March 1, 2015--The Cadillac Three, White Lightning

Artist:  The Cadillac Three
Song:  White Lightning
Album:  To Be Released

Okay, so I just recently came across these guys, but I can guarantee that you've already heard their songwriting if you listen to the radio any.  Band members Jaren Johnstons (lead vocals, guitar), Kelby Ray (Bass guitar, dobro, acoustic guitar, vocals), and Neil Mason (drums, vocals) are a Nashville native based trio.  These guys grew up together and now they make music together.  Anyway, you may not have heard them perform, but you have probably heard one or more of their songs.  Johnston and Mason have wrote "Days of Gold" for Jake Owen, "You Gonna Fly" for Keith Urban, and "Southern Girl" for Tim McGraw.  Those are some big names in country music. 

I am personally a fan of their sound, rather than the sound that the other artists who have made their songs famous.  They've got that southern-folk-rock sound.  If I had to lump them in with any other artists, I would put them with Whiskey Myers and A Thousand Horses.  They have a similar sound and yet each group stands on it's own with its own unique qualities.

I like quite a few of their songs.  "Whiskey Soaked Redemption" and "Down To The River" are probably my two favorite songs of theirs.

I hope you enjoy!

--kk

February 28, 2015--Turnpike Troubadours, Gin Smoke Lies

Artist:  Turnpike Troubadours
Song:  Gin, Smoke, Lies
Album:  Goodbye Normal Street

Alright, so we all know that I have a soft-spot for Oklahoma Boys....well....these guys come from pretty damn close to my roots.  The Turnpike Troubadours got their name from the Indian Nation Turnpike that connects a lot of the small towns that they grew up in.  The guys are from Tahlequah, Oklahoma and got their start playing small bars and venues around the area.

They credit their influences as well as their environment for their sound.  These guys are Red Dirt with their own twist.  They aren't what you'd traditionally expect to hear when the term "Red Dirt" is used, but then again, the term is pretty loose these days.  When I think of Red Dirt music I now think of music with country overtones with songs written by the artists who perform them.  I think real.  I think of music that is deeper than it is wide.  I think of my home and what it would sound like if it were a song.

The quintet has made their mark in Red Dirt music.  They've sold out notable venues such as Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK and they're expected to perform at the Choctaw even center here in Durant, OK soon.

Some of my favorite songs of theirs include "Before The Devil Knows We're Dead", "Diamonds & Gasoline", "Whole Damn Town", and "Wrecked".

Enjoy!

--kk

February 27, 2015--Rich O'Toole, In A Minute Or 2

Artist:  Rich O'Toole
Song:  In A Minute Or 2
Album:

Okay, so this is the second Rich O'Toole song that I've shared with you.  There's a high likelihood that he'll show up on this blog once more in the future. The more I listen to his music the more I enjoy his stuff.

If you don't follow him on Instagram or Twitter, then you should.  Although, his Instagram posts usually just make me hungry.  The man is a foodie.  But then again, Julia Child said that the best people are the ones who love to eat.  

Anyway, I hope you like this song.  One of my favorite songs of his is "The Cricket Song".  It's been stuck in my head all day.

Yes, this is a Texas singer/songwriter that can surf.  (Photo from RichOToole Instagram)

Enjoy!

--kk

February 26, 2015--Bob Dylan, Don't Think Twice It's Alright

Artist:  Bob Dylan
Song:  Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
Album:  The Free Wheelin' Bob Dylan (Single)

Okay, so we all know who Bob Dylan is.  He has spanned decades and genres.  Bob Dylan has been a driving force that altered music in the 60's and beyond.  His music tends to have a political or philosophical bend.  However, his songwriting is something to which we can all relate.

He is more than a musician.  Bob Dylan is an artist in every sense of the word.  Between songwriting and performing he has published 6 books of artwork from drawings to paintings.  He has an artist's soul and the need to share it with the world.  Dylan is one of the highest selling artists of all time.  He has sold over 100 million albums to date.

I feel like no matter what I type here, it couldn't begin to cover or even scratch the surface of Bob Dylan's life.  He was born in Duluth, Minnesota (a place of which I'm fond.  It's very beautiful).  If you want to delve deep into his biography you can check out this link here.  

