First Set
Horton, 2022
8/10
A debut from Oklahoma all stars who joined together to honor the spirit of Tom Skinner, a singer, songwriter, Red Dirt music pioneer and Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer who passed away in 2015, Skinner’s longtime musical partner, Don Morris (Brandon Jenkins, Red Dirt Rangers, Jana Jae) assembled this outfit.
“Sleeping Dogs”opens the listen with warm pedal steel and crisp drumming giving the rootsy flavor a very cozy and inviting demeanor, and “Can’t Wait Any Longer” follows with a breezy spirit of agile and melodic Americana.
Closer to the middle, “Love Revolution” benefits much from some retro-rock spirit and playful drumming amid the intricate guitar work, while “Down The Road” head towards country music with its intimate and poetic nature that’s a bit dreamy, too.
Further on, “Without You” emits a timeless folk spirit and “Headed South” exits the listen with a slight jangle amid the upbeat, and rootsy Red Dirt formula that sounds right at home with their Oklahoma roots.
Morris is in the company of guitarist Brad James (Medicine Show, Stoney LaRue, Steve Pryor, Brandon Jenkins), drummer Rick Gomez (Reba McIntyre, Roy Clark, Red Dirt Rangers, Jana Jae, Okie Soul, Tweed) and bassist Dylan Layton (Whirligig, Steve Pryor, Brandon Jenkins), and together they preserve Skinner’s legacy with much care.
Travels well with: Monica Taylor- Trains, Rivers & Trails; John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground