “That was the whiskey,” not her, in that red dress dancing on the table. Lots of verve. Lots of fun.

BILLY CURRINGTON/It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To
Writers: Billy Currington/Cary Barlowe/Shy Carter; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Coconut Hut/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/BMG Rights Management/You Want How Much of What Pub/Worldwide EMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
– Crunchy and stomping. He sings the fire outta this lyric about a guy going through hell getting over a heartbreak. The shuddering guitar, shouted chorus boys and catchy, chesty chorus are all just terrific. Currington strikes pay dirt again.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Somewhere On A Beach
Writers: Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Alex Palmer/Dave Kuncio/Josh Mirenda; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Peermusic III/Peertunes/Jaron Boyer/BMG Silver/Fuego/BMG Rights Management/David Ryan/The Real Brain/WB/Music of the Corn, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
– Take this, ex-girlfriend. He’s getting over you by chilling next to the ocean with a hot babe and a cold drink. So there.

LORRIE MORGAN/How Does It Feel
Writers: Mark Oliverius/Loretta Lynn Morgan/Kelly Lang; Producer: Richard Landis; Publishers: Omee/Kelly Lang, BMI; Shanachie (CDX)
– Still one of our most lustrous vocalists. Morgan uses her range and emotive abilities to alternately caress with a soprano whisper and contemplate with an alto moan on this ballad. The “answering” harmonica and steel guitar are both expertly deployed by producer Landis. Recommended.

CAM/Mayday
Writers: Camaron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producers: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Publishers: Marvelous Oaks/One Year Yesterday/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse, BMI; Arista/RCA (track)
– As before, extremely melodic and sung with superb élan. The double-time undertow thump in the production is a nifty contrast with her soaring, broken-note soprano. A hit if I’ve ever heard one.

LOCASH/I Know Somebody
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover/Rhett Akins; Producer: Londsay Rimes; Publisher: none listed; Reviver (track)
– These boys are on a roll. This whole lyric is one extended pick-up line. And the track cooks with gas. Check ‘em out at Monday’s MusicRow Margaritaville showcase and radio awards show.

BRANDY CLARK/Girl Next Door
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Highway 508/House of Sea Gayle/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
– She’s kinda rough and kinda trashy. She’s definitely no debutante, Marcia Brady, Barbie or girl next door. And she rocks while she’s dishing out the facts to you, buddy. Attitude on a platter. Spunk and snark and sass you can dig for days.

PETE SCOBELL BAND/Walkin’ A Wire
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Cactus Moser; Publishers: Big White Tracks/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Old Desperados/N2D, ASCAP/BMI; FrogBonz
– I like the slight rasp in his delivery and the chiming guitar in the band’s sound. He’s trying to make time with her, but is pretty scared and tense about it. A tempo tune with countryboy feelings.

AUBRIE SELLERS/Sit Here and Cry
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell: Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– The band is stark and raw on this toe tapper. She sings with splendid assurance and moxie. Aubrie is the daughter of songwriter Jason Sellers and singer Lee Ann Womack, but she definitely has her own thing goin’ on. Garage country, anyone?

THOMAS RHETT/T-Shirt
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/WB/Atlas/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
– The track bobs and bops and burbles. He babbles atop it about falling in love. There’s not much of a tune, here, but plenty of energy crackles in it.

DISClaimer: Taylor Swift, Anderson East Offer Superb New Singles

January 28, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

We’ll be up to our necks in country music in the weeks to come, what with CRS and all, so now seems like a good time to remind ourselves what a vibrant and thriving pop/rock scene we have as well.

So thriving, in fact, that I’m playing catch-up. Most of these records came out last year. But I’m just getting around to the riches of Mikky Ekko, Ingrid Michaelson, Brooke Waggoner and The Dead Weather. The Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor singles are new, but their parent CDs are also last year’s.

