Trick Pony's Keith Burns Signed To New Record Deal As Burns & Poe

Steve Pope, CEO of Nashville’s Blue Steel Records introduced a hot new addition to its roster; duo Burns & Poe (Keith Burns and Michelle Poe), join Anna Garrott and Latham Moore under the independent label’s umbrella.

“Inking a deal with Burns & Poe signifies the direction this label is headed,” said Steve Pope. “Michelle and Keith know the business and are skilled in the art of creating good music, and that’s what we’re all about. As a team, both as talented songwriters and vocalists, they’re one-of-a-kind. We feel fortunate and excited in our newly-established relationship.”

Blue Steel will release the pair’s next single entitled “Don't Get No Better Than That" (written by Burns & Mark Oliverius/produced by Oliverius). The song is the quintessential American weekend anthem. In the spirit of classic working class songs similar to “Living On a Prayer” and contemporary tracks like “Down In Mississippi (Up To No Good),” Burns & Poe have captured the freedom associated with the open road and the unadulterated thrill of a change of scenery. Drum-driven and kicked into high-gear with electric guitar, Keith Burns and Michelle Poe “green light” the sunny day, lay-the-top-down, turn-up-the radio rocker.

The song, set to hit country radio next month (Nov. 9, 2009 CDX/Vol. 487), will be the first from their Spring 2010 Blue Steel Records CD release.

Described as the Sonny & Cher of country, Burns & Poe have been performing side-by-side for more than a year sharing vocal talents that are equally identifiable and splitting them right down the middle in their performances. They made their debut together earlier this year on Evergreen Records with “It’s Always A Woman” (Burns/Poe/ Don Goodman) which landed at No. 21 on the Music Row chart.

Prior to their formation as Burns & Poe, Keith Burns and Michelle Poe made names for themselves as veterans of the music industry in other endeavors. Keith Burns was a founding member of the Grammy- nominated, gold recording trio Trick Pony while Michelle Poe, formerly a Dreamworks recording artist, has been an integral part of national touring bands, singing back-up and playing bass behind the likes of international acts Dierks Bentley and Hank Williams, Jr.

This alliance comes on the heels of the label's first impression, that dubbed them as an “indie to watch,” Blue Steel (established in early 2009) made its entry into the music scene with the introduction of singing starlet Anna Garrott. Garrott’s new single, “What A Way To Go,” is on radio now; her CD project (ONLY TIME WILL TELL) will be available later this month.

More information about Burns & Poe is available at: http://www.burnsandpoe.com.

TNS Video History- Shania Twain & Alison Krauss

Shania Twain performs with Alison Krauss and Union Station singing her song, “Forever And For Always.”

Zac Brown Band CD & Cracker Barrel Gift Card Contest

We're cooking up a few winners here at TNS.

The Zac Brown Band and Cracker Barrel have been kind enough to team up with That Nashville Sound and we're giving away three prizes that are fantastic.

1st Place- A $50 Cracker Barrel gift card plus the new exclusive Cracker Barrel edition of the Zac Brown Band's Foundation CD- Available online and in stores, the exclusive new version of the Zac Brown Band’s CD The Foundation features new artwork and two of Zac’s #1 hits, “Chicken Fried” and “Whatever It Is.” This disc also includes three previously unreleased live versions of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “I Lost It” and “I Shall Be Released.”

2nd Place- The new exclusive Cracker Barrel edition of the Zac Brown Band's Foundation CD

3rd Place- The new exclusive Cracker Barrel edition of the Zac Brown Band's Foundation CD

Entry is no-charge. Just simply become a complimentary email subscriber to our site (the sign-up form is on the right hand side column just under the masthead a bit) and you'll be entered to win. The winners will be chosen after midnight on the 25th of October. Good luck!

Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan & Ricky Skaggs Amongst ICM Award Winners Last Night

The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards were held last night and are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music. Some of Nashville’s more mainstream artists pulled in some wins including:

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
Up To Him
Tracy Lawrence

Mainstream Country Artist
Ricky Skaggs

Best Video
God Must Really Love Me
Craig Morgan
Director, Eric Welch

You can view all the other winners HERE.

iCarly's Jennette McCurdy & Darius Rucker Cover Jamey Johnson's "In Color"

The Disney Channel’s iCarly star Jennette McCurdy is back in Nashville to work on her debut country record from Capitol Records coming out soon.

