Doug Schmude – Cavalry – EP
Another rather brief collection comes with this fine 6-song CD that starts with the rollicking “Tumbleweed (Roll On),” that’s country with high-octane fuel. From there Doug slows down but maintains his quality with a band that plays tight on the melodies blessed with uncluttered arrangements.
The Louisiana-born Doug has the prairie country vocalizing dust that’s different from the Bakersfield, CA type of country & what comes out of Nashville. It has a drive that’s short of rock but knotted tighter than what passes for country today. It has that George Strait “Heartland” drum pop & acceleration.
Each tune is likable. With “The Near Salvation of Butch Cassidy,” which comes in a more Charlie Daniels’ spirit that would’ve gained some country altitude if it had a fiery fiddle. Recorded at The Old Mill in Irvine, CA the extended play set Cavalry (Lost Hubcap Records/Drops Feb 23/26:00) is Doug’s 7th energetic set. This one was produced by Doug with Jason Deift (piano) & the music covers many genres superbly – folk, country, rock & blues all blended into an Americana stew.
Doug (vocals/electric & acoustic guitars/electric bass/mandolin/banjo/organ/piano) currently works out of Southern California & judging from listening to the majority of his repertoire he avoids the old-school country cliches, pop approach & tries to maintain a logical creative curve in his material.
The music is far from country schmaltz. It has a progressive identity crafted in an original form that’s attractive. Doug’s distinctive vocals have authority in a refined & decorative showcase. Never losing the country narrative. There are a lot of traditional threads woven into these songs, yet he doesn’t rely on Townes van Zandt, Steve Earle, or Tony Joe White bite & vinegar. He does draw on Woody Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III & Mickey Newbury sensibilities.
His rock moments develop with striking intensity on tunes like “If There Ever Was A God Above,” which has that ingredient that smokes throughout songs by Christian rock singer Steve Taylor (“Jim Morrison’s Grave” & “I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good”) who built an entire career from such music. This is a great Schmude piece.
Doug has the savvy musical mojo & hopefully, a full CD is on the drawing board.
Highlights – “Tumbleweed (Roll On),” “Red Dirt Symphony,” “Cavalry” & “If There Ever Was A God Above.”
Musicians – Brandon Allen & Jason Meekins (drums), George Mason (strings), Doug Driesel (upright bass), Chordy Teagle & Abby Schmude (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Doug’s photo website/gallery. CD @ Amazon & http://www.dougschmude.net/index.html
