He Rode On
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A debut album that took inspiration from his decade+ long stint as a horseman and wilderness ranger in Western Montana, Michael Shaw brings a very authentic approach to these 10 tracks of country and western sounds.
“Bad Honky Tonker” gets the listen off to a rugged start with John McTigue III’s thumping drums and Jeremy Penner’s fiddle acrobatics alongside Shaw’s gritty pipes, and “Outlaw’s Refuge” follows with agile guitar and a very melodic and punchy approach that’s still quite indebted to country, too.
Halfway through, “Shot Down” offers a calmer display of warm pedal steel thanks to Robby Turner, as some bluesy spirit enters, while “Stick A Fork In It” is dance floor ready with its speedy rhythm section and head bobbin’, toe tappin’ demeanor.
Further down the line, “Light Of The Moon” offers a poetic landscape amid soulful backing vocals from Andrina Turrene and Marc Arnold’s well timed keys, and the title track exits the listen with a bare, dreamy execution that truly showcases Shaw’s timeless song craft.
An excellent first album that was recorded to tape with all the musicians in the same room, there’s a very spontaneous and cozy feel present, as Shaw and company navigate around rural anthems and sublime balladry with incredible dexterity.
Travels well with: Scott Martin- Corner Of The World; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency