If John Prine Was A Country Singer He Might Sound Like This

This album is totally in keeping with today’s country but unlike some of today’s country which is more pop oriented, Todd Grebe is still anchored in the traditional commercial country-bluegrass idiom and this is quite a trip: The first track with wonderful fiddle work by Angela Oudean — who is also probably singing a little of the background vocal on “Criminal Style,” is an excellent introduction. Todd Grebe has the vocal inflection of the legendary Roger Miller on this song but his voice is more outlaw oriented. The guitar is dirtied up and there’s a cool sarcastic bend in his showcase. The lyric is clever and the melody memorable. Isn’t that what makes for excellent country music?

With “Box of Wine,”  it gets closer to 1960 country and Angela is sounding a lot like how Nancy Sinatra and June Carter sounded when they backed their men Lee Hazelwood and Johnny Cash respectively on each of their own hit versions of the classic “Jackson.”

Todd displays Johnny Cash authority in his vocals. His voice is potent country. Nothing corny, and he sings with confidence. The fuzzy toned guitar lick will have you bopping your head like those old dog heads bopped in a 70’s backseat car window.

“Luckiest Man Here On Earth,”  is creative the way a John Prine-Roger Miller song would be. Nice instrumentation with an old-fashioned hi-fi sound. The full fiddle attack has wonderful consistent tone. Probably not purchased at a Sears store. Reliable backup and energy infused. Nothing to analyze – it’s something to listen to, appreciate and if you need a pick me up, some confidence for your low self-esteem — this is the tune. Some songs just sound great when they are optimistic. 

The band comprised of five primary musicians: Todd Grebe on vocals & guitar. His wife Angela Oudean on fiddle & I am presuming backup vocals. Nathan May provides the Telecaster work. Mike Bub is on bass (great last name) who worked with Del McCoury. Larry Atamanuik on drums / percussion worked with Alison Krauss.

There are indeed some guest musicians: Jimmy Wallace on piano & organ, Steve Hinson (George Jones) on pedal steel & Megan McCormick (Jenny Lewis) on guitar – tracks 11 & 12. John Paul plays that warm sounding Spanish-style trumpet on track 12.

“Citizen” is a barn burner – Todd Grebe comes into his own here where his own well-developed approach and style shines. Angela’s backup vocal answers with gusto. Of course, Angela’s fiddle is ever present and it’s like water colors – every note runs together with brilliance. How can you not dance to a song this tantalizing?

With the opening notes picked on acoustic guitar Todd sounds like he’s channeling the ghost of George Jones. Can you imagine? His voice is gruff, but warm and sincere with that Jones style of pouring out every drop of ache and wisdom in a ballad. “Brown Hair,” is a keeper. At times the lyric is sung in a wrenching sad style but the shuffling beat keeps a little optimistic thread running through the composition. If you like country music the way George Jones, Ray Price and Jim Reeves used to do it – you will find this lovely….respectful of their tradition and era. Real nice pedal steel winds down through the melody. In an earlier era — this could easily have been a classic country song and for that reason alone is why you should not ignore this collection and this song.

If this band catches fire just a bit I am confident a country singer of weight – a Darius Rucker, for example – would cover this song brilliantly. Though Todd has performed quite a definitive version already.

“Ain’t That Fine,” is a Dorsey Burnette cover and Todd and his band perform it with smooth classic power. They actually all sound like they enjoyed themselves when they laid this one down. Todd Grebe, once again, sounds like he’s comfortable in this environment. There’s a country-rock singer who didn’t have any big hits in the 1960’s named Johnny Foxx and the Foxx’s. Foxx has that same remarkable gruff at times but attractive delivery that Todd possesses. Check Johnny’s “Mountain Dew (A New R&B Version)” on YouTube. I always liked that song. I may even play that along side “Ain’t That Fine” now.

I am not a big fan of pedal steel when it sounds too Hawaiian but on the slow, aching “Living a Lie,”  it absolutely works and effectively. This is another George Jones type song and Todd sings this effortlessly. Powerful fiddle alongside the pedal steel — syrup on ice cream. Delightful.

Of course, being compared to John Prine is a compliment. On the next song – there’s still a little John Prine influence in “Nothing Left To Lose.” It’s a tight and enjoyable listen and the musicians shine brightly. I must compliment how Angela’s voice rides just under the surface of Todd’s voice and adds an interesting ingredient. She’s like that little pinch of salt needed in the boiling water for pasta.

With the song “Let’s Make Love For Christmas,”  this is a country Prine-ish holiday tune. I hear a little of that traditional voice in Todd that an old-time, classic legendary singer like Ralph Stanley would project. Great piano lick followed by guitar and fiddle makes a superb rollicking number. Obviously, the over-all effort of this CD was a labor of love.

“Here’s Wishing To You,” continues in the previous John Prine-like tradition, and that’s not a bad thing whatsoever. But, remember – unlike Prine – who always has a little obnoxiousness, sarcasm or twist in a moral lesson in each of his tunes – Todd Grebe keeps his pure and with a strong positive current. No underlining message just true, down to earth lyrics and music. This is Todd’s forte, his gift and he is an original. He has the creative mojo,  knows how to sew together fine tunes, has the support needed to create some musical magic into an excellent 12-song collection.

Produced by Todd Grebe with Mike Bub in Nashville, TN and recorded by Grammy Award-winning David Ferguson with Sean Sullivan. Ferguson worked with Johnny Cash. The CD album design was created by: Dejah Leger

Website:   http://toddgrebe.com/cold-country

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Todd-Grebe-and-Cold-Country-182925595072186/

ReverbNation:  https://www.reverbnation.com/toddgrebeandcoldcountry

All Photography Courtesy of Todd Grebe Website // CD Images: Maleia Grabinski

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review / commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression. All photography is owned by the respective photographers and is their copyrighted image; credited where photographer’s name was known & being used here solely as reference and will be removed on request.

John Apice / No Depression / November 2015