Coming out of Toledo in Ohio, Midwest Royal is a musical project founded and led by songwriter and musician Jonathan Rodebaugh. With a firm belief that it takes a village to craft the best music, he’s assembled a collective of his favourite musicians and producers to bring his compositions to life.
Midwest Royal presents a collaborative effort that distils the power of collective creativity. As Jonathan himself puts it, âMidwest Royal is the brainchild of my musical vision, brought to life through a collective of extraordinary musicians, producers, and engineers.â This philosophy has resulted in a stellar musical output that draws on his songwriting talent as well as the performance flair of a host of exciting musicians.
First unveiling the project in 2022 via the debut record called I, singles two and three followed with “Alabama” and “Breadcrumbs.” Now Jonathan Rodebaugh brings us the latest Midwest Royal release with the brand new single titled “Bourbon,” a track that delivers the defiant spirit of outlaw country music.
âBourbonâ is a track that wears its influences proudly, drawing from the tradition of legends like Waylon Jennings and Townes Van Zandt. Yet, while the song is brimming with these traditions, it also manages to offer something new, offering a fresh take on a well-worn path.
With the warm tones of a Hammond organ, played by Scott Guberman, Ben Helsonâs lead guitar work, Bryan Dasteâs soulful pedal steel guitar, Ron Folgerâs piano, Bryan Bonfiglio on resonator and drums as well as Nanya Ijeh, Samuel Osaroekiye and Ralph Okoro on backing vocals, Jonathan adds his deep vocal timbres and steady bass lines to form a timeless sound of memorable alternative country music.
From the delicate flutter of steel guitar and laid back taps of drums, intricate guitar plucks and stretched organ textures underpin Jonathan’s rich vocal performance as he threads soulful melodies and storytelling lyricism into the arrangement. Rising to an anthemic sound, “Bourbon” serves up a stunning sound that draws from the golden era of Americana to lay down a charming song of enduring quality, catchy songwriting and superb musicianship.
Listen to Bourbon below
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