Austin Stambaugh - Sings The Ballads of Ernest Tubb (2025)

Also delving into traditional country sounds is Austin Stambaugh, a rising up-comer who recently charmed audiences on his first UK tour. He’s a born storyteller and sings with a delightful high and lonesome voice, reminiscent of Jimmy Dale Gilmore at times. His latest album, “Sings The Songs Of Ernest Tubb”, was inspired by Stambaugh’s friendship with Lynn Owsley, pedal steel guitarist and one of the last surviving members of Tubb’s band. Stambaugh lays out this friendship on the introductory opening number here before launching into a delicious recreation of some of Tubbs’s songs. Owsley’s pedal steel is the weeping heart of the album on this unashamed dive into the deep soul of country music. Have a listen to ‘Dear Judge’ and try not to wipe away a tear or two (or at least just enjoy the sheer sentimentality on show here). The same goes for songs such as ‘Soldier’s Last Letter’ and ‘I’ve Lost You (So Why Should I Care)’ while Stambaugh delivers ‘Thanks A Lot’ with some outlaw country verve replete with some excellent twangy guitar and curdling pedal steel. It’s a delightful album.