Search - J.B. Beverley and The Wayward Drifters :: Dark Bar and A Jukebox

Six Strings And Some Heartache

Jeff Melvin | 05/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The release of J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifter's Dark Bar and a Jukebox on Helltrain Records heralds a battle victory for country music over Nashville. By forming his own label for this album, Mr. Beverley has shown that true country musicians, who play honest country music straight from their souls, can produce and release this music free from the whims of the soulless money-grubbers who have nearly killed the genre. That said, this is an excellent album.



The album showcases Beverley's inspired songwriting; songs that leave you no doubt he's lived every moment of the joy and heartache about which he sings. It is obvious he's spent years soaking up the classics; from Jimmie Rodgers to Buck Owens and beyond. It would be more difficult to name those country greats that have not influenced this work. Some lyrics, such as those in "Memories of You" and "Chase Down These Blues" may even remind the listener of the songs of a young George Jones. Any true fan of any kind of music will enjoy "Going To The Show", a lyric which captures the excitement of going to see live music with your friends. A sentiment greatly amplified when the music you love is as rare as the cuts on this album.



The Wayward Drifters are a traditional band with an unusual line-up. Although the tunes found here are fleshed out with the chops of extremely capable sidemen such as Donnie Herron, and Andy Gibson from the Damn Band, and a cameo by the one and only Mr. Ronnie McCoury, they are a three-piece with guitar, bass, and banjo. Beverley's stunted diction and raspy voice defy comparison. It is perfectly suited to this music and you've got to hear it to believe it. In live shows most of the "heavy lifting" is done by banjo virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Banjer Dan Mazer, who can pick full-bore blugrass in one song, and yet somehow make his banjo sing like a country telecaster in the next. They are all good at what they do and are very entertaining as a three-piece as well. As a sidenote, backup singer "Dixie Coon" sounds quite familiar, doesn't he?



This album launches J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters into the upper echelon of modern country music. A lonely place that for several years has been inhabited only by Hank III and Wayne Hancock. Thanks to these folks, maybe someday our children will hear some country on country radio.



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

You won't find this Country on Country Radio.

buckshot00fan | Savannah,TN USA | 05/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dark Bar & A Jukebox is one of the best albums I have purchased in a long time. Filled with Honky Tonk,Jump Blues, and just the right hint of bluegrass to give it a roosty feeling you won't find anywhere else but here anymore. This style of music has long since gone by the wayside because of the ever-changing face of country music which is nothing like it needs to be anymore. If you like REAL Country music and not that watered down crap the play on the radio that they try to pass of to us as country, then this is the CD for you. I promise you will not be dissapointed. Order yours today and quit missing out."

The Real Deal; Thank God!

Daniel McCollum | Kipnuk, AK (formerly Wausau, WI) | 10/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard about J.B. and the Wayward Drifters while cruising through the Country Music board on Suicegirls. They had a few Youtube videos of the guy and what I heard sent shivers down my spine. The effect was not mine alone; my Mother was passing through the house, heard the music, and stormed in like a whirlwind "Who is that!?", she demanded, "oh my god! _REAL_ country!"

There was really no question; I had to buy it, and I'm glad I did! This is country music at its best, and Mr. Beverly finds himself in good company with the other man and women out there who produce real country music these days. Those poor imitators, who seem sadly unable to make anything except watered-down twangy pop music (Mr. Keith, yes; I'm talking about you! Actually I'm talking about nearly anyone who's managed to sell their soul and appear on CMT these days) must be livid with jealous fury!

Listen to tracks such as "Ghost of Old DC" "Wayward Drifter" (my favorite), and "Dark Bar and a Juke Box" if you don't believe me. Now this is the country music I love, and my only regret is that Mr. Beverly has only one CD out there right now. Hopefully that will change soon.



Other Artists To Check Out: Hank Williams III, Dale Watson, Wayne Hancock, Joey Allcorn."