Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
The winter wind is chilling, but the sounds of Americana are warm indeed.
This week’s overview of the genre’s current music boasts the star power of Rodney Crowell & Lisa Morales, John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Jackson Browne.
Towering above ‘em all is Disc of the Day winner Keb’ Mo,’ an artist who never fails to impress.
The DISCovery Award this week goes to Sarah White of Richmond, Virginia.
JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: New West
–The album is titled Leftover Feelings, but there is nothing “leftover” sounding about it. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hiatt unfurls yet another stunning set of his creations on this current collection. We generally think of him as a rocker, but with dobro master Douglas and his band “singing along” with their instruments, Hiatt touches the soul with aching ballads and, in this case, a lively bluegrassy pop outing with a bleak, lost-love lyric. This disc is presently nominated for a Grammy as the Americana Album of the Year.
LISA MORALES & RODNEY CROWELL / “Flyin’ and Cryin’”
Writers: Lisa Morales/Rodney Crowell; Producer: David Garza; Label: LM
–This single is a teaser for Morales’s upcoming album. With an ultra-subtle production of sighing strings, gently brushed drums and acoustic strumming, the duet achingly delineates a lost relationship. Rodney’s seasoned tones match Lisa’s resonant delivery exquisitely. She was half of Sisters Morales until sailing on as a solo with two prior CDs. Her sibling Roberta died of cancer last year. Mexican American Lisa Morales hails from Tuscon and is a cousin of the legendary Linda Ronstadt.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Bombs Away”
Writer: Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–The string band rampages through this divorce song with breakneck fearlessness. If you’re going through the Big D, the best approach is to dive into the unknown with guts and glory, say these Opry stars. That’s Molly Tuttle providing the hot-damn banjo licks. Raucous and delightful, this is the second single from the band’s upcoming CD, following in the footsteps of the title tune, “Paint This Town.”
KEB’ MO’ / “Good to Be (Home Again)”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Mark Ramos Nishita; Producers: Kevin Moore/ Vince Gill; Label: Rounder
–Languid and loose-limbed, this contemplative groover celebrates the artist reconnecting with his roots. (The Nashvillian recently bought his childhood home in Compton, California and renovated it.) It is the title tune of an album that dropped last Friday. You’ll find collaborations with Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show on the new collection, but as this sterling track demonstrates, Keb’ Mo’ soars even higher when he’s on his own. He remains one of the Americana genre’s greatest song craftsmen. Put this one on “repeat” again and again.
JACKSON BROWNE / “Downhill From Everywhere”
Writers: Jackson Browne/Jeff Young/Greg Leisz; Producer: Jackson Browne; Label: Inside
–Browne’s comeback Downhill From Everywhere is Grammy nominated as 2021’s Americana Album of the Year. Its title tune is a punchy folk rocker with a downcast ecological, anti-pollution lyric bolstered by intense vocal bursts. It’s very much in tune with his classic sound. He’s still that Laurel Canyon boomer you’ve known for all these years.
SARAH JAROSZ / “Mama”
Writer: Sarah Jarosz; Producer: Sarah Jarosz; Label: Rounder
–Sarah’s current Blue Heron Suite has a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination this year. This ethereal lead-off track has a lovely simplicity with her deftly plucked acoustic guitar backing her breathy, wistful, poignant soprano.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel David Rateliff/Patrick Blair Meese/Sam Cohen; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–Drawn from this act’s new album, The Future, this dramatic funk-rock track mixes shuddering horn blasts with stinging electric guitar zaps and a stop-start undertow rhythm track. Atop it all is the front man’s seering, fierce lead vocal. It’s a wild ride.
KATIE GUSTAFSON / “See Me Now”
Writers: Katie Gustafson/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Label: Mother Trucker
–Her echoey soprano vocal is surrounded by a swirl of electronics and a deep pool of twang bass. The introspective lyric took on extra significance to the Nashville singer-songwriter when she overcame breast cancer last year.
BRENT COBB / “When It’s My Time”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Layne Cobb/Mike Harmeier; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Ol’ Buddy
–Already one of the Americana genre’s standout singer-songwriters, Cobb turns his talent to gospel music on his upcoming CD. This advance track luxuriates in his captivating Georgia-accented phrasing with stately church keyboards and guitars. Not to mention soulful, Southern-fried backing vocals. Righteous in the extreme. Essential listening.
ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed’ Label: Yep Roc
–Now here’s a concept. White soul singer Reed is releasing an entire album of Merle Haggard songs, reinterpreted as horn-punctuated R&B tunes. It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to admit that it is intriguing. His blistering vocal attack threatens to overwhelm the story telling in “Mama Tried,” but otherwise the soul-music setting brings out new shades in the Hag’s hit.