Speaking of The Dead Weather, it strikes me that Music City just might be the new capital of mainstream, guitar-based rock. With most of the pop world fixated on hip-hop or EDM sounds, Nashville is home to The Black Keys/The Arcs, Jack White/The Dead Weather, Kings of Leon, Paramore, Clear Plastic Masks, Parachute, Cage the Elephant, The Features and The Wild Feathers. Rock bands all.

And speaking of Taylor Swift, she proves once again why she’s the princess of pop by earning a Disc of the Day prize with “Out of the Woods.”

As for Mikky Ekko (a.k.a. John Stephen Sudduth), he’d be the DisCovery Award winner if he hadn’t been Grammy-nominated before he had his own CD. So the honor goes instead to the also gifted Anderson East.

CAGE THE ELEPHANT/Mess Around
Writers: Cage The Elephant; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Publisher: Sony/ATV; BMI; RCA (track)
-Thumping and raucous. Kinda garage-y and lotsa fun. This captures how frothing and energetic these guys are on stage. After the band moved from Bowling Green to Nashville, it switched producers. Black Keys honcho Auerbach gave them a sound more raw and less polished, but the Elephants are still very, very tuneful.

THE DEAD WEATHER/I Feel Love
Writers: Fertita/Mosshart; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: Sleeping Disorder/Kobalt/Domino, BMI; Third Man (track)
– Ferociously rocking. Frontwoman Alison Mosshart has a natural vocal wail that sounds born to be in this band. Lead guitarist Dean Fertita grinds away on a repeated riff that bores into the brain.

MIKKY EKKO/Smile
Writers: Mikky Ekko/Jim Eliot/Greg Kurstin/Dennis Herring; Producers: Elof Lolv & Mikky Ekko; Publishers: Good Kings/Sony-ATV/Jim Eliot/Kurstin/EMI April/Sakana, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; RCA (track)
– This native Nashvillian first attracted my attention when he sang “Stay,” a Grammy-nominated 2012 duet with Rihanna. His debut solo CD, Time, is highlighted by this airy, echoey, celestial-sounding ditty. His sky-high pop tenor delivery aches in a lyric that says things are lousy, so you might as well smile in your misery. Highly listenable. Heartily recommended.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Out of the Woods
Writers: Taylor Swift/Jack Antonoff; Producers: Jack Antonoff/Taylor Swift; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/Ducky Donath, BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Finally. My favorite melody on the 1989 album is now its sixth single. Swift closed concerts with this all last year, and I’ve always believed that it belongs on pop radio. The dark, rumbling rhythm contrasts with its bright, high vocals brilliantly. Get up and shake your money maker.

THE ARCS/Fools Gold
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Leon Michels/Richard Swift; Producers: Dan Auerbach/Leon Michels/Richard Swift; Publishers: Hour Box/Wixen/EMI Blackwood/DANCECONTESTWINNER/Secretly Canadian, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
-This is Dan Auerbach’s side project away from The Black Keys. Like his other group, this one has more than a little blues-rock in its DNA. There is lots of fizzy, fuzzy guitar scuzz here and a dark, haunted vibe that veers almost into psychedelia. The CD is aptly titled Yours Dreamily.

MEGHAN TRAINOR & JOHN LEGEND/Like I’m Gonna Lose You
Writers: Meghan Trainor/Justin Weaver/Caitlin Smith; Producers: Chris Gelbuda/Meghan Trainor; Publishers: Year of the Dog/WB/Music of the Corn/Cornman, ASCAP; Epic (track)
– Artists who launch their careers with a novelty song like “All About That Bass” often turn out to be one-hit wonders. Trainor scored a surprising second time with the just-as-catchy “Lips Are Movin.’” This time out, she slows it down and harmonizes in a soul groove with John Legend. Deliciously hooky.