Enjoy!

--kk

*This song was requested by a relative of mine.  I'm so glad that she requested this because I have truly enjoyed throwing myself into Bob Dylan's music.  

February 25, 2015--The Black Crowes, Seein' Things

Artist:  The Black Crowes
Song:  Seein' Things
Album:  Shake Your Money Maker

Okay, so I was skipping through my music library when this beauty appeared.  And since it brings me memories of my childhood of my mother screaming into a diet coke bottle as if it were her microphone, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with the world.  Too bad I don't have a video of her singing it though....Just kidding, mom.  I wouldn't do that. 

These guys started in 1989.  Two brothers, Chris and Rich Robinson.  Their father had tried to discourage them from pursuing their musical passion as he hadn't had such a great experience himself.  However, their first album "Shake Your Money Maker" just so happened to be a success selling over one million copies and being their best selling (and my favorite) album to date.  The band has seen their fair share of struggles, some of which they brought on themselves.

They have released 9 studio albums, none of which were as successful as their first.  However, when the group tours, they still play to sold out venues.  However, it isn't the "real" group.  Sure, Chris is still there, but Rich and he had a falling out and Rich no longer tours with the band.  Over the years there has been a slew of different musicians come and go, but the brothers always remained.  Until now.  

You need a graph just to see the changes in their line-up over the years.  If you haven't, you should watch "Almost Famous".  Actress Kate Hudson played Penny Lane.  Kate was married to the Black Crowes' lead singer, Chris Robinson for some time until their divorce. 

Enjoy!

--kk

February 24, 2015--Jaron and The Long Road To Love, Pray For You

Artist:  Jaron Lowenstein (Jaron and the Long Road To Love)
Song:  Pray For You
Album:  Getting Dressed In The Dark

Okay, fun fact for February 24, 2015--Prophets and Outlaws have released "Texas Home" as a single and it's now available on iTunes.  Yes, I've already bought it and listened to it and I hope you do too.  

And, now onto our featured artist and song.  Jaron Lowenstein is a twin who was born in Georgia.  He and his brother Evan performed together for a short time.  They were born into an orthodox Jewish family.  

Bonus:  Jaron and Evan are related to actor Logan Lerman on their mother's side.

Logan Lerman

"Pray For You" is Jaron's biggest hit.  Many of his other singles have failed to chart and yet he continues to make music.  I like that.  He hasn't given up, nor has he shown any signs of giving up.  That says a lot to me.  

Jaron Lowenstein

Enjoy!

--kk

February 23, 2015--Unwritten Law, Save Me (Wake Up Call)

Artist:  Unwritten Law
Song:  Save Me (Wake Up Call)
Album:  Here's To The Mourning

Okay, so this is my favorite song by this band and it's also the song that put them on the map.  They got their start in California in 1990, so they've been around for a while.  I don't have a lot of information on the group as I've only listened to them occasionally, but I do like their sound.

This rock group has been around and have steadily been making music over the past 25 years.  My brother's favorite song of theirs is "Save Me" which happens to be their biggest hit to date.

I hope you like the group.  I remember when I was a junior in high school and our English III teacher would have us do journal entries every day.  They got tedious at times.  Normally, she would give us a writing prompt.  Since I enjoy writing this was never a trial to me.  However, there were days in which she would assign "Free Write" journal entries.  Sometimes I would write about what I was thinking or something mundane that was going on in my life.  However, I don't tend to like to share many details of my life in writing with people with whom I'm not completely comfortable.  I had a personal journal for that.  I did, however, enjoy writing song lyrics or poems in these "Free Write" assignments.  I wrote the lyrics to this song in one of those entries (radio edit version, of course).  I remember my teacher commenting that I seem like a very angry person who deals in harsh metaphors.  Well, I had my fair share of angst, but then again every 16-year-old girl does.  But, just because I listen to "angry music" I am not an angry person.  In fact, sometimes, the angrier the music the better of a mood I'm in.  Surely, I'm not the only one who feels that way?

Anyway...Enjoy!

--kk