Midland expands, Rodgers goes live, Flatland Cavalry go acoustic

Friday, May 6, 2022 – Traditionalist country trio Midland released "The Last Resort," a five-song EP, last year. Now, Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach are back with "The Last Resort: Greetings From," a full-length, 12-song set. Jon Pardi is featured on "Longneck Way To Go." The trio spent the pandemic writing songs from progressive Country that grew out of "Urban Cowboy" through Dwight Yoakam's post-traditionalism and are out with their third studio album. The release includes th single, "Sunrise Tells the Story."

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.