INGRID MICHAELSON/Time Machine
Writers: Ingrid Michaelson/Busbee/Trent Dabbs/Barry Dean; Producer: Jacquire King; Publishers: Breakable Girls/BMG Platinum/Hello I Love You/Jam Writers Group/BMG Rights Management/Ready Set/Incognito Street, ASCAP/BMI; Cabin 224 (track)
– This indie pop favorite came to Music City to record her fifth album, Lights Out. The lady writes terrifically melodic songs and sings them with blue-eyed soul phrasing. This single/video is a stomper that wishes she could go back in time and warn herself about what a jerk he’ll turn out to be. Michaelson’s albums are always events worth buying, and this is her best one yet. She co-stars in a streamed concert with Cyndi Lauper and Kelsea Ballerini this evening (Thursday) on Skyville Live. It should be quite a show.

STEVE FORBERT/Compromise
Writer: Steve Forbert; Producer: Steve Forbert; Publisher: Songs of Heathercom; SESAC; Rock Ridge (track)
-It has been awhile since we’ve heard from this esteemed singer-songwriter. The title tune of his current album has a chiming, delicate track backing his characteristic soulfully strangulated, slightly hoarse vocal. His harmonica solo is a dandy too. The band features such notables as Kami Lyle, Joey Spampinato and Anthony Crawford.

ANDERSON EAST/Devil In Me
Writers: Anderson East/Mark Stephen Jones/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Farmland/Mark Stephen Jones/One Tooth, BMI; Elektra (track)
– East is in the gossip columns as Miranda Lambert’s new squeeze. They ought to be writing about his smoldering, soul-drenched, gospel-inflected vocal talent. This track from his Delilah debut CD proceeds at a stately pace and is embellished by soul-sister harmonies and bright brass blasts. This man is the real deal.

BROOKE WAGGONER/Ovenbird
Writer: Brooke Waggoner; Producer: Brooke Waggoner; Publisher: Brooke Waggoner, BMI; Swoon Moon
-I have long been in this Nashville charmer’s corner. Her current CD is called Sweven and features this wooshy, electronica soundscape wherein she warbles like a wraith wandering through soft mist. Dreamy. Hypnotic.

DISClaimer: Tim McGraw, The Cactus Blossoms, Loretta Lynn And More Fine Music

January 21, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

It’s not that I’m getting soft in the head; it’s just that everyone made interesting music this week.

So in this edition of DISClaimer there are no pans. Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, FrazierBand and Charles Esten were particularly fine listening experiences.

And then there was the awesome, angelic sound of The Cactus Blossoms. Their names are Jack Torrey and Page Burkum. They are from Minneapolis. Stop whatever you are doing and listen to them right now. Need I add that they win the DisCovery Award?

The Disc of the Day prize goes to the enduringly great Tim McGraw. He can always be counted on for quality work, but “Humble and Kind” is above and beyond anything else currently headed for our airwaves. Applause, applause.

LORETTA LYNN & ELVIS COSTELLO/Everything It Takes
Writers: Loretta Lynn, Todd Snider; Producer: Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash; Publishers: Surefire Music Group (BMI), SHAD N FROYD A Music (BMI); Legacy
-Loretta’s voice is still a glowing trumpet. The steel guitar shadows her every phrase as she describes a conniving female rival. “She’s got everything it takes to take everything you’ve got.” Costello provides vocal harmony on the choruses. Country and proud of it.

CHARLES ESTEN/Like New
Writers: Sarah Zimmerman/Justin Davis/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Universal Music Corp./Sarahzimm Music (ASCAP)/Justin Davis Music (ASCAP). All rights for Sarahzimm Music and Justin Davis Music controlled and administered by Universal Music Corp./BMG Gold Songs/We Jam Writers Group/Glassbean (ASCAP). All rights administered by BMG Rights Management; Big Machine
-Of all the cast members of the Nashville TV show, none has made a stronger commitment to this community than Esten (”Deacon”). The latest edition of the series soundtrack albums kicks off with his performance of this splendidly melodic song. The drummer and electric guitarist give it a real workout as the singer rocks out trying to get over a failed romance. Nicely done.

