Rich Mahan

Flyinshoes review

Nashville singer-songwriter, guitarist Rich Mahan comes through with the intriguingly entitled Blame It On Bobby Bare for his solo debut where he is joined by a set of established musicians. Produced by Brain Harrison (Shelby Lynne) pedal steel ace, Robby Turner (Waylon Jennings etc), Bryan Owings (drums), P.T Gazell (harmonica) and bassist David Phenecie among others support Mahan.

Inspired by his father’s love of Bobby Bare’s 1970s recording output Mahan goes down a similar road to Bare and it works. This was when Bare was recording countless songs from Shel Silverstein and Bob McDill. ‘Put A Little Lovin’ On Me’ by the latter gains inclusion alongside Mahan’s own efforts. But it is the work of Silverstein loaded in entertaining humour that gains the greater foothold in Mahan's songwriting style. As he reels off ‘Mama Found My Bong’, rock’n’roll track ‘Math’ and ‘Tequila Y Mota’ (that contains of echoes of Bare’s hit ‘Tequila Sheila’), and then with full-blown electric guitar opening plus Hammond C3 (Bill Burke) complete with an honest to goodness party feel ‘The Hills Of South Dakota’.

Mahan’s ability to utilise humour in his work and at the same time create a set of finely penned songs earns him numerous repeat listens. As ‘Favourite Shirt’ and then with some striking playing piano and lead guitar ‘Money In The Bank’ coupled with sporty ‘Rehab’s For Quitters’ set the standard. The latter is highlighted by good harmony vocal and effective harmonica from Gazell plus a sing-a-long chorus that adds to the general feel good quality of the record. There are more noteworthy cuts too as JD Simo works up a head of steam on lead guitar on ‘I'll Get Off The Booze’; as a result it pops and fizzes like crazy.
Performed in the style not too far away from West Coast country of the late 1970s the title may be novel, but the music and songs are well past like or leave I fare. For Rich Mahan does have what it takes.

Maurice Hope
- Flyinshoes

Flyinshoes review

Nashville singer-songwriter, guitarist Rich Mahan comes through with the intriguingly entitled Blame It On Bobby Bare for his solo debut where he is joined by a set of established musicians. Produced by Brain Harrison (Shelby Lynne) pedal steel ace, Robby Turner (Waylon Jennings etc), Bryan Owings (drums), P.T Gazell (harmonica) and bassist David Phenecie among others support Mahan.

Inspired by his father’s love of Bobby Bare’s 1970s recording output Mahan goes down a similar road to Bare and it works. This was when Bare was recording countless songs from Shel Silverstein and Bob McDill. ‘Put A Little Lovin’ On Me’ by the latter gains inclusion alongside Mahan’s own efforts. But it is the work of Silverstein loaded in entertaining humour that gains the greater foothold in Mahan's songwriting style. As he reels off ‘Mama Found My Bong’, rock’n’roll track ‘Math’ and ‘Tequila Y Mota’ (that contains of echoes of Bare’s hit ‘Tequila Sheila’), and then with full-blown electric guitar opening plus Hammond C3 (Bill Burke) complete with an honest to goodness party feel ‘The Hills Of South Dakota’.

Mahan’s ability to utilise humour in his work and at the same time create a set of finely penned songs earns him numerous repeat listens. As ‘Favourite Shirt’ and then with some striking playing piano and lead guitar ‘Money In The Bank’ coupled with sporty ‘Rehab’s For Quitters’ set the standard. The latter is highlighted by good harmony vocal and effective harmonica from Gazell plus a sing-a-long chorus that adds to the general feel good quality of the record. There are more noteworthy cuts too as JD Simo works up a head of steam on lead guitar on ‘I'll Get Off The Booze’; as a result it pops and fizzes like crazy.
Performed in the style not too far away from West Coast country of the late 1970s the title may be novel, but the music and songs are well past like or leave I fare. For Rich Mahan does have what it takes.

Maurice Hope
- Flyinshoes

- The Alternate Root

Rich Mahan is a Roots music Buddha whose songs always makes sure the faithful leave with a grin on their respective faces after an encounter with his latest album release, Blame Bobby Bare. The opening track, “Math”, follows a character that plays the lead role in many of Rich’s songs. He is a guy who clearly means well, even if the end result does not completely fall onto the plus side. A life of figures plays like a movie where the final scene always goes right back to high school and the line, “it was my understanding there would be no math”. When he runs out of fingers, he is out of answers.