TYLER CHILDERS / “Long Violent History”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Tyler Childers/Jesse Wells; Label: Hickman Holler
–This is the title tune of Childers’s 2021 CD, which is somewhat oddly nominated as a Best Folk album at this year’s Grammy Awards. His stone-country vocal on this struggling-Appalachia lyric is backed in waltz time by twin fiddles, perfectly picked banjo, mandolin chops and thumped bass. I don’t care what you call it, this man’s music is simply electrifying.
SARAH WHITE / “Different Drum”
Writer: Michael Nesmith; Producer: Stewart Myers; Label: White Star Sound
–White’s cover of this Linda Ronstadt/Stone Poneys classic is an intriguing introduction to a creative alto vocalist. Her slightly behind-the-beat phrasing and conversational pauses are wonderfully ear catching. The deep twang in the production is cool, too. It’s a marvelous tribute to the late, great Michael Nesmith.
Ben Rector Plots ‘The Joy Of Music: Live Tour’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Rector. Photo: Ethan Gulley
Ben Rector is returning to the road this spring with his “The Joy Of Music: Live Tour.” Special guests on the dates include JP Saxe, Jake Scott, Jordy Searcy and Stephen Day.
The new tour kicks off on May 5 in Madison, Wisconsin, and wraps with a Nashville date at Ascend Amphitheater June 25. Produced by Live Nation, the trek will feature music from Rector’s upcoming album, The Joy Of Music, as well as fan favorites, including “Brand New,” “Love Like This,” and more.
“I think this album is my best work and I’m so excited to perform it live,” shares Rector.
Fans can sign up for access to presale tickets at BenRectorMusic.com/tour. Presale will begin Feb. 1 and general public on-sale will begin on Friday, Feb. 4.
Rector rang in the new year with an early release of the three tracks, “Dream On,” “Supernatural” featuring Dave Koz, and “Living My Best Life,” to share a taste of what’s to come on his upcoming album,, set for release March 11. The album will include additional collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, Taylor Goldsmith from folk-rock band Dawes, and the YouTube sensation One Voice Children’s Choir.
Jordan Fletcher Shares His Life Through Debut EP, ‘True Stories’
/by Lydia FarthingJordan Fletcher
Singer-songwriter Jordan Fletcher has released his autobiographical Triple Tigers debut EP, True Stories, available everywhere now.
The four-song collection looks at Fletcher’s life as a songwriter, dad, husband, surfer, and believer. Produced by Dave Cobb, the EP is an honest reflection of Fletcher’s story so far.
“It’s an incredible blessing the way this project came out,” offers Fletcher, who recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut. “We pulled straight from the veins on these songs and working with Cobb has brought out every bit of what they’re supposed to be.” He continues, “All of my songs are autobiographical. If I’m singing it, it will be true about me. If you watched a childhood video of me on VHS, this is what you would see. I’m not making this shit up or shying away from what I believe.”
Jacksonville-born and Nashville-based, Fletcher signed to Triple 8 Management and became a Triple Tigers recording artist in September of 2021. He first came on to the scene with a strong crop of demos, including “Firebird,” “Still Those Kids,” “I Know You Are, But What Am I,” and “Rather Be Broke,” which came out in late 2021 and was quickly added to Sirius XMs Highway Finds.
Desmond Child & Friends To Lead Nashville Songwriting Fantasy Camp This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Desmond Child & Friends Songwriting Fantasy Camp has been announced for April 7-10 at Nashville’s Scarritt Bennett Center.
A top songwriter, Child has penned hits for artists like Meatloaf, Kiss, and Bon Jovi and has plenty of stories to share with campers at this unique experience, presented by Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, in collaboration with Sixthman.
Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Marti Frederiksen, Felix Cavaliere, Steve Cropper and Damon Johnson among others will join Child to help teach aspiring songwriters of all levels from all over the world about the craft of songwriting.
“I’m so excited to share my passion of songwriting with new and upcoming talent and writers at the first ever Songwriting Fantasy Camp!” exclaims Child.
“When the opportunity came up to collaborate with David [Fishof] and the dynamic team at Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp along with the iconic Desmond Child and roster of artists for this camp…all the team at Sixthman said was…‘Just tell us where and when!'” says Anthony Diaz, CEO of Sixthman. “This will be a true once in a lifetime experience for campers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help set the stage for memories that are sure to last a lifetime!”
