I’ve spent a lot of time in recent months catching up on country music after an April Nashville visit that drew me back. I’ll write about why and what I’m listening to in another post. This one is about a really great album.
George Dearborne is a Texas-based performer who is something of a regional legend in East Texas, but isn’t known much outside of Beaumont. If word about this new release, Lotta Honky Tonkin’ Left In Me, ever gets out, that will change.
Dearborne is a country artist in the traditional vein of George Strait, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and George Jones (to whom he pays homage in the album’s final track, “By George”). He’s recorded a number of records over the years, and the enthusiastic commentary that I read elsewhere motivated me to hit Spotify and do a search for this. You should, too.
One listen to Dearborne’s new album will ensure you that great country music is still being made in traditional ways. None of the songs on Lotta… are written by Dearborne. What he did instead was to record a number of songs (with one exception) by some not-so-well-know songwriters, and he’s put together an album of really strong material played by a team of knockout musicians and solidly produced by Jimmy Ritchey, a guy also known for his songwriting.
The album gets you on your feet right from the start and will keep you there for the duration.
My immediate favorite song was “One More Reason To Love You.” The tune is a classic honky tonk toe-tapper, with a lyrical theme aimed right at my heart. He sings about the woman in his life and tells her that every day, he finds one more reason she’s the best thing in his life – a sentiment that I live daily.
Lotta Honky Tonkin’ Left In Me is available to stream on Spotify (and the other sites, I’m sure). You can purchase a CD from his website.