Part of the burgeoning, modern, underground, outlaw, country music field, Craig Gerdes is makin’ tracks and on the move. His latest release, Smokin’, Drinkin’ & Gamblin’ (Sol records), is quickly gathering attention for a real honky-tonk, old-school, classic-country sound that embraces the heart and soul of contemporary outlaw country. Gerdes hails from rural central Illinois, and is now on the journey of constant touring through a club circuit that’s growing from this populist form of rebellion against the current crop of pop country music, while searching for real ties to real things through heartfelt songs. He got his start playing and singing in his dad’s band, wrote his first song at age 11, and hasn’t looked back since. With classic country sounding tunes such as the title cut plus “Good Ol’ Days,” “You Saved Me From Me,” “Almost to Alabama” and more, all backed with a stellar group of musicians that “get it,” including famed steel player Robby Turner, the record is primed and ready to be heard, as is Gerdes.
Craig Gerdes
Dallas Moore
Friday, Nov. 17, 9pm
Capital City Bar & Grill