Echoes of the Heartland: Todd Markewicz Desperado is a Masterclass in Americana Soul
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
There is a rare kind of magic that happens when a voice feels both brand new and deeply ancestral. On his latest album, Desperado, the artist known simply as Todd achieves exactly that. It is a record that sits comfortably at the crossroads of Rockabilly, Country, Blues, and Americana, delivered with a vocal prowess that suggests he’s been haunting the halls of Sun Studio for decades.
The Artist: A Voice with a Pedigree
Todd is not a singer who merely performs a song; he inhabits it. His vocal style is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of music’s greatest icons. You can hear the velvet ache of Roy Orbison, the baritone authority of Johnny Cash, and the smooth, yearning croon of Chris Isaak. Yet, there’s a modern sensibility to his delivery that prevents the record from feeling like a mere period piece.
By blending these influences, Todd has carved out a “unique but familiar” niche. As he puts it: “The result is a sound so unique and so original, but yet you swear you’ve heard it before.”
The Architecture of Sound: Gatton and Krizan
A voice this distinctive requires a backdrop of equal caliber, and Desperado delivers with a legendary lineup:
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Danny Gatton: Known as “The Humbler,” the late American virtuoso provides masterclass lead guitar work on several tracks. His ability to fuse jazz, blues, and rockabilly adds a layer of sophisticated grit to the album.
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Anthony Krizan: The multi-instrumentalist (and Sonic Boom Studios owner) didn’t just play guitar, drums, and percussion—he produced the record. His collaboration with Todd on songwriting and arrangement provides the album’s cohesive, polished spine.
Track-by-Track Review
1. Lonely Lady
The album opens with a punch. Featuring the unmistakable lead guitar of Danny Gatton, this track sets the tone immediately. It’s a driving, rhythmic introduction that showcases Todd’s ability to command a melody while giving Gatton the space to weave his signature “tele-mastery” around the vocals.
2. It’s Raining
A moody, atmospheric piece where the blues influences take center stage. Gatton’s guitar work here is more subdued but no less impactful, mimicking the steady, rhythmic fall of rain. Todd’s voice drips with the kind of “blue” emotion that would make Vince Gill proud.
3. Beautiful Daydream
Collaboratively written with Anthony Krizan, this track leans into the Americana side of the spectrum. It feels like a sun-drenched drive down a backroad. The production is lush but organic, highlighting the natural chemistry between Todd’s vocals and Krizan’s rhythmic sensibilities.
4. Love Like Mine
This is a pure standout for fans of the classic crooner era. Todd taps into his inner Elvis here, offering a romantic, soaring performance. It’s a mid-tempo ballad that feels like it belongs on a jukebox in a neon-lit diner.
5. Don’t Play With Me
The attitude shifts here. There’s a bit of Rockabilly “bite” in this track. It’s a warning wrapped in a catchy rhythm, proving that Todd can do “tough” just as well as he does “tender.”
6. Mean Streak
Continuing the momentum, “Mean Streak” leans into the grit. The percussion (courtesy of Krizan) is driving and sharp. It’s the kind of song that highlights the “Desperado” theme of the album—a bit dangerous and entirely captivating.
7. Lonely Blue Boy
A standout collaboration with Krizan, this track is a masterclass in mood. It pays homage to the lonesome heartbreak found in Johnny Cash’s catalog but updates it with a modern, crisp production. The vocal delivery is haunting, lingering long after the final note.
8. Just A Couple O’ Losers
Despite the self-deprecating title, this song is a winner. It’s a narrative-driven piece that showcases Todd’s storytelling ability. It captures the “Americana” spirit perfectly, focusing on the beauty found in the margins of life.
9. Come On And Stay With Me Girl
Danny Gatton returns for his final appearance on the tracklist, and he doesn’t disappoint. This song feels like a lost classic from the late 50s. The interplay between the lead guitar and Todd’s soulful invitation creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that is impossible to resist.
10. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Closing the album with a cover of the Queen classic is a bold move that pays off. By stripping away the glam-rock and leaning into the Rockabilly roots that Freddie Mercury originally intended to honor, Todd brings the album full circle. It’s a fun, high-energy finish to a deeply emotional journey.
Final Verdict
Desperado is more than just an album; it’s a bridge between eras. Todd has managed to honor his heroes—Cash, Orbison, and Presley—without being swallowed by their shadows. With the help of Gatton and Krizan, he has crafted a record that feels like a timeless classic from the moment the needle drops.
“A soulful, high-octane journey through the heart of American music.”