Reviews

2021 TJ Stocking Stuffers with CJ Garton, Sue Foley, Howlin’ Rain, Paul Kelly and more

By Brian Rock

It’s time to say goodbye to 2021. And if we won’t shed tears to see this one go, maybe we can give a few cheers for the music it left us. Here are a few of 2021’s latest releases that might make a good stocking stuffer for the music fan in your life.

 

For the country fan:

CJ Garton: Tales of the Old West and Other Libations to Please the Palate

Double album worth of classic, steel guitar country; sung with powerful, old school baritone vocals.

Star Track: :Ain’t No Good Chain Gang”

Classic steel guitar driven Outlaw Country about evil hearted women and doing time.

cjgarton.com  |  Buy

 

F. Scott and the Nighthawks: Hold On To Your Heart

Heartland Rock and Roll with just a touch of Southern twang.

Star Track: “Hold On To Your Heart”

Raspberries inspired power pop with irresistibly catchy grooves.

nighthawksofficial.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

For the blues fan:

Sue Foley:  Pinky’s Blues 

Hard driving Texas Blues from a strong woman’s point of view.

Star Track: “Boogie Real Low”

Jump Blues that demands to be danced to.

suefoley.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

For the folk fan:

NRBQ: Dragnet

Inventors of Party-folk return with first new album in eight years.

Star Track: “Where’s My Pebble?”

Surf/Swamp fusion with an abundance of crunchy guitar licks.

nrbq.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

For the Soul fan:

Abby Bryant & The Echoes: Not Your Little Girl

Blue eyed soul with a strong Memphis influence.

Star Track: “Not Your Little Girl”

Blaring horns punctuate sassy anthem of girl-power independence.

abbybryantandtheechoes.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

For the Jam Band fan:

Howlin’ Rain: The Dharma Wheel

Spacey, Grateful Dead jam band with touches of Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

Star Track: “Under The Wheels”

Laid back Southern California vibes transition into psychedelic guitar riffs.

howlinrain.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

For the Singer Songwriter fan:

Matthew James Adkins: Stoned On My Own

Strong debut seamlessly weaves country, folk and rock rhythms along with great storytelling.

Star Track: “Rivers & Streams”

Gospel piano and soaring guitar solos enhance extended metaphor about moving on.

matthewjamesadkins.com  |  buy

 

For the Bluegrass fan:

Daryl Mosley: Small Town Dreamer

Fiddle and banjo fueled tribute to small town America.

Star Track: “Transistor Radio”

Gentle rolling rhythms and mandolin celebrate music sharing before the digital age.

darylmosley.com  |  buy  |  fb

 

Bonus Christmas album for the kid in all of us:

Paul Kelly: Christmas Train

Festive, folk flavored favorites from down under, including Australia’s #1 Christmas song, “How to Make Gravy.”

Star Track: “Christmas”

Revolver era Beatles sound and “Taxman” guitar riffs create festive flair for this holiday original.

paulkelly.com.au  |  buy  |  fb

Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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