(cjgarton.com; available now)
C.J. GARTONHAS been writing and singing for as long as he can remember. Working on the ranch with his dad as a kid in Oklahoma helped cement his lifelong dedication to authentic country sounds. “You were surrounded by George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson tunes, and working cattle, and waking up early.”
Now in his late 30s, Garton has made a career of country music and works out of Nashville, but he still returns to the family land in Oklahoma to reconnect with his roots. He’s lived without his dad since losing him in the early 2000s. A single from Garton’s new double album, Tales of the Ole West and Other Libations to Please the Palate, addresses grief and memories the artist still carries. “If Daddy Could See” hits home with earnest lyrical sentiment and powerful baritone vocals (of which Whitley and Haggard would be proud).
The other tunes on mine the greatest lyrical traditions and styles of late-20th century country. Garton’s dedication to the classics bodes well for his new album, which was initially made available in a premium vinyl edition. Intricately designed by Scott Yousey with a holographic cover depicting both a cowboy and a Native American (the dichotomy of the West), it speaks to Garton’s grand vision for the project. The song titles on the back are listed in English and in Cherokee text. In the visuals and the music (co-produced with frequent collaborator and accomplished Nashville fiddle player Joe Spivey), Garton aims to honor both the cowboy and Native culture of his Oklahoma home.
