After his success as the cowriter of Brad Paisley's "Whiskey Lullaby," Jon Randall gets ample opportunity on Walking Among the Living to showcase himself as a multidimensional artist. His tenor vocals are the most luminous... more » in country this side of Vince Gill, while his guitar virtuosity earlier earned him a slot in Emmylou Harris's band (where Gill also served a stint). Yet Randall's major strength is his songwriting, where he displays a range that extends from the lovesick balladry of "Baby Won't You Come Home" to the poppier, Eagles-like melody of "Long Way Down" to the harder rock edge of "Coming Back for More." On the jauntier, playful "Austin," he sounds like Lyle Lovett fronting Little Feat. Patty Loveless joins him for harmonies on "I Shouldn't Do This," while Alison Krauss (who duetted with Paisley on "Whiskey Lullaby") does the same on "My Southern Comfort." As the album's centerpiece, Randall's rearrangement of "Whiskey Lullaby" puts his haunting, intimate vocal over a backing of chamber strings. --Don McLeese« less
After his success as the cowriter of Brad Paisley's "Whiskey Lullaby," Jon Randall gets ample opportunity on Walking Among the Living to showcase himself as a multidimensional artist. His tenor vocals are the most luminous in country this side of Vince Gill, while his guitar virtuosity earlier earned him a slot in Emmylou Harris's band (where Gill also served a stint). Yet Randall's major strength is his songwriting, where he displays a range that extends from the lovesick balladry of "Baby Won't You Come Home" to the poppier, Eagles-like melody of "Long Way Down" to the harder rock edge of "Coming Back for More." On the jauntier, playful "Austin," he sounds like Lyle Lovett fronting Little Feat. Patty Loveless joins him for harmonies on "I Shouldn't Do This," while Alison Krauss (who duetted with Paisley on "Whiskey Lullaby") does the same on "My Southern Comfort." As the album's centerpiece, Randall's rearrangement of "Whiskey Lullaby" puts his haunting, intimate vocal over a backing of chamber strings. --Don McLeese
Jim D. (JayDee) from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 10/3/2009...
Vastly underrated singer and performer.
CD Reviews
Just what you've been needing to hear!
DanD | 12/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jon Randall's WALKING AMONG THE LIVING is probably one of the best albums I've listened to this year...and I'm writing this review in December, people. Randall's tenor is excellent, his songwriting formidable, and his guitar playing is exquisite. Truly, this is a gifted performer who has a crafted a unique and COUNTRY album.
WALKING AMONG THE LIVING is the perfect blend of bluegrass and contemporary country, with sawing fiddles fitting right in with rhythmic drums and electric guitars. The song choices are pure country--songs of Southern living, of heartbreak, of death, of rejuvination, or finding yourself. While "Whiskey Lullabye" is certainly a beautiful tune, it almost pales in comparison to other tracks available here. "Baby Won't You Come Home" is a delight to hear; "No Southern Comfort" got this Yankee wishing he'd been born south of the Mason-Dixon Line; "I Shouldn't Do This" is a classic cheatin' song; "Austin" is quirky, funny, and socially-relative; "Lonely For Awhile" is a truly haunting track about not being ready to get over someone; and "In the Country" will take you to the backwoods at midnight, with just you and the stars and the one you love. All of these songs are well-written and superbly performed; this is an album you don't want to miss. While there is some potential here for radio success, I doubt there will be any; doesn't mean this isn't a great album, though. In fact, in country music especially, there's an unwritten rule that the best artists don't get the airtime they deserve. Does Jon Randall qualify as one of those artists? Listen to WALKING AMONG THE LIVING, and decide for yourself."
Sheer perfection!
Ladylawyer | Winston-Salem, NC USA | 09/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"5 stars are not enough. About 3 yrs ago, I discovered Jon on Singin' with Emmy Lou on the song "Just like You" with her backing vocals, and after that bought Willin' his wonderful '99 effort. I bought Lorrie Morgan's greatest hits solely to get his duet with her "By My Side." Ever since I've been eagerly waiting for a followup and this does not disappoint. Is there anything this man can't sing? As great as Willin' was, this one is even better. There's not a weak song in the bunch and they range from almost-rockers to the haunting and heartbreaking "Whiskey Lullaby." Jon also has a real talent for picking background vocalists and their efforts shine through in several songs especially "North Carolina Moon" and "I Shouldn't do this." I think that this CD will propel him to the top where he rightfully belongs and give him the recognition he so richly deserves as he is really the best male singer out there today. Would love to see him do a duets cd eventually."
Excellent--Pretty Darn Good
J. S. | MN | 10/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am not one to rush to the store & buy a CD because I saw a band on Letterman. But, in this case, I saw John Randall on Letterman (or was it Leno? ) Anyway, he sang the title track, and it must have hit me. Because I got the CD the next day, and have been playing it nearly every night since then. I don't think I could get tired of it. Normally, I'm into folky stuff- Dar, Lucy K., Indigo Girls, P. Griffin, ChaseMissy. But, this is a great country CD and it's going to be perfect for one of our Freezing Freezing Nights here in Minnesota. I can imagine sitting in front of the fireplace w/my boyfriend @ his cabin, with snow outside, and just listening & hanging out & being in love. This CD is LOVE.....Good Job John!"
Great Music
A.J. Tata Author of Rogue Threat | Virginia | 03/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jon delivers an incredible performance on Walking. From his breathtaking rendition of Whiskey Lullaby to the relaxing North Carolina Moon to the rhythmic Long Way Down, Jon demonstrates that not only is he the best guitarist around, but he has incredible range. I hope to see more from him in the very near future. I recommend this to anyone who simply likes music. They don't come any better than Jon Randall. Thanks for the great escape so far from home, JR.
"
You MUST get this CD!!!
L. Woodall | Blanchard, LA USA | 09/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE this CD! Jon Randall, who co-wrote the Brad Paisley/Allison Kraus ballad "Whiskey Lullaby", wrote all but one of the songs on this CD. His version of "Whiskey Lullaby" is even included!
This CD has something for everyone, no matter what style of music you like -- country, rock, blues, bluegrass -- it's all in there! I highly recommend this CD!"