Honky-Tonk Heart, Tennessee Soul: Shelby Lee Lowe’s ‘The Jack Daniel’s Sessions’ Reaffirms the Neo-Traditional Fire
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Artist: Shelby Lee Lowe
Hailing from the heart of Tennessee, Shelby Lee Lowe is a compelling voice in the resurgence of neo-traditional country music. His sound is a potent fusion—blending the raw, gritty sincerity of the Bakersfield sound and classic country icons like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, with a subtle, modern indie rock flair. Lowe graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a degree in music business, signing his first publishing deal in 2016. Since then, he has built a reputation as a full-time songwriter and performer known for his powerfully emotive vocals and high-energy stage presence, performing frequently at legendary venues on Nashville’s Broadway, including Eric Church’s “Chiefs.” Lowe’s commitment to authentic, lyrical storytelling—often infused with humor and vulnerability—makes him a torchbearer for traditional country’s edge in the contemporary landscape.
The EP: ‘The Jack Daniel’s Sessions, Live from Lynchburg’
The Jack Daniel’s Sessions is a landmark release for Shelby Lee Lowe, recorded live from the historic Motlow Cave in Lynchburg, Tennessee—the first EP ever recorded at the iconic location. This setting lends an organic, stripped-down authenticity that perfectly complements Lowe’s traditionalist style. The EP features five tracks, showcasing a mix of his original, hard-hitting compositions and one expertly chosen cover that pays homage to his influences.
Track-by-Track Review
1. Jack Daniel’s (Eric Church Cover)
Lowe immediately sets the tone with a cover of Eric Church’s classic track. This isn’t a mere imitation; it’s a reverence. By placing it first, he acknowledges his contemporary influences while making the song his own. The live, acoustic production strips away the full band punch of the original, replacing it with a richer sense of place. The performance is raw and honest, allowing the subtle crackle of the cave acoustics to become an instrument itself. Lowe’s vocal delivery is both passionate and weary, lending gravitas to the story of a man using the brown liquor to mourn a faded love. It works perfectly as a mission statement for the entire session.
2. Whiskey’s Looking Lonely
This is the standout honky-tonk highlight and perhaps the most ‘Lowe’ track on the EP. The song is a clever, flirty barroom ballad built around a simple, yet irresistible lyrical hook: the narrator trying to convince a sad woman to let him join her by pointing out that even her drink looks sad and alone. Lines like, “Girl, even your whiskey’s looking lonely tonight,” turn a classic pick-up attempt into a moment of empathetic connection. Musically, it’s driven by a solid, shuffling rhythm and features excellent fiddle work that weaves through the verses, injecting classic country energy. It’s a toe-tapper with enough heart to make the premise believable.
3. History
“History” offers a warm, nostalgic pivot from the barroom setting. Inspired by old family photographs, the song is a heartfelt tribute to Lowe’s Tennessee roots, his lineage, and the timeless nature of family memories. It’s a grounded, earnest track that connects the modern man to the generation that came before. The stripped-down setting of the cave works wonders here, giving the listener the feeling of sitting around a campfire or on a porch, listening to stories passed down through time. It showcases Lowe’s strength as a storyteller and provides a welcome moment of sincerity and reflection amidst the outlaw themes.
4. Miss Tennessee
This track is a laid-back, beautiful love song that has become popular across his home state. “Miss Tennessee” succeeds because of its relatable, girl-next-door lyrics. It avoids the clichés of typical pageant queens, celebrating instead the unassuming, beautiful country girl who embodies the spirit of the Volunteer State. The performance is tender, demonstrating Lowe’s vocal versatility. The arrangement is smooth, almost countrypolitan in its gentle delivery, but kept firmly in the acoustic realm by the recording environment. It’s pure admiration set to a lazy, rolling country melody.
5. Be That Fire
Closing the EP, “Be That Fire” is the emotional powerhouse. Lyrically, it’s a song about commitment and intensity in a relationship—a promise to be the passion that sustains the love. The song is steamy and energetic, serving as a powerful declaration of devotion. The fiddle, which gets a standout moment here, is particularly evocative, conveying the urgency and heat of the theme. As the final track recorded in the cave, it leaves the listener with a feeling of raw, passionate energy, demonstrating that Lowe can deliver tenderness and grit in equal measure, cementing his reputation as a formidable voice in neo-traditional country music.
Overall Verdict: The Jack Daniel’s Sessions is a triumph of concept and execution. By recording live in the Motlow Cave, Shelby Lee Lowe managed to capture not just his performance, but the spirit of his music. It’s authentic, high-energy honky-tonk mixed with genuine storytelling, and it serves as an excellent showcase for his neo-traditional sound.