Blame Bobby Bare is a bouncy, sometimes bumpy, ride through ten tracks that have their sight set on having a good time. High school dilemmas make a return appearance on “Mama Found My Bong” as a young football player comes home to a surprise in the center of his bed. Dirty looks and ‘wait ‘til your father gets home” build the case for trouble as twangy guitar licks chase the story line. Lovable guys love their brew and a quartet of Blame Bobby Bare tunes stew themselves in alcohol. “Rehab Is For Quitters” thumbs its nose at slogans, “Overserved in Alabam” leaves the bar with a slurred goodbye and “I’ll Get Off the Booze” makes the promise that the deal is “I’ll get off the booze when you get off my back”. Drinking alone steps aside as “Tequila Y Mota” introduces us to a group of weekenders heading for the man cave with one goal in mind, “let’s make this weekend a dive in the deep end”.

Existing relationships take a hit in “Put A Little Lovin’ on Me” as celebrity crushes are weighed against real life and the poor sucker whose body wears different faces reminds his love interest that “Ringo Starr didn’t pay for your car” and “Johnny Cash never took out your trash”. A morning after phone call becomes one damn sexy song in “Favorite Shirt” as our hero dials last night’s party house to inquire about the loss of some clothing to find that the hostess has indeed found the item, and is currently wearing it…..and that is all she is wearing.

Explaining the album title in the liner notes for Blame Bobby Bare, Rich Mahan tells the tale, “Growing up, I remember how stressed out my dad would get form work. On the weekends, he would cut loose and blow of some steam by cranking up these great records by Bobby Bare. He would dance around the living room playing air guitar to “Tequila Sheila” and “Dropkick My Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life”. These songs made him so happy. I wanted to tap into that power and make a record that makes people feel good. So if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can Blame Bobby Bare.”
- The Alternate Root

- The Alternate Root

Rich Mahan is a Roots music Buddha whose songs always makes sure the faithful leave with a grin on their respective faces after an encounter with his latest album release, Blame Bobby Bare. The opening track, “Math”, follows a character that plays the lead role in many of Rich’s songs. He is a guy who clearly means well, even if the end result does not completely fall onto the plus side. A life of figures plays like a movie where the final scene always goes right back to high school and the line, “it was my understanding there would be no math”. When he runs out of fingers, he is out of answers.

Blame Bobby Bare is a bouncy, sometimes bumpy, ride through ten tracks that have their sight set on having a good time. High school dilemmas make a return appearance on “Mama Found My Bong” as a young football player comes home to a surprise in the center of his bed. Dirty looks and ‘wait ‘til your father gets home” build the case for trouble as twangy guitar licks chase the story line. Lovable guys love their brew and a quartet of Blame Bobby Bare tunes stew themselves in alcohol. “Rehab Is For Quitters” thumbs its nose at slogans, “Overserved in Alabam” leaves the bar with a slurred goodbye and “I’ll Get Off the Booze” makes the promise that the deal is “I’ll get off the booze when you get off my back”. Drinking alone steps aside as “Tequila Y Mota” introduces us to a group of weekenders heading for the man cave with one goal in mind, “let’s make this weekend a dive in the deep end”.

Existing relationships take a hit in “Put A Little Lovin’ on Me” as celebrity crushes are weighed against real life and the poor sucker whose body wears different faces reminds his love interest that “Ringo Starr didn’t pay for your car” and “Johnny Cash never took out your trash”. A morning after phone call becomes one damn sexy song in “Favorite Shirt” as our hero dials last night’s party house to inquire about the loss of some clothing to find that the hostess has indeed found the item, and is currently wearing it…..and that is all she is wearing.

Explaining the album title in the liner notes for Blame Bobby Bare, Rich Mahan tells the tale, “Growing up, I remember how stressed out my dad would get form work. On the weekends, he would cut loose and blow of some steam by cranking up these great records by Bobby Bare. He would dance around the living room playing air guitar to “Tequila Sheila” and “Dropkick My Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life”. These songs made him so happy. I wanted to tap into that power and make a record that makes people feel good. So if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can Blame Bobby Bare.”
- The Alternate Root

Rich Mahan ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ – Snortin’ Horse
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013 AT 10:36AM
The title of Rich Mahan’s debut solo album is explained in a short sleeve note that tells of his Dad’s stress-breaking routine of playing country songs at home like Tequila Shelia, songs that had a beat, some bounce and not a little humour. Mahan has recorded Blame Bobby Bare in Nashville and co-produced it with Brian Harrison. It is recorded with a warm analog sound which is perfectly suited to the music’s 70's outlaw country ambience.

