Midland expands, Rodgers goes live, Flatland Cavalry go acoustic
Jameson Rodgers' first ticketed show was at Proud Larry's in Oxford, Miss. in 2016. Now, he has released "Live from Oxford, MS., an eight-song EP. The Batesville, Miss. native recorded the songs during a sold-out show at the Lyric Theater in Oxford. Featuring songs from his debut album, "Bet You're From a Small Town," including "Cold Beer Calling My Name," the set also had his first viral hit "Midnight Daydream."
Flatland Cavalry's new acoustic, seven-song album, "Far Out West Sessions," is out today. Produced by Fernando Garcia and recorded by Garcia and John Park at locations across Texas, the album and videos feature stripped-down versions of songs from the band's record, "Welcome to Countryland." The band is Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, background vocals), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar, harmonica, second fiddle), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar).
Songwriter and musician Aaron Raitiere's debut album, "Single Wide Dreamer," is out today via Dinner Time Records/Thirty Tigers. Miranda Lambert and Anderson East produced the 12 songs. Initially started four years ago, the album began when Raitiere gave Lambert and East songs and creative control, allowing them to curate the track list, suggest arrangements and add guest vocals. The resulting record, features Bob Weir, Dave Cobb, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, Robert Randolph, Foy Vance and Waylon Payne. Raitiere has had songs cut by Lambert, Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Anderson East, The Oak Ridge Boys, Midland, Brent Cobb, Shooter Jennings and Hayes Carll. Raitiere also wrote A Star Is Born's "I'll Never Love Again" with Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsay and Natalie Hemby, which won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Ryan Griffin returns with a six-song EP, "Slow Down Sundown," on Red Street Records, a label started by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. The featured song is "Salt, Lime & Tequila." Griffin, who put an EP on Warner, had success as a songwriter with Kelsea Ballerini's "Dibs" in 2015.
Country rocker Tim Montana drops "Reno" today via Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group. The six-song set is a follow up to his 2021 "Long Shots." The six songs were produced by Michael Knox, who produced the debut, and frequent collaborator Micah Wilshire. "California Love" features ZZ Top's Billy F Gibbons and former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum.
More news
- 05/04/26: Midland "Stages" new record
- 04/23/26: Midland takes on "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey"
- 02/11/26: Flatland Cavalry announces "Work of Heart"
- 01/16/26: Midland returns with "Marlboro Man"
- 10/17/25: Flatland Cavalry signs with Lost Highway, releases "Gone"
- 05/23/25: Midland finds its "Glass Half Empty"
- 01/22/25: The Castellows, Flatland Cavalry team up
- 12/13/24: Midland continues to Get Lucky
CD reviews
Flatland Cavalry deliver a polished blend of classic country and Americana on "Work of Heart," driven by a full band sound and anchored by lead singer Cleto Cordero's steady vocal presence.
Recorded in Austin, the album leans into layered instrumentation with touches of fiddle, steel guitar and keys adding depth without overwhelming the songwriting. Cordero's smooth, mid-range delivery gives the project a grounded, conversational feel, allowing the songs to unfold with a ...
Some may argue that Flatland Cavalry is a bit full of themselves by issuing this career retrospective after only 10 years on the circuit. Granted, they have been prolific with six full-length albums, multiple EPs and singles. Record contracts also often specify a certain number of albums in a given time period. "Flatland Forever" contains 25 tracks of classics, demos and unheard until now offerings. Maybe it is just the band reflecting on where they've been and where they are headed. ...
" Wandering Star" is the fourth album from the Lubbock, Texas/Nashville-based sextet, Flatland Calvary who straddle the line between country and alternative country. Frontman and principal songwriter Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar) is joined by Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam for these 13 songs, mostly ballads and country anthems, and a couple of harder rockers.
Judging by the lyrics and the thematic content, Cordero seems like the kind of guy ...
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