Tim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Country’s big boys are strutting their stuff in today’s edition of DisClaimer.
And at what better time, with the ACM Awards set to air on Sunday night? So Luke Bryan, Lanco, Brian Kelley of FGL, Thomas Rhett and Jameson Rodgers are on tap with new songs. They are all bested by a superstar veteran, Tim McGraw, who nails down the Disc of the Day award.
This is a male-dominated stack of sounds, but there are three female voices worth your attention this week. One of them is the enduringly great Miranda Lambert, singing with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall and recorded in the great outdoors. Secondly, don’t miss the fiery Maggie Rose performance.
Third is our DisCovery Award winning duo Kat & Alex. Kat Luna sings lead on “Heartbreak Tour.” Partner Alex Garrido shines just a brightly on “You and the Radio.” Here’s a sweet touch: The eliminated American Idol alumni were married in January.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Good Dogs”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— For doggie lovers everywhere. It’s a raspy-voiced, slow meditation on life and mortality that concludes “good dogs don’t live long enough.”
THOMAS RHETT / “Country Again”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— He went Hollywood, but now he’s back to drinking beer, hunting, fishing, wearing boots, going to church, loving his honey, sitting at a campfire and hanging out in Tennessee. Ho hum.
KARISSA ELLA / “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Writers: Michael James Anderson; Producer: Zach Farnum & Karissa Ella; Label: Orchard/117 Entertainment
— The acoustic production is admirable. But her vocal performance is sharp and pitch-y. It doesn’t help that she’s asking for comparison to a Pam Tillis oldie that was a dang-near perfect record the first time around.
KAT & ALEX / “Heartbreak Tour”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— They are billed as “Country-Latin disrupters,” whatever that means. All I know is that the sound is very cool. Their harmonies are stellar. The production is echoey-groovy. The chorus is one massive hook. Turn it up. I’m in. Also check out their super rhythmic and equally hooky “You and the Radio.”
MANNY BLU / “Train”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Ryan Beaver/JT Harding; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: MB
— It’s a frothing rocker with loads of energy and sizzle. He’s asking for her love to “hit me like a train.” The rhythm section and electric guitar kick serious butt behind his youthful wail.
TIM McGRAW / “God Moves the Pen”
Writers: James Slater/Tony Lane; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
— Awesome. This man is a superstar for a reason. Is there anyone else in country music who chooses superb songs this consistently? This brisk tempo outing is a string of terrific lines about love and the act of writing. What a wonderfully satisfying country artist.
JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JON RANDALL / “Am I Right or Amarillo”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Acoustic bliss with outdoor trio harmonies. It’s a honky-tonk cheatin’ song dressed up like a folk tune. Lovely listening. The Marfa Tapes album by these three stellar tunesmiths drops on May 7.
LANCO / “First Beer”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jaren Johnson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
— I fell in love with this right away. The nostalgic lyric is extremely well written, and the echoey, upbeat audio setting is perfect for the wistful mood. This act never disappoints.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Beach Cowboy”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Label: Nashville South Records Inc/Warner Music Nashville
— Mellow, like summer in the Southern sun. The repetitive song is slim pickin’s, but this outing is all about the groove. Get baked and lay back stoned.
LUKE BRYAN / “Waves”
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Highly evocative. It will bring back memories of every beach-spent summer of your youth while the swirling rhythm and anthemic production dazzle your brain today. Bryan’s vocal is one of the most passionate of his career.
CARL RAY / “I Can See Clearly Now”
Writers: Johnny Nash; Producer: none listed; Label: CRW
— Black country singer Carl Ray (Williams) was mentored by the late Johnny Nash, who gave him his start. Ray takes Nash’s million-selling 1972 reggae-tinged pop chart topper, adds his own lyric contributions and reinterprets the tempo to become a country rocker. Intriguing. And the message of hope is timeless.
MAGGIE ROSE / “What Are We Fighting For”
Writers: Alex Haddad/Larry Florman/Maggie Rose; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Starstruck
— I remain a massive fan of this blue-eyed soul stylist. This torrid, slow-burn performance is equal parts gospel emotion and blues ambiance. The woman should be some kinda superstar.
