Popular Demons (Koch, 1998)

With the guest lineup on Greg Trooper's fourth album it would be a bigstory if the disc wasn't good. Trooper, now a Nashvillian by way of New Jersey, has been able to bring a fine support cast with him on his label debut. The list begins with Buddy Miller, who plays on several cuts, sings on another but provides the greatest assistance as producer.

Al Perkins, Tammy Rogers, Julie Miller and Emmylou Harris are also on board, but none detract from the real centerpiece here - Trooper and his writing and singing. Though perhaps sporting a slightly smaller focus, a comparison of Trooper with Kieran Kane would be appropriate. Both are solid writers and unfraid to do material that sounds a bit far afield from traditional country. Trooper has a confident and self-assured delivery that never strays into arroganc. Instead, it provides a strong launching point for this material. Highlights are his "Bluebell" duet with Emmylou, the bluesy "These Sunday Nights" and the reworking of Bob Dylan's "I'll Keep It With Mine."