A couple of recent releases have provided great examples of records that were made by Texan artists in Music City. People often mistakenly - and lazily - equate any country music made in Nashville to the slick pop style that is featured on Top 40 Country radio. For those paying attention, these two albums should help folks realize that a Texan can go to Nashville and create a superb product without selling their soul.
Seth James - That Kind of Man (Underground Sound): A great album that was recorded in Nashville and that is full of numbers that would be at home in a sweaty roadhouse. The overall tone of the album seems to suggest that James is a latter-day Delbert McClinton with a mix of soul, blues and country-rock. “Cigarettes, Anger & Wine” is a steamy, smokey example of how well James’ voice accompanies the bluesy tune. His vocal throughout is strong, but retains a sensitivity that is put to use well in the albums love songs, such as the soulful, “It Aint Me”. To hammer the “Nashville point” home, James co-penned 8 of the 12 songs with established Nashville stalwarts, Chris Stapleton, Trent Summar and Jay Knowles, among others.
Amanda Shires - West Cross Timbers: The lead singer for the Thrift Store Cowboys out of Lubbock decided to put things on hold and head to Nashville. Teaming up with guitar player, Rod Picott, Shires recorded her beautiful solo debut in Music City. Her feminine but never fragile vocals seem perfectly suited for the country flavored folk (or is it folk flavored country?). Shires is an excellent fiddle player and many of the tracks feature her playful style that lends itself well to the feel of western swing. Most of the album has a laid back and simple vibe. “Days in Blankets” displays that mood effectively with its slow dancing shuffle that is spring-breeze fresh. While it seems as though she isn’t done with her old gig, Shires has definitely found a vibrant new gig as a solo artist.
Amanda Shires official website.
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5 Responses
[...] Gobblers Knob’s Kelly Dearmore cites recent releases from Seth James and Amanda Shires as examples of Texans going to Nashville and creating albums that don’t [...]
So you wouldn’t describe Shires’ vocal as fragile? How about vulnerable? I think it’s that quality that makes her worth listening to. And I’m still not hearing the Western Swing…
maybe fragile, but not frail (perhaps thats what i shouldve said), and i agree with her voice showing some vulnerability…as for the western swing, i said the fiddle gave certain tracks the “feel” of swing. i wouldnt claim that the songs were actual, full-fledged wills style ditties…i know that isnt a complete and scholarly break-down, but you know me…
I wasn’t gettin’ after you about the Western Swing thing, I’ve just seen it mentioned it in other places and the album wasn’t what I was expecting at all after reading those kinda comments. It’s certainly not slick Nashville pop, that’s for sure.
hey, its cool. i didnt think u were getting after me. I hate it when i read a multiple reviews that point something out that I just dont “get” in a specific album. i actually hadnt read any other reviews on this disc (which i try not to on most cd’s i am gonna blog about myself), but i had that ” swing-like feeling” after several listens for whatever reason…