What's Spinning, Vol. 48
Music inspired by the vinyl community.
Colter Wall? Yep!
Why is this artist significant to me, you ask? Well this is an artist that someone in the vinyl community recommended. This recommendation was a complete home run to say the least.
Colter Wall found his inspiration from legends like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Bob Dylan. This is reflected in his music and lyrics.
His voice actually reminds me of Johnny Cash and this was actually the first comment I made when I heard his music. That is what reeled me in to listen to more of his discography. There's a simplistic but complex sound in his music that reminds me of traditional folk rock by musicians such as Woody Guthrie and others.
This third studio album is where he really finds his groove and balance as a songwriter. His maturation in the industry is on full display.
Do I daresay, the song, Big Iron, his version is better than Marty Robbins and that is saying something. The same goes for the song, Cowpoke, which was originally done by Stan Jones. Both covers are absolutely incredible.
His own songs, Rocky Mountain Rangers and Houlihans at the Holiday Inn, are phenomenal. Songwriting at its finest. They instantly transport you back to the days of the open range and Great Plains.
-----
Colter Wall - Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs
La Honda Records, 2020
I'll give a listen. You have a good ear. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Bob Dylan is an astute trio to take inspiration from -- they have more in common than people realise. (Cash having Dylan on his show as a guest comes to mind.) and now I'm thinking about what if that had been The Highwaymen rather than Waylon, Willie and Chris. Or maybe Highwaymen II. Or Traveling Wilburys II, with George Harrison (whom I so wish had done a country album).
I'm rambling, but that trio of names sparked my aural imagination.