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Brad Hudson Next New Heartbreak – 2017 (Pinecastle)
REVIEWED BY DEVIN ADAMS
Meet Brad Hudson. If you haven't yet heard of him, "Next New Heartbreak," his first solo release, is a solid first impression. A North Carolina native, Hudson is no newcomer. He has worked alongside veteran musicians, such as Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road and the great Dolly Parton, while currently a member of Sideline. As a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Hudson stands shoulder to shoulder with the best whether on guitar, bass or Dobro. "Next New Heartbreak" is a solid platform for Hudson to take command and showcase his many talents.
Having self-produced, Hudson shaped a dynamic bluegrass experience. "Ramblers Song" and "Hugging The Hound," an instrumental, showcase hot picking and masterful instrumentation. Conversely, "Smoky Mountain Strong," a fantastic tune about the resilience of those affected by the Tennessee wildfires, as well as "My One and Only (Crystal's Song)" an instrumental tribute to his wife, show Hudson's heartfelt side. Even "Beulah Land" features a short sampling of Hudson singing with his Grandma Betty, to whom the album is dedicated. "Next New Heartbreak" is a work of passion.
Many times, the key to a standout-recording project is having talented friends to help out and throw in their two cents, leaving "Next New Heartbreak" with pennies rolling around everywhere. Steve Dilling's banjo, Skip Cherryholmes' guitar, Ron Stewart's fiddle and even Parton's voice, gladly contributed pocket change to the cause. Having a hand in nearly every aspect in it's creation, whether in writing, singing or playing, "Next New Heartbreak" is clearly Hudson's own.
With such natural talent and versatility, a strong musical background and willing friends, Hudson's recording is an enjoyable, and memorable solo debut.
BRAD HUDSON
NEXT NEW HEARTBREAK
Latest Review In April 2018 BU
Pinecastle Records
PRC 1212
Brad Hudson’s Next New Heartbreak is his first solo release, and the results here would indicate that this debut is not any too soon. Hudson sings lead and harmony on all but one vocal cut and plays resonator guitar, and he does an excellent job on both. His lead vocals are the highpoint of this very fine CD, one which features an impressive lineup with Steve Dilling on banjo and harmony vocals, Skip Cherryholmes on guitar and harmony vocals, Jason Moore on upright bass, and Aaron Ramsey on mandolin and guitar.
Hudson’s singing is powerful yet smooth, with the kind of compelling expressive quality one would hear in Russell Moore or the late James King. Whether it’s Daniel Salyer’s barn-burning “Rambler’s Song” featuring guest Ron Stewart on banjo and fiddle, Loretta Lynn’s soulful “World Of Forgotten People,” or singing to Dolly Parton’s stirring harmony on her fine “Appalachian Memories,” it seems Brad Hudson can do it all. Simply put, this is the best “new” voice I’ve heard in bluegrass for quite some time.
There is a nice selection of material with plenty of variety. (Though one could argue that as good as the vocals and instrumental work are here, almost anything would sound good.) Additional cuts include two from Clyde Mattock, the instrumental “Hugging The Hound” and “I Wonder What You See In Your Dreams.” Jeff and Sheri Easter contribute vocals on “Beulah Land” (although the lead sounds a lot like Hudson). And Hudson does a very nice job on “Smoky Mountain Strong,” co-written with Mark Brinkman in honor of those who fought the fires in Sevier County, Tenn., in 2016. Tom Paxton’s “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” gets an excellent bluegrass treatment, and the title-cut is a great new “broken heart” tune in a genre that can’t seem to ever get enough.
The support for the vocals is uniformly excellent throughout. Harmonies by Dilling and Cherryholmes are topnotch. The instrumental work is first-rate and, in particular, Hudson’s resonator guitar work is very tasteful, reminiscent of Mike Auldridge and Jerry Douglas. Besides having a voice that will be the envy of everyone within earshot, Hudson appears to have an acute sense of how this music should fit together that would seem to take decades of experience to develop. And though they are not credited, whoever did the mix and master (Skip Cherryholmes engineered) did an exceptional job—the sound is perfectly balanced and clear throughout.
This is an excellent release. Fine songs, great instrumental work and harmonies, and lead vocals that are unsurpassed. Highly recommended. (Pinecastle Records, 2514 River Rd., Ste. 105, Piedmont, SC 29673, www.pinecastlemusic.com.)AW
Brads Blog
HUDSON TO FILM VIDEOS AND SCHEDULE AUDITIONS AT BONFIRE STUDIOS
On the verge of an exciting year with a brand new solo album release with Pinecastle Records burning up the bluegrass airwaves, Brad Hudson looks forward to many firsts in his career.
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Read moreBrad Hudson’s Next New Heartbreak coming November 3
Posted on October 19, 2017 By John Lawless
Pinecastle Records has announced November 3 as the release for Next New Heartbreak, their debut project with singer and multi-instrumentalist Brad Hudson.
The North Carolina native is currently working as reso man with Sideline and, over the years, his career has found him working bluegrass, Gospel, and country gigs. Still a young man, Brad has toured with Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Larkins, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, and both Dolly and Randy Parton. He…
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Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Brad began singing and playing music at the early age of just three years old. He began learning on guitar and later graduated to Dobro and banjo. Brad's love for…
Read moreBrad Hudson signs with Pinecastle
Posted on October 13, 2016 By John Lawless - BLUEGRASS TODAY
Brad Hudson, reso-guitarist with Sideline, has signed with Pinecastle Records for a new project which will feature both his vocal and instrumental prowess.
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