-Harriett

First cousins Bryan Russo and Christopher Shearer, the duo known as Boys Called Susan, released their outstanding debut album, Pennsyltucky, on October 26th.  It’s a project born from shared grief and individual promises made to a dying woman, Shearer’s mother and Russo’s aunt, Susan Knudson. Both men have extensive backgrounds in music (Russo as a singer-songwriter and Shearer as a multi instrumentalist, audio engineer and producer) and they showcase their talents with rhythm and blues infused roots music with an abundance of soul and heart.

Pennsyltucky starts strong with the up-tempo “Slumlords of Paradise”, a wry reflection on the curveballs life dishes out even in the best of times and the necessity of taking the high road in some situations. The concept of facing hardships continues in a most poignant way with the lovely “Unfinished Symphony” which explores the struggle of carrying on in a world that no longer makes sense following the death of a partner. In contrast to “Unfinished Symphony”, a couple lives an opposite reality in “Pretty Pantomime”, a country tinged tale of carrying on in a bad relationship – "Cause honey I’ve grown tired of cursing the stars that shine. Going through the motions just to try to feel alright. ‘Cause honey I get lost, oh so lost, in your rattlesnake eyes. Oh just waltz with me through this pretty pantomime.”

The first single from Pennsyltucky is “Company Man”. It’s a salute to blue collar workers who show up and do their less than ideal jobs to make sure the bills get paid and food makes it to their tables. The steady, driving percussion serves as a sonic portrayal of the hustle and dedication required while “Girl From Pennsyltucky” looks at the hardships of leaving a piece of your heart behind in pursuit of your dreams.

A message of unity is expressed on “The Home Team” which stresses the need for seeking out the things we have in common during this divisive time for our society. The final track, “Heaven Knows” has the fitting sound of a gospel/spiritual and is a lesson in accepting the universality of adversity and finding a path by choosing to focus on the positive because with most good things there’s always “a little bit of hell to pay.” 

With Pennsyltucky, Russo and Shearer deliver on the promise to Susan to combine their talents to make “music that matters.” Pennsyltucky serves up slices of life – the dreams, temptations, struggles and stumbles – with a cohesive message of perseverance and hope which mirrors the compelling back story of Boys Called Susan.  

​Visit the website at www.boyscalledsusan.com for more info on the duo as well as links to purchase the album         

-Harriett

​After performing in Nashville at a John Prine tribute show, Lauren Morrow and her husband Jason, both formerly with The Whiskey Gentry, decided to sell their Georgia home and move to Music City to begin a new musical direction; one focused on Lauren as a solo artist.  The result is a four song, self-titled EP released October 12th.  While many critics fail to give EPs due credit, Morrow is proving that such a release can still pack a powerful punch.    

The project opens with “Viki Lynn” an up-tempo homage to a women’s life told from the perspective of her now adult daughter. Things slow and soften on the second track, “I Don’t Think  About You At All”, a clever take on the old adage that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy.  The easy drawl of pedal steel serves as the perfect backdrop.

“Mess Around” is relatable to anyone who has learned to keep a watchful eye on people who portray themselves as friends but may not have your best interest at heart.  Morrow  closes strong with “Barbara Jean”, a classic country tale of a relationship gone sour but with a mysterious twist.

A singer’s singer, Lauren Morrow delivers with flawless vocals full of emotion. As a lyricist, she brings a fresh perspective to themes common in country, roots and bluegrass music. Visit her website at www.laurenmorrow.com to find upcoming shows and links to purchase this stellar release that is sure to leave you hungry for more.