by Chuck Dauphin
For all I know, Missouri native Billy Yates might be the biggest Black Sabbath or KISS fan there is on the planet Earth. However, take one listen to his twang-heavy vocal, and it becomes apparent what his true talent is, and that is Traditional Country Music. A much respected singer-songwriter in Music City, Yates has enjoyed cuts from artists such as Sara Evans, George Strait, and a pair of award-winning hits for George Jones, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” and “Choices.”
In this collection of songs– most of which Yates wrote with Jones in mind, you’ll hear songs that tend to skew a little bit more traditional than what else is out there these days. The honky-tonk title cut (released before Jones’ death one year ago) is a great example of this, as is the haunting “I Learned A Lot,” where he conjures up the memory and phrasing of Keith Whitley. He brings to mind another fallen hero, Mel Street, on the old school “The Man I Used To Be,” a track on which everyone in the studio sounds like they are having a definite blast on.
At the same time, it’s not all 60s and 70s sounds. I personally love the 80s vibe of “She Ain’t Got Nobody,” which sounds like it could fit square in the middle of John Conlee, Earl Thomas Conley, or Con Hunley! “The Shoulder” is a perfect piece of modern-day storytelling. as is the powerful “The Father And The Son.”
If you love traditional sounds, and don’t think you’re getting your daily dose of it, check this – and other recordings by Billy Yates out. This just might restore your faith!
www.BillyYates.com
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