The Dollar (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Jamey Johnson (vocals); George Jones (vocals); Wayd Battle, Pat Buchanan (electric guitar); Steve Hinson (steel guitar); David Talbot (banjo); Rob Hajacos (fiddle); Jelly Roll Johnson (harmonica); Jim "Moose" Brown (piano, organ, Wurlitzer organ); Randy McCormick (piano, Wurlitzer organ, keyboards); Gary Prim (piano); Kevin Grantt (bass guitar); Cindy Walker, D. Bergen White, Trenna Barnes, Duane Hamilton, Jon Mark Ivey, Lisa Cochran, Lisa Silver, Marabeth Jordon, Melodie Crittenden, Liana Manis, Melonie Cannon, Louis Dean Nunley, Wyatt Beard (background vocals); John Willis (acoustic guitar, banjo); J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore (steel guitar, dobro); Chad Cromwell (drums); Tom Roady (percussion).

Audio Mixer: T.W. Cargile.

Recording information: County Q Productions; Emerald Sound Studios; Loveshack Studios; Masterfonics Studios; Sounds Stage Studios; The Sound Kitchen, Nashville, TN; WEstwood Sound Studios.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Despite a handsome mug and a beefy build, Nashville newcomer Jamey Johnson proves that he's more than just a "hat act" on his 2006 debut, THE DOLLAR. Johnson's neo-traditionalist bent fares well on these 11 tracks, most of which he wrote himself, or co-wrote. While the lyrical themes--work, love, faith, and partying--will not surprise listeners of contemporary country, the freshness of Johnson's songwriting and the appeal of his ragged baritone may. THE DOLLAR balances between emotionally charged ballads and honky-tonk rockers, and Johnson delivers the goods in both styles, making this a solid first outing worth hearing. minimize