TIM McGRAW/Humble and Kind
Writer: Lori McKenna; Producers: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Hoodie, BMI; Big Machine
-Gorgeous. The cathedral production on this shimmering ballad has crystal droplets of sound and echoing orchestral canyons. The lyric is loaded with poetic truth. McGraw’s performance aches with tenderness. If this doesn’t touch your heart, you haven’t got one.

THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS/You’re Dreaming
Writer: J. Torrey; Producers: J.D. McPherson & The Cactus Blossoms; Publishers: Jumping Gemini/Hello Central, ASCAP; Red House Records
-Somewhere, the late Phil Everly is smiling. This duo’s sweet, twin harmonies are practically a reincarnation of The Everly Brothers’ iconic sound. The walking bass and echoey electric guitar are as perfect as these heavenly voices. Stunning is the only word that will do. Listen and believe.

TEBEY/Jealous of the Sun
Writer: Tebey, Danick Dupelle and Emily Weisband; Producer: Tebey and Danick Dupelle; Publisher: Songs For Elle/ BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Danick Dupelle (SOCAN), WB Music Corp./Thankful for THiS Music (ASCAP); Road Angel
-Formerly on BNA, this Canadian-born artist reboots his recording career as an indie artist with this slab of audio energy. Youthful and rocking.

JANE KRAMER/Carnival of Hopes
Writer: Jane Kramer; Producer: Adam Johnson; Publisher: Famous Brown Boots, ASCAP; JK
-She sings with a soprano-to-falsetto lilt. The acoustic accompaniment stays in the background to keep her delivery and her lyrics in the spotlight on this title tune of her CD. Her writing is a little “arty” for country, but might find a home in the Americana format. All the tunes are originals with the exception of a cover of Tom Petty’s “Down South.”

TRACE ADKINS/Jesus and Jones
Writers: Jim McCormick, Casey Beathard and Tyler Farr; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: ole Purple Cape Music (BMI) admin by OLE, Rack City Publishing (BMI) admin by OLE, BMG Blue (BMI) admin by BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, Songs of Jim McCormick (BMI) admin by BMG Rights Management, (US), LLC, Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music (BMI), Six Ring Circus Songs (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music; Wheelhouse
-He’s a sinner on Saturday night and a saint on Sunday morning. He wants to find some middle ground between being “stone cold sober and just plain stoned.” The track rocks splendidly, and Trace is on fire as a vocalist on this super single. Add it at once.

LANEY JONES/Allston (Dance Around)
Writers: Laney Jones/Matthew Tenner; Producer: David Plakon; Publisher: none listed, BMI; LJ
-Folk-pop energy with bouncy innocence, boppy delirium and kooky charm.

FRAZIERBAND/The Rod & the Cane
Writer: none listed; Producer: John E. Frazier III; Publisher: none listed; FB
-On its website, the group is offering this track as a preview of its upcoming album, Some People Change. With its airy pop sound and soft harmonies, it puts me in mind of Poco or Pure Prairie League or Crosby, Stills & Nash.

PHILLIP SANDIFER/Find Your Own Way
Writers: Phillip Sandifer; Producer: Phillip Sandifer; Publisher: Wider Sky, BMI; Wider Sky
-Rousing, upbeat and almost hippie-like in its sunny positivism.

DISClaimer: Chris Young, Cassadee Pope Shine On New Collaboration

January 14, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

It’s a day for vocal collaborations.

Our two top discs today are both harmony-vocal workouts. Big & Rich sound splendid with Tim McGraw on board. And Chris Young has never sounded more forceful than he does in tandem with Cassadee Pope. In a tight race, the youngsters win the Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to The Jason Lee McKinney Band.

The Jason Lee McKinney Band

THE JASON LEE McKINNEY BAND/Lisha’s Leaving
Writers: Jason Lee McKinney/Scott Faircloff; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMI/ASCAP; JLM
-The vocals sound somewhat muddy. The instruments sound like they are tuning up. But there is ability and promise here, particularly in the lead-vocal department.

