JOSH DANIELS
Grassroots Country Vol. II
Tiger
By The Tail – Silver Wings – Invitation To The Blues – Waltz Across
Texas – Love’s Gonna Live Here – For The Good Times – Walkin’ The Floor
Over You – Today I Started Loving You Again – Folsom Prison Blues – I’m
So Lonesome I Could Cry
I must admit, if you like ‘classic’ and ‘traditional’ country
music, you are going to find this particular CD one you will listen to
continuously for long periods of time. Simply because it is so good,
the songs are the ‘right’ songs, and the singer in this case is just a
little bit better than the original recording artists. Josh Daniels
makes his home in Missouri. He originally thought he might be an opera
singer, and even pursued that destination with tutoring and singing
lessons, but he just wasn’t happy doing that, so he switched to classic
country and hasn’t looked back since. I’m not sure where he recorded
this terrific CD, but the musicians are just as devoted to classic and
traditional country music as Josh is. But it’s “Josh” who rules the
roost here, his voice is exactly suited to these terrific country
songs. Doesn’t matter if it’s the smooth sound of Ray Price, or the
hillbilly sound of Hank Williams, or the Bakersfield sound of Buck
Owens, Josh covers it all, and still retains his own impeccable style.
It is a total ‘exemplary’ presentation of ‘real’ country music. The
steel and fiddle knows exactly what this music should sound like, and
they play it with a persona hard to find these days. Even acoustic
guitar picking, like on “Waltz Across Texas” is sublime and beautiful,
and believe it or not, simple…the way it should be, the way Ernest did
it, and the reason it is loved. Josh’s voice touches all the bases on
every single song on this album, you will be amazed at how well he so
sincerely presents his magnificent voice. His Buck Owens songs I firmly
believe are better than Buck did them. That’s saying a lot for a fan
of not only Buck, but the total Bakersfield sound. It’s also a wonder
how well this young guy can do Ray Price, the really ‘cool’ singer of
some incredibly beautiful country songs. I really like the ‘backing’
throughout this remarkable CD, the musicians are obviously enjoying
playing these great ‘classic’ country songs. AND, Josh’s immaculate
voice carries through to take the listener on a brand new adventure and
voyage listening to the ‘real deal’ again. I would be remiss if I
didn’t predict the future of Josh Daniels. He is going to acquire a
massive fan base, and he may even be the impetus to bring ‘country’ back
into country music. Josh is on a number of festivals in 2018, LeMars,
Iowa; Fremont, Nebraska; and perhaps the benefit show at the National
Traditional Country Music Association’s ‘Oak Tree Opry” in Anita, Iowa,
April 27-28-29. It’s a fund raiser for the Pioneer Music Museum, so
come early and stay late for a remarkable recapture of ‘real’ country
music. Master of Ceremonies is a long-time supporter of the NTCMA,
millionaire Bobby Duff who will fly in from California to participate
and emcee the weekend. Lots of fun 7112-762-4363 for information.
RECORD REVIEW BY BOB EVERHART, President, National Traditional Country Music Assn., for Country Music News International