Lost Highway will release Mescalito, the debut album from Texas singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham. Mescalito contains 14 songs written by Bingham, following in the tradition of some of the great Texas songwriters such as Towns Van Zant.
Mescalito was produced by former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford, who also plays on the album. Bingham's music, as well as his live performances have already made fans of acclaimed artists such as Patti Griffin and Texas legends Joe Ely and Terry Allen.
At 25, the bumpy course of Bingham's life has already surpassed that of many twice is age. From his bordertown upbringing to his years on the Southwestern rodeo circuit, Bingham's poignant songs, sung through his whiskey-soaked voice, reflect his experiences and the wisdom he has gained from them. His songs are raw, honest and born out of a genuine soul.
From the opening track "Southside of Heaven" to the bluesy slide of "Bread & Water" to the Mexican-flavored "Boracho Station", Bingham's songs come straight from the heart. His influences blend seamlessly with his own style creating a traditional sound that also sounds fresh and original. Bingham has the unique ability to transport audiences into the center of the place from which they came.
Listen to Mescalito and take part in the journey that is Ryan Bingham."A vagabond spirit permeates these tales of truck stops, tip jars, boxcars, and love left behind, with a slide guitar punctuating arrangements that range from acoustic folk to classic rock (amid hints of the Rolling Stones, Neil Young's Crazy Horse, and a young Tom Waits). Yet ultimately, the impressive debut by this Southwestern, raspy-voiced troubadour is more than the sum of its songs, as the sequencing almost amounts to a narrative of life on the road, with the world-weary, end-of-the-line "Long Way from Georgia" and "Ever Wonder Why," leading to the renewal of "Sunrise." Former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford produced and provides multi-instrumental support, with Texas honky-tonk legend Terry Allen offering guest vocals and piano on "Ghost of Travelin' Jones." --Don McLeese
