Daylight & Dark (Old Guitar, 2014)

Following up his much acclaimed 2012 release "AM Country Heaven," Jason Eady once again takes aim at the lost art of traditional country music and fully hits the target dead center. His new release "Daylight & Dark," focuses on the more mellow side of country. This one does have its share of toe tappers, and, of course, drinking laments, but the soulful qualities of Eady shine.

Teaming up with Kevin Welch, who produces the record, and multi talented Fats Kaplin on steel guitar and fiddle, Eady has a solid foundation to build a great record. Mix in the co-writing and sweet harmonies of his fiance Courtney Patton and top it off with a bonus track featuring Hayes Carll along with Turnpike Troubadour Evan Felker, you have captured lightning in a bottle.

Eady starts out with a thumping OK Whiskey, which recounts a true Texan's sorrow with government mandated 3.2 beer in neighboring Oklahoma. Follow that up with the woeful trip to The Other Side of Abilene, and you see clearly this record has a flow and purpose. Eady is taking the listener upon a trip through the sorrows and struggles of life.

This struggle reaches its peak of course with the title track Daylight and Dark, which poetically emphasizes the two sides that may exist within a person's life, and the mental anguish that can create. As Eady sings this one, you can feel the struggle within one's soul searching for a higher purpose and reason.

Eady has a remarkable voice, which can paint a picture within the music, He truly shines within songs where the layers are completely pulled back, allowing his vocals and words to pierce your heart. Liars and Fools, along with the cover Whiskey and You, written by Chris Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller, are two highlights that poignantly stand out.