The Steeldrivers

The SteelDrivers are a band created by Nashville session veterans, including Richard Bailey (banjo), Mike Fleming (upright bass), Mike Henderson (mandolin), Tammy Rogers (fiddle), and Chris Stapleton (guitar, lead vox). Although labeled as Bluegrass, Chris Stapletons voice is full of back woods soul, crossing their sound into Blues and Outlaw Country territory.

Reckless is an album I wish I had in college where most weekend evenings at our house were spent at a card table with a half-gallon of Jim Beam and a tin of Kodiak. While others on campus were listening to O.A.R and Phish, wed crank up Hank Williams Jr., Leftover Salmon, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and the obligatory sets by Cash, Willie, and Waylon. The SteelDrivers would have been like putting those bands in a blender.

Im no spring chicken, so Reckless is playing while mowing the lawn or grilling meat with the family, while I secretly crave a pinch of Kodiak. The album starts with “Reckless Side of Me,” a song that sets the stage for an album that shines a spotlight on fiddle, banjo and Stapletons fierce vocals. Its a song that outpaced my two year old who, after multiple attempts at dancing, said “Its too fast, Daddy.”

The album continues with a slew of incredible songs, including two with names that make them impossible not to love , “Good Corn Liquor” and “Guitars, Whiskey, Guns, and Knives.” The standout is “Where Rainbows Never Die,” however. Its the story of one mans testament at the end of his life and itll raise the goose pimples on your arms.

I’m an old man now
I can’t do nothing
Young folks don’t pay me no mind
But in my day I sure was something
Before I felt the heavy hand of time

I’m an old man now
I’m bound for glory
Time to lay these burdens down
Had enough of this old world of worry
Gonna trade my troubles for a crown

I will make my way across the fields of cotton
And wade through muddy waters one last time
And in my dreams I come out clean
When I reach the other side

Waste away the sunsets
Where rainbows never die

I’ve got on last thing to do
One more mile before I’m through
Casting off these earthly chains
Going where theres no more pain

I’m an old man now
Can’t do nothing
Young folks don’t pay me no mind

The only downside of this album is the accompanying news that Stapleton just left the band to focus on his young family and his songwriting career (hes written songs for Kenney Chesney, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, and others). Theyve added Gary Nichols on guitar and lead vocals, but in my opinion, theyve replaced something thats irreplaceable.

The SteelDrivers are deserving of the highest praise for Reckless, but Im afraid theyll also find some disappointed fans who learn of Chriss departure once the band takes the stage with a new front man. Regardless, I recommend picking up this album today (its release date) and keep your fingers crossed for a Chris Stapleton return one day to center stage. Hes too damn good to sit quietly with a pen in hand.

The SteelDrivers – Where Rainbows Never Die

The SteelDrivers Reckless EPK

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