| Deryl Dodd | Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar |
| Glen Duncan | Fiddle |
| Eric Nelson | Drums |
| Robby Turner | Steel Guitar |
| Barry Walsh | Piano |
| Troy Lancaster | Electric Guitar |
| Steve Rhian | Acoustic Guitar, Guitar |
| Kerry Wilson | Bass |
| Brett Beavers | Composer |
| Deryl Dodd | Composer, Producer |
| Steve Glassmeyer | Composer |
| Tony Green | Engineer |
| Kenny Rogers | Composer |
| Kim Williams | Composer |
| Kenny Beard | Composer |
| Shane Decker | Composer, Producer |
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Lucky Dog's loss continues to be Dualtone's gain as the roster of Sony's former imprint follows a migratory path to the Nashville indie. Joining recent releases by BR549 and Charlie Robison, Dodd's latest shows the greatest leap forward. His previous LP, 2002's "Pearl Snaps," was something of a comeback effort, regaining his musical footing after a crippling bout of viral encephalitis. This time out he leans even more heavily on twangy two-steppers, with plenty of fiddle, steel and honky-tonk piano. ¶ Having returned to Texas, Dodd's brought a bit of his Nashville polish with him, but like many who temped on Lucky Dog, he pairs commercial edgings with a heart-and-soul that retains its roots. The opener, "Never Again," hits the ground running with a Bakersfield shuffle that features a terrific walking bass line from the band's newest member, Kerry Wilson. The mid-tempo title track reworks classic tear-in-your-beer themes with some clever wordplay, and Dodd adds a sly edge to the Kenny Rogers hit, "Love or Something Like It." ¶ When Dodd stays up-tempo, he rocks in the Texas style of Jack Ingram and Pat Green, but when he slows down for tunes like "Outside Lookin' In" and "She Does the Best She Can," he drifts to the middle of the road. The exception is the closer, "The Crowd," a heartfelt ode that nicely captures the bond between Texas musicians and their fans. Those who've followed Dodd's career, or simply like the roadhouse music of the Lone Star state will enjoy this one. ¶ 3-3/4 stars, if allowed fractional ratings.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - Ronnie D. Lankford
It has been said that country music is basically a form of white blues, and if one listens to country singers hold forth on love lost, this old adage has a grain of truth. Deryl Dodd, for instance, sounds like he's been dumped more than once at the beginning of Stronger Proof, and he's more than willing to share his woes with the listener. Whether it's the unrequited love of "Outside Lookin' In," leaving an unfaithful love in "Never Again," or drinking away doubt in "Stronger Proof," Dodd revels in the country music tradition of wearing one's heart on one's sleeve. Just when all the running around and heartbreak starts to get depressing, he switches to the good time ...