Alex Miller – My Daddy’s Dad
Alex Miller continues to be a clever songwriter who knows how to mess with conventional country song characteristics just shy of cliches. Yet, his serious though simple lyrics applied to riveting melodies work admirably. With the aid of his distinctive voice (in a Randy Travis, Kenny Chesney style) just shy of George Jones on some songs — he sells it.
There are only 5 songs here, so Alex has to get to the point fast & he does. Each tune has his vocal personality embedded in each to sustain them. “Oh, Odessa” & “The Last House In God’s Country,” confirm Miller’s solid country vocalizing brass. He’s a good storyteller & despite his youth, he avoids fancy metaphors or being too pop-oriented.
Alex is far closer to Grand Ole Opry than mainstream commercial country. He sings simple words that are used in a wise mix. He has tone & taste to spare throughout this showcase. Recorded in Ashland City, TN the extended play (EP) CD My Daddy’s Dad (Drops April 12/Billy Jam Records/17:00) is a collection of fairly modern tunes with ample traditional flavors to keep the material from falling into pop country saccharine.
The vocal twang diminishes somewhat by “Ain’t Ever Saying Never” & Miller sings with a more 60s orchestral country arrangement. This is interesting stuff. Miller loads up his repertoire with insightful melodies. In the past there were clever songs by other artists like Roger Miller’s “The Last Word In Lonesome Is Me,” Sonny James’ “True Love’s a Blessing” & Jody Miller’s hit “Silver Threads & Golden Needles.” Songs that stuck in your mind like bubble gum on a hot tar road on a 90-degree day that stick to your heel. That’s what Alex Miller likes to do. Stick in your mind.
The title song is the perfect country-reminiscent story. A heartfelt narration told in a voice similar to Rick Springfield in his “My Father’s Chair.” Which could be a great country ballad. These songs are odes to a father, or with Alex, his father’s father. It’s poignant & powerful. To relate to someone two generations away from you? That’s a song many can relate to.
This is just another bullseye for a young man with a young, innocent Wayne Newton appearance (when Wayne was young & singing “Danke Schoen”). But don’t let that fool you – Alex has country tradition wrapped up tight in both his fists. Now all he has to do is grow a beard — but please don’t wear any baseball caps backward. Let the music do the talking. And Alex Miller does.
Highlights – All 5 balls – hit out of the park.
Musicians – Alex (acoustic guitar), Steve Brewster (drums), Kevin Grantt (bass), James Mitchell (electric guitar), Kerry Marx & Joel Key (acoustic guitars), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle), Mike Johnson (steel guitar), Gary Prim (keyboards) & Jerry Salley (producer/harmony/bgv).
Color image courtesy of Alex’s website. CD @ Apple Music & https://www.alexmillermerch.com/& https://www.alexmillercountry.com/