She recently posted a video where she covers Jamey Johnson’s song “In Color” with Hootie himself, Darius Rucker. Watch it below…



Jennette writes, “I was honored to do this cover with one of the coolest voices in music: Darius Rucker. He exudes awesomeness… The song is a brilliant country song by the legendary Jamey Johnson!”

Garth Brooks' Announces His Unretirement- Watch The Press Junket Here

Steve Wynn celebrated a relationship with Garth Brooks yesterday by announcing a series of special engagements at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Concerts begin December 11, 2009. Watch the press junket HERE.

The Chairman of the Board and CEO of Wynn Resorts describes the first time he saw Brooks perform for friends: "Everything about Garth's performances--his artistry, the range of his voice and connection with his audience--is something that I haven't seen since the Rat Pack. In show business, for a single performer to lift an entire audience emotionally to the point where they pray it doesn't end, is an extraordinary and unique thing that only a few gifted people can do. But that is what I experienced when I saw Garth on stage, alone with his guitar, doing a history of his personal journey in music. I watched a man create instant love in real time, right before my eyes. Now we have the privilege at Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas to share this extraordinary, intimate experience with everyone," says Wynn.

"Steve Wynn has done what I thought was impossible. He has given me a chance to sing again for the people, while at the same time never missing a day with my children," says Brooks."I am naturally nervous, but it feels good to be out from under the low ceiling of 'retirement' I put on myself."

New Videos Hit CMT & GAC This Week- The Harters & Josh Turner

We had an opportunity to highlight a brand new and great group of siblings called The Harters a few weeks back and we're happy to announce that their brand new music video is now featured on CMT- the song is called "Jenny." It's a beautiful first song with great mandolin work.



Also hitting the airwaves recently is the first song off of Josh Turner's upcoming album called "Why Don't We Just Dance."

CD Reviews- Luke Bryan- Doin' My Thing

The Background:
On this follow-up to his debut album, I’ll Stay Me, that produced the hit singles “All My Friends Say” and “Country Man,” Luke Bryan kicks things off with his first radio release and current ballad “Do I” which is steadily climbing the country charts. “I can’t wait for my fans to hear my new record,” says Bryan. “I have wrapped 3 years of touring, hard work and most importantly meeting fans and I think all of that growth is reflected on this album. Doin’ My Thing will make my die-hard fans very happy and hopefully will reach out and grab some new fans. I am very proud of the music on this album and can’t wait to get it out there!” The Georgia native had a career making 2008 with two major award nominations including the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year nomination and his first nomination from the Academy of Country Music for “Best New Male Artist.”

The Review:
Luke Bryan is a very likeable artist that has an energetic live show and a fun southern voice with just the right amount of twang. His first album was an outstanding debut. And this sophomore effort is southern college frat boy country music at its very best. Which begs the question: What are you to do if you are not a southern college frat country boy? The mostly upbeat songs are all very pleasant, they just don’t have much to sink your teeth into- it doesn’t have much depth or substance to any of the song topics. We learn pearls of wisdom in song titles like “Keep Chuggin’ Along” and “Doin’ My Thing.” The songs cover topics like drinking whiskey and frisky girls on “Rain Is A Good Thing,” drinking, getting drunk, fistfights and getting trucks stuck in the mud on “I Did It Again,” and drinking, getting drunk and shooting cans on “Drinking Beer & Wasting Bullets.” Country music is best when it’s relatable and you can place yourself in the shoes of the singer or songwriter. 20 years past my college days, it was hard to do for me on this album. The CD is a lot like those cheap beer college-age parties Bryan refers to on several songs. They’re fun, you won’t remember much about them tomorrow, and the beer accomplishes its goal. But as you mature, you come to realize there’s something richer and more intoxicating to the palate.

