Jason Eady

Jason Eady cut introspective on last year's excellent eponymous disc, showcasing the strength of his songwriting in stripped ballads. This seventh LP takes a different turn altogether, though no less impressive. Recorded live with his touring band, the Ft. Worth-based troubadour kicks full-tilt into barroom burners and backporch pickers. It's his most fully realized effort, polished without losing grit, wit, or emotional impact. Eady's earned more recognition than he's gotten, but I Travel On might finally fix that.