Further On (Jackpot, 2008)

Virginian Randy Thompson's third release is a strong alt.-country effort, with touches of mainstream and traditional country. Thompson acknowledges in his liner notes his admiration for singer Steve Young, which is nicely exemplified by an effective cover of the title track to Young's highly regarded 1969 album "Rock Salt and Nails." The track "Songbird" is also billed as a salute to Young's influence on Thompson.

Other tunes with strong Americana appeal are the up-tempo "Goin' Down To Lynchburg Town," "Ol' 97" and "Molly and Tenbrooks." Thompson also displays an affinity for ballads with "Don't You Remember" and "Riptide."

A couple of tracks, "Don't You See" and "Leave the Light On" have a mainstream Nashville sound, while the title track featuring Don Helms (Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys) is pure traditional country.

With solid songwriting, soulful vocals and stellar backing from Helms, fiddler Rickie Simpkins and guitarist Garrick Alden this is an impressive self-produced collection.