Joe’s Truck Stop — Yonderings
Ohio’s Joe Macheret and Joe’s Truck Stop are roaring into spring with a brand spankin’ new album titled, Yonderings. Self released, the album was recorded in August 2021 by David Mayfield, (David Mayfield Parade, Cadillac Sky), who drove down to Lebanon, Ohio, set up his mobile studio inside a 50 year old barn and record these ten songs over the course of three days.
I don’t know just what is getting into that water over yonder near that Ohio/Kentucky border, but whatever it is, Joe Macheret went back for seconds. Macheret’s an Ohio based multi-instrumentalist that I first stumbled upon playing fiddle with the Tillers back in 2019. They opened for a stacked line-up of Lost Dog Street Band and Matt Heckler. As you can imagine, it was just a remarkable night of songs. But there was something about that little string band that kicked off that evening’s music that really stuck with me. I walked away distinctly impressed by their earthy, sincere approach towards the down-home music I’ve always been drawn to. Whether you call it stringband, roots, country-blues, honky-tonk or just Americana, it’s the music I feel the deepest connection to, and these guys are full of it up to their ears.
Warming things up and stretching their legs with the opening “Preramble,” Macheret and crew take to the road, recollecting and reminiscing tales and hard won wisdom from the road. “Wishing on a Star” meanders along the Yellowstone River pondering the futility and reciprocation of falling stars and wishes made.
“Still and Silence” and “Smilin’ at Nothin’ (For Paul)” contemplate deeper personal realizations, while“Midnight on the Ohio” brings things closer to home with a missed connection and a ragged acceptance that of ‘that’s just how it goes.’
Perhaps the most useful wisdom can be be found within “Gas Station Sushi,” and don’t you fret fellow waltz connoisseurs, Joe’s got us covered here too, with “Winter Waltz” and “Waltz For Lucille,” a pair of fine examples if there ever were.
Of Yonderings, Macheret says, “I wrote the songs on this album and co-wrote “Midnight on the Ohio” with my dear friend and songwriter, Joe Wunderle. The theme that roams through these songs is one of traveling, whether cross-country in a minivan, across the ocean seeking new beginnings, or from one plane of existence to another. This is how the album got its name.” Discussing the album’s musicians, Macheret adds, “The band is comprised of some of my favorite people and musicians, including the core of last summer’s Truck Stop lineup, Andrew McPheters on banjo and June Youngblood on upright bass.” Rounding out the contributors are: Scott Risner on mandolin and harmony vocals, Joe Wunderle on harmonica, piano and harmony vocals, Stephen “Tebbs” Karney with dobro and pedal steel, John K. Victor on harmonica, Sean Geil on banjo and Chris Novy on drums.
Yonderings is a flawless example of the remarkable music being lovingly created day in and day out by incredibly talented artists that more people really should know about. Relevant, strong material, solid playing and a great recording make Joe’s Truck Stop an absolute must see.
Yonderings won’t be available on streaming services until April 29th in an attempt to encourage music listeners to go beyond streaming services in how we connect with and support the music and musicians we love.
Of course the best way is to go direct, which you can do here at :
https://www.joestruckstopmusic.com/truck-stop-shop