Sounds Like:
Craig Morgan

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Do I
Doin’ My Thing
What Country Is

The Verdict:
Three Stars Out Of Five

CD Reviews- Toby Keith- American Ride

The Background:
He's sold more than 30 million albums, been among the top all-genre touring artists for a decade and his songs have been honored by BMI for 63 million broadcast performances and counting. Toby Keith is one of country music's most durable current hit-makers. As he's done for the last 16 years, Keith has gone to work playing the shows, writing the songs and recording the album that, in this case, became American Ride. His 1993 debut was a No. 1 Billboard Heatseeker. His next four albums all reached at least top 10 on the Country Albums chart. Every album since, starting in 2001 with Pull My Chain, has reached No. 1. On the singles charts, he's scored a #1 hit every year since 1993. Across 44 single releases and 20 album releases including four hits collections, he's only released six singles he didn't write. And with American Ride, his 16th studio album, he's done it again. American Ride features 12 new tracks, all but one written or co-written by Toby. It features guest appearances from the Hogliners plus Jazz greats Dave Koz, Marcus Miller and Arthur Thompson on "Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song)".

The Review:
Toby Keith is a paradox. He can be a “Boot-In-Your-Ass” mofo on some of his songs, but then deliver one of the more touching personal ballads on the other hand. Two of the best songs on the album show the bravado side. On “Battle Of Balad”, he opens up with a military percussion and then tells a soldiers perspective of recruiter’s honesty filled with toughness and comedy. Written and certainly designed for the military he so often performs for, the song is raw and blue and you can almost hear the troops overseas cheering each chorus. “American Ride” is interesting as it tackles the cynicism, paradoxes and hypo criticism of popular culture without diluting his well-documented passion for the red, white and blue. On the flip side, we have the sensitive Toby Keith. On the lovely dedication to Toby’s good friend, Wayman Tisdale, “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” Keith delivers a home run. Appropriately including jazz legend Dave Koz, the song opens up with Wayman’s cell phone voice mail. I had the opportunity to meet Wayman a couple times when he played for my hometown Sacramento Kings but didn’t know him personally at all. After this beautiful dedication, somehow I do now. When Keith has a specific story to tell on a topic that is specific and unique to him, he sells the song. When he gets more general and speaks to everyone on topics of love or other, he loses the passion a bit. The other songs aren’t bad at all, they’re just not overly special. I’d like to hear more about topics of interest of Keith to drive the passion meter up a bit. Maybe on next year’s album, we’ll hear more of Razorbacks, soldier life and honkytonks.

Sounds Like:
Trace Adkins

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
American Ride
Cryin For Me (Wayman’s Song)
Battle of Balad

The Verdict:
Two And A Half Stars Out Of Five

Inspirational Country Music Awards Are Tonight

The 15th annual Inspirational Country Music Awards show goes down tonight and lots of your favorite country music artists are up for awards. Here are the nominees below:

Entertainer of the Year
Barry McGee, CrossCountry The Band, Del Way, James Payne, Point Of Grace

Male Vocalist
Allen Frizzell, Del Way, Greg McDougal, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant, Denean Workman, Kathy Joy Bell, Mary James, Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo of the Year
Bellamy Brothers, Branded, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Robert & James, The Roys

Vocal Group
CrossCountry The Band, Last Light Band, Point Of Grace, The Akins, The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
Everything Is Fine, Josh Turner
God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan
Sissy’s Song, Alan Jackson
Somebody Said A Prayer, Billy Ray Cyrus
Up To Him, Tracy Lawrence

Mainstream Country Artist
Jeff Bates, Josh Turner, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence

Christian Country Song of the Year
Good Ole Boys, James Payne and Del Way
Loving You, Greg McDougal with Tammy Cochran
Make It Into Heaven, Steve Richard
Man Of His Word, Allen Frizzell
The Devil’s Game, Tommy Brandt

Songwriter of the Year
Del Way, Greg McDougal, James Payne, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Video
Everything Is Fine, Josh Turner: Director Roman White
God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan: Director Eric Welch
Sissy’s Song, Alan Jackson: Director Scott Scovill
Up To Him, Tracy Lawrence: Director Flick Wiltshire
Waitin On A Woman, Brad Paisley: Director Jim Shea/Peter Tilden

New Artist
Clay Dustin, Glen Shelton, Jayc Harold, Nichole Hope Crandell, Steve Richard, The Akins

Musician of the Year
Charlie Daniels, Dennis Agajanian, Gordon Mote, Greg McDougal, Ricky Skaggs

Legend / Pioneer Award
CrossCountry The Band, Gayla Earlene, Ken Holloway, Ricky Skaggs, Last Light Band

Inspirational Country Bluegrass Award
Alison Krauss, Lawrence Bishop, Marty Raybon, New Jerusalem, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, The Isaacs

Love & Theft's New Album For Only $2!

