Brandon Rickman "Young Man Old Soul" (Rural Rhythm Records)

The person who picked the title, “Young Man, Old Soul,” for Brandon Rickman’s first solo album scored a bull’s eye.

If you attend bluegrass festivals, undoubtedly you’ve seen Rickman, the lead singer and guitarist for The Lonesome River Band. Or, you might have caught his vocal work on a recent Lonesome River Band CD.

Rickman steps out on his own on “Young Man, Old Soul” and does so literally on a few tracks, where it’s just Rickman and guitar, occasionally with an added harmony singer.

For sure, Rickman is a fine singer, his voice packed full of the “old soul” that the title suggests. It isn’t a traditional bluegrass voice, but he makes it work very well, whether it’s with the LRB and on this CD. He’s also a fine songwriter, a talent this solo CD highlights.

The track lineup is nothing short of terrific. Songs cover the gamut here — from the down and dirty opening track, “Always Have, Always Will,” to the uplifting “Dime Store Rings” to the smile-producing “I Bought Her a Dog,” to a couple of fine gospel songs. “So Long 20s” is an ode to growing old — at the ripe old age of 30 –, but it’s a sweet tune that Rickman co-wrote with Keith Denney.

“Dime Store Rings,” co-written by Rickman and Charley Stell, is included on the Lonesome River Band’s newest CD, “No Turning Back.” It was one of my favorites on that CD, and it’s one of favorites here in a stripped-down version, with nothing more than Rickman playing guitar and singing. The song truly showcases Rickman’s writing and his vocal strengths — the emotion he can put behind a lyric and the dynamics he’s capable of.

“Wearin’ Her Knees Out Over Me” is also difficult to overlook. It’s about youth at its wild and reckless worst that’s watched over by a mother, who prays for quieter days for her son. It was co-written by Rickman and Jerry Salley, who pitches in on the harmony track .

Rickman picked some fines songs and some fine allies to get them honed for the CD. Aaron McDaris does the banjo work while Randy Kohrs adds dobro on some tracks. LRB bandmate Andy Ball does some fine mandolin and harmony work while another bandmate, Mike Anglin, adds bass on one track. Janee Fleenor plays fiddle and adds harmony vocals. Other tracks include harmonies by Terry Eldridge, Tammy Rogers and Larry Cordle.

Rickman puts guitar tracks down on every tune and also plays bass and mandolin on a few songs.

As the title suggests, Rickman is a young bluegrass warrior. He’s a force that I suspect will continue coming on strong for many years. This debut solo CD on the Rural Rhythm label should be a starting point for a long, successful journey.

Related Links

• Brandon Rickman
• Rural Rhythm Records