Kendra's Blog

So, there’s been a lot of album releases since I last posted.  I’ve expressed my fondness of Red Dirt music in the past and the quality of music from the artists in this genre is what I love.  They have songs that speak to the heart and the music is good.  Some of the albums I’ve been listening a lot to lately are Adam Hood’s Hell of a Fight and Stoney LaRue’s Velvet. A listen through both of these albums is good for the soul.  It gives me hope that good songs and music are still important.  And they make music with the craft in mind.  

I discovered Adam Hood by hearing some of his music online and listening to his album Hell of a Fight. He is also a captivating live performer with his unique vocals.  And not to mention he has well crafted songs.  Every song on his latest album release is quality.  He’s not only a talented artist but also a writer, which is something I love.  This is hard to come by anymore, so an artist like Hood really stands out.

Now let’s talk Stoney.  Velvet is one of the albums that I’ve really enjoyed listening to lately as well. It’s well produced and has great songs.  I love Stoney LaRue’s old material a lot.  This album shows the progression and growth of him as an artist.  Some of my favorite tracks on this album are “Dresses,” “Look At Me Fly,” “Travelin’ Kind,” and the title track “Velvet.”  

These are albums I know will be enjoyable to listen to in years to come.  That’s why they are albums I love…

It was a Sold Out show at the Exit/In for Casey Donahew Band.  CDB is from Texas, and they have a unique sound.  I first heard their song “Nowhere Fast” last year.  I fell in love with their style after listening.  

The room was completely filled and I was standing somewhere in the middle of it all.  This made for a great experience.  Sometimes concerts are fun because of all the people you get to meet, this was certainly one of those shows.  

Brent Cobb was the opener for the show.  It was just him and his guitar on the stage.  From Georgia, Brent has a rock vibe in his music.  His style is similar to that of Shooter Jennings.  Usually not much attention is paid to the opening act, but everyone was listening.  I found his style to be refreshing.  I really liked the fact that he got up on the stage and got people’s attention.  I have to admit that I was impressed with my first encounter with Brent Cobb.  After his set, I was just walking around and saw him.  I told him that he did a great job, which he did.  He was very gracious and thanked me for saying that.  He is new on the scene, but he will be one to watch.  

When Casey Donahew Band started, it got rowdy.  Their music is a rock country sound.  It is very edgy and kind of redneck glorifying.  Casey Donahew has a great voice that lends to their style of music.  All of the people in the crowd were singing along with the music.  They have a lot fans.  CDB was really entertaining and crowd engaging throughout the show.  Some of the songs they played included their hits, “Stockyards,” “Crazy,” “Nowhere Fast,” and “White Trash Story.”  Their music was fun to dance along with and sing along to. I can’t say that I have been to a show this fun in long time.  It was a good time.  Casey Donahew Band has great music and fans that love what they do.  They are creating their own path and going with it and it is working.  I appreciate their originality and energy.  

I am loving Texas right now for all of the great artists that are from there.  The genre that I call “Texas Country” has a lot of talent.  I am so glad to see more of these artists because their style is very refreshing.  Anytime I get to see some good ol’ Texas Country I make sure I get to the show because I know that it’s going to be awesome. This was a great show and lots of fun.

Last night, I had the pleasure of checking out one very talented new artist, Frankie Ballard.  ”Tell Me You Get Lonely” is his new single and he also has an EP out.  He started playing guitar when he was 18 years old.  He practiced intensely until he mastered the instrument.  After seeing him play, he is certainly one of the best that I have seen (and I have seen some of the best.)  He did several guitar solos that displayed his incredible talent.  Not to mention, he has a distinct voice that is all his own.  I love how his music is so different from anything out right now.  He has a unique quality in his voice and music that is compelling.  When he sings, he makes you believe it.  In my opinion, that is what makes a true musician.

 It was a lot of fun listening to him sing; he was doing mostly songs that the crowd requested.  Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard were among the artists covered.  Also on stage singing were Josh Thompson and songwriter Ken Johnson.  There was a wide range of style of music played.  Frankie even played some blues.

My favorite part of the show was when Frankie said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, if you don’t like country music, you can get out of here!” This really told me who he was as an artist and a person. One thing that is important to me with a country artist is their trueness to the genre.  Country has a lot of history and it is necessary to recognize that. Something else he mentioned was how much fun he was having.  This is also something that is important for any artist.  When an artist loves what they do, it shows in their performance.  

This was a great show.  I love seeing new country artists.  It is always refreshing to see an individual who is actually talented.  He also writes his own songs.  Frankie is one talented guy.  His music, voice, guitar skills and stage presence will all play a role in his success.  And there is no doubt that Frankie will be successful.  With his talent he will certainly be recognized as he deserves to be.  

Last night, I went to see Randy Montana at the Exit/In.  Since his first single came out, “Ain’t Much Left of Lovin’ You,”  I have been interested in hearing more from him.  He has a unique voice and a sound all his own.  The show was very energetic and his music has a rock vibe.  Randy did a great job with keeping the crowd throughout the show.  His band has a lot of energy and they’re all very talented.  This was  a really cool show to see.  Randy is a new country star and he will definitely be around for a while.  I am looking forward to seeing him get more recognition for his talent.  His current single “1000 Faces,” is a great love song and his new video is also really good.  Randy did a great live set and he is definitely a show to catch if you have the chance!

Just taking things day by day, finding my place in the world. I love music, having a good time and laughing.  I never take myself too serious; life is too short for that!