Daniel brings the Bakersfield Sound to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley

Hailing from Ben Lomond in California's San Lorenzo Valley, Jesse Daniel is a torchbearer for the Bakersfield Sound and one of the few gigging artists keeping that genre alive and kicking.

Touring in support of his new album, "Countin' The Miles,"Daniel and his merry band of talented pickers stopped by for a fantastic evening of music – one that proved the music pioneered by legends like Wynn Stewart, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard is in good hands.

Although clearly influenced by many artists, Daniel and company generally play the high-octane barroom Bakersfield country most associated with Haggard, and you could hear echoes of The Hag throughout the evening. Songs like "Think I'll Stay," the drinking anthem "Soft Spot (For The Hard Stuff)," and "Workin' Hard (Day And Night)," a modern take on "Workin' Man Blues," all reflect Haggard's influence.

Daniel even performed a mini set of Haggard tunes later in the evening. His version of "Rainbow Stew" was a gold old-fashioned stomper, and his take on "Make-Up And Faded Blue Jeans" was a slice of pure classic country goodness.

Comparisons to country legends can be daunting. Luckily, Daniel has no problem standing in the shadows of giants like Haggard. He has a real knack for relatable songwriting and his compositions reflect his influences without feeling derivative. "Clayton Was A Cowboy" and "Champion" are both emotional narratives inspired by Daniel's personal acquaintances, and you can feel that connection when he performs them live.

Daniel is backed by a quintet of outstanding players. Of note was the evening-long contributions made by pedal steel player Caled Melo and lead electric guitarist Joseph Kukura. Anyone familiar with the Bakersfield Sound knows just how integral to the music these instruments are. Kukura and Melo shined throughout the 22-song set – adding just the right twang and flair. Kukura impressed all night, whether propelling the song or providing tasty and skillful lead passages. Similarly, Melo was at his best when deftly wielding the pedal steel to provide just the right emotional accents to support the narrative. The duo also excelled when Kukura and Melo had the opportunity to trade licks back and forth – visibly feeding off each other's energy.

The collaboration between Daniel and his partner Lodi Lyford was another highlight. The couple traded vocals on "When Tomorrow's In The Past" and "Steppin' Out," both of which are featured on "Countin' The Miles." The former is a poignant ballad while the latter is a twangy tale of two lovers both cheating on each other.

Prior to Daniel's set, attendees were treated to a fine acoustic performance from Two Runner, a northern California duo playing an enchanting blend of folk, country and bluegrass. Paige Anderson (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Emilie Rose (fiddle and vocals) captivated the audience with their stage banter, musicianship and songwriting talents. Original songs like the modern murder ballad "Run Souls," the sailor song "Red Sunrise," the new composition "Five Minutes" and what the band called a 'banjo rager' tune, "Devil's Rowdydow," were all memorable. The duo closed with another 'banjo rager,' "Burn It To The Ground" that had the audience clapping along as Anderson stomped out the beat on stage.