August 30, 2010 marked the 61st anniversary of Hank Williams legendary recording sessions at Herzog Studios, 811 Race Street Cincinnati, Ohio now home of the Cincinnati USA Music Heritage Foundation. This was the second of Hank’s historic recordings at Herzog Studios which produced such timeless classics as;  “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,”  “Lovesick Blues,” and several other cuts that went on to become the fabric of Country Music and bona fide standards of the American songbook.

To commemorate Ol’ Hank’s visit to the Queen city, Cincinnati’s own Dallas Moore Band along with country guitar legend, Jody Payne (longtime guitarist with Willie Nelson and Cincinnati native), set up shop before a sold out live audience in the very spot where Hank Williams joined the Pleasant Valley Boys at Herzog Studios to make music history. Spirits were flowing in more ways than one whenDallas Moore and Jody Payne were joined on stage by Dallas’ mother, Madgelee Moore, for a haunting rendition of  “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”.

This live recording captures the very essence of a foot-stompin’, hell raisin’, honky tonk band paying tribute to the King of Country’s soul. Raw, real, gritty and in your face, cranked up “Loud and Proud.” Country music the way it was, the way it is, and the way it oughta be, and for that friend we truly have  “Hank To Thank”

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With a flawless blend of southern soul, funky Jerry Reed-style country, and old school blue collar rock, Pure Grain is the real deal. These guys and gals have created their own unique sound that will appeal to music fans of all stripes.” – Adam Sheets – No Depression / XXX Movement Co Founder.

Indiana’s Pure Grain are back with a release that is sure to put them right over the top. Produced by the band’s drummer Brian DeBruler, Sowing Seeds is simply stated, a near perfect recording. I am fortunate in that I get to hear literally dozens of new releases per week, but once in a while, an album comes along that I leave in the CD changer for weeks. I have had the pre-release copy of this one for a month, and I see no signs of removing it from the disc changer any time soon.

Let’s get one thing straight right from the beginning. Pure Grain defies categorization. I hear some country in there, mixed with a massive dose of r&b and funk. Then there are Southern Rock elements. Sometimes the guitars remind me of old Marshall Tucker or Allman Brothers records. But even with their influences firmly in place, Pure Grain remains totally original. I like that.

Based around the amazing talents of singer/songwriter Chris Taber, the band is a major force to be reckoned with. Taber was born and raised right here in my home city of Greenville, SC, so he gets all his Southern influences quite honestly. Taber is a simply amazing story teller, and his songs are detailed, passionate and most importantly, honest.

“Can I Get a Cowgirl” is sure to make waves on honkytonk dance floors across the country the same way “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” did for Big & Rich a few years ago. While they lyrics are decidedly country fried and the beat is perfect for line dancing, there is an underlying funk in the music that will appeal to fans of Sly & The Family Stone and Sugarland equally. And man oh man that is some nice and funky wah-wah driven lead guitar.

“Southbound” is another funky tune that brings to mind the country side of Delbert McClinton. It’s another good one. And I have to say, the vocals from Courtney D’Amico really add a whole extra layer of flavor to the songs. She really stands out strong on another great song, “Sunday Morning.” Just a soulful singer.

Chris can also deliver a heartbreak song, as evident in the melancholy “How Long.” Oh, and “Believe” is a great tune about believing in yourself and holding onto your dreams regardless of what other people might do or say to block you. The guitar work on this one really reminds me of Marshall Tucker too.

“Bad Mother Trucker” is gritty, nasty funk, and a tribute to truckers everywhere, and the set closer is a cute little novelty love song called “Deep Fried Twinkie.” A cool little lighthearted romp to end a totally amazing record. Pure Grain is on the way to the top, folks.  Mark my words.

-Michael Buffalo Smith Universal Music Tribe