By Alan Sperry
Cody Johnson is a singing cowboy. And like a good singing cowboy, if you play his songs backwards, you get your house back, your wife back, your dog back and your truck back. If he can maintain another 30 years, he’ll be right up there with Chris Ledoux.
Out of Texas, Cody Johnson is off to a great start, boasting a debut release that made the Billboards Country Album Top 10 in January 2014 along with 5 more albums.
Backed by Jody Bartula on Fiddle & Guitar, Joey Pruski on Bass Guitar, Jake Mears on Lead Guitar, and Miles Stone on Drums & Percussion, Cody Johnson cruised through his Texas Country set, including many songs off his sixth released album, Gotta Be Me. This album, released last August, has been Johnson’s most successful package yet. What’s even more amazing is that he is achieving this without major label support or widespread radio play.
Johnson explained that even though he was sick as a dog, there was no way he was cancelling the show at the Grizzly Rose. He sold out the Grizzly Rose on Friday and came close to capacity on Thursday. The fans adore Johnson and his music and he loves the fans! Johnson and his band entertained the crowd with Texas swagger, powerful lyrics and extensive energy.
Jason McNabb & The Reign opened the night with an assortment of tunes. Ranging from Red Dirt, Randy Rogers’ Kiss Me In The Dark to older Country, Little Texas’ Amy’s Back in Austin, McNabb & The Reign took listeners on Friday night ride.
Jason McNabb & The Reign showcased incredible harmonies in their mix of original tunes and covers. They started the night with one of their own songs, Want It With You, and ended their set with a rocking rendition of Steve Miller Band’s The Joker.
Jason McNabb & The Reign had Jason McNabb on Guitar & Vocals, Brad Sumpter on Guitar & Vocals, Toby Cushing on Bass & Vocals, Ken Wilson on drums. They had an addition for this run TJ Christensen, on acoustic Guitar, Banjo and Vocals that came from their label mates, Whiskey Nights at MurrayMac Records. They are currently on a run that includes Denver and Albuquerque.
The band has been in the Studio working on their next release, due early spring. They can’t wait for the fans to hear the new music and see the new live show as well. They are currently booking shows for spring, summer tour and are looking forward to another great year.
Look for a digital release of their song “Miss You Like Crazy” available on all online stores with a video to follow.
It was an awesome start to an incredible night of good non-bro country music!
Check out the Slideshow of both bands:
