Album Notes

"4 Stars"

~ Maverick magazine


"3 1/2 Stars"

~ Los Angeles Daily News


"Best Off-Music Row Albums Of 2004"

~ The Nashville Tennessean


"As far left-of-centre as Gram Parsons was in 1973, and surely to prove just as vital and influential in years to come. Highly recommended."

~ Maverick magazine


"Richards unleashes a series of songs that poise him to walk beside (or very closely behind) songwriting legends such as Lyle Lovett and Guy Clark."

~ Jedd Beaudoin, F5 Wichita Weekly


"His introspective songs of vulnerability and mettle are more akin to those of Rodney Crowell and roots-rocker Dave Alvin, and his melodies and storytelling follow in the footsteps of Billy Joe Shaver and John Prine. Richards has assimilated the elements that once made Nashville the center of American music, and is doing his part to help Music City regain its former relevance."

~ Eli Messinger, East Bay Express


"Ok, folks - Here's the rundown. Here's how you make a great country music record in this day and age. [Richards has] assembled a brilliant cast of players, written some downright amazing songs, and delivered them all in a rich, smooth, silky baritone voice that ranks among one of the finest ever recorded in Nashville. The fact of the matter is that Tumblers & Grit is one of the finest country albums to be made since the 1960's golden age of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos And Merle, Johnny, and Willie. And it is a REAL country album. And no one seems to have the guts to make one of those very often anymore. You've got my word on it."

~ Embo Blake, Hybrid Magazine


"3 1/2 Stars... Sounds less like a "Honkytonk Graveyard" - to borrow a song title - and more like honky-tonk heaven. A vital contribution to the genre."

~ Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer