There’s a scene in the recent Jeff Bridges movie Crazy Heart, where Bridge’s character, the fictional country singer Bad Blake, explains that his songs come “from life, unfortunately.” From the first notes of this album, it’s clear that Grayson Capps songs’ come from a similar place. On his album Wail and Ride, he tells stories about ordinary people in a style influenced by Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, and Little Feat. The songs range from fast paced country rock and roll to barroom blues and stark acoustic ballads. He sings in a whiskey-soaked, weary voice and when he sings lines like “I need one more day to rise above this hell,” he sings with such power that you believe him. With his sincere, gravelly voice and terrific songs about the weary travels and struggles of ordinary people, Grayson Capps is one of the most talented singer/songwriters in Americana roots music today, and this album is a great introduction to his music.
The standout gem on the album is “Daddy’s Eyes,” which wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska album with lines like “I got a rusted out Impala with weeds growin out the trunk and nothin ever gets done around here because I’m always drunk.” Capps delivers the poignant lyrics over a gorgeous acoustic riff and spare but powerful lead guitar. “New Orleans Waltz,” Capps’ stirring lament for his former home New Orleans, is another country ballad, but with more of a band arrangement and strong harmony vocals. “Jukebox” is simply a perfect country rock tune that sounds like vintage New Riders of the Purple Sage. Guthrie Trapp’s nifty string bending sounds is eerily reminiscent of David Nelson’s guitar playing, and the rough but rich vocal harmonies will have you singing the chorus by the songs’s end. Capps injects a healthy dose of gritty soul into country ballads, blues and rock and roll songs and creates a brilliant Americana roots music album with Wail and Ride.
