is a based in Stillwater, OK, one of the leaders of a local scene collectively dubbed Red Dirt, after the dominant topographical feature of central Oklahoma. 's debut, , is both a personal coming-out of a fairly gifted and the mission statement of an entire collective of bands, including (led by ) and , key figures from which appear here in vocal, instrumental, and songwriting roles. It's as if the bands had been heavily influenced by 's and the rest of the Luckenbach, TX, scene of the '70s. However, 's whiskey-smooth growl of a voice and his smart, songwriting are the focal points throughout , a twangy, -influenced collection of solid two-steps, , and rockers. wrote or co-wrote all but two of the songs, the ringers being a sensitive reading of a tune popularized by , and a triumphant, sweet version of that closes the album. Both sound like they could be originals, testament both to 's vocal skills and strength as a songwriter. ~ Stewart Mason