STEVEN TYLER/Red White & You
Writers: Steven Tyler/Nathan Barlowe/Levi Hummon/Jon Vella; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: BMG Gold/20 Summers/Hot Rod 98/HitsSoGood/Big Machine/Levi Hummon/Deston Song Slayer/Kobalt/Sons of Deston/Universal, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Dot
– It’s tightly written, catchy and well produced. He still sounds like a rock singer to me.

MARK McKINNEY/Sunshine
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; Texas Evolution
– It’s about making your own sunshine when times are darkest. The verses are at a ballad tempo. The choruses pick up the pace. It kinda meanders and takes its time getting to its hooks, but the wait is worth it.

LORI YATES/Sweetheart of the Valley
Writer: Lori Yates; Producers: Lori Yates/David Gavan Baxter; Publishers: none listed, SOCAN; LY (Canada)
– This Canadian singer-songwriter saw some chart action on Columbia back in the late ‘80s. The title tune of her current CD is a languid, picturesque, romantic stroll through the countryside, with some dandy steel and twang accompaniment. Very, very listenable.

RAY SCOTT/Live Forever
Writers: Billy Joe Shaver/Eddy Shaver; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publisher: none listed; deciBel (track)
– Ray’s new project is Roots Sessions Vol. 1, a six-song sampler of some of the songs that shaped him as an artist. His mighty baritone is center stage throughout, starting with this solid remake of a Billy Joe Shaver classic. Others saluted include Willie, Waylon, Cash, Tompall Glaser and Don Williams. I remain a big fan of this artist.

BIG & RICH FT. TIM McGRAW/Lovin’ Lately
Writers: Big Kenny/John Rich/Tim McGraw; Producer: Big & Rich; Publishers: Big Love/Songs of Kobalt/J Money/Stylesonic, BMI/ASCAP; New Revolution (track)
– Beautifully produced, with a deep-well atmosphere, swirling instrumental work and crystal-clear vocals. The song is dreamy melodic, and the harmonies are flawless. Play the heck outta this.

BRENNEN LEIGH/I Love You A Thousand Ways
Writers: Lefty Frizzell/Jimmy Beck; Producers: Brennen Leigh, Noel McKay, Cris Burns; Publishers: APRS/Sure Fire, BMI; Line in the Sand
– I am completely smitten with this artist. She plays guitar like the devil and sings like an angel. Her new CD is a salute to Country Music Hall of Famer Lefty Frizzell and has a brilliant neo-retro style, complete with bounced fiddle bows, barrelhouse piano and sighing steel. I was in heaven.

CHRIS YOUNG & CASSADEE POPE/Think of You
Writers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Goodbye Pants/Sony-ATV/WB/Songs From the Rose Hotel/EMI Foray/Write 2 Be Free, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; RCA (track)
– This second single from his new CD is penned by the same team that gave us the chart-topping “I’m Comin’ Over.” But this one rocks splendidly and quickens your pulse. He sings his face off and Pope keeps up on harmonies. Excitement pours out of the speakers. Excellent work all around.

WARD DAVIS/15 Years in a 10 Year Town
Writer: Pat Alger; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown; Publisher: none listed; WDM (track)
– Ward rounded up quite a crew for his new CD–Jamey Johnson, Melonie Cannon, Willie Nelson, Mickey Raphael and Buddy Cannon all put in appearances. The title tune is a solo meditation on broken dreams and cold loneliness. A terrific song.

BILLY DEE/For Sale Sign
Writer: B. Donahue; Producers: Billy Dee/George Schinier; Publishers: Cris Dee, BMI; BD (track)
-He’s hardcore country. His well-weathered singing voice is answered on every phrase by a whipped-dog pedal steel guitar.