Though all but one of the songs (Bob McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me) are written by Mahan throughout, they feel so familiar you feel you have known them a long time. They feel easy and are enjoyable slices of a soulful country that seems to have largely been eradicated from the airwaves.

There are some top-notch players involved here too. PT Gazell’s harmonica playing adds the same kind of colour as it did when was he was playing with Johnny Paycheck. Steel player Robby Turner is a legend and there are a bunch of other fine players involved which include the solid rhythm section of Bryan Owings and David Phenecie. Add to that some sterling guitar, keyboard and brass playing and you have an album that’s sounds damn good. But without a vocalist that has the strength to hold it all together you may not have the whole enchilada.

But no worries here, as Mahan has the voice to carry the frontman role with ease, giving each of the songs the right feel. From the mariachi trumpet /accordion enhanced humour of Tequila Y Mota – a great track detailing a weekend bender. Favourite Shirt is about a call to locate the missing titular item that leads to something more rewarding. Mama Found My Bong is a pretty self explanatory story of teenage misadventure. Drink holds a prominent role in many of Mahan songs especially Rehab’s For Quitters and I’ll Get Of The Booze.

There is a soulful Southern element here too when Bekka Bramlett joins Mahan on several songs and making a sterling contribution to the vocals. You might blame Bobby Bare for thi, s but you can also thank him for being the inspiration for Rich Mahan. This is a easy-fitting favourite shirt of an album that even if you are new to it will soon feel like that warm and worn garment. Try it on – see how well it fits.
- Lonesome Highway

Rich Mahan ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ – Snortin’ Horse
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013 AT 10:36AM
The title of Rich Mahan’s debut solo album is explained in a short sleeve note that tells of his Dad’s stress-breaking routine of playing country songs at home like Tequila Shelia, songs that had a beat, some bounce and not a little humour. Mahan has recorded Blame Bobby Bare in Nashville and co-produced it with Brian Harrison. It is recorded with a warm analog sound which is perfectly suited to the music’s 70's outlaw country ambience.

Though all but one of the songs (Bob McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me) are written by Mahan throughout, they feel so familiar you feel you have known them a long time. They feel easy and are enjoyable slices of a soulful country that seems to have largely been eradicated from the airwaves.

There are some top-notch players involved here too. PT Gazell’s harmonica playing adds the same kind of colour as it did when was he was playing with Johnny Paycheck. Steel player Robby Turner is a legend and there are a bunch of other fine players involved which include the solid rhythm section of Bryan Owings and David Phenecie. Add to that some sterling guitar, keyboard and brass playing and you have an album that’s sounds damn good. But without a vocalist that has the strength to hold it all together you may not have the whole enchilada.

But no worries here, as Mahan has the voice to carry the frontman role with ease, giving each of the songs the right feel. From the mariachi trumpet /accordion enhanced humour of Tequila Y Mota – a great track detailing a weekend bender. Favourite Shirt is about a call to locate the missing titular item that leads to something more rewarding. Mama Found My Bong is a pretty self explanatory story of teenage misadventure. Drink holds a prominent role in many of Mahan songs especially Rehab’s For Quitters and I’ll Get Of The Booze.

There is a soulful Southern element here too when Bekka Bramlett joins Mahan on several songs and making a sterling contribution to the vocals. You might blame Bobby Bare for thi, s but you can also thank him for being the inspiration for Rich Mahan. This is a easy-fitting favourite shirt of an album that even if you are new to it will soon feel like that warm and worn garment. Try it on – see how well it fits.
- Lonesome Highway

- Country Music People

As a teenager in the 70s I recall hearing Bobby Bare played regularly by Bob Powel on his Radio London show, and seeing him on the highlights from the Wembley Country Festivals on BBC2. I thought Tequila Sheila was really cool, and still do,

and generally prefer the Shel Silverstein years to the earlier Detroit City stuff, so I can relate to Rich Mahan remembering his dad dancing around the living room to Tequila Sheila and Dropkick Me Jesus Through The Goalposts Of Life. Mahan says, “if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can blame Bobby Bare!” hence the album title.