Love and Theft’s album, World Wide Open featuring the hit single "Runaway," is being featured as the Amazon Daily Deal! You can download the entire album on Amazon Mp3 for $1.99.

Click HERE to buy your album:

The 9513 Interview With Bryan White

Most all of my loyal readers know that I'm a contributor to another great website called The 9513.com. This last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with country music singer/songwriter Bryan White and talk about his newest project, Dustbowl Dreams. Best known for “Someone Else’s Star” (1995), “Rebecca Lynn” (1996), “So Much for Pretending” (1996) and “Sittin’ on Go” (1997), this new release is far more introspective than any of his previous works and Bryan opens up about some pretty personal demons and inspirations that fueled the album.

You can see a snippet of the interview below but read the entire thing HERE.

"When all of that gets taken away from you, you have to really look at who you are and really pick that apart and start finding who you’re really made of. That’s when the character building really starts. Through some of that hiatus, I started identifying better with people–especially my home. Without sounding like a cliché, I really did go back to my roots and got into reading about where I came from. I was looking back through my lineage. I read a book about those that survived the dustbowl. I sort of did a big study for several years about where I’m from and the kind of people I’ve come from. I lost my granddad along the way who was really my father-figure. He was an auctioneer at the stockyard for thirty-something years. He was the only guy I ever saw who really got it done."

Lyle Lovett To Release Natural Forces Next Week

Lyle Lovett has a brand new album that is hitting the shelves on October 20th called Natural Forces.

The album promises to showcase Lyle's unwavering songwriting alongside amazing songs from such Texas writers as Eric Taylor, Don Sanders,Tommy Elskes, David Ball, Vince Bell, Robert Earl Keen, and the legendary Townes Van Zandt. It is produced by Billy Williams and Lovett himself.

You can listen to part of the new album HERE.

CD Reviews- Guy Clark- Somedays The Song Writes You

The Background:
When Guy Clark discusses the art and craft of song-writing, people listen. He has, after all, been writing songs of uncommon quality for nearly four decades, songs like "L.A. Freeway," "Desperados Waiting For a Train," "The Randall Knife," and "Texas, 1947." "Somedays the Song Writes You" is the thirteenth recording by this songwriting legend. Artists such as Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Rodney Crowell and The Highwaymen have recorded Clark’s songs and Emmylou Harris has accompanied him on several recordings, particularly his own version of "Desperados Waiting For A Train" on his first album, Old No. 1, released in 1975.

The Review:
In Jack Ingram’s lyrics of a recent song, “That’s A Man,” he says, “Yeah he's the kind of fella that people get real quiet when he stands up in church to speak. They know when he speaks.” He wasn’t talking about fellow Texan Guy Clark specifically, but he could have. Over the last decade, Johnny Cash filled that role before his passing in country music and Kris Kristofferson has been the model elder more recently. Add Guy Clark to that list. Why is it that a more mature artist sounds so much wiser musically and lyrically? The easy answer is age and experience. Looking deeper, however, the skill they have best learned is doing more with less. With only an acoustic guitar, bass, fiddle mandolin, sparse percussion and Brynn Davies haunting harmonies, Clark is a storytellers storyteller. Guy Clark gives something to dig teeth into on every track. Clark’s voice has grown rough around the edges with time- which was never particularly polished as it is- which only gives the album recipe a little more salt for taste. “The Guitar” tells of six-string divine intervention. It’s a talking story-song about discovering a pawn shop guitar predestined to be his. It is truly storytelling at it’s very best- not to mention outstanding guitar picking work. “Eamon” is a beautifully told tale of a sailor’s passion for life on the sea. “Hemingway’s Whiskey” is 2 minutes and 52 seconds of waxing poetically about everything delicious and dangerous about Earnest’s favorite vice. Every second, every note and every lyric is just the right amount to make you thirsty.

