Joshua Hedley & Brennen Leigh (Exclusive duo performance , backed up by Asleep At The Wheel rhythm section)

Joshua Hedley: Joshua Hedley is “a singing professor of country & western,” he declares on his raucous and witty new album, Neon Blue. It might sound like a punchline, but it’s not. An ace fiddle player, a sharp guitarist, and a singer with a granite twang, he’s devoted his entire life to the study of this genre. Ask him about it and he’ll explain: “When all my friends went off to college, I went to Nashville. I was 19 years old playing honky tonks and getting an education.” His 2018 debut, Mr. Jukebox, showcased his deep knowledge of country’s history, in particular the beery ballads of the 1950s and ‘60s. His mentors were George Jones, Ray Price, and Glen Campbell, but his most remarkable accomplishment was putting his own spin on their style.

Brennen Leigh: Awash infull-throttle fiddle, weeping steel guitar, a sprinkling of heavenly backing vocals that call to mind legendary vocal groups such as the Jordanaires, and anchored by her warm, expressive vocals, the dozen songs on Nashville-based singer-song writer Brennen Leigh’s latest album are an emotion-packed revelation. Rooted in vintage country, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet is an unapologetically beer-and tear-soaked homage. But with its thoughtful, incisive lyrics and vibrant melodie sat the fore front, the Minnesota native with a pure country voice has created a thoroughly modern gem.