CD Review- ‘Words & Music Nashville’ Songwriter Compilation

The Background
"WORDS & MUSIC NASHVILLE is nothing less than a dream come true," said Adroit label exec and record producer, James Tract. "To be able to go into the studio with the cream-of-the-crop of songwriters, whom I respect and admire, was a gift. The CD is not just music, it's a work of art. It's a labor of love for all involved, and a convergence of synergy and energy. There's no filler, just one truly amazing song after another!" Produced by Tract, the CD contains ten songs written and performed by the songwriter and features award-winning and prodigy song crafters Lucas Hoge ("Dirt"), Craig Monday ("Heaven Is A Small Town"), Vince Melamed ("Walk Away Joe"), Joshua Rush ("I Found Myself Dancing"), Brendan McKinney ("Yeah She Does"), Ray Sisk ("Memphis [Ain't No Place to Lose the Blues]"), Cheley Tackett ("Play The One I Like"), Karleen Watt ("I'm Not Ready"), Lisa Carver ("Bullets") and Mason Douglas ("Home Free").

The Review
It’s interesting that you would think that the track that would be the obvious stand out from the album would be Vince Melamed’s performance of his smash hit “Walkaway Joe,” that Trisha Yearwood took to #2 on the charts. However, upon deeper review, there are several songs that we would rate as bigger favorites on the album. Take for example, Lucas Hoge’s “Dirt,” in which he sings a darker and beautifully arranged song about being buried in the dirt of his own land when his time comes. Craig Monday has had songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Mark Wills, and his "Heaven Is A Small Town" (co-written with Chris Wallin) showcases a beautiful tenor voice that draws comparisons to Vince Gill. Monday song is about what life is like after we cross over- comparing it all to small town USA. Our favorite track was Brendan McKinney’s dobro and and slide guitar drenched “Yeah, She Does.” It’s simple, straight-forward and goes down smooth- all while making you want to move your feet

Sounds Like:
A great night at the Bluebird Cafe

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Yeah She Does (Brendan McKinney)
Heaven Is A Small Town (Craig Monday)
Dirt (Lucas Hoge)

The Verdict:
Three And A Half Stars Out Of Five