DISClaimer: Jennifer Nettles, Eric Chesser Shine

January 7, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

The fallout from Dolly’s triumphant Coat of Many Colors holiday TV movie continues into this first DisClaimer column of 2016.

The film hit an emotional home run and was such a ratings blockbuster that they aired it twice. By the time they add up all the streamed and TiVo’d views, it could wind up as the most successful TV movie in history.

Here’s why it relates to today’s reviews. You see, the two best singles in this stack come from people who were in that film. Jennifer Nettles played Dolly’s mom. Stella Parton had a role as one of her aunts. Both of these women shine like beacons on their new outings this week. Jennifer Nettles earns the Disc of the Day.

Our first DisCovery Award of the year goes to Eric Chesser. He’s a 27-year-old fellow from a town outside of Chicago who sounds to me like he’s launching a promising career as a country singer-songwriter. We wish him the best.

JENNIFER NETTLES/Unlove You
Writers: Jennifer Nettles/Brandy Clark; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Jennifer Nettles/House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Clearbox, ASCAP; Big Machine
-Stunning. This burning ballad builds to a crescendo of anguish. The relationship is going nowhere, but she can’t deny her smoldering feelings. Power and passion in every note.

COLE SWINDELL/You Should Be Here
Writers: Cole Swindell/Ashley Gorley; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Combustion Engine/Jodie’s Favorite/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-It’s a perfect day. Perfect in every way but one. A loved one who has passed on isn’t here to share it with him. Aching and moving.

ERIC CHESSER/I Can’t Read Your Mind
Writer: Eric Chesser; Producers: Larry Beard/Eric Chesser; Publishers: Eric James/BIG BIG, ASCAP; BIG BIG (CDX)
-He has a sturdy, resonant baritone, and he puts it to good use on this self-penned, well-crafted ballad. She’s in a mood, and he can’t figure out why or how. A strong debut.

STELLA PARTON/Mountain Songbird
Writers: Stella Parton/Tom T. Hall/Dixie Hall; Producer: Stella Parton; Publisher: Good Home Grown, BMI; Raptor (CDX)
-Sweet. This is a lovely, acoustic, Appalachian tune, rippling with delicate picking and floating on female vocal harmonies. Clear and pure as a woodland brook.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE/Drink You Away
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (ERG)
-I’m a big fan of this guy. This is a real cool single, but I don’t hear it as all that “country.”

VIOLET DELANCEY/When The Clock Strikes Midnight
Writer: Violet Delancey; Producer: Brent Truitt; Publisher: Honky Tonk Fairytale, ASCAP; VD (track)
– The title tune to this gal’s CD is a toe-tapper with a nifty twang guitar (Bryan Sutton) and a steel (Paul Franklin) that “answers” her vocal phrases. Her voice is light, but she’s surrounded by such hot picking, harmony singing (Randy Kohrs and Brent Truitt) and production finesse that it’s easy to overlook. The piano solo by Jeff Taylor is cool too.

ALLIE LOUISE/It’s Gettin’ Old
Writers: Allie Louise/Doug Kahan; Producer: John Jaszcz; Publisher: none listed; Sixth Beat (track)
-Bopping and full of personality. It is also a very well-written girl-to-girl slice of advice.

JUSTIN MOORE/You Look Like I Need a Drink
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Matt Dragstrem/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publishers: Round Hill Works/Farm Town Songs/Big Loud Proud Crowd, BMI/ASCAP; Valory (ERG)
– Crunchy and thumping. His drawling, Dixie-fried delivery is just right to tell this tale of a good ol’ boy who’s knows he’s getting dumped.

LAURA McCORMICK/Just Around The Corner
Writers: Rick Rowell; Producers: Laura McCormick/Rick Rowell; Publisher: Kit, ASCAP; LMM (track)
-A lively country rocker, full of upbeat optimism, positivity and hope. The chorus voices and handclaps at the finale lift the already-inspiring tune even higher. A winner.

