Local Artist Spotlight
January 21st, 2010 | Published in Artist Spotlight, ~Featured Stories~
Review of Sean McConnell and “The Walk Around – EP”
If you live in College Station and listen to music, then you are familiar with the Texas Country scene, where artists like Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers, and the Eli Young Band have emerged in recent years to become huge names.
But the beauty of what people call Texas Country is not simply that it comes from the Lonestar State. This type of music transcends state boundaries. It has a heart and soul that the Nashville cookie-cutter sound has completely forgotten. Yet even in that Tennessee city, that has become a bastion of meaningless, pop country, there shines a bright light of hope and that bright light is Sean McConnell.
To most of you, Sean McConnell’s name is meaningless. If you do not recognize his name, maybe you are familiar with the song, “In My Arms Instead,” by the Randy Rogers Band. Sean McConnell co-wrote the hit single with Rogers and has been penning tunes since his early teen years.
McConnell signed with Warner/Chappell Music a few years ago, and his work has been performed by artists such as Tim McGraw and Brad Paisley, and has even been covered by Jason Castro and others from American Idol.
So what does a guy from Nashville who writes songs for glorified pop singers have to do with the Texas music scene? Well, to start McConnell’s recent single, “Reckless Love” has seen extensive airplay on diehard Texas Country radio stations. The tune, which showcases his undeniable singing ability, is a wrenching powerhouse that will knock you off your feet the first time you hear it. The singer-songwriter has been touring since 2008, and his music captures something that his Nashville contemporaries seem either unwilling or unable to even get near.
His latest album, “The Walk Around – EP” came out this time last year, but chances are you missed it. With songs like “Say Say Say,” which drifts towards a rock sound with impressive results, and the above mentioned “Reckless Love,” the limited number of tracks will only leave you begging for more.
Thankfully, his backlog of songs is just as satisfying. “If These Walls Could Speak,” which appeared on his album “200 Orange Street” is a moving glimpse into childhood accompanied by a simple guitar and raw emotion in McConnell’s voice. Also worth mentioning are the outstanding “Somewhere Beautiful” and “Madly in Love With You.”
It is obvious that Sean McConnell is on the rise, as his music combines the bitter honesty of country with an inspiring talent that will only get better. If nothing else, the man’s voice, which shifts between silky smooth and a gritty edginess seamlessly, should be enough to rocket him to fame. His upcoming tour dates will bring this unique sound to Texas soon, and give audiences a taste.
Sean McConnell plays at the Tap this Thursday, Jan. 21 at 10:30. So what if the Nashville musician can never be a Texas Country star? It does not matter whether you label it Texas Country music, or as McConnell himself refers to it, “Lyrics Driven Roots Rock.” Whatever term applies best, you could simplify the debate by just calling it what it is: “good music.”
