Jason Eady - AM Country Heaven Review

As I began writing my review of Jason Eady's AM Country Heaven, I was struck immediately with how much growth Jason Eady has grown on his new album. It's a growth that finds the Texas-based, Mississippi-native ready to break-out unlike ever before. Working with renowned singer/songwriter Kevin Welch as his producer and members of Heybale, the Austin-based band of expert country music players (pianist Earl Poole Ball, guitarist Redd Volkaert, bassist Kevin Smith, drummer Tom Lewis) and they're joined by award-winning steel guitarist Lloyd Maines and fiddle player Cody Braun from Reckless Kelly. Renouned musicians in their own right, the fact that they're playing on the record is a testament to this batch of songs for this isn't a band that plays on just anybody's record. ...full text Mississippi-born and Texas-based Jason Eady moves from the Americana hybrid of his excellent last album When The Money’s All Gone to something more deeply rooted in country. Tastefully produced by Kevin Welch, with backings from Austin-based band Heybale and special Lloyd Maines on steel, it is a low key delight with some excellent songs, almost all written by the extremely talented Eady, occasionally with a co-writer. His pleasing, plaintive voice is ideally suited to his material.

This is one of those rare albums where there really are no weaker tracks. If you like this, I’d also recommend downloading the excellent ‘Promises In Pieces’ and ‘Cry Pretty’ from When The Money’s All Gone, which are on similar stylistic lines and great songs....full text This album is truly a gem from start to finish. On the opening title cut, he waxes poetic about some of the differences between the music business now as opposed to then. Some of the lyrics in the song will make you chuckle, and some will have you nodding your head in total agreement. He segues straight into the Haggard sound of “Old Guitar And Me,” which has that 70s MCA sound that Merle perfected during that time.

Other standout cuts on this album include “Man On A Mountain,” which features a guest appearance from the timeless Patty Loveless, and the swing-ish “Paid My Dues,” as well as “Water Into Wine,” which is a sterling piece of songwriting. Eady also is surrounded by a strong cast on the album. The legendary Lloyd Maines contributes some lonesome sounds on steel, and Cody Braun shows his prowess with the fiddle licks, as well....full text