Lisa and I drove a nearly 400 mile round trip yesterday, so we could watch my brother Rich play guitar for 45 minutes with a country band.

Tom Dobson is a young country artist from Connecticut with his first album out on an independent label. He was the opening act for Ronnie Milsap, a country legend.

My brother Rich was in the role of sideman. A hired gun for this one gig, maybe more. He spent a month learning all the songs, had a few rehearsals and then jumped on stage in front of a sold out crowd.

And he aced the show. Great stage presence. Played the guitar like breathing.

What is it about getting older that I seem to get so much more joy rooting for friends and family? I’m still grinning from ear to ear.

Now I’m not sure if Dobson’s record will be a hit, but it’s got an extremely catchy single, called “American Man,” well written, recorded and produced. I’ve heard it 3 or 4 times it would not stop rattling around in my brain

At first when I saw the video I was a bit put off. There are some explicit lyrics, and it’s got the kind and of macho attitude that may or may not fit the #MeToo era.

But I like that he takes a few risks. And this looks like a pretty expensive music video.

So is it tongue in cheek? Yes and no. This song really is Tom. He has sandpaper hands. Drinks beer from a can. He’s at an age where he’d be lying if he didn’t proclaim his love for his pickup truck and the desire to pick up hot girls too.

If that starts to sound like an anti elite rant, maybe it is. I don’t know what Tom was thinking when he wrote it.

http://rhyme-reason.com/tom-dobson/

Don’t listen to this more than once unless you’re prepared to live with the consequences. It may be hard to dislodge from your brain.

Bob

PS. Next week I’ll be doing morning Radio for 3 days. Details in next blog.