JIMMY CLAY FRIZZELL/Where Do I Go From Here
Writers: Jimmy Clay Frizzell/Jimmy Parker; Producers: Jimmy Clay Frizzell/David Frizzell; Publishers: Feat of Clay/Eastern Seaboard, BMI; Nashville America
-He’s the nephew of the illustrious Lefty, David and Allen Frizzell. Like them, he’s a hard country stylist. Alas, he’s not nearly as good a vocalist. In fact, he barely stays on melody.

DISClaimer: Indie Artists Offer Sterling Holiday Tunes

December 17, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Maiden Dixie

The indie acts are sending holiday wishes today.

There was, in fact, a bumper crop of seasonal singles by indies this year. In addition to these 10, Eric Durrance, J. Michael Harter, Troy Johnson, The Sarah Dunn Band, Emily Vance, Stephanie Thompson, C.J. Garton, Allie Louise and more put out Christmas singles this year.

Of those in today’s column, Maiden Dixie wins a DisCovery Award. The band is base in Minneapolis, and I’d sure like to hear more from it.

There were several new novelty tunes in this stack of platters, such as “Motorcyle Santa,” “Cowboy for Christmas” and our Disc of the Day winner, “That Better Be Santa Claus” by a witty cowboy named Greg Sterling.

SARABETH/Cowboy For Christmas
Writers: Sarabeth Swagerty/Glen Mitchell/Tim Morgan; Producer: Glen Mitchell; Publishers: Delta Pearl/Mathis Mountain/Ameribrit, BMI/ASCAP; Circle S (CDX)
– It’s a western swinger, with loads of fiddle and steel. A cool, yule toe tapper.

TEEA GOANS/Christmas Time Is Here
Writers: Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Lee Mendelson Film, BMI; Crosswind (CDX)
-One of our finest traditional country singers shows off her jazz chops on this dreamy ballad. Soothing and swaying.

HALEY & MICHAELS/The Very Merry Little Christmas Medley
Writers: none listed; Producers: Haley & Michaels/Brad Hill; Publishers: none listed; H&M (CDX)
-This male-female duet scampers over eight standards in less than three minutes. For the listener with attention-deficit disorder.

STEPHANIE RABUS/That Red Nosed Reindeer
Writers: Justin Peters/Steven Rupe; Producer: Justin Peters; Publishers: Justin Peters/ABET, BMI; Platinum Planet
-She sings well, but the song is too wordy.

LEE ANNA McGUIRE/You and Me and the Christmas Tree
Writers: Constance/Lee Anna McGuire/Justin Peters; Producer: Justin Peters; Publishers: ABET/Platinum Planet/Justin Peters/Songs For The Planet, BMI; Platinum Planet
-Young sounding, with sprinkles on top.

THE NICKEL SLOTS/A Shot and a Beer for Christmas
Writer: Tony Bruska; Producer: The Nickel Slots; Publishers: Highway 113, ASCAP; Nickel Slots (CDX)
-This is a rockabilly romp with a bellowing vocal and a roaring track. Get up and jitterbug.

SKYLAR ELISE/Motorcycle Santa
Writers: Skylar Elise/Erik Halbig; Producer: Krik Halbig; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Lexi Dale (CDX)
-Rollicking contemporary country with a slammin’ beat and a offbeat lyric. Listenable.

MAIDEN DIXIE/O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Writers: traditional; Producer: Makoa Johnson; Publisher: public domain; Navigator (CDX)
-Nicely done. The ooomphy, echoey track surrounds the performance with drama. The male and female voices are equally strong and compelling on this imaginatively arranged standard. Send more.

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Greg Sterling

GREG STERLING/That Better Be Santa Claus
Writers: Chick Rains; Producer: Brandon Epps & Sam Martin; Publishers: Sony ATV Tree, BMI; Greg Sterling Music
-He surprises his wife by coming home early on Christmas eve in this irresistible tempo tune. She’s in a negligee he’s never seen before, and there’s a strange noise coming from the backyard. Very country. Very hilarious. Absolutely play it.

