Jason Eady, ‘AM Country Heaven’ Dials Into Classic Country

Mississippi-born Texas transplant Jason Eady laments the state of country radio (of the slick, FM variety, that is), in the title track of his recently-released album, AM Country Heaven. The next 11 tracks delivers just what he figures is missing -- old-school country tunes with pedal steel guitar (courtesy of the legendary Lloyd Maines on a few tracks), and other instrumentation of the hardcore country variety.

Much of the backing on the album is rendered by the Austin-based A-team of players known as Heybale: Redd Volkaert on guitar, Earl Poole Ball on piano, Tom Lewis on drums and Kevin Smith on acoustic bass. Other special guests include Reckless Kelly fiddle player Cody Braun and country superstar Patty Loveless, who duets with Jason on "Man on a Mountain."

A testament to the fact that fans also miss the classic sound, "AM Country Heaven" debuted on the Billboard country albums chart at No. 40 and at No. 9 on HeatSeekers chart. It reached that same position on iTunes' country chart as well.

Initially conceived as a special side project by Jason and his producer, acclaimed songwriter Kevin Welch, AM Country Heaven is Jason's fourth album overall and his first since 2009's When the Money's All Gone.

"I love that old school country music so much," says the singer-songwriter who also spent six years as a US Air Force translator. "There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of artists doing it these days. It's almost the opposite ... like people are running away from it. I admit that this record is a drastic departure from anything I have done before, but this is where my heart is."

Jason is currently on tour and his itinerary includes a concert date with Ronnie Dunn on May 18 in New Braunfels, Texas. Check out his tour schedule here.