JD MYERS: Hard Times

JD Myers

Hard Times

© 2005 Twangabilly Music (634479038730)

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JD Myers' latest release, "Hard Times", is a thoroughly impressive collection that finds the Virginia native crafting a gritty fusion of rockabilly, west-coast country, the outlaw sound and rock n' roll blues.

notes

In 1997, JD Myers prepared for the release of his debut Asylum Records album. He had been signed to the Nashville label for two years with little excitement from their promotion team. "They felt that it would be hard to get me on country radio because I was so different from what was going on", says Myers. It turns out they were right. The first single, "When I Think About You" failed to get anything above regional radio play. It did however turn heads on CMT as the video sailed into heavy rotation. "That told me that the people were ready for the music. I just needed my record label to convince radio." recalls JD.

The album's release date was pushed back to 1998 and another single, "Wishin' And Waitin'" was picked to have its chance with country radio. Although it did somewhat better it still didn't gather national exposure. It was then that JD made a bold move. He asked out of his record deal. Myers states, "A lot of people thought I was crazy, but I knew that there was no future at Asylum Records for an artist like me. I needed a label that would embrace my creativity and fight for me". It was at this point that JD decided to re-evaluate himself and the industry. Country music was declining after the big boom of the early 1990's and Myers felt that he needed to be better and wait for a better day to try again.

He went back to the basics that made him love music in the first place. For the next several years he continued to write songs and play clubs, VFW's, Moose Lodges, and anywhere else country music was welcome. Then, in early 2003 he received a call from his former publishing company, Warner Chappell Music. In an unheard of act of generosity or possible guilt he was told they were giving him the publishing rights to all of his songs and ownership of all of his recordings. "It was such a gift." says Myers. It was at this point that he set out to do his own independent album. JD enlisted the help of Grammy Award winning engineer, musician, and producer Rusty McFarland. McFarland had produced most of the Warner Chappell recordings over the years and was eager to be able to finally finish what they had started. '"Rusty's from Memphis, so he really understands American roots music and how to make a great record with a lot of soul." Myers muses. Together, the two combed through almost 80 recordings deciding what would become the record. They settled on 14 songs. "We really worked hard to make sure every aspect of what I can do is represented." explains Myers.

"Hard Times" is a thoroughly impressive collection that finds the Virginia native crafting a gritty fusion of rockabilly, west-coast country, the outlaw sound and rock and roll blues. Myers co-wrote 10 of the cuts on the album and played guitar on 11. Although it was intended to be an independent release, it has now gathered major label attention. "I put my heart and soul into this album and I'm just glad that it is being noticed." says Myers. The new album's title is a declaration of what JD has experienced. "I moved to Nashville 10 years ago with the notion that it would be easy. For awhile it seemed that way because I achieved so much in a short amount of time. Now I know better. When I sing about hard times I mean it because I've lived them. My family and faith have truly gotten me through." says Myers. "Waylon Jennings once told me that above everything else, I have to be true to myself. I've never forgotten that. It may take a little longer doing it my way, trying to do my own thing, but I'll have no regrets."

PRODUCED BY RUSTY MCFARLAND AND JD MYERS
MIXED AND MASTERED BY RUSTY MCFARLAND

various tracks co-produced by:
Michael Knox/Michael Lunn/Mike Noble

Musicians:

Electric Guitar: JD Myers/Russ Pahl/Pat Buchanan/Rusty McFarland/Tim Dawson

Pedal Steel Guitar: Russ Pahl/Bruce Bouton

Bass Guitar: Mike Brignardello/Doug Cahan/Alison Prestwood/Larry Marrs/Hoot Gibson

Keyboards: Tony Harrell/Aubrey Hylton

Acoustic Guitar: Mike Noble/Blue Miller/Jeff King/JD Myers

Harmonica: Mike Henderson

Drums: Greg Morrow/Mark Beckett/Harry Stinson/John Gardner

Harmony Vocals: Larry Marrs/Neil Thrasher/Rusty McFarland/Harry Stinson/JD Myers

reviews

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  • One of the 10 best Americana albums of 2005!
    author: Ray Randall

    JD's album, "Hard Times" is fun, has a lot of depth and really showcases JD well. It's one of the 10 best Americana albums of 2005.