The thing is, Silverstein was an absolute one-off genius songwriter and a tough act to follow but Mahan nails his style of writing on Tequila Y Mota, the most Bobby Bear of all the tracks here. Mama Found My Bong is also a lot of fun, while Rehab’s For Quitters, with its referencing of vintage bumper stickers is even better and channels the Bobby Bare spirit.

The best track for me though is Favorite Shirt, which is not really like Bobby Bare at all. It’s soulful and bluesy, with a great groove and a wonderful melody and that possibly is where the album falls down. You can only really blame Bobby Bare for three or four of the tracks, which is fine, but the rest of the tracks sound as if they’d be much better played live in a bar, and where I think I’d enjoy them much more.

Mahan is an interesting writer, and as a debut this is quite an impressive piece of work. It has names like Bekka Bramlett on board for the project but it was the title of the album that drew me to it in the first place, and generic blues fodder like Money In The Bank doesn’t really do it for me. To be fair, the press release does call it a “freewheeling country-rock album about love and liquor”, trouble is, to my mind that goes

a little against the title. The good tracks are really good but half of it I wouldn’t be in a rush to hear again… unless I were in a bar.

Duncan Warwick
- Country Music People

- Country Music People

As a teenager in the 70s I recall hearing Bobby Bare played regularly by Bob Powel on his Radio London show, and seeing him on the highlights from the Wembley Country Festivals on BBC2. I thought Tequila Sheila was really cool, and still do,

and generally prefer the Shel Silverstein years to the earlier Detroit City stuff, so I can relate to Rich Mahan remembering his dad dancing around the living room to Tequila Sheila and Dropkick Me Jesus Through The Goalposts Of Life. Mahan says, “if you wonder where I got the inspiration for these songs, you can blame Bobby Bare!” hence the album title.

The thing is, Silverstein was an absolute one-off genius songwriter and a tough act to follow but Mahan nails his style of writing on Tequila Y Mota, the most Bobby Bear of all the tracks here. Mama Found My Bong is also a lot of fun, while Rehab’s For Quitters, with its referencing of vintage bumper stickers is even better and channels the Bobby Bare spirit.

The best track for me though is Favorite Shirt, which is not really like Bobby Bare at all. It’s soulful and bluesy, with a great groove and a wonderful melody and that possibly is where the album falls down. You can only really blame Bobby Bare for three or four of the tracks, which is fine, but the rest of the tracks sound as if they’d be much better played live in a bar, and where I think I’d enjoy them much more.

Mahan is an interesting writer, and as a debut this is quite an impressive piece of work. It has names like Bekka Bramlett on board for the project but it was the title of the album that drew me to it in the first place, and generic blues fodder like Money In The Bank doesn’t really do it for me. To be fair, the press release does call it a “freewheeling country-rock album about love and liquor”, trouble is, to my mind that goes

a little against the title. The good tracks are really good but half of it I wouldn’t be in a rush to hear again… unless I were in a bar.

Duncan Warwick
- Country Music People

Rich Mahan BLAME BOBBY BARE Snortin Horse Records 009

Impressive album that ticks all the right boxes for me …

A former and founding member of rock- country band Shurman, Rich Mahan’s solo debut is a pure delight from beginning to end. He tells us in the short liner-notes that his father used to play Bobby Bare records at full volume and that helped to inform the music you’ll hear here. He’s not talking about the country-folk Bare records of the 1960s, but the Silverstein and McDill-penned stuff of the 1970s that produced such great hits as Tequila Sheila and The Winner. He even closes this set with McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me, a minor success for Bare in 1976, but deserving of a top ten placing. At no time does Mahan ape the Bare style; he doesn’t need to. He’s a damn fine songwriter himself, and his vocal style is totally his very own, ranging from humorous when the song demands it, occasionally deadpan, and quite soulful at others.

There is also a nice variety of musical genres as you will hear with Favorite Shirt being pure southern soul employing r&b styled choruses (courtesy of Bekka Bramlett), swaggering slide guitar, soulful Hammond lines and rhythmic rhythm to die for. Money In The Bank moves more into southern rock, again with JD Simo’s slide to the fore and Randy Leago’s piano pounding away in the background. Overserved In Alabam is the kind of song you might expect to hear on a Dr Hook album, the harmonica-driven The Hills Of South Dakota takes us down the trail of Confederate Railroad and Rehab’s For Quitters, with Robby Turner’s Dobro blending with PT Gazell’s harmonica is pure vintage Bare magic—now that’s quite a collection.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the hilarious Tequila Y Mota, with Turner on pedal steel blending in with Arlan Oscar on accordion and Steve Herman adding Mariachi trumpets on this drunken romp. Overall, this is an impressive solo debut from Rich Mahan that, through the childhood memories of Bobby Bare and his own undoubted talents, could very well be his breakthrough.