Songwriting Camp topics of focus include discussions ranging from The Key to Writing Lyrics before Music, Writing Music Before Lyrics, Co-Writing, and Breaking Down The Hits–where a panel of songwriters take campers through the processes, stories behind, and secrets to writing their most popular songs. Campers will participate in discussions on Melody and Harmony, Creative Writing and Literature where they will learn how to unlock their personal stories, poetry and ideas and turn them into verse.
Additional topics include Demo Production, Film & TV Songwriting, the Business of Songwriting, and more. Other camp activities include Q&A sessions and clinics where campers will hear exclusive stories and tips, daily open mic performance opportunities, and the opportunity to write with fellow campers in intensive sessions alongside up-and-coming stars seen on American Idol and The Voice. The last night of camp features a Songwriter Showcase where writers will perform original music for A&R reps, music industry executives, and more.
For more information and registration, click here.
Sam Hunt Graces The Top Of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart With ’23’
/by Alex ParryAfter 18 weeks climbing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Sam Hunt’s “23” moves to No. 1. The single is the first of new music for Hunt following his chart-topping album, Southside, which features three back-to-back No. 1s: “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Kinfolks,” and “Hard To Forget.”
“23” was co-written by Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Chris LaCorte. LaCorte also produced the track.
Hunt played a stripped down version of “23” at the iconic Ocean Way Studios in Nashville.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Jay DeMarcus Announces New Label, Red Street Country, Signs Ryan Griffin As Flagship Artist
/by LB CantrellJay DeMarcus. Photo: Courtey of subject
Jay DeMarcus, a member of the hit country group Rascal Flatts and CEO of the Christian label Red Street Records, announced the launch of a new country division, Red Street Country.
DeMarcus launched Red Street Records in 2018 and has grown the roster to include Christian artists Jason Crabb, Avalon, Cade Thompson, Lauren Camey, and more.
“As Red Street’s Christian division has continued to grow, it felt like the natural next step was for us to move into the country music space,” shares DeMarcus. “I am one of the genre’s biggest fans, and it feels like the right time to really hone in on the next generation of country superstars. The team that has come together is beyond my wildest dreams, I can’t wait to get started.”
The first artist signed to Red Street Country is singer-songwriter Ryan Griffin. With millions of streams already under his belt, Griffin has opened for Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A and Old Dominion.
DeMarcus also announced the team members that will be heading up Red Street Country. As CEO and Co-Owner, DeMarcus will lead the new artistry-driven division with Chairman and Co-Owner Dan Crockett.
Joining DeMarcus and Crockett at Red Street Country is Mark Lusk as President, General Manager; Alex Valentine as Sr. VP of Radio Promotions and Artist Development; Johnny Chiang as VP of Radio Promotions and Artist Development; and Kelly King as Sr. Director of A&R.
Additionally, Sally Allgeier has been tapped as Director Field Promotion; Mary Thorsby as Executive Assistant & Project Manager; Taylor Day as Marketing & Distribution Manager; and Cambria Mackey as Social Media & Artist Development Manager.
Don Koch will continue to serve as VP of A&R and Publishing, Red Street Christian.
On Red Street Country’s external consulting team is Kelly Rich; Ronn Tabb; Jennie Smythe and Conley Sweeney of Girlilla Marketing; John Zarling and Jackie Campbell of 615 Leverage + Strategy; and Kristie Sloan and Courtney Johanson of The GreenRoom PR.
Tom Douglas Gives Fans A Letter Of Hope Through Paramount+ Film ‘Love, Tom’
/by Lydia FarthingLegendary songwriter Tom Douglas has unveiled his upcoming film, Love, Tom, along with companion album Inspired by the Motion Picture Love, Tom via Monument Records. The motion picture will be released through Paramount+, and both the film and album will be available starting Feb. 24.
Executive produced by Tom Douglas, Tommy Douglas, Austin Fish, Jason Owen, and Michael Lennox, Love, Tom is produced in association with Owen’s Sandbox Productions in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division.
Over the course of a single night in Nashville, the award-winning songwriter narrates a letter of hope to a desperate world. The idea was born years ago when Douglas received a letter from a struggling songwriter asking him what he did when he wanted to give up.
Honest and personal, Douglas peels back the curtain of the creative process, revealing his own past hardships and the struggle of the creative endeavor, while singing his own versions of the beloved songs he wrote at some of Nashville’s most historic and notable locations. Directed by Oscar nominated and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Michael Lennox, the film was written by Tommy Douglas and Tom Douglas.
In conjunction with Love, Tom, Douglas will be releasing a 10-track companion album, which features many of his beloved co-writers and friends, including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Lady A, Chris Janson, and Collin Raye. The first release from the album, “Van Gogh,” was penned by Douglas with Allen Shamblin, and is available now.
