CJ Land Storm Chaser Nashville
CJ Land combines the drive of the heavier Southern rock edge of the music world with more laid back country Western style forms of expression in vulnerable ballads and reflections here on his recently Storm Chaser – Nashville album. The album was produced by Jeff Williams and features pedal steel by Steve Hinson (Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney).
“Distance” opens the album with pedal steel and dobro in a country ballad with a gentle heartfelt plea: “come on baby, it’s time to go.” This is an emotionally expressive homage to the staying power of relationships after going through serious challenges. On “That’s Just Me” the country Western influences are again showcased in this easygoing song where the emotional expression is heavy and power forward. “When you’re from a small town, it’s like they’re all watching you on tv.” This one has extended melodies and build up.
“Where Has All the Time Gone” shifts gears more fully into a heavier, blues rock performance. It’s a song of outrunning he devil and there are touches of Jack White styles in the mix: “I’ve been on the road a while now and in the end there’s only one place to be. Stay with me a little longer…” Lots of electric guitar rising and falling with a gripping rhythm.
Further down in the track listing is “I Need Some Time,” an emotional rock based love song with Steve Hinson pedal steel and overall power buildups by the whole band. The mournfulness is palpable.
All in all, a good listen. CJ grew up watching his mom as a country singer at rodeos, seeing her open for Brooks and Dunn. As a teen, he dove headlong into heavy metal, the influences of which are now in evidence in CJ’s heavier Southern blues rock fare. He’s crafted a signature style that wraps Western country sensibilities in this Southern rock style, and the result is a unique blend that’s clearly on display all through Storm Chaser – Nashville.
Find the music and more details here: https://cjland.bandcamp.com/album/storm-chaser-nashville-ep
Musicians on Storm Chaser- Nashville are CJ Land on acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion; Jeff Williams on drums, bass, and electric guitars; Steve Hinson on pedal steel, lap steel, and dobro; Jeff Armstrong on keys and synth; and Bobby Hamrick on background vocals.
All songs on the EP were written by Chad Jonathan Land. It was produced by Jeff Williams; recorded and engineered by Chad and Jeff; mixed by Rob Lane; and mastered by Mayfield Mastering.