Alan Cackett
- Maverick UK

Rich Mahan BLAME BOBBY BARE Snortin Horse Records 009

Impressive album that ticks all the right boxes for me …

A former and founding member of rock- country band Shurman, Rich Mahan’s solo debut is a pure delight from beginning to end. He tells us in the short liner-notes that his father used to play Bobby Bare records at full volume and that helped to inform the music you’ll hear here. He’s not talking about the country-folk Bare records of the 1960s, but the Silverstein and McDill-penned stuff of the 1970s that produced such great hits as Tequila Sheila and The Winner. He even closes this set with McDill’s Put A Little Lovin’ On Me, a minor success for Bare in 1976, but deserving of a top ten placing. At no time does Mahan ape the Bare style; he doesn’t need to. He’s a damn fine songwriter himself, and his vocal style is totally his very own, ranging from humorous when the song demands it, occasionally deadpan, and quite soulful at others.

There is also a nice variety of musical genres as you will hear with Favorite Shirt being pure southern soul employing r&b styled choruses (courtesy of Bekka Bramlett), swaggering slide guitar, soulful Hammond lines and rhythmic rhythm to die for. Money In The Bank moves more into southern rock, again with JD Simo’s slide to the fore and Randy Leago’s piano pounding away in the background. Overserved In Alabam is the kind of song you might expect to hear on a Dr Hook album, the harmonica-driven The Hills Of South Dakota takes us down the trail of Confederate Railroad and Rehab’s For Quitters, with Robby Turner’s Dobro blending with PT Gazell’s harmonica is pure vintage Bare magic—now that’s quite a collection.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the hilarious Tequila Y Mota, with Turner on pedal steel blending in with Arlan Oscar on accordion and Steve Herman adding Mariachi trumpets on this drunken romp. Overall, this is an impressive solo debut from Rich Mahan that, through the childhood memories of Bobby Bare and his own undoubted talents, could very well be his breakthrough.

Alan Cackett
- Maverick UK

As a child, Rich Mahan recalls how the free and easy sounds of Bobby Bare helped to serve as a healing stream of sorts to his father when he would get stressed. For his latest album, the California transplant name-checks Bare for the title, but also that quirky and irreverent style that he personified in his recordings.

Stylistically, Mahan shows his blues influence all over the place. There’s a hard driving sound to the opener, “Math,” and Mahan knocks it out of the ballpark with his sense of humor. It is a downright blast to listen to, and Mahan pulls it off with a heavy dose of charms.

He strikes a soulful tone on the Kid Rock-ish “Favorite Shirt,” which has gotten quite a bit of attention as of late, as he also does on “Money In The Bank.”

Mahan proves himself to be a top-notch singer, as evidenced on the cut “Tequila Y Mota,” but it’s his songwriting that I think is the most appealing aspect of this album. Kudos to him for writing “The Hills of South Dakota,” after all, the state doesn’t get a lot of musical airtime, does it? Maybe the best pair of songs on the album are the totally irreverent and politically incorrect “Mama Found My Bong” and “Rehab’s For Quitters.” The above-mentioned cuts showcase Mahan’s genius as a tunesmith.

Ironically, the song that might have the best chance for airplay is one from the Bare catalog, a late 70s gem titled “Put A Little Lovin’ On Me.” I could see this being really big in the Americana / Texas market. I can’t wait to hear more from Mahan. He’s got the vocal chops, the writing, and the humor to pull them off. Take a listen to this, you’re going to love it!

By Chuck Dauphin
- Music News Nashville

As a child, Rich Mahan recalls how the free and easy sounds of Bobby Bare helped to serve as a healing stream of sorts to his father when he would get stressed. For his latest album, the California transplant name-checks Bare for the title, but also that quirky and irreverent style that he personified in his recordings.

Stylistically, Mahan shows his blues influence all over the place. There’s a hard driving sound to the opener, “Math,” and Mahan knocks it out of the ballpark with his sense of humor. It is a downright blast to listen to, and Mahan pulls it off with a heavy dose of charms.

He strikes a soulful tone on the Kid Rock-ish “Favorite Shirt,” which has gotten quite a bit of attention as of late, as he also does on “Money In The Bank.”