Inspired by the Motion Picture Love, Tom Track List:
Van Gogh
Grown Men Don’t Cry (feat. Tim McGraw)
I Run To You (feat. Lady A)
Little Rock (feat. Collin Raye)
Recovering
House That Built Me (feat. Miranda Lambert)
Drunk Girl (feat. Chris Janson)
My Little Girl (feat. Tim McGraw)
My Father’s Reputation
To The Moon and Back
Lady A, Carly Pearce, More To Perform At BMLG Luncheon For CRS 2022
/by Lydia FarthingOne of Country Radio Seminar’s (CRS) staple events, the Big Machine Label Group luncheon, has announced its artist lineup.
Taking place Friday, Feb. 25, this year’s lineup will feature performances by Lady A, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Callista Clark, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean, and Tiera Kennedy. The luncheon will be held in the Broadway Ballroom (CRS Performance Hall) at Omni Nashville, beginning at noon.
“So many times, our lifeblood of new artists make an indelible mark on the BMLG CRS stage, and I expect this year to be no different… and one of the best,” says Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Anchored by the iconic Lady A, Carly Pearce will be the lead example of artist development at its finest. The reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year will show the way for newcomers Callista Clark, Tiera Kennedy, and Laci Kaye Booth, while Riley Green and Jackson Dean will throw down their unique country brands that will scorch the stage. You don’t want to miss it…”
CRS will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. Registration for CRS 2022 is open now with single-day passes available to purchase on-site. Day passes include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show. They will only be available for purchase on-site.
As previously announced, everyone attending CRS 2022 will be required to provide documentation of full COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID test result obtained within 48-hours of arrival at the event. Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be available and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.
Safford Motley PLC Hires Associate Attorney Alyssa Johnson
/by LB CantrellAlyssa Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Safford Motley PLC
Safford Motley PLC has announced the addition of Associate Attorney Alyssa Johnson to the firm.
Johnson brings her experience in the areas of transactional entertainment, intellectual property, and business law to the reputable firm that represents songwriters, recording artists, record labels, publishers, executives and more.
“Alyssa is an exceptionally bright young lawyer with the moxie to put her skills to use,” says Scott Safford of Safford Motley PLC. “We are fortunate that she chose to join our team as we expand to meet the growing needs of our clients.”
Prior to joining Safford Motley PLC, Johnson served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the 21st Judicial District of Tennessee (Williamson County). Her professional experience also includes internships with the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts, HarperCollins Publishers, and Music Farm Productions.
The Kentucky native graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University College of Law with a J.D. and Certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. During law school, Johnson was a Submissions Editor for the Belmont Law Review. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina.
Warren Zeiders Signs With Warner Records
/by Lorie HollabaughZarren Zeiders. Photo: Chris Phelps
Rising singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders has signed to Warner Records. Last week, he released the fiery “Burn It Down” hot on the heels of his 717 Tapes EP.
The 22-year-old Hershey, Pennsylvania, native began posting covers and original songs on social media and Spotify towards the end of 2020. His 2021 song, “Ride The Lightning,” has amassed over 72 million global streams to date and is in excess of 500 million global TikTok views. As of today, the track has now sold more thsn 500,000 units, marking his first Gold record.
“Warren is a gifted songwriter and storyteller, has the confidence and drive to work harder than anyone, understands all the modern tools at an artist’s fingertips to market and promote themselves, and is just a great human being,” says Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records. “We just had the best time getting to know one another and both Tom [Corson] and I felt that Warner Records was a natural fit for Warren.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Americana Releases Bring Warmth To Cold Nashville Winter
/by Robert K OermannKeb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
The winter wind is chilling, but the sounds of Americana are warm indeed.
This week’s overview of the genre’s current music boasts the star power of Rodney Crowell & Lisa Morales, John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Jackson Browne.
Towering above ‘em all is Disc of the Day winner Keb’ Mo,’ an artist who never fails to impress.
The DISCovery Award this week goes to Sarah White of Richmond, Virginia.
JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: New West
–The album is titled Leftover Feelings, but there is nothing “leftover” sounding about it. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hiatt unfurls yet another stunning set of his creations on this current collection. We generally think of him as a rocker, but with dobro master Douglas and his band “singing along” with their instruments, Hiatt touches the soul with aching ballads and, in this case, a lively bluegrassy pop outing with a bleak, lost-love lyric. This disc is presently nominated for a Grammy as the Americana Album of the Year.
