Damon Fowler – Barnyard Smile | Album Review

Damon Fowler – Barnyard Smile

Landslide Records – 2024

www.damon-fowler.com

10 tracks:  44 minutes

Barnyard Smile is Damon Fowler’s third release for Atlanta-based Landslide Records. Fowler is a veteran bluesman who hails from Brandon, Florida, just outside of Tampa. Landslide’s one sheeter says this of Fowler: He’s a hard driving troubadour (making) music steeped with soul and representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. Critics have compared Fowler’s guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman.

Many blues fans will recognize Damon Fowler as a member of Southern Hospitality, often referred to as a Southern “Supergroup” that includes J.P. Soars and Victor Wainwright. Fowler also performs alongside blues harmonica sensation Jason Ricci in another supergroup called Desoto Tiger. In addition to Ricci, Desoto Tiger includes Boogie Long on guitar, Chuck Riley on bass, and drummer Ray Hangen.

Joining Fowler and bassist Chuck Riley on Barnyard Smile are drummers Justin Headley, Taylor Galbraith, and Aaron Fowler (Damon’s cousin), each featured on separate tracks; Dan Signor and Rob Stoney playing keys, also on separate tracks; and background vocalist RB Stone on track 6 (“Outskirts of Town.”)

The album was produced by Fowler and George Harris, who was also the engineer. Barnyard Smile was recorded at Creative World Recording in Largo, Florida and mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering. All original songs were written by Damon Fowler, except “Grab My Hand,” which was co-written with Florida-based bluesman Eddie Wright.

Barnyard Smile kicks off with “That Ain’t Love,” a toe-tapping funky number featuring Fowler’s distinctive voice and Signor’s rhythmic keyboard backbeat. “Fast Driving Woman” with its hypnotic driving beat, snappy lyrics, and featuring Fowler’s booming bass guitar is one of the album’s more memorable songs. Fowler’s voice also shines on “Outskirts of Town,” along with his exceptional guitar work. “Outskirts…” is funky and soulful. A song that should get everyone out on the dance floor.

Damon Fowler’s songwriting chops are on display with soulful, bluesy tracks like “My Brother My Friend,” “These Games We Play,” “Catch You Crying,” and the country-infused “Grab My Hand,” another fun toe-tapping tune with ragtime-style keyboards by Dan Signor.

The instrumental “Fruita” highlights Fowler’s music skills with a mesmerizing highway song vibe, which reminds the listener of driving those lonely back roads of Texas. The song’s title may be a reference to Fruita, a scenic town located along Interstate 70 in western Colorado among the foothills of the Colorado National Monument.

Fowler and company infuse their roots-rock and bluesy soul into the album’s two cover tracks: Bo Diddley’s iconic “Roadrunner” and “Misery Loves Company,” written by country music star Jerry Reed and originally recorded and performed by the legendary Porter Waggoner in 1961. Fowler’s “Misery…” is a terrific nod to those country music artists of old and their Southern rock contemporaries.

Damon Fowler’s latest release proves that he is a hard driving troubadour who’s never forgotten his Florida music roots. Each track showcases his musical and songwriting prowess and is sure to please his current followers and draw new listeners and fans to his live performances.

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