DisClaimer: Newcomers, Come on down!

DisCovery Winner Rob Baird

This week, it’s newcomers, “Come on down!”

Making their debuts in the column are Stephanie Quayle, Sturgill Simpson, Rob Baird, Rian Greene and Madison McKenzie. Obviously, one of them is walking off with a DisCovery Award. But which one will it be?

It will be Rob Baird of Austin, Texas. He sings with dusty authenticity and has co-written an escapist road song that puts pedal to the metal.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Robin Meade & Blue Sky Riders. TV news anchor Meade has proved in the past that she has what it takes as a country singer. Her “Here For You” collaboration with the trio of Gary Burr, Kenny Loggins & Georgia Middleman is a match made in heaven.

Disc of the Day goes to Robin Meade and Blue Sky Riders.

ROBIN MEADE & BLUE SKY RIDERS/Here for You
Writer: Erik Dylan/Robin Meade/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of the Corn/Meade in America/Victoria Shaw/Do Write, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Meade in America (track) 
—Count on Me is the second country CD by popular HLN Morning Express TV host Meade. The collection leads off with this stirring, passionate ode to fidelity and emotional support. Meade’s sturdy alto delivery trembles with emotion and the interwoven vocal harmonies of the Blue Sky Riders send the track into the stratosphere. The collection includes seven songs co-written by the singer, as well as covers of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” and Garth Brooks’ “The Dance.”

Blue Sky Riders

ROB BAIRD/Dreams and Gasoline
Writer: Rob Baird/Rick Brantley; Producer: Scott Davis & Kevin Szymanski; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Scrambler, BMI/ASCAP; Carnival (CDX)  
—I like the urgency and passion in his voice. The country-rock track rumbles along splendidly. His composition has the irresistible forward momentum and sky-high optimism of all great road songs. A thrilling performance.

RACHELE LYNAE/Fishin’ for Something
Writer: Rachele Lynae/Hannah Bethel; Producer: Jamie O’Neal; Publisher: Rachele Lynae/Hamywyn, ASCAP/BMI; Momentum 
—Very cleverly written, featuring plenty of water, bait, fish and angling metaphors. The track rocks nicely with a punchy backbeat and cool banjo and dobro licks. The vocal performance has all the moxie you could ask for.

LIVEWIRE/Whiskey Sunday
Writer: Joe Romano/Jason Vanover; Producer: Justin Woods; Publisher: Carolina Basketball/Draw Four, ASCAP/BMI; Way Out West
—Heartache, performed with a lively tempo, vocal harmonies and a catchy tune. Highly listenable.

CLAYTON GARDNER/Something About You
Writer: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed
—He has a burnished baritone voice with a “lived in” quality that is quite attractive. The song is a romantic country-rocker that invites you dance and sing along. Well done.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Stand Back
Writer: Stephanie Quayle/Mindy Ellis Campbell/Mark Carson; Producer: Dale Libby; Publisher: none listed; Rebel Engine (track)
—She sings well. Not that the song is a vocal showcase of any kind. It barely has a melody. Rock energy is no substitute for craftsmanship.

STURGILL SIMPSON/Life Ain’t Fair and the World Is Mean
Writer: Sturgill Simpson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Pan Bowl. ASCAP; High Top Mountain (track)
—This singer-songwriter has a cool, retro style that is country, country, country. This opening track of his just-released CD borrows its rolling atmosphere from the outlaw sound of Waylon Jennings. Which is a good thing, indeed. Simpson has been opening shows for Dwight Yoakam and Junior Brown, and I’ll bet he’s darn good at it.

PHILLIP THOMAS/Summer Fun
Writer: none listed; Producer: Phillip Thomas & A.J. Vallejo; Publisher: none listed; Phillip Thomas  
—He certainly no powerhouse as a vocalist on this record. But his delivery of the lightweight, harmless ditty about being a teen at a beach party goes down easily.

RIAN GREENE/The Best I’ve Ever Had
Writer: Rian Greene; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Mountainwood, BMI; Post Oak (track) 
—This Nashville singer-songwriter has a hushed, intimate vocal style. The backing is spare, featuring jingle-jangle guitar and organ notes in a bopping, bubbling, mid-tempo arrangement.

MADISON McKENZIE/This Is My Life
Writer: Madison McKenzie; Producer: Bob Bullock; Publisher: Madi M, ASCAP; Madi M (track) 
—She has a youthful, confessional songwriting style that packs vivid details into every line. Vocally, she leans toward the breathy, pop end of the spectrum. Sonically, the ditty is airy and fluffy. Kid country.