LISA MORALES & RODNEY CROWELL / “Flyin’ and Cryin’”
Writers: Lisa Morales/Rodney Crowell; Producer: David Garza; Label: LM
–This single is a teaser for Morales’s upcoming album. With an ultra-subtle production of sighing strings, gently brushed drums and acoustic strumming, the duet achingly delineates a lost relationship. Rodney’s seasoned tones match Lisa’s resonant delivery exquisitely. She was half of Sisters Morales until sailing on as a solo with two prior CDs. Her sibling Roberta died of cancer last year. Mexican American Lisa Morales hails from Tuscon and is a cousin of the legendary Linda Ronstadt.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Bombs Away”
Writer: Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–The string band rampages through this divorce song with breakneck fearlessness. If you’re going through the Big D, the best approach is to dive into the unknown with guts and glory, say these Opry stars. That’s Molly Tuttle providing the hot-damn banjo licks. Raucous and delightful, this is the second single from the band’s upcoming CD, following in the footsteps of the title tune, “Paint This Town.”
KEB’ MO’ / “Good to Be (Home Again)”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Mark Ramos Nishita; Producers: Kevin Moore/ Vince Gill; Label: Rounder
–Languid and loose-limbed, this contemplative groover celebrates the artist reconnecting with his roots. (The Nashvillian recently bought his childhood home in Compton, California and renovated it.) It is the title tune of an album that dropped last Friday. You’ll find collaborations with Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show on the new collection, but as this sterling track demonstrates, Keb’ Mo’ soars even higher when he’s on his own. He remains one of the Americana genre’s greatest song craftsmen. Put this one on “repeat” again and again.
JACKSON BROWNE / “Downhill From Everywhere”
Writers: Jackson Browne/Jeff Young/Greg Leisz; Producer: Jackson Browne; Label: Inside
–Browne’s comeback Downhill From Everywhere is Grammy nominated as 2021’s Americana Album of the Year. Its title tune is a punchy folk rocker with a downcast ecological, anti-pollution lyric bolstered by intense vocal bursts. It’s very much in tune with his classic sound. He’s still that Laurel Canyon boomer you’ve known for all these years.
SARAH JAROSZ / “Mama”
Writer: Sarah Jarosz; Producer: Sarah Jarosz; Label: Rounder
–Sarah’s current Blue Heron Suite has a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination this year. This ethereal lead-off track has a lovely simplicity with her deftly plucked acoustic guitar backing her breathy, wistful, poignant soprano.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel David Rateliff/Patrick Blair Meese/Sam Cohen; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–Drawn from this act’s new album, The Future, this dramatic funk-rock track mixes shuddering horn blasts with stinging electric guitar zaps and a stop-start undertow rhythm track. Atop it all is the front man’s seering, fierce lead vocal. It’s a wild ride.
KATIE GUSTAFSON / “See Me Now”
Writers: Katie Gustafson/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Label: Mother Trucker
–Her echoey soprano vocal is surrounded by a swirl of electronics and a deep pool of twang bass. The introspective lyric took on extra significance to the Nashville singer-songwriter when she overcame breast cancer last year.
BRENT COBB / “When It’s My Time”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Layne Cobb/Mike Harmeier; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Ol’ Buddy
–Already one of the Americana genre’s standout singer-songwriters, Cobb turns his talent to gospel music on his upcoming CD. This advance track luxuriates in his captivating Georgia-accented phrasing with stately church keyboards and guitars. Not to mention soulful, Southern-fried backing vocals. Righteous in the extreme. Essential listening.
ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed’ Label: Yep Roc
–Now here’s a concept. White soul singer Reed is releasing an entire album of Merle Haggard songs, reinterpreted as horn-punctuated R&B tunes. It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to admit that it is intriguing. His blistering vocal attack threatens to overwhelm the story telling in “Mama Tried,” but otherwise the soul-music setting brings out new shades in the Hag’s hit.
TYLER CHILDERS / “Long Violent History”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Tyler Childers/Jesse Wells; Label: Hickman Holler
–This is the title tune of Childers’s 2021 CD, which is somewhat oddly nominated as a Best Folk album at this year’s Grammy Awards. His stone-country vocal on this struggling-Appalachia lyric is backed in waltz time by twin fiddles, perfectly picked banjo, mandolin chops and thumped bass. I don’t care what you call it, this man’s music is simply electrifying.
SARAH WHITE / “Different Drum”
Writer: Michael Nesmith; Producer: Stewart Myers; Label: White Star Sound
–White’s cover of this Linda Ronstadt/Stone Poneys classic is an intriguing introduction to a creative alto vocalist. Her slightly behind-the-beat phrasing and conversational pauses are wonderfully ear catching. The deep twang in the production is cool, too. It’s a marvelous tribute to the late, great Michael Nesmith.