Sounds Like:
Kris Kristofferson

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
The Guitar
Hemingway’s Whiskey
Eamon
Maybe I Can Paint Over That

The Verdict:
Three & A Half Stars Out Of Five

Toby Keith "American Ride" CD Giveaway

Show Dog Records has been kind enough to give us a copy of Toby Keith's new album, American Ride, for one lucky That Nashville Sound email subscriber. We'll pick a winner from our complimentary subscription list for the special award after midnight on Sunday the 18th of October. Subscriptions can be done right under the masthead on the right hand side of the home page. Good luck!

Jamey Johnson Reveals New Song At Concert

Jamey Johnson premiered a new song off of his upcoming album at Joe's Bar earlier this month in Chicago. Check it out below.

Michael Jackson Releases Posthumous Single, “This Is It”

I’m bending the rules a bit this morning. But since I’m the boss, I’m allowed. We all know Michael Jackson and country music are about as similar as whipped cream and dinosaurs. Music is still music, however. And like him or not, he was one of the defining artists of my generation. This morning, one of the late artist’s unreleased songs was revealed to the world on his website. It is the title of his forthcoming motion picture that hits later this month called “This Is It.” You can listen to it below.



Email subscribers can click the headline to stream the song.

Up & Coming New Nashville- Nathan Lee Jackson (With Exclusive Interview)

Nathan Lee Jackson, an unknown young artist, and one of rock music’s most legendary producers found inspiration in one another, using their musical symbiosis to create a timeless country-rock sound. And that is exactly what happened when Jeff Glixman, the famed producer of 1970’s progressive rock band Kansas, whose projects boast combined record sales of over 30 million units, invited Nathan Lee Jackson to make an album at his and partner Jim Gentile’s StarCity Recording Company in Bethlehem, PA.

“For a new, ‘undiscovered’ artist, the chance to work with a ‘rock star’ producer doesn’t come along every day,” Nathan Lee Jackson says. “I’d always admired the musical collaboration of Mutt Lange and Shania Twain, a rock producer with a country artist, so I thought that working with Jeff could turn out to be a pretty cool deal. We made a great personal connection, and I came to trust him as a collaborator, a business partner, and now it’s my pleasure to call Jeff a friend.”

Hailing from Winchester, in the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country, Nathan Lee Jackson came of age during country music’s new wave of the late 80’s and early 90’s. The Jackson family wore out cassettes like Garth Brooks’s Ropin’ The Wind and the Alabama classic American Pride. Jackson was also exposed to a tasty hash of oldies and Motown on Dad’s favorite radio station and contemporary Christian songs in church. With what would become a rich baritone honed on hymns sung on the front porch with Grandma, and a grounding in classic country picked up singing with central Kentucky’s “jamboree” bands, Nathan Lee Jackson developed an eclectic sensibility that’s brightly reflected in his debut self-titled album.

“I only want to write what’s in my heart,” he explains. “I’m a Christian and I’m from a small town, and so I try to make sure that my lyrics reflect that. Both of my parents were from rural Kentucky families, so I try not to forget where I came from. I have a strong desire to give people hope, so I want that to come across as well.” When all these points converged in his intensely emotional ballad, “Powerful,” Nathan Lee Jackson’s career turned a corner. Inspired by his high school sweetheart, the song struck a chord not only with her (she eventually became his wife, walking down the aisle to the song and providing background vocals on the album recording), but with friends, family, and music professionals alike. The song found its way into Jeff Glixman’s hands, causing him to turn his ear towards Nathan Lee Jackson for the first time. “The first thing that struck me about Nathan was his voice—but the first time I got a real feel for him as an artist was when I heard ‘Powerful.’ That demo had such personality, such great intensity—he was really living the song—that I immediately got on a plane to go meet him."



That Nashville Sound- What brought you to music in the first place?

Nathan Lee Jackson- I’d say my Grandma Jackson’s love for music rubbed off on me. She used to sing around her house all the time, and at every opportunity, she’d sing with her church choir. Grandma loved music so much that it used to be fun to see how pretty I could sing a song, to see if I could make her cry! Though Grandma and Grandpa Jackson lived an hour and a half away from where we lived, I wound up spending a lot of time there during my summer breaks as a kid. It was memories of and the love for singing country hymns on her front porch with her, looking over a large valley in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, that inspired me to write the acapella hymn “Store Up Your Treasures,” which we ended the album with.

TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?

NLJ- The goal of my music is to make people cry… Just kidding! I’d describe my music as having a classy country/classic rock core, along the lines of Alabama or Vince Gill. In addition to that my writing tends to have an eclectic sensibility, from a background of many, varied musical influences, and when I stray from the norm, you never know what you’re gonna get! For instance, we recorded a big-band jazz ballad, “Kentucky Breeze,” on my debut album, Complicated Hearts, with an orchestra full of Philadelphia Symphony players and all! Like a lot of performers/writers, as Kenny Rogers said, I’d like to think “I could change the world with my little songs.” I try to view life through a lens of hope, and through the prism of my faith and upbringing in Kentucky, which, I’d say, wasn’t so bad. Those things can’t help but be injected into my music and lyrics, and I hope that maybe that’s a positive message that will ring true with listeners.

TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?

NLJ- I read C.S. Lewis’s theological books on plane rides and watch Spongebob Squarepants at every opportunity. For fear of tearing a hole in the universe, I try to not do both at the same time…

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

NLJ- I’ve been listening to Native Window’s debut album, a KANSAS band side-project, admittedly on my label! I wish more people were making music that has this much heart, not to mention their awesome musicianship. My friend/road guitarist, Keith Ridenour, wrote one of the best songs on it, “Still,” a tune that I can’t get out of my head for a week after each time I hear it!
TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?

NLJ- My most honest answer… If you’d asked me this question five years ago, I would have given you an answer that was nowhere close to how it’s turned out. So, let’s just say I’m open to each new day and what the Lord entrusts me with as I go along. I do have A LOT of big dreams and visions, but I tend to keep those to myself until they’ve been realized.

TNS- Any nickname for your guitar or other instruments?

NLJ- My main keyboard is a beat-up, lightweight one with speakers, perfect for throwing in the car to go to a writing session. I’ve had it for years. It goes by the name “$200 ‘Best Buy’ Keyboard.”

The Eagles’ Timothy B Schmit Readies Album For Release Next Week

Timothy B. Schmit is set to release Expando, his first solo album in eight years, on October 20, 2009 on Lost Highway Records. Written and produced by Schmit, Expando features some of Schmit’s most autobiographical and musically diverse solo work to date.

Expando implies growing and expanding and I feel like that’s what the music on this album represents for me,” said Timothy B. Schmit. “I guess the word is a bit mysterious, but I’m trying out all these different things I’ve always wanted to do.”

Schmit recorded the album entirely at his home studio near Los Angeles and hand-picked the musicians who worked with him, including Keb’ Mo’, Graham Nash, Kid Rock, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Band’s Garth Hudson, Van Dyke Parks, Dwight Yoakam, The Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench, and Timothy’s son, Ben. Hank Linderman, who recorded Schmit’s 2001 Feed The Fire, also engineered and performs on Expando.

Expando Track Listing:

1. One More Mile (Featuring Keb’ Mo’ on Slide Dobro)
2. Parachute (Featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd on Lead Guitar, Benmont Tench on Organ, and Graham Nash on Background Vocals)
3. Friday Night (Featuring Garth Hudson on Organ and Van Dyke Parks on Accordion)
4. Ella Jean
5. White Boy From Sacramento (Featuring Benmont Tench on Electric Piano and Ben Schmit on Drums & Lead Guitar)
6. Compassion
7. Downtime (Featuring Kid Rock and Dwight Yoakam on Background Vocals)
8. Melancholy
9. I Don’t Mind (Featuring Van Dyke Parks on Accordion)
10. Secular Praise (Featuring Van Dyke Parks on Accordion, Benmont Tench on Organ, and The Blind Boys Of Alabama on Background Vocals)
11. A Good Day (Featuring Donna De Lory on Background Vocals)

“I feel like after all these years, I’m finally tapping into all that experience,” Schmit went on to say. “This time, I decided to do it all on my own. I come from a folk and early rock background, so that’s how I started every one of these songs - on acoustic guitar.”