Jason Ringenberg has been bringing his own unique brand of country music for almost 40 years now in various different formats. His latest musical endeavour is the powerhouse album Standing Tall, a truly virulent album that conjures up the very epitome of country music.
Every now and again you come across a piece of music that just whisks you away to somewhere else. In this case you are summoned across the world to a rowdy desert bar in the middle of nowhere, ten-gallon hats and sawdust on the floor. It’s the kind of raucous sound of a crowded and boisterous band that you need to give you that perfect pick-me-up to get through even the most unsavoury day. Country is one of those rare genres where you can have your own unique sense of style and yet you can still give an authentic sound that can transcend decades. That is exactly what Ringenberg has produced with Standing Tall.
Rife with a powerful energy that Ringenberg still wields like Thor’s hammer after almost 40 years on stage, Standing Tall brings his passionate and softly gravelled voice into place atop a decadent collection of country blues tunes. What’s refreshing about Ringenberg’s work is the simple fact that everything he has produced is completely unafraid and unabashed. With songs such as John the Baptist was a Real Humdinger we see not just the powerful country melodies Ringenberg produces but also his deep vein of humour within his work. With a playful nature and classic style Standing Tall becomes a friendly and charismatic sound very quickly.
Ringenberg has almost 40 years on the musical clock so it’s little wonder that he’s able to produce such a vibrant and powerful collection of songs. Standing Tall is a must have album for any die-hard country fan.
by Joe Knipe