Playing Time - 38:32 -- An older style of classic country grooves permeates this well-produced analog project that is a great introduction to Texan Craig Dillingham. He's a solid vocalist, a defining voice of his time who also has a nostalgic yearning for yesteryear. The twin fiddles of Joe Spivey and Hank Singer, as well as Steve Henson's pedal steel, establish a powerful musical mood for Craig's expressive messages. The rest of his elite country band include Joe Manuel (guitar, vocals), Glenn Worf (bass), and Chad Cromwell (drums).

As a child, Craig sang in a band with his two older sisters. As a teenager, he was mentored and supported by Ray Price, and one can hear the influence of The Cherokee Cowboy's pure, honky-tonk country in this music. After playing Texas clubs and the Louisiana Hayride, Craig found his way to Nashville where he's certainly demonstrated the talent to keep the stylistic music of Hank Williams and Ray Price alive. Dillingham also has an individualistic side that is influenced by western swing, pop and blues music. He sings from his heart, and the music is very moving and enjoyable.

With the exception of George Jones' 1956 hit "Just One More" and Jack Clement's "Not Exactly What I Had in Mind," Dillingham's songs are self-penned, some in collaboration with excellent songwriters like Sony Throckmorton or Hank Cochran. With varying tempos from waltzes to shuffles, he hits on common themes of rambling, heartache, drinking, and a longing for home. Listen to the song, "Magic in the Band," to discover their secrets to their succcess .... they clearly love what they do, and they always put their music first. They've got the country groove, especially of the variety that I like. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)