Chart Action: Luke Bryan Earns Most Added
/by Alex ParryLuke Bryan dominates the country charts this week with his latest single, “Waves.” The single is most added and the has the highest debut across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow charts.
On the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Bryan debuts at No. 26 with 76 station adds and a spin gain of +1,333. On the Mediabase chart, he gained +1,375 spins and 102 station adds debuting at No. 35. On the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, “Waves” received 30 adds and +359 spins debuting at No. 48.
“Waves,” written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, is the fifth single from Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition), which was released last Friday (April 9).
Luke Bryan Sets Sights On Mexico With The Return Of Crash My Playa
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan is heading back to the beach in 2022 for some fun in the sun on his annual concert vacation, Crash My Playa, on January 19-22.
Set to take place at the Moon Palace Cancún, the event will feature four nights of music on a private beach, complete with two headlining performances by Bryan and the return of Jason Aldean. An additional headliner as well as a full lineup of artists, pool parties, activities, and local adventures will be announced soon. CID Presents will closely monitor relevant recommendations and guidelines imposed by local authorities and The World Health Organization to ensure a safe experience for all guests.
“I have been so ready to tell you that Playa is back for 2022,” shares Bryan. “This is one of my favorite events we get to do and it’s because all of you keep showing up and making it so much fun. Jason and I had a blast in 2020 so it didn’t take me long to talk him into coming back.”
All-inclusive Crash My Playa 2022 packages will go on sale on Friday, April 23 at 12 p.m. CST. However, previous Crash My Playa guests will be invited to return to the beach via the Alumni Pre-Sale, which begins Wednesday, April 21 at 12 p.m. CST, and members of Bryan and Aldean’s fan clubs will also have access to pre-sale packages on Thursday, April 22 at 12 p.m. CST.
Carly Pearce And Lee Brice Win ACM Music Event Of The Year
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce, Lee Brice. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice were surprised mid-interview last night (April 15) when they received an early ACM win for Music Event with their smash duet, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The Platinum-certified song, co-written by Luke Combs, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton, also won the CMA’s Musical Event of the Year back in November.
“I Hope You’re Happy Now” is also up for Single of the Year at this weekend’s upcoming ACM Awards. The power ballad faces off against a precedent-setting all-female category that includes Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird,” Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope,” Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine” and Maren Morris’ “The Bones.”
“I’m over the moon on winning this award but especially happy for Carly,” says Brice of their No. 1 collaboration, which they perform live on Sunday’s (April 18) telecast. “This is her story, her song and I am honored to be a part of it. Seeing this from the very beginning from her perspective to now winning awards is full circle—and humbling but rewarding.”
“Everyone at some point in their life has found themselves caught in a relationship where you love the other person so much, yet over time, it all falls apart,” says Pearce. “When we all started talking about our lives and our journeys, every one of us had been in this position—and it’s the worst feeling. You get to a point where you have to do something, and even that doesn’t really make things better, it just creates a hole where your heart used to be. To see people respond to ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ the way that they have has been is incredibly affirming, because I think it makes you—wherever you are in your life—feel less alone. And having Lee’s voice, which is a bit of hurricane the way he comes in, it really brings home how hard it is for both people in these kinds of situations.”
The 56th ACM Awards will air on Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m. CST on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Anne Wilson Unveils Capitol Christian Debut ‘My Jesus’
/by Lorie HollabaughCapitol Christian recording artist Anne Wilson is celebrating the release of her debut multi-track collection, My Jesus, today (April 16).
The uplifting three-song project is a powerful expression of Wilson’s unwavering faith. The title track, “My Jesus,” which she co-wrote with Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, is an anthemic exploration of the depth of her relationship and trust in God, and marks her official radio debut. Wilson’s expansive vocal range and multi-genre influences are showcased on “Devil,” and the project’s final track, “Something About That Name,” highlights Wilson’s smoky vocals and intuitive songwriting. A corresponding video for the title track was also released today, as well as a lyric video for “Devil.”
