Brandon Jordan and Overtime Unite for “Ride”: A High-Octane Southern Country Rock Anthem Hits the Road
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Rising Southern rock and country singer-songwriter Brandon Jordan has joined forces with Montana-based, Gold-certified hip-hop/rock/country artist Overtime for their brand new single, “Ride,” out now! This electrifying collaboration delivers a road trip anthem poised to be the soundtrack of summer, featuring a fiery guitar solo from Jordan’s musical partner, veteran guitarist Scott Bartlett, a founding member of the platinum-selling rockers Saving Abel. Co-written by Overtime, Bartlett, and Ryan Peel, and co-produced by Bartlett and Peel, “Ride” is a testament to raw, unadulterated musical energy.
Scott Bartlett, the seasoned axeman behind the track’s distinctive sound, enthusiastically shares, “Go for a ride…man, what a groove. You can’t help but tap your foot. It’s got that Memphis swagger. This song was all cut live, very few overdubs. Even the guitar solo was just one take. It’s a feel-good porch-stomper!” Jordan echoes the sentiment, adding, “Hope you love this fun new song with our boy Overtime. Let’s ride!” Their collective excitement is palpable, and it translates directly into the track’s infectious vibe.
The Sound of “Ride”: Raw Energy and Memphis Swagger
“Ride” lives up to its name, immediately pulling listeners into a high-octane sonic journey. Bartlett’s description of “Memphis swagger” is spot on; the song possesses a gritty, blues-infused rock foundation that feels both classic and contemporary. The decision to cut the track live, with minimal overdubs, gives “Ride” an organic, untamed feel that is often missing in today’s polished productions. This raw authenticity is a significant strength, allowing the musicianship to shine through with genuine passion.
The collaboration between Jordan and Overtime is seamless. While Jordan brings his powerful country-rock vocal delivery, Overtime adds his distinctive hip-hop and rock sensibilities, creating a dynamic interplay that feels fresh and innovative. The star of the show, however, is arguably Scott Bartlett’s guitar work. His “one take” solo is a masterclass in feel and precision, burning with a controlled intensity that elevates the entire track. It’s the kind of solo that makes you want to roll down the windows and hit the highway. The collective energy of the musicians is evident, resulting in a “porch-stomper” that is impossible to resist.
A Collaborative Partnership and a Massive Summer Tour
To celebrate this exciting collaboration, and with promises of more music from the pairing to come, Brandon Jordan featuring Scott Bartlett will be joining Overtime on his massive 41-date, cross-country tour this summer. The “Long Way Home Tour,” sponsored by GrindLifestyle, is set to launch on June 5th in Chico, California. This extensive trek will see them travel across the U.S., making stops in major cities such as Bend, Boise, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs, Tucson, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Knoxville, Virginia Beach, Charlotte, Scranton, Akron, Columbus, Indianapolis, Green Bay, Iowa City, and Sioux Falls, before wrapping up on August 24th in Dilworth, Minnesota. This tour provides an incredible opportunity for fans to experience the raw power of “Ride” and other new music live.
The “Brandon Jordan” music partnership, a moniker for the collaborative efforts of Jordan and Bartlett, officially debuted in March with their single “Let The Gravel Fly (Rock Mix),” which also featured Jesse Lawson formerly of Sleeping With Sirens. This earlier release hinted at the potent chemistry between the two artists, setting the stage for “Ride.”
The Genesis of “Brandon Jordan”: A Powerful New Voice Meets a Seasoned Veteran
The story behind the “Brandon Jordan” partnership is one of instant recognition and shared musical vision. Scott Bartlett knew the Alabama-based artist had something special the first time he heard Jordan opening for him at a club in Alabama in September of 2024. Bartlett, a seasoned six-string slinger with decades of experience and a rare combination of songwriting, stage, and business acumen, instantly recognized Jordan’s undeniable talent. He knew he needed to work with Jordan, and so began a collaborative creative partnership that birthed the “Brandon Jordan” project.
In Jordan, Bartlett sees a promising, heartfelt storyteller. Coupled with Bartlett’s penchant for heavy guitars, the undeniable potential for a sizzling Southern-rock style emerges, a sound that fits perfectly between the firebrand country rock of Brantley Gilbert and the more classic-rock jam of Blackberry Smoke. This comparison is apt, as the duo manages to blend the high-energy, no-holds-barred attitude of modern country rock with the soulful, improvisational feel of classic Southern rock. Jordan’s voice, described as one that “delivers the power and passion to captivate any audience, anytime, anywhere,” is indeed a formidable instrument, capable of conveying both grit and emotion.
