No real surprises on this no frills country album from Todd Adelman & The Woodsmen, but the songs are strong , bold and musically faultless.

VERSATILE AND EMOTIVE

Solid honest to good country music runs through this collection of Steve Earle type songs. His background of twenty year associations with a variety of country music artists has given Todd Adelman the versatility in his compositions to create quality album clearly drawing on all his experiences with them.

Country music is at its best when void of flashy over production and overly grim themes. Todd avoids these traps relying on adept musician ship from his Woodsmen, emotive, sensitive themes and issues relevant to everyday life.

His group compatriots Guitarist Danny Blume, Bassist Jeff Hill and Drummer John Valesio all have strong musical pedigree as his songs he takes us to honky tonk bars, front porch and road trips familiar stop- offs for country songs in which he tries to heal souls, explore young love, celebrate good love and chase dreams . Delivered with twangy, deep guitar, some bluesy keyboards and lively percussion we can sometimes stomp, rock, be cheered, relax and wallow in the music .

SOLID COUNTRY VIBES

From the steady beats of opener This One’s On Me, to the cosy vibes of Front Porch Living the set reminds me of the late great John Prine – imagine a cowboy booted chap, stetson drooping over his nose and whisky in hand in a rocking chair on a sultry evening. Hot On The Hinges adds a different vibe a cheery drinking evening in a honky tonk bar and a brief encounter.

No real surprises on this no frills country album but the songs are strong , bold and musically faultless.

Here’s This Round’s On Me:

Todd Adelman and The Woodsmen: Website

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