Drew Baldridge, Jordan Walker and Drew Parker

From the soul-band sizzle of “Train” to the reverent rendition of the old hymn “It Is Well,” Drew Baldridge’s debut album comes straight from his heart to yours. It also targets your feet on uptempo tracks such as “Everyday Light,” “Curious Girl” and “Dance With Ya,” the single that rocketed him into the spotlight. It turns down the lights and steams up the windows with “Love On Your Body,” “Burnt Toast” and “Rebound,” with a guest vocal by Emily Weisband that uses just one note to cast its seductive spell. And it evokes simpler times through vivid lyrical imagery on “Tractors Don’t Roll,” “Town That Time Forgot” and the title cut.

What makes it all country? Simple: Ever since he heard his first Alabama track at age 5 back in Patoka, Illinois, this rangy young man’s roots have drawn from the sound and feeling of authentic, old-school country. So has his life, from working on his family farm to bonfire parties with friends on Saturday night and savoring family dinners after church every Sunday.

But there’s more than roots in this picture. Look skyward and you’ll see where Baldridge reached as well toward Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, raw backwoods blues and any other music that captured the trials and joys of real life.

All of that feeds into Dirt On Us, the product not just of his influences and upbringing but also of a long scuffle to claim his place in country music.

Jordan Walker and Drew Parker also perform.

Source: Official Website