Me & Paul
Longleaf Pine, 2021
8/10
An Alabama native who relocated to Nashville many years ago, Jon Byrd’s 5th solo album features Paul Niehaus (of Lambchop fame) on pedal steel, as the pair flesh out 2 originals and 3 covers in a very vintage and raw atmosphere.
“I’ll Be Her Only One” starts the quick listen with warm pedal steel, as Byrd’s intimate and poetic singing adds some grit to the sublime beauty, and “Ballad Of Jr. And Lloyd” follows with expressive acoustic guitar guiding the vivid storytelling that details a rare friendship, probably not unlike the one between Jon and Paul.
“Cash On The Barrelhead” occupies the middle spot, and gets a bit playful with its classic country nods amid some rugged moments , while “Why Must You Think Of Leaving?”, a co-write with Shannon Wright, flows with a folk spirit as gorgeous guitar and a dreamy quality emit a nostalgic beauty. “Don’t Go To Strangers” exits the listen, and recruits a darker approach that’s not short on atmosphere in its mountain-esque demeanor.
A very stripped back effort, Niehaus navigates around the pedal steel with much skill, and Byrd’s meticulous picking and wise vocals make for a collaboration that surely warrants more than 5 tracks next time.
Travels well with: Tylor & The Train Robbers- Non-Typical Find; Desert Hollow- Thirsty