Randy Travis, “Influences, Vol. 2” CD released

Mary Jane Farmer | September 13, 2014 | Reply

Randy Travis

Influences Vol. 2: The Man I Am

Warner Music

Less than a year since the Randy Travis CD Influences Vol. 1 was released, he’s gone and done it again. Infuences Vol. 2: The Man I Am is now available and every bit as strong, in every sense, as the first volume.

The 7-time Grammy award-winner released this, his 22^nd album, just recently, packed with tribute songs to those who, Travis said in his liner notes, “…I am reminded that it is true that we learn from the ones ahead of us and teach the ones that follow.”

This 13-song project features Travis’ rendition of songs made popular by Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Bobby Vinton, and a great version of the late Waylon Jennings’ “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line,” complete with that walking riff that songwriter Jimmy Bryant wrote into the beat. And his version of the classic Ray Price “For The Good Times” is unparalleled as a cover song., one that the late Mr. Price himself would have been proud to hear. There’s more classic artists also honored here.

And when Travis sings Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” it sounds from the heart, and his version of the Jimmie Rodgers classic “California Blues” is flawless.

There’s one repeat from Vol. 1 on this project — “Tonight I’m Playing Possum,” a song written just after George Jones’ death. Earlier press releases issued when Travis was hospitalized with heart problems stated that George Jones’ widow, Nancy Jones, visited Travis in the hospital. The two musicians were more like family than friends.

And the fiddle that opens the Bobby Vinton classic, “There I’ve Said It Again,” is priceless, bringing the listener directly into the song. And so it goes. All said, as if “There, I’ve Said It Again..” But it bears repeating — country music superstar Randy Travis is one born-again Texan still producing true country music and proving that Nashville still knows how to produce true country music.

Luxurious classic country, Influences Vol. 2: The Man I Am is available in stores and on Internet purchase sites, including ITunes. A must for the country music lover in all of us!