All Your Mistakes
Longleaf Pine, 2023
8/10
The always impressive singer-songwriter Jon Byrd returns with a 5th studio album, where co-writes and covers unfold with plenty of friends contributing to the country fueled climate.
The warm and pretty “Golden Colorado” opens the listen with Byrd’s stirring voice surrounded by Paul Niehaus’ glowing pedal steel, and “These Days” follows with Bryan Owings' crisp drums and the soothing harmony vocals that complement the rich climate.
“Miss Kitty’s Place” occupies the middle spot and isn’t short on twang, where Steve Conn’s flowing keys won’t go unnoticed, while “City People” builds into a melodic, country rock highlight that makes good use of Chris Donohue’s agile bass playing.
Residing near the end, the bare and poetic “Four Strong Winds” benefits from gorgeous acoustic guitar and Byrd’s vivid storytelling, and “(Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I” embraces classic country ideas in more minimal areas of song craft.
Byrd cites his company as the real stars of the record, but there’s no denying that his inimitable guitar playing and authentic vision does much to make this a very relatable and timeless affair, where Chris Carmichael’s strings really do enhance the listen, too.
Travels well with: Robert Rex Waller Jr.- See The Big Man Cry; Nick Justice- Stranger In My Town