Country’s newest supergroup Texas Hill might have had preexisting individual fanbases thanks to their reign on The Voice and American Idol, but those groups of fans have turned into one mega crowd growing by the day as new fans discover the trio’s incredible harmonies, as showcased in the recently released STABAL SESSION album. Recorded at Dark Horse Recording, the intimate collection of live acoustic recordings features the writing, musicianship and vocals of Adam Wakefield, Craig Wayne Boyd and Casey James.
The album’s intimacy comes from the guys performing every inch of the album themselves, writing almost every lyric themselves, and the inclusion of studio chatter brings the listener right into the room with them. “These recordings are from our first live acoustic session as a trio,” shares Boyd, “and we really had some magic in the room that day.”
Seven of the 8 tracks were written by one or more of the bandmembers excluding only “Neon Heart,” which was penned by James LeBlanc, Mike Walker and Ryan Beaver. The track was released as a single, however the acoustic version kicks it into another gear:
“Neon Heart” was written by a friend of ours, and it fit the timeless vibe we were going for,” says Boyd. “We recently put out a studio version, but really love this stripped back recording from the Stabal Session.”
Watch the incredible performance below:
“When You’re Sober” is a re-imagined version of a song Adam wrote a few years back,” says James. “We tweaked it a little to fit the band, and have been playing this one out in our live show since the beginning. It brings a different flavor into the mix.” The harmonies of the guys during the chorus with a little Caribbean guitar gives the song an infectious beat.
The tickling of the ivories during throughout “Christine” brings a taste of the Big Easy to the session. ““Christine” initially started off as a Bluegrass tune, but we took more of a New Orleans approach in the studio that day,” says Wakefield.
From “Cowboy Ghost” to “Sugar Cane,” there is no track-skipping on this acoustic album as each song shows a different side to the trio’s talents.
If you aren’t familiar with Texas Hill, then STABAL SESSION is the perfect way to introduce yourself to these three incredible artists.
Download/stream STABAL SESSION here.
STABAL SESSION Tracklisting:
1. Cowboy Ghost (Craig Wayne Boyd, Brad Crisler, James LeBlanc)
2. Easy on the Eyes (Adam Wakefield, Casey James, Craig Wayne Boyd, Morgan Myles)
3. Love Me When I’m Leaving (Adam Wakefield)
4. Neon Heart (James LeBlanc, Mike Walker, Ryan Beaver)
5. Christine (Adam Wakefield)
6. When You’re Sober (Adam Wakefield)
7. Four Roses (Adam Wakefield, Casey James, Craig Wayne Boyd, Shannon Lawson)
8. Sugar Cane (Craig Wayne Boyd, James LeBlanc, Brad Crisler)
For more information on TEXAS HILL, including upcoming tour dates, visit their website www.texashillofficial.com.