Many years ago, we noted that country singer Marty Brown had apparently shared his wonderful musical talents with his children. So we are delighted to hear that his son Marty Brown Jr. is finally releasing his first album with his band Maceo, entitled Boomtown. And it was worth the wait.
Old Legends
The younger Brown has been performing music, honing his musical chops, and writing songs with his father for years. And the band Maceo, with an outstanding group of musicians, finds some of its influences in Southern Rock and Outlaw Country. Some of the tracks on the album may remind one of Shooter Jennings, another son of a country legend.
The album rocks but it also features intelligent lyrics steeped in county traditions. In a nod to the past, on the song “Old Legends,” Brown proclaims, “Old legends never die, they just keep on living on.”
Boomtown
Yet, even with the album’s connections to the past, Maceo brings a young person’s perspective, guitars, and wisdom that makes everything new again. It’s honest young country that should find a place in today’s country music world. In the title track from the album, “Boomtown,” Brown takes a look at his “one-horse town” that “ain’t no Boomtown.” But he still finds a lot to love there.
For those of us who grew up in a small town, we hear a realistic reflection of a non-idealized life that is still loved. So the singer’s repeated assertion that “this ain’t no Boomtown,” backed by a tight electric band with a solid beat, ends up as more of a boast than a lament.
Another highlight of the album is “Lessons in Lonely,” a catchy country weeper that sounds like an instant classic. Not surprisingly, the beautiful song was co-written by Marty Brown Jr.’s father Marty Brown, along with Charles Victor.
The band Maceo is named after Brown’s hometown of Maceo, Kentucky. And the group features Marty Brown Jr. (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar), Collin Sagely (Percussion), Brian Haunhorst (Rythym Guitar, Backing Vocals), and Chris Dillard (Bass).
Boomtown is an uplifting album, perfect for blasting on your car stereo while driving country roads. Or just sitting in a lonely room with headphones and letting Brown and his bandmates take you on a fun ride. It’s all good.
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