“I couldn’t be more excited for the world to hear these songs,” Wilson says. “Each of the three songs mean so much to me and my journey with the Lord. I can’t wait to see what God does through these songs!”
Wilson’s career trajectory began in 2017, following the tragic loss of her brother in a car accident, when she shared a video performance on YouTube performing Hillsong’s “What A Beautiful Name” in honor of her beloved brother. The video was passed on to an artist manager, who became intrigued by Wilson’s mesmerizing voice and visible hunger for Jesus, and contacted her six months later. Soon after Wilson landed a deal with Capitol Christian Music Group. Her rootsy sound reflects her strong southern upbringing and her admiration for country legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton married with the heart-on-your-sleeve transparency of Steffany Gretzinger and Lauren Daigle.
River House Artists Launches New Creative Division With Emma Kate Golden
/by Lorie HollabaughEmma Kate Golden
River House Artists has launched a new creative division in partnership with Emma Kate Golden. Golden will oversee creative endeavors for the River House Artists roster and will also be available for booking.
An accomplished director, photographer and videographer, Golden joined River House Artists in 2018 and has since produced creative content for artists including Jameson Rodgers, Bailey Bryan, Chrissy Metz, Drew Parker, Ashland Craft and many more. She is lauded for her unique ability to prioritize her clients’ creative vision while maintaining her own distinct style sets.
“Emma is such a creative force and is creating a path that helps elevate artists careers. It’s exciting to watch and we are happy to be a home to her and her imaginative approach to our community,” says Founder of River House Artists Lynn Oliver Cline.
“I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and have collaborated with [River House Artists’ Director of Creative / A&R] Zebb Luster ever since. Coming from a freelance video background, I really appreciate the value of this journey with River House Artists,” says Golden. “I am thankful to be able to work alongside not only their artists, but the Nashville community as a whole.”
Golden and her creative team will hit the ground running and continue to expand in the coming months.
Sam Hunt Lands At No. 1 On The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryOccupying the top spot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart is Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” The track was written by Hunt, Zach Crowell, Chris LaCorte, Josh Osborne, and Ernest K Smith. It appears on Hunt’s Platinum album, SOUTHSIDE, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
The music video for “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” has garnered over 3.8 million views on YouTube.
It was reported last May that Hunt’s Southside Summer Tour 2020 was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travis Denning was slated to open the shows alongside Kip Moore and Ernest. No announcement has been made regarding the rescheduling of this tour for 2021.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Jackson Dean Announces Debut Project On Big Machine Records
/by Lydia FarthingCountry newcomer Jackson Dean has announced he will release his debut self-titled album on on April 30 via Big Machine Records. To introduce the Maryland-born singer-songwriter to the world, Dean dropped the track “Wings” today (April 16).
Produced by Luke Dick and Park Chisolm, the track celebrates the need to wash oneself clean and move beyond the things in life that weigh you down. With a minimal lyric, Dean’s earthy baritone echoes with both loneliness and a desire to rise above.
“When you look at me, I may look a little wild, or a little rootless,” Dean says, “and that’s probably true. I love that rock edge that country has, but I also like those songs that core into you, that get real honest over a slower track. If you want to understand me, listen to ‘Wings,’ and you’ll realize I’m not an angel, but I try to reckon on what I’ve done – and always make things right. ”
Discovered by WME’s Jay Williams while selling out local clubs, Dean was signed to a publishing deal by Little Louder’s Arturo Buenahora. The now 20-year-old has now spent the last couple of years flying into Nashville on Monday mornings, writing songs throughout the week, and flying out on Thursday nights to gig around the same Maryland bars where the Brothers Osborne cut their teeth on the weekends.
“My Dad raised me to not be afraid of the work, to show up and do the job, stay ‘til you’re done – and make sure the work is good. It’s the secret of his success, so when the opportunity to really do this came along, I was not going to let anything stop me… Between Arturo and Luke Dick, they saw I was a little bit different, a little more intense and maybe honor-bound, and they didn’t want to water that down, so I wouldn’t think of giving anything less than my all to the writing or playing for the people back home.”
