Brenda Reviews – Tim Raybon Band: I Could Get Used to This
Song List: Leaving Cleveland, Can’t Get Away From This Broken Heart, Sally Johnson, 1959, That Reunion, Nothing So Blue, I Told Momma and Daddy Goodbye, Ilene Baker, Headed Back to Tulsa, I Could Get Used to This.
Tim Raybon’s music career began in the family band, The American Bluegrass Express, which also included his brother Marty. Both brothers were in the Raybon Brothers duo that received a nomination for the CMA Duo of the years. While Marty was part of the country band Shenandoah, Tim continued to write songs and played with Merle Monroe and his own Tim Raybon band. The band members are currently Andy Leftwich on mandolin and fiddle, Tim and Cody Kilby on guitar, Russ Carson on banjo, Gavin Larpent on dobro, and Tim on vocals. The band’s instrumentals frame Tim’s engaging songs and vocals.
With nine of his own original songs on the album, it’s a treat to hear the songs sung by their composer. Tim has a mellow warm voice with a delivery that is heartfelt and sincere. The storytelling songs reflect loves lost and found and a sense of discovery and commentary about lifestyles in the country and city.
The opening song, “Leaving Cleveland,” has contrasts of dirt roads and city streets, cold winter seasons and warm sunshine, working conditions, and a failed love and the return to home. “I Told Momma and Daddy Goodbye” has more of the wistful yearnings for home and “when I got to where I was going, I didn’t like what I found.” “Going Back to Tulsa” has a bouncy Texas swing feel with fiddle embellishments that tell the story of a three year love affair and an upcoming marriage. More fiddle flourishes are found in “Sally Johnson” and the upbeat life long love of the singer’s grandparents is a joyous celebration. A nostalgic look at the old days of 1959 with Friday drive in shows, Sunday church, and a time “where there was a right and wrong, there was no left or right.” Songs that touch the past and present, celebrate love and partings, and a sterling presentation by Tim Raybon make a delightful collection.