If you’re tired of the current state of so-called country music today, have we got news for you. Singer-songwriter/musician Chad Richard is prepping to drop a new album, Worthy Cause, on April 26. But first, for those not up on their indie artists, a bit of background on the artist in question:
Chad Richard (note: pronounced "REE shard") grew up in Louisiana at the Sabine River bottom. His signature sound is a musical melange of genres including blues, Cajun, country, folk, and Texas swing. He released his debut disc, Veteran’s Grocery in 2015.
On his second audio offering of original songs, Richard takes the lead on acoustic guitar and vocals. He is backed by a bevy of other artists including producer Walt Wilkins (harmonies, percussion, electric and acoustic guitar), Ray Rodriguez (drums and percussion), Bill Small (bass), Corby Schaub (lap steel guitar), Chip Dolan (piano, Wurlitzer piano and B3 organ), Marian Brackney (fiddle/violin, and viola), Geoff Queen (steel guitar and dobro), engineer Ron Flynt (bass, piano, Wurlitzer piano and B3 organ) and Tina Mitchell Wilkins (harmonies). The release has the feel of both a classic and contemporary country album.
The songs focus on a number of different subjects. Topics include being a single parent, being kind to others, and ghosts. There’s even a song about a dog here. (How much more country can you get, right?)
The 12-track album opens strongly on “Slow Rollin Stateline” which has a soulful groove to it. If the listener is initially lost as to the setting of this song one only need listen to the chorus: “Zydeco to the East and gumbo too/Texas swing to the West, the world’s best barbecue/Sweet memories of these two states of mine/Flow like that Muddy, slow rolling Stateline”. It features Matt Giles on electric guitar.
“Love Anyway” follows. It’s a truthful tune that comes complete with clever wordplay and a theme of getting along with others and accepting the realities of the human race. It’s highlighted by noteworthy strings and an effective shuffling.
The next number is “German Angel.” This is a quieter, tuneful tale of people who live in an old German house ensconced in the Texas hill country. It’s sung from the perspective of the home’s watchful ghost.
Things pick up again on “Right Now.” It’s a fun example of what Richard can do as both a singer and songwriter. It’s a familiar theme but effectively presented nonetheless.
Things slow down again on the titular “Worthy Cause.” This one is a heartfelt love ballad. Richard’s expressive vocals and the band’s contributions make it work.
“Fredericksburg” makes a good point about needing to get away for “grown-up thrills” once in a while. It features Kurt Baumer on fiddle.
“Waters Rise” is a topical track that focuses on how people can find an inner strength and decency to join together and rise above catastrophes. It’s a slower, quieter cut with an appropriate sense of solemnity.
“The Big And The Little Hand” is not an entirely unexpected song. Some might even say it’s a prerequisite. Still, Richard’s clever, personal touch makes this slow song work.
Also included here is “My Name.” This one pridefully picks things up again. It comments on recovery and salvaging one’s self-esteem.
The quiet “12 More Days Of Blue” is the album’s first single. It’s direct, simple and written in that classic country style. It sends the needed message that “there are some things you just don’t tell a kid.” This single dad song is so sincere it must be inspired by a true life experience.
“Shawdy And A Shiner” follows. This is that above-mentioned about a man and his dog. Gotta love it if you’re a dog lover who enjoys a cold one or even know someone else who is.
“The Game” has some surprisingly arresting lines in a tuneful tale of a traveling troubadour on the circuit. Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way we hoped it would but we all gotta play the game. It’s an apt album endnote.
Richard is obviously a good observer or at the very least personal historian. His songs are often thoughtful and expressive. Overall, this platter is sincere and consistent with a variety of musical styles to keep it interesting. So check out Chad Richard’s Worthy Cause “Right Now” because in truth we all gotta play “The Game.”
(All media courtesy of original owners)