Dean’s debut album is available for pre-order and pre-save now.
Thomas Rhett To Launch The Center Point Road Tour In August
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett announced he’ll kick off his headlining Center Point Road Tour later this year on August 13 with back-to-back nights in Orange Beach, Alabama. Special guests Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett will join him when he returns to the road this summer.
Previously purchased tickets will be honored accordingly for the rescheduled dates, while tickets for newly-announced dates go on sale to the public Friday, April 23.
“I can’t even put into words what getting back out on the road means to me, my band and crew,” Rhett shared. “We’ve dreamt about this moment for a long time and I feel more rejuvenated and excited than ever to get back out there as safely as possible to connect in-person over live music again, especially with so much new material to share. There’s no feeling in the world like it—see y’all out there!”
Rhett is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fifth studio double album Country Again: Side A out April 30 via The Valory Music Co. The lead single from the project, “What’s Your Country Song,” became his 17th career No. 1, and his 11th consecutive chart-topper—the longest active streak in the format.
2021 The Center Point Road Tour Dates:
8/13/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/14/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/20/2021- Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/2021- Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
8/22/2021 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
8/26/2021- Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/2021- Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
8/28/2021- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/29/2021- Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
9/3/2021- West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
9/4/2021- Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/16/2021- Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*+
9/17/2021- Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* +
9/18/2021- Boston, MA – Xfinity Center+
9/23/2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
9/24/2021- Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
9/25/2021- Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/1/2021- Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre*
10/2/2021- St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/3/2021- Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/7/2021 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/8/2021- Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
10/9/2021- Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*
* Indicates rescheduled tour date
^ Indicates Openers Rhett Akins and Gabby Barrett
+ Indicates Openers Cole Swindell and Conner Smith
Poco Co-Founder Rusty Young Dies
/by Lydia FarthingPictured: Rusty Young and his wife, Mary. Photo: Courtesy Michael J. Media Group
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rusty Young, founding member of country-rock band Poco and an influential steel guitar players in rock history, died yesterday (April 14) of a heart attack at his home in Davisville, Missouri. He was 75.
Norman Russell ‘Rusty’ Young was born February 23, 1946 in Long Beach, California and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he began playing lap steel as a boy and performed in local country and psychedelic rock bands throughout his teens. In 1967, Young was invited to Los Angeles by Richie Furay to play steel on Buffalo Springfield’s third and final album Last Time Around.
Soon after, Young, Furay, George Grantham and Jim Messina formed Poco. Over the next five decades, alongside members that would also include Randy Meisner, Timothy B. Schmit and Paul Cotton, Young became not only the musical core of the band, but also the writer and vocalist behind hits including “Rose Of Cimarron” and the No. 1 smash “Crazy Love.” The current band—led by Young and featuring Jack Sundrud, Rick Lonow and Tom Hampton—still performed over 100 dates per year.
“I made a promise to myself that Poco would only keep going if we remained a band of real musicians who were having fun,” Young said last year. “Because audiences can tell the difference.”
Rusty was inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s Gallery Of Greats in 1974 and Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame in 2012. Young orchestrated Poco’s 50th anniversary reunion in 2017 and released his solo debut album Waitin’ For The Sun on Blue Elan Records later that year.
“Rusty was the most unpretentious, caring and idyllic artist I have ever worked with, a natural life force that he consistently poured into his music,” says Rick Alter, Poco and Young’s manager of more than 20 years. “To fans and fellow musicians alike, he was a once-in-a-lifetime musician, songwriter, performer and friend.”
Young is survived by his beloved wife Mary, their daughter Sara, son Will, and 3 young grandsons Chandler, Ryan and Graham, as well as Mary’s 3 children Joe, Marci and Hallie and grandchildren Quentin and Emma.
A memorial service will be held October 16 at Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville, Missouri where Rusty and Mary met 20 years ago.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Brian Kelley, Lanco, Kat & Alex
/by Robert K OermannTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Country’s big boys are strutting their stuff in today’s edition of DisClaimer.