RUSTY RIERSON/The Reason for the Season
Writer: Nolan Kroeker; Producer: Rusty Rierson & Carter Green; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Record Ranch
-He doesn’t have much of a voice, and the track plods.

DISClaimer: Rhonda Vincent Tops Holiday Music Releases

December 10, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

The holidays will be here before you know it, so here’s the first installment of DISClaimer’s seasonal music guide.

There are some dandy tracks here, notably from John Berry, Mickey Guyton, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the duo of Kenny Rogers & Jennifer Nettles.

But nobody tops Rhonda Vincent. She has the uncontested Disc of the Day.

ROBBY JOHNSON/Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Writers: John Lennon/Yoko Ono; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; CMR
-His vocal is clear and strong, and he gives this plenty of country heart.

ERIC HEATHERLY/Christmas To Me
Writers: Eric Heatherly; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; Town & Country
-It has an r&b groove and a bluesy vamp. A bump-and-grind for the holidays.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/Santa Baby (You’ll Be Mine)
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Lion Eyes
-Saucy sounding. Best line: “I’m about to make your sleigh bells ring.”

RHONDA VINCENT/Dreaming of Christmas
Writer: Rhonda Vincent; Producer: Rhonda Vincent; Publisher: Sally Mountain; BMI; UM (track)
-Vincent’s Christmas Time CD has four of her original tunes alongside eight holiday standards. This lilting ditty kicks off the set with scintillating fiddle, mandolin, dobro and guitar work, lovely harmonies and an instantly lovable melody. Check out her all-star “Twelve Days of Christmas” featuring Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Oaks, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels, Gene Watson and EmiSunshine. Hands down, the best new Yule CD of 2015.

CLAIRE PETRIE & T. GRAHAM BROWN/He Would Be King
Writers: James Larson/Roger True; Producer: Mark Moseley; Publisher: Woodgrain, ASCAP; Mosrite
-Claire wisely lets his mighty T-ness take the lead most of the time, since his charisma is unstoppable. The song is quite uplifting.

JAMES ROBERT WEBB/Wonderful Christmas
Writer: Paul McCartney; Producers: James Robert Webb/Daniel Kleindienst; Publisher: MPL, ASCAP; Bison Creek (CDX)
-This McCartney favorite lends itself quite nicely to a country arrangement. Webb sings with warmth, and the session musicians are superb. Nice job.

KENNY ROGERS & JENNIFER NETTLES/Here It Is Christmas/Baby It’s Cold Outside
Writers: Kenny Rogers/Frank Loesser; Producers: Kyle Lehning/Warren Hartman; Publishers: Lilonsmate/Wixen/Frank, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– As usual, Rogers is tops as a duet partner. Nettles does her part with deliciously jazzy phrasing. The strings are nicely done, too. Jennifer Nettles hosted ABC’s Country Christmas special last week, and tonight she’s in the spotlight on NBC in the TV movie of Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/It’s Christmas Time
Writers: Charlie & Ira Louvin; Producers: none listed; Publishers: Central Songs, BMI; Mountain Home
-Lordy, these men can harmonize. This gorgeous ballad is decorated with both superb singing and poetic dobro and twin-fiddle accents. Spine tingling.

MICKEY GUYTON/Do You Want To Build A Snowman
Writers: Robert Lopez/Kristen Anderson-Lopez; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publishers: Wonderland, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-Swirling, echoey production backs a heavenly sweet vocal performance. Wistfully romantic.

JOHN BERRY/Blue Christmas
Writers: Billy Hayes/Jay W. Johnson; Producers: John Berry/Robin Berry; Publishers: Judy J Olmstead Trust/Universal Polygram, ASCAP; JB (CDX)
-Simple guitar, piano and brushed drums back him. And with a voice this splendid and a song this great, that’s all he needs. Masterful.