  • This CD is Great
    author: Dawn

    I first heard about JD through a Friend that writes music and now i've been lucky enough to Enjoy some of JD's Music and all i can i can say is AWESOME.. He has such a variety in his music.. Keep the Music Coming JD you ROCK

  • Heartily Recommended
    author: Robert K. Oermann: Music Row Magazine

    Former Asylum artist Myers is going the indie route with a collection that is straight up the Americana alley. Its title tune is a rootsy country rocker with deep-twang guitar, wailing harmonica and a pounding backbeat. Heartily recommended.

  • Heartily Recommended
    author: Robert K. Oermann: Music Row Magazine

    Former Asylum artist Myers is going the indie route with a collection that is straight up the Americana alley. Its title tune is a rootsy country rocker with deep-twang guitar, wailing harmonica and a pounding backbeat. Heartily recommended.

  • In for a treat with JD Myers' album
    author: Jennifer Webb: About.com

    'Hard Times' is an album for any fan that likes a little kick to their country. It's a shame that JD Myers isn't on a major label because if mainstream fans had access to this music they would go crazy over it (in a good way). From the sound clips alone, I knew I'd be in for a treat with JD Myers' album. It's country music with a little bit of a "kick" to it, along the lines of Montgomery Gentry yet somewhat different. I love the mixture of upbeat and slower tunes. With fourteen tracks (instead of the usual ten) you definitely get your money's worth and are left wanting more. Right off the bat, JD sings "I'm On A Roll" because he feels good about the woman he is with. "Sweet, sweet little smile, knock me back a country mile. Lock me up and toss the key, honey that's alright with me." "But She Didn't" is uptempo country, complete with a little "tickling of the ivories." Don't be afraid to take chances with love, because one day you might find yourself "In Too Deep" with the person you want to stay with forever. "Anything For You" is a slow song about a man who will stay with her or leave - he's leaving the choice up to her. "If Love Was Like A Train," JD sings, "it would always be on time. I could count on you just like a 1209." Then he says that it wouldn't feel the same if things were so predictable. "Sometimes" is a favorite Jim Lauderdale song of mine and JD Myers does his own great version. Listening to "Big Highway," you can't help but move around a little bit. A truck driver sings about his gal and how he couldn't stay because he's "living his life" on the highway. Closing out the album is "Hard Times," wherein a man is laid off and asks for more hours at the "Five and Dime."

  • Some of the best talent in Country Music today
    author: Jeramy

    JD and his CD hard Times is a return to the way country music should be played and sang. Every once in a while an artist comes out that knows how to write and play country music. Hard Times is a collection of some of the best songs to ever come out of Nashville. When the rest of the world catches on you won't be able to keep up with the demand for JD.

  • author: Beverly Dixon

    THIS GUY IS ONE OF THE BEST SINGER/SONGWRITERS EVER...AND NOT SO BAD LOOKING EITHER...

  • A Return to Classic Country
    author: Mike McCormack

    Here is the country music Nashville Music Row has been waiting for - but do they have the vision to embrace it? JD Myers can write, sing, and play. He doesn't hide his talent in image or messy production like so many of today's artist. You will never hear JD Myers singing about lovers finding his tractor sexy or wallowing about politics to get a headline. JD comes from a real place, an emotional place where we all reside and can relate to. Here is the country music Hank Williams SR probably envisioned being played in 2004. And while Hank's son never lived up to it, JD sure as hell does. Wake up Nashville, here is your next big thing!

  • author: Augusto Chiarle

    What I may call a finely tuned and played evolution of the Elvis style. I mean: how I would have liked to hear Elvis sing!. In a word: Cool!

  • author: Steve Maxey

    Great music and lots of talent, check him out sometime, you will like what you hear!!!!

  • author: Aphrodite

    I wanted to say hi and send the best wishes to you from Sweden and thanks for doing such great music. I'm really looking forward to hearing more music from you. All my greetings! Ann

  • author: CNET Download.Com

    Look out Tim, step aside Kenny: With sizzling guitar and robust vocals placed smartly up front, and boasting arrangements as tight around the rear as a new pair of Levi's, the music of Virginia native JD Myers is some seriously hot, radio-ready country primed to bust down the doors of Music Row.

  • author: Tim Dawson

    JD is the real thing. If you like real country music with the same soul as Waylon, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens and Elvis, you've found the right man for the job. Rock on man!

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