Ryan Bingham’s colorful path to his new album, Roadhouse Sun, includes leaving a broken New Mexico home at 14 for the competitive
bull-riding circuit, learning to play guitar from a neighbor in a
mariachi band at 17, writing universally personal songs, scoring a
weekly gig at a Texas roadhouse and self-releasing a succession of
no-fi/no-money recordings (Wishbone Saloon, Dead Horses and Lost
Bound Rails, all out of print). By the time Lost Highway tapped him
for his official debut, 2007’s Mescalito, Bingham already
enjoyed a large and loyal fan base.
Already touted by the likes of Joe Ely and Texas music legend Terry
Allen, Bingham’s fan club will likely grow exponentially with
Roadhouse Sun, which finds Bingham at his gravelly best, peeling
off rootsy rockers that can make Steve Earle take notes (“Day Is Done,”
“Hey Hey Hurray”) and twangy ballads that can stop Willie Nelson in his
tracks (“Rollin Highway Blues,” “Snake Eyes”). Bingham also redirects
his usual inward focus on Roadhouse Sun to shine a songwriting
light on the political landscape with razor-sharp observations on songs
like “Dylan’s Hard Rain.” Like the best top-shelf bourbon, Ryan Bingham
delivers a powerful kick with a smoky, smooth finish. —
Baker
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2009.
