Despite Joel White’s admission of creative embellishment, truth blows through these songs with a whistle and grit. The lyrics of all six are wistfully ironic and deal with times past and choices made.
Joel White is a former cowboy and an accomplished vocalist/guitarist who represents his songs with style. Producer Merel Brigante knows how to issue a top product and, importantly, for whom to issue them. He has assembled a fine cadre of session players including himself (drums, percussion & background vocals); Cody Braun (fiddle, mandolin & harmonica); Michael Dorrien (acoustic, electric & baritone guitars); Mark Epstein (bass guitar); Pete Wasner (Steinway Piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3 & Accordion) and Sarah Pierce (background vocals).
As picks we’ll name title track “Once I Was A Cowboy” and White’s co-write with Allan Chapman “The Last of the Three Sixes Cowboys,” but any of this EP’s six songs could be considerations for airplay. One tech note for those looking to cover them: Song lyrics in the enclosed pamphlet don’t precisely jibe with those of the finished product, but you’ll figure it out! Highly recommended.
EP: (available through joelawhitemusic.com)
– by Rick Huff
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Joel White – Once I Was A Cowboy