Trucker Tracks Vol. 1
by: Various Artists
(Spec Records)
There are thirteen tracks on Trucker Tracks, filled with some genuine houserockin’ Southern Rock and Outlaw country songs, all about that special breed of individual who drives the 18-wheeler.
Joe Durham kicks it off with “It’s a Good Day,” backed by some tasty slide guitar and Johnny Neel just smokin’ on B-3. In fact, the backing band for all these tracks is a stellar group of players that includes Neel, along with guitarists Chris Anderson (The Outlaws), Shane Theriot, Brian Davidson and Doug Jones. Dennis Gulley and Randy Coleman take turns on bass and Daryl Burgess and Don Smith take care of percussion. Johnny Neel and his friend Doug Jones split harmonica duties.
Durham is also featured on his own both “Closer To You” and “Freightliner,” well written songs with a lot of heart and soul. Durham has a new fan.
Johnny Neel sings his own “Left Foot Boogie,” a song that would be right at home on a ZZ Top record. I love it. Neel also contributes “Saddle Up and Ride” and the excellent “Folded Flag,” which is dedicated to the service men and women of the past, present and future. It’s a beautiful Neel composition. Hauntingly beautiful.
Greg Crowe sings “The Road,” with some real Montgomery Gentry/Lynyrd Skynyrd vibe going on. It’s pure Southern rock. The ultimate driving song.
Mike Cullison’s take on “Goin’ Up The Country” is a great version of the the old Canned Heat tune with a serious country honkytonk flavor. Rodger Mason tells what it’s like to be a “Trucker’s Son” and returns later on the CD with a real working man tune, “Blue Collar Tired.” Again, with some real swampy Skynyrd coloring and awesome slide guitar.
Bob Rea turns in a Tony Joe White sounding “Black Highway” and Rodger Mason sings “West Coast Run.” All great.
This is an absolutely wonderful collection for truckers, families of truckers, bikers, blue collar workers, saints and sinners, musicians, teachers, nurses, lawyers, construction workers, country music lovers and Southern Rockers. It is a collection of some of Nashville’s best artists and songs paying tribute to some of the hardest working men and women in America. A treasure, in my humble opinion.
-Michael Buffalo Smith