Minkin's Music: Shootouts debut Quick Draw

By Jay Minkin

Megaforce Records announces the release of Quick Draw, the debut album from The Shootouts, a high-energy traditional honky-tonk band with a touch of Americana rock and western swing.

The Shootouts are not only a throwback to the sounds that flowed out of Nashville and Texas 60 years ago, but dress to honor the history of those golden years. Nine of the 13 tracks are original compositions from the ensemble that features Ryan Humbert (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Brian Poston (electric & acoustic guitar), Ryan McDermott (bass), Dylan Gomez (drums, percussion) and Emily Bates (harmony vocals).

The heart of the group lies in Humbert and Bates, who have been performing together for over 16 years. Two numbers that highlight the Humbert-Bates chemistry are the classic “Must Be Love” and “If We Quit Now.”

Inspired by a post-midnight drive flipping through channels, Humbert penned “Radio Jesus” within 10 minutes of returning home. His close relationship with his grandparents led to co-writing a song with Kim Richey about a young Ronald Dean Humbert hitchhiking cross country in 1953 from Camp Pendleton to see the woman he loved and his newborn daughter in “California to Ohio.”

Another track that jumps out at you is “I’d Rather Be Lonely,” written by featured player on the recording, “The Reverend” Al Moss (pedal steel, acoustic guitar), a timeless melody featuring his pedal steel layered with Poston’s guitar. The closing song, “Losing Faith In Being Faithful,” co-written by Humbert and Moss, has the band backed by Jon Cowherd on piano and classic Nashville inspired strings performed and arranged by Chris Carmichael.

The Shootouts will have an album release show at Music Box Supper Club on Friday, May 10, and will perform live at Laurelive Music Festival on Sunday, June 9.

Contact Jay at Blues4Bird@aol.com or post on his Minkin’s Music Facebook page.