Brandon Rhyder is by no means a new artist, and if you have not heard his name floating on the southern wind then it is time to open those windows people and catch the new breeze. A young man straight off the back roads of Texas, Brandon Rhyder is old school reincarnate with records that bare the imprint of the "classics" that have their own exclusive shelf in all of our record collections. Rhyder's third album, Conviction, on his own Dogwood Hill label, is fifteen tracks strong that induce the sort of reverie that grips like a great movie that you do not want to end.

The album's producer is none other than Walt Wilkins, a fifth generation Texan and cult figure whose songs have been recorded by artists like Ricky Skaggs and have been featured in half a dozen films. His music has been compared to the great writers of his time including John Steinbeck. Wilkins' buoyant spirit is felt all over the record co-penning two tunes, while Rhyder's name appears on nearly every single track. Brandon and Walt's immediate bond took form at a fundraising benefit leaving no doubt that a collaboration between them would produce a record that sets a tone for greater musical expectations. Though Brandon has much to say about his experience with this amazing tunesmith, he summed it up by saying, "He is a million dollars!" The top-notch band members throw the whole effort into forward motion with Keith Davis on lead guitar, Mike Henretty on drums, and Chris Grady on bass.

For this writer, Brandon Rhyder is indeed a breath of fresh air. While Nashville continues to crank out the same old meaningless songs from cookie cutter artists, Rhyder has both a unique voice and an outstanding storytelling ability. Although Brandon co-penned two songs with Walt Wilkins that were wonderfully written, I found that my two favorite tracks from the album were penned by Brandon himself "Merry Go Round" and "A Storm Blew In." In fact, it was clear to me just why Rhyder and Wilkins quickly bonded... both have outstanding ability to tell a strong story through their music. With that said, Brandon Rhyder can hold his own in the storytelling ability area; and add in his soulful voice and you have a captive audience. For those of you, like myself, who appreciate what is the best in country music - strong storytelling- this is a "must have" album that you will be thrilled to add to your country music collection.

Track List:

01 - Prelude Of Conviction
02 - Freeze Frame Time
03 - Man Of Conviction
04 - Go Back In Fool
05 - Let The Good Times Roll
06 - Mr. Soldier
07 - Back Roads
08 - California
09 - Between Here And The Front Door
10 - Movin' Too Fast
11 - Merry Go Round
12 - I Can't Hang On
13 - Losing The War
14 - A Storm Blew In
15 - I Love The Rain

Download includes front cover