And at what better time, with the ACM Awards set to air on Sunday night? So Luke Bryan, Lanco, Brian Kelley of FGL, Thomas Rhett and Jameson Rodgers are on tap with new songs. They are all bested by a superstar veteran, Tim McGraw, who nails down the Disc of the Day award.
This is a male-dominated stack of sounds, but there are three female voices worth your attention this week. One of them is the enduringly great Miranda Lambert, singing with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall and recorded in the great outdoors. Secondly, don’t miss the fiery Maggie Rose performance.
Third is our DisCovery Award winning duo Kat & Alex. Kat Luna sings lead on “Heartbreak Tour.” Partner Alex Garrido shines just a brightly on “You and the Radio.” Here’s a sweet touch: The eliminated American Idol alumni were married in January.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Good Dogs”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— For doggie lovers everywhere. It’s a raspy-voiced, slow meditation on life and mortality that concludes “good dogs don’t live long enough.”
THOMAS RHETT / “Country Again”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— He went Hollywood, but now he’s back to drinking beer, hunting, fishing, wearing boots, going to church, loving his honey, sitting at a campfire and hanging out in Tennessee. Ho hum.
KARISSA ELLA / “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Writers: Michael James Anderson; Producer: Zach Farnum & Karissa Ella; Label: Orchard/117 Entertainment
— The acoustic production is admirable. But her vocal performance is sharp and pitch-y. It doesn’t help that she’s asking for comparison to a Pam Tillis oldie that was a dang-near perfect record the first time around.
KAT & ALEX / “Heartbreak Tour”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— They are billed as “Country-Latin disrupters,” whatever that means. All I know is that the sound is very cool. Their harmonies are stellar. The production is echoey-groovy. The chorus is one massive hook. Turn it up. I’m in. Also check out their super rhythmic and equally hooky “You and the Radio.”
MANNY BLU / “Train”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Ryan Beaver/JT Harding; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: MB
— It’s a frothing rocker with loads of energy and sizzle. He’s asking for her love to “hit me like a train.” The rhythm section and electric guitar kick serious butt behind his youthful wail.
TIM McGRAW / “God Moves the Pen”
Writers: James Slater/Tony Lane; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
— Awesome. This man is a superstar for a reason. Is there anyone else in country music who chooses superb songs this consistently? This brisk tempo outing is a string of terrific lines about love and the act of writing. What a wonderfully satisfying country artist.
JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JON RANDALL / “Am I Right or Amarillo”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Acoustic bliss with outdoor trio harmonies. It’s a honky-tonk cheatin’ song dressed up like a folk tune. Lovely listening. The Marfa Tapes album by these three stellar tunesmiths drops on May 7.
LANCO / “First Beer”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jaren Johnson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
— I fell in love with this right away. The nostalgic lyric is extremely well written, and the echoey, upbeat audio setting is perfect for the wistful mood. This act never disappoints.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Beach Cowboy”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Label: Nashville South Records Inc/Warner Music Nashville
— Mellow, like summer in the Southern sun. The repetitive song is slim pickin’s, but this outing is all about the groove. Get baked and lay back stoned.
LUKE BRYAN / “Waves”
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Highly evocative. It will bring back memories of every beach-spent summer of your youth while the swirling rhythm and anthemic production dazzle your brain today. Bryan’s vocal is one of the most passionate of his career.
CARL RAY / “I Can See Clearly Now”
Writers: Johnny Nash; Producer: none listed; Label: CRW
— Black country singer Carl Ray (Williams) was mentored by the late Johnny Nash, who gave him his start. Ray takes Nash’s million-selling 1972 reggae-tinged pop chart topper, adds his own lyric contributions and reinterprets the tempo to become a country rocker. Intriguing. And the message of hope is timeless.
MAGGIE ROSE / “What Are We Fighting For”
Writers: Alex Haddad/Larry Florman/Maggie Rose; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Starstruck
— I remain a massive fan of this blue-eyed soul stylist. This torrid, slow-burn performance is equal parts gospel emotion and blues ambiance. The woman should be some kinda superstar.