Legendary Guitarist Billy Crain releases “Family Matters”

Family Matters cover courtesy of IMP
Family Matters cover courtesy of IMP
Family Matters cover courtesy of IMP

Can you say “iconic?” Can you say “guitar master?” I can. Billy Crain….to me holds the title of a master guitar wizard. He walks proudly along side iconic artists such as Charlie Daniels, George Thorogood, and Dicky Betts. He learned to play guitar under the tutelage of his brother Tommy Crain who was a giant in the industry.

His technique is unique to him and anyone who has ever listened to his music will know right away it’s Billy Crain. Hands down.

Instrumental master and guitar wizard extraordinaire, Billy Crain has worked and shared the stage with many of the big dogs. From Skynyrd to Van Halen, from The Marshall Tucker Band to Charlie Daniels. He stood by the Rolling Stones and strutted with ZZ Top. He is a master.

This new album is raw, natural and confident and very well it should be. His latest album called “Family Matters” was released in September 2015 on Slidebilly Records in the genres of Modern Classic Rock, Roots Rock, and Rock n’ Roll.

Billy Crain has performed with artists like the Outlaws and the Henry Paul Band along with The Dixie Chicks and played slide guitar on Shania Twains “The Woman in Me” CD.

Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

Crain is the guitar commander and chief that all young, potential…. “Purple Haze” guru’s want to meet. They want to learn the chops from the man himself. The legend. He’s a songwriter, a producer and session guitarist. He’s gone from shoveling crap in a horse stable to multi-platinum sales awards and songwriter awards. You could say he has paid his dues.

Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

The title track “Family Matters” opens with a clear and solid piano. Vocals are rich. I loved the strings in the background. The songs talks of what else….family. It expresses that we are all human, all loved and all important. It tells about memories of his life and each person who played an important part of his journey and theirs. Inspiring, heart-warming, and humbling.

Lyrically this album is not what it seems. Don’t let the title of a song fool you. What you might think is forlorn or set to be a depressing ballad is actually about just the opposite. It’s encouraging and enlightening with great passion and engaging instrumental conviction.

“True Beauty” is driving and high energy. Love the pace and the power behind the story and the moving flow of the synth and the piano. Talks of how true beauty is really from the heart. It is rhythmic and ethereal.

Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

Each song is unique and centered around a special memory or moment. The two previous albums have songs all written about life experiences, the love and joy that we all need so desperately. The bonding between his family, the struggles getting there and the blessings received. “Creole Shoes” and “Silent Roar” and now “Family Matters” share the story of God’s love. This is beautiful music, beautiful songs.

This album was recorded at The Spiritual Lounge in Smyrna TN. It was produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by Billy Crain himself. All songs except Lucky Penny (by Billy and Sandy Crain), were written by Crain and all programming and instruments are provided courtesy of Billy Crain.

Crain brings conviction and depth to the days of solid gold rock n’ roll with a personal touch. This album may not win over everyone but it’s sure to have something for someone. It’s range and classy swagger opens the door to authentic expression of not only the words but the music.

For more information on Billy Crain and how you can purchase his new album please visit the following sites:

Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions
Billy Crain courtesy of Independent Music Promotions

Links:
www.billycrain.com
https://www.facebook.com/slidebilly
https://twitter.com/slidebilly
https://myspace.com/billycrain

About Sherryl Craig 410 Articles
Sherryl is a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor with Nashville Music Guide and her blog, Lyrics N Legends has been featured since 2012. Her articles has graced the cover and have appeared as feature stories in the NMG print edition. She is also a member of WMMW, Women of Music Music of Women, a non-profit organization in support of women in the music industry. WMMW also appears here in Nashville Music Guide.

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