THE SWEET SPOT
“That nice little groove in life—and music. It’s right where we all want to end up.”
You’ve found “The Sweet Spot”! Hello, my name’s Grant Starr, I’m humbled and grateful to take over the reins from Sara Michaels. Her “Porch Picks” have enlightened and entertained us over the last seven years. Without her instruction and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am. Let’s talk about Chris Stapleton’s new record From A Room: Volume 1. Soul,
story, songwriting, country, rhythm and blues. It’s in all nine tracks, which Chris wrote or co-wrote seven of. From a Room picks up where his first release, Traveller, left off. No surprises or new direction, he stays the course of modern traditionalist. As commercially and critically heralded as Traveller was, Stapleton still isn’t for everyone. Again, there are no overly produced smooth pop beats or drum machines on this sophomore project. To quote the late, Gram Parsons, who was born in Winter Haven and is considered the father of country rock, “I think pure country music includes rock and roll… how can you define something like that? I just say this: It’s music. Either it’s good or it’s bad; either you like it or you don’t”. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. True statement, but what gives any opinion validity is a previous body of knowledge and opinions to compare them to. For example, my favorite county artists are Eric Church, George Strait, and Sturgill Simpson. Sonically, they trip my trigger with interesting, innovative sounds. I have a pretty diverse musical pallet--from Kendrick Lamar to Lorretta Lynn. I can go from two-stepping to EDM dance party with the click of an iPod. Now, you have some basis for my taste as a broadcaster, author, and music lover. I’m excited to share my insight into the music business with you. As a North Carolina native, one of my favorite old jokes is--Who is the only person who could hold the legendary basketball player Michael Jordon to under twenty points a game? The punchline is “Dean Smith”. Dean was MJ’s college coach at the University of North Carolina.
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Despite writing number one songs for everyone in town and having his own bluegrass band, it’s why it took a decade for Chris Stapleton to be given the opportunity to become the star he was meant to be. Like Jordan, Stapleton could only be held back by gatekeepers. Well, the gate is swinging wide open now. He’s an industry darling, in the forefront, a bona-fide headliner. Let’s highlight my favorite tracks. Of course, most albums should be listened to cover to cover, from beginning to end. I understand the way we listen to music has drastically changed with dwindling attention spans, but quality music is meant to be enjoyed as a whole work. Once again, he covers country gold with his take on Willie Nelson’s tearjerker ‘The Last Thing I Needed the First Thing This Morning’. ‘Without Your Love’ really jumped out to me. It’s right there bridging the gap between modern pop and traditional country. Which is in vogue right now in Music City. We are playing ‘Second One to Know’ at 97.5; dirty guitar riffs and signature howling vocals, it gets the toes tapping. The heart-broke ballad ‘Either Way’ is a song that’s been on the shelf for the past ten years, it’s also the lead single Chris and his team have decided to release. My favorite cut is the reformed ruckus of ‘Up to No Good Livin’. Wife Morgan’s vocal harmonies for the win! Extremely relatable for those of us with full grown fields of wild oats. ‘I Was Wrong’ is not only the confession women love to hear, but it does a superb job being vulnerable yet masculine at the same time. The Blues; not everyone has it. You only recognize it when you hear it. The Blues chooses you, and comes and goes as it pleases. Chris Stapleton has the Blues. Your next chance to see him in concert will be Friday November 10h in Tampa with opening acts Brent Cobb and Marty Stuart, as the All-American Road show comes to Florida. Fair warning, if you enjoy a stage show with calisthenics and cardio, Chris Stapleton live probably isn’t for you. He takes the George Strait approach and, gasp, just stands there and sings his awesome songs. Make sure you find “The Sweet Spot” next month, and listen Monday through Friday 7pm-Midnite to Your Hometown Country Station 97.5 WPCV! Call and share your story and favorite song. Send comments or questions to Grant@wpcv. com and remember, “Life’s a garden—DIG IT!”
BY GRANT STAR Monday - Friday 7pm to Midnight 97 Country WPCV, 97.5 FM Questions: grant@wpcv.com
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