Two years ago, AM Country Heaven established Jason Eady as a Texas songwriter worth watching, and follow-up fifth LP Daylight & Dark cements the reputation, even if the Fort Worth singer still hasn’t quite yet hit his stride. Eady’s compositions go down like sipping whiskey, easy but with just enough bite to feel it. That’s both a credit and an obstacle as he continues to find his voice. His songwriting’s most convincing in Seventies country tones, hearkening Don Williams on the title track and Willie Nelson on the excellent “Liars and Fools,” yet the album misgauges at the outset with “OK Whiskey,” reaching for red-dirt honky-tonk but lacking the substantial kick. Eady’s best as balladeer: the rolling sway of “The Other Side of Abilene,” touch of broken grit in “Temptation,” and drawl to “Lonesome Down and Out.” As he continues carving a niche, Jason Eady will eventually strike gold.

***

This article appears in February 14 • 2014.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.