Jesse Dayton and Brennen Leigh - Holdin' Our Own

Putting together two strong voices who also happen to write truly tremendous songs is something that just couldn't possibly go wrong, and in this case, it sure does not. Most of the duets on Holdin' Our Own, including the title track, are originals written by the duet partners, continuing to prove Dayton's songwriting skills; that Brennen Leigh can "hold her own" with Dayton proves her formidability, as well. Leigh has been singing and playing bluegrass music (fiddle, mandolin, and guitar) with her brother, Seth Hulbert, since she was twelve. Her solid country music background (and I don't care what people these days say, "bluegrass" is COUNTRY music) merges well with Dayton's hardcharging outlaw country style. Together they bring country music duets back in a way I haven't heard since the days of Conway and Loretta (with the possible exception of John Prine's wonderful duet collection, In Spite Of Ourselves). In addition to the original songs, there are a number of solid classics to show there's a reason for the comparison, such as "Brand New Heartache" and a fabulous re-imagining of the Johnny and June classic "Long-Legged Guitar-Pickin' Man." With a combination of fire and energy, these two give a song as much honest emotion and good-natured cheer as Johnny and June used to give to songs. It's a rare and delicious treat to listen to these two really whip out great old tear-jerkers and sing loud and proud about the real old problems, be it love, revenge, heartache, or just takin' to the dance floor.

Now back to the mystery of why Jesse Dayton is not on the top of the charts instead of a number of gym-buff hacks I could mention... but we all know the answer to that. Jesse Dayton remains true to his own musical vision and he doesn't give a rat's backside what the suits want or what the "market" says will sell. What he does is make real music for real people and to heck with those who can't handle that. The music is what matters here, and it's as complex and caring as country music could ever be and ever will be. Dayton doesn't screw around with worrying about whether some soccer mom is going to be offended by his "themes" and he doesn't care if the mainstream seems to feel that country music is as safe and non-threatening as a can't-shave-yet boy's band. He knows what country music is - the raw, gritty, down-and-dirty stuff that discusses frankly the fact that people cheat on their spouses, they get drunk on Saturday night and pray for forgiveness on Sunday morning; he knows there are those who love 'em and leave 'em and most of all, he knows how to take those ideas and make them into music that is sharp, strong, listenable, and mostly, just plain good. There's very little not to like about a Jesse Dayton album. Add Brennen Leigh and there's even more to love.