Author: Morgan Gill

Courtney Patton’s aptly named third album, So This Is Life, is comprised of story songs inspired by her life.  Produced by Drew Kennedy, each song is beautifully executed and perfectly balanced, with fiddle and steel guitar that never overshadow Patton’s rich vocals.  The best songs rip out my heart while simultaneously soothing my soul, which happens with every. single. track.  It’s honest, simple, and heartfelt. My favorites are: “Twelve Days”, Courtney’s first love song; the title track, written about her parents’ divorce; “Battle These Blues”, which talks of heartbreak and depression; and “War of Art”, a song for her kids, about

I’ll be honest – I’m late to jump on the Haley Cole train…but I’m here now, and I’ll be riding till the end. Her latest release, Illusions, is seven songs of soulful melodies and raw, emotional lyrics, containing songs about love, letting go, and finding her purpose. Produced by David Beck (formerly of Sons of Fathers), it’s an ideal blend of upbeat, energetic songs, and soothing ballads. It isn’t overdone or overproduced, the harmonies are perfectly executed, and the fiddle in “Runaway” makes me swoon every time I hear it. I have yet to see Haley perform live or to