You know the songs, but do you know the stories? It's a question I've asked myself numerous times. Better yet, do those stories even matter?
Fact is, as country music continues to strengthen its grip on my day-to-day the simple answer is - heck yes.
Last night CMAOntario hosted its annual Songs & Stories offering, with a wealth of musical talent taking over the National Arts Centre's Fourth Stage. And for those in attendance, there was no better way to spend a Friday night in Ottawa.
Hosted by CCMA Hall-of-Famer, guitar guru, and possible future stand-up comedian Wendell Ferguson, the event brought together some of the province's best and brightest including Kelly Prescott, Chris Buck (Ya, he grew up in Lafontaine folks), and Andrew Hyatt, along with a little Nashville flavour in the form of American songwriter J.T. Harding.
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To say this group had chemistry would not only be an understatement, but a disservice to what Canadian country seems to really be about - camaraderie.
As each artist took over the mic, it was clear the others were anxious to join in - and what started as the odd foot tap or head bob at times soon turned into a full-out lip synch battle.
Guess that's what happens when you jam with friends.
Kicking things off, much to the excitement of the entire room in general, Prescott announced her picks would be coming straight from her impending album, set to drop later this year.
And if titles like Susie Homewrecker, or lyrics along the lines of "I may not be head over heels, but I'll be heels over head over you" don't have fans frantically searching for that pre-order, nothing will.
Spotify playlists need to be created around that kind of gold.
Next up, Chris Buck showed of his self-proclaimed Wolverine chops both physically and melodically, at one point even taking on the vocal stylings of Kira Isabella for a rendition of That's When You Know.
While his band does indeed hail from BC, Buck assured the crowd it was his time in Ontario with his dad that truly made an impact on his life before belting out an ode to those fond memories with Good 'Ol Days.
Despite speaking publicly about the vocal injury he had feared would sideline his career last fall, Sudbury's Andrew Hyatt never sounded stronger. Picking through a selection of songs from Iron & Ashes, as well as his fresh release Abel, the male artist of the year nominee kept the crowd in the palm of his hand all evening long.
Honestly, it's fair to Hyatt's sound is more than just haunting, but at times an emotional roller coaster, at least for this writer.
But really, what more can you expect from someone who starts it all off with the proclamation, "OK everybody, let's get sad."
While sitting amongst a quartet of some of Canadian country's most beloved performers on their home turf may have (at first) seemed like a daunting task, it didn't take long for the crowd to warm up to J.T. Harding. And truthfully, while some in the crowd may not have known his name, the man's work more than spoke for itself.
Think Bentley. Think Urban. Think Shelton.
Now think stormtrooper suit and metallic sneakers.
In essence, that's J.T. Harding.
Treating the audience to some major hits, including Different For Girls (can you believe Tim McGraw didn't want it?), Somewhere In My Car, and Sangria, the Michigan native had the audience laughing from minute-one, and in the end it didn't take long for fans to realize this dude was a force to be reckoned with.
