There are many words of praise in the world of music. Most of them over used and some under appreciated. The one most descriptive word for Chuck Cashmere’s Nashville Sessions cd I think is exceptional. It exceeds the expectations we look for in listening content in almost everyway.

Those looking for cover material in the music world would be wise to dig into this gold mine of excellent songs. The lyrics rise out of the well cast phrases enabling the musical fable to stand alone. The songs are Americana, memorable, lyrically descriptive, and meaningful as they consistently display a talent for fine lyric writing.

California Sun is a humorous revelation on the challenges of loving California with an infectious hook that invites us to sing along. Gotta Rain Sometime is a fine 2nd track as the performer finds himself a winner when he looks for his “hard headed woman with a cross eyed dog,” allowing us to flip thru the down times life delivers with the tuneful hook “It’s Gotta Rain Sometime.” Rock My Country provides meaning and truth to its roots as it speaks for itself. Love Sic Hiway is the path thru this plaintive ballad as we hear a petulant lover “pass himself on the hiway,” and reconsider his errant pride. The Villain in her Song could be a classic even as it lacks that commercial quality sought by today’s pop country artists. As Long as it Takes is a redo from this artists’ first cd. Cashmere delivers on this superior arrangement and rendition of this beautiful ballad. The Noise in my Lonely Room is devastatingly poetic, and should catch the attention of any great singer. Love Has No Mercy is a delicious take on the ups and downs of Love. My Elusive Dreams signifies the singer’s devotion to his country roots with his desire to include a pure Nashville song in this album. God’s Greatest Gift is a sweet Christmas song with a surprising prequel phrase which should find it’s way onto Christmas play lists in every format.

Buddy Hyatt’s arrangements harbor an intensity and affection for each of the songs in this cd. The excellence of some of Nashville’s great players assembled for these tracks exceeds the craftsmanship we expect from the title “Nashville Sessions.”

Finally the qualities found in the performers voice are unique. Small ventures of over singing in some of the ballads particularly, Noise in My Lonely Room can be forgiven in that we’re with the singer listening to “that cobweb on the ceiling lamp.” His vocal shading on the inclusive My Elusive Dreams is honest and real. Anyone one who loves an abundance of fine songs, riveting lyrics and musical tracks and a voice that delivers meaning, character and quality will find this album a fine departure from the current mainstream of corporate programmed radio and the music machines constant plummeting of over produced vocals and tracks. Chuck Cashmere’s Nashville Sessions is an exceptional album.