Ranzel X. Kendrick - Texas Sagebrush (Remastered) (2018)

I got familiar with Ranzel X Kendrick when I heard Texas Paintbrush a couple of months ago. His most recent release Texas Sagebrush is in many ways an extension of the foundation he built with the former album. The folk American roots are still there and the songwriting is just as strong if not stronger.

The album begins with Any Ole Song. A guitar, vocals harmonies, a shaker and more initially feel loose around his vocals but snap into time subtlety. I loved how the change felt so slick and seamless.

Up next is What A Pretty Day which features female accompaniment. I preferred the singing over the talking that sometimes happened which felt a bit intrusive. The third track is a cover of Unchained Melody. First of all. That's not an easy song to cover. Kendrick attempts this beautiful song with only a guitar and his voice.

Peace of Mind reminded me of Cat Stevens both in the delivery and lyrics. The guitar playing is also top notch here. Rebecca White sounds great on Lonely People especially when she harmonizes with Kendrick. Cry In My Tequila is as sad as it sounds and Hills of Kendrilla is a short instrumental track. Some of the other highlights to my ears were Private Miracle, Trouble and Pain and The Fair Grass.

Texas Sagebrush delivers in many of the same ways that Texas Paintbrush did and I think I became more of a fan after hearing more of his songs. His talent is evident within the delivery even when he is covering a song and I also appreciated his skill as a songwriter. Take a listen.