Buffalo Ruckus to release self-titled CD Friday night

Mary Jane Farmer | September 10, 2014 | Reply

Buffalo Ruckus, CD cover, artwork by Brad Haefner

Buffalo Ruckus, Buffalo Ruckus, Captain Ruckus Records, Smith Entertainment

Buffalo Ruckus’ self-titled debut CD is true southern rock/country, led by a true southern-born musician, Jason Lovell. It features 12 of the band’s originals, mostly written by lead singer Lovell, and delivers stories with such conviction one has to wonder if they are autobiographical. They do hold truth, whether of their own interpretation or that of the listeners.

Lovell’s recorded voice delivers the same soulful character as when he belts out their songs at a live show. Brad Haefner’s switch between mandolin and electric guitar inserts not just notes, but emotion throughout the instrumentation. And the rhythm team of Christian Dorn (drums) and Michael Burgess (bass) are 100 percent right on. Burgess and Haefner add harmonies, and the foursome inserted the vocals of Shannon McNally, also a true southerner, on the tender love ballad “Angilee;” and other studio musicians on fiddle, keys, harmonica, and pedal steel on the project. Dorn is clearly one with his drum kit and fans of their live shows can easily visualize Burgess and his bass making way through the crowd.

Hard to spell out Lovell’s raw, signature “hhhaaaahhhhhh,” but that and his southern Georgia phrasing adds dimension not heard on other Texas music CDs. He also uses that voice to let listeners visualize the lyrics, whether it’s a true vocal belt out or as a true crooner. This CD is real music, presented by craft-loving musicians. It’s a keeper for those who don’t tire of listening a group over and over again, and still find it hard to say, “That’s my favorite song on the record.” It’s a project that is polished in its recording, mixing, and mastering; and that polish lets the raw edginess of the lyrics, instrumentation, and vocals shine through. Americana, down-home roots, with a uniquely futuristic blend of rock country and the kind of truth that makes one think about what makes one tick.

The first song released off the project, “High Again,” is on the Texas Regional Radio Report music chart, and moved up two notches during the past week… with no contracted radio promotion team behind it.

The CD Release Party is on Friday, Sept. 12, (2014) at Filthy McNasty’s Saloon in Fort Worth. Buffalo Ruckus will be featured at Tommy Alverson’s Family Gathering in Mineral Wells on Oct. 1; co-billed with Green Light Pistol on Oct. 23 at Live Oak Theater in Fort Worth, Gilley’s/Durant at Choctaw Casino on Oct. 17, and many other places. Their full schedule is available on their Website, BuffaloRuckus.com, or just keep your eye on the Live Music Calendar here on Scene In Town.com

Buffalo Ruckus is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify, and at the retail outlets furnished by Smith Entertainment, including Hastings, Buc-ees, and several western wear stores. And, as Lovell says, “We will be selling out of our small suitcase at all gigs,” too.