Caleb Daugherty Band -- Burnt The Sawmill Down    (click on image to watch video)

14 May 2019

For a young man who’s still a couple of years away from turning 30, Caleb Daugherty can claim some might auspicious accomplishments. Having first picked up the guitar at the age of seven, he found success early on when he was tapped by bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent to join her and her band on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. More recently, he was chosen to participate in a salute to the late Keith Whitley along with Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley and several other artists of similar stature.

Those are impressive accomplishments, but the real evidence of his talents comes in the form of his new album, Burnt The Sawmill Down, a collection of songs that demonstrate Daugherty’s astute abilities and absolute dedication to creating a truly credible country sound. Each of its ten songs creates a durable impression, a no-nonsense approach that proves both resolute and resilient.

Daugherty and company clearly take their efforts seriously, courtesy of an unassuming sound replete with banjos, mandolins and a carefree caress that remains consistent from track to track. Songs such as “Big Wheels Rollin’,” “She’s the Ramblin’ Kind,” and “Riding My Thumb to Mexico” are replete with restlessness and wanderlust, each an ode to the open road. The band eschews unnecessary embellishment in favor of heartfelt sentiment and sincerity. Even at his tender years, Daugherty’s voice reflects that of a seasoned, slightly hardbitten troubadour who views life through a maze of chance encounters that leave lasting impressions on both his music and his mindset. “Going Through the Motions,” a pointed duet with the aforementioned Ms. Vincent, expresses that sentiment best, a narrative about the endless series of gigs and one night stands that typify every troubadour’s eternal existence. Likewise, when Daugherty describes his eventual escape from cares and concern on “Long, Long Journey,” it’s clear he’s convinced he’ll find his eventual reward.

Naturally, Daugherty has a way to go before that. If this satisfying set of songs is any indication, he’ll achieve plenty of promise in the meantime. It’s simply that good.

Lee Zimmerman

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