Review of “Ride”
“Ride” is an absolute powerhouse of a track that successfully merges the best elements of Southern rock, country, and even a touch of hip-hop influence. From the moment the driving rhythm section kicks in, listeners are hooked. The song’s structure is classic and effective, building tension and releasing it with powerful choruses and that standout guitar solo.
Brandon Jordan’s vocals are a highlight. He possesses a gravelly yet melodic tone that perfectly suits the song’s theme of freedom and rebellion. He navigates the track with confidence, delivering the lyrics with conviction and a palpable sense of enjoyment. Overtime’s contribution is well-integrated, adding a unique texture without overshadowing the core country-rock vibe.
However, the true star of “Ride” is the instrumental prowess, particularly Scott Bartlett’s guitar work. The “Memphis swagger” he speaks of is evident in every riff and lick, and his solo is a masterclass in tasteful, blues-infused rock. It’s raw, energetic, and perfectly placed within the song’s arc. The live recording approach pays off immensely, giving the track an authentic, unvarnished feel that is incredibly refreshing.
“Ride” is more than just a single; it’s a statement of intent from the Brandon Jordan partnership. It showcases their ability to craft compelling, high-energy anthems that are both catchy and musically substantial. Fans of Brantley Gilbert, Blackberry Smoke, and even Saving Abel will find much to love here. This song is tailor-made for summer road trips, backyard parties, and loud speakers. It’s a feel-good, foot-stomping, head-nodding track that demands to be played on repeat. With a massive tour on the horizon, “Ride” is poised to become a breakout hit, firmly establishing Brandon Jordan as a name to watch in the Southern rock and country scene.
Brandon Jordan – 2025 Tour Dates
Headlining Shows:
- Friday, May 30 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Bigs Bar
Supporting Overtime’s The Long Way Home Tour:
- Thursday, June 5 – Chico, CA @ Tackle Box
- Friday, June 6 – Medford, OR @ Rocky Tonk Saloon
- Saturday, June 7 – Roseburg, OR @ Workman’s Bar
- Sunday, June 8 – Bend, OR @ Volcanic Theater
- Thursday, June 12 – Lewiston, ID @ Boomer’s Garden
- Friday, June 13 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
- Saturday, June 14 – Twin Falls, ID @ 360’s Main Event Center
- Thursday, June 19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
- Friday, June 20 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
- Saturday, June 21 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Sunshine Studios
- Sunday, June 22 – Cheyenne, WY @ The Outlaw
- Friday, June 27 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Yucca North
- Saturday, June 28 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
- Thursday, July 3 – Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St.
- Friday, July 4 – Tulsa, OK @ The Shrine
- Sunday, July 6 – St. Peters, MO @ Diamond Music Hall
- Thursday, July 10 – Louisville, KY @ Portal
- Friday, July 11 – Bowling Green, KY @ Spillway Bar & Grill
- Saturday, July 12 – Knoxville, TN @ Open Chord Stage
- Thursday, July 17 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Peabody’s Nightclub
- Friday, July 18 – Charlotte, NC @ Heist Brewery
- Saturday, July 19 – Northampton, PA @ The Gin Mill & Grille
- Sunday, July 20 – Scranton, PA @ The Ritz
- Friday, July 25 – Baldwinsville, NY @ Average Joe’s Beernasium
- Saturday, July 26 – Millersville, PA @ Phantom Power
- Sunday, July 27 – Manchester, NH @ Jewel Music Venue
- Thursday, July 31 – Akron, OH @ The Vortex
- Friday, August 1 – Cadillac, MI @ The Venue Event Center
- Saturday, August 2 – Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
- Thursday, August 7 – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle Brewing
- Friday, August 8 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center
- Saturday, August 9 – Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory
- Sunday, August 10 – Portage, IN @ Decibels at On The Roxx
- Thursday, August 14 – Green Bay, WI @ Riverside Ballroom
- Friday, August 15 – Beaver Dam, WI @ Stormy’s Music Venue
- Saturday, August 16 – Chippewa Falls, WI @ Every Buddy’s Bar
- Sunday, August 17 – Fridley, MN @ Route 47
- Thursday, August 21 – Leavenworth, KS @ Vivo Live Music Venue
- Friday, August 22 – Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon
- Saturday, August 23 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Bigs Bar
- Sunday, August 24 – Dilworth, MN @ Tak Music Venue