Mahan proves himself to be a top-notch singer, as evidenced on the cut “Tequila Y Mota,” but it’s his songwriting that I think is the most appealing aspect of this album. Kudos to him for writing “The Hills of South Dakota,” after all, the state doesn’t get a lot of musical airtime, does it? Maybe the best pair of songs on the album are the totally irreverent and politically incorrect “Mama Found My Bong” and “Rehab’s For Quitters.” The above-mentioned cuts showcase Mahan’s genius as a tunesmith.

Ironically, the song that might have the best chance for airplay is one from the Bare catalog, a late 70s gem titled “Put A Little Lovin’ On Me.” I could see this being really big in the Americana / Texas market. I can’t wait to hear more from Mahan. He’s got the vocal chops, the writing, and the humor to pull them off. Take a listen to this, you’re going to love it!

By Chuck Dauphin
- Music News Nashville

Good songwriting seems to attract prominent session musicians like moths to a flame. The chemistry that develops can be magic. In the case of Rich Mahan’s Solo Debut; “Blame Bobby Bare” there is no shortage of magic. Providing background vocals is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ‘70’s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Songs feature distinguished studio musicians such as P.T. Gazell on Harmonica, and “man of Steel” Robby Turner on Pedal Steel Guitar. Other studio musicians include Aaron Beavers, Bryan Owings on drums, and Nashville super-picker, JD Simo.

‘Blame Bobby Bare’ should be listened to just a little more on the loud side. The two other elements that might enhance the listening experience are a boatload of beer and a bottle of tequila. The songs are upbeat and the lyrics are witty and to the point. I liked the story behind the album title and rather than spoil it, I think I’ll let you pick up the CD on your own to find out what I’m talking about. You can’t listen to this music and not put a smile on your face.

My High School Communications teacher told us that you need to listen to an album (those round vinyl things) at least five times before you ‘psychologically’ enjoy an album. Now that I’m much older than the age of my teacher at the time, I can tell you he was wrong. I was thoroughly enjoying ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ at the second playing. If you enjoy pure country with a twist of hemp – this just might be the best CD you pick up this year.

David Mathias
- Midwest Record Review

Good songwriting seems to attract prominent session musicians like moths to a flame. The chemistry that develops can be magic. In the case of Rich Mahan’s Solo Debut; “Blame Bobby Bare” there is no shortage of magic. Providing background vocals is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ‘70’s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Songs feature distinguished studio musicians such as P.T. Gazell on Harmonica, and “man of Steel” Robby Turner on Pedal Steel Guitar. Other studio musicians include Aaron Beavers, Bryan Owings on drums, and Nashville super-picker, JD Simo.

‘Blame Bobby Bare’ should be listened to just a little more on the loud side. The two other elements that might enhance the listening experience are a boatload of beer and a bottle of tequila. The songs are upbeat and the lyrics are witty and to the point. I liked the story behind the album title and rather than spoil it, I think I’ll let you pick up the CD on your own to find out what I’m talking about. You can’t listen to this music and not put a smile on your face.

My High School Communications teacher told us that you need to listen to an album (those round vinyl things) at least five times before you ‘psychologically’ enjoy an album. Now that I’m much older than the age of my teacher at the time, I can tell you he was wrong. I was thoroughly enjoying ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ at the second playing. If you enjoy pure country with a twist of hemp – this just might be the best CD you pick up this year.

David Mathias
- Midwest Record Review

Good songwriting seems to attract prominent session musicians like moths to a flame. The chemistry that develops can be magic. In the case of Rich Mahan’s Solo Debut; “Blame Bobby Bare” there is no shortage of magic. Providing background vocals is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ‘70’s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Songs feature distinguished studio musicians such as P.T. Gazell on Harmonica, and “man of Steel” Robby Turner on Pedal Steel Guitar. Other studio musicians include Aaron Beavers, Bryan Owings on drums, and Nashville super-picker, JD Simo.

‘Blame Bobby Bare’ should be listened to just a little more on the loud side. The two other elements that might enhance the listening experience are a boatload of beer and a bottle of tequila. The songs are upbeat and the lyrics are witty and to the point. I liked the story behind the album title and rather than spoil it, I think I’ll let you pick up the CD on your own to find out what I’m talking about. You can’t listen to this music and not put a smile on your face.

My High School Communications teacher told us that you need to listen to an album (those round vinyl things) at least five times before you ‘psychologically’ enjoy an album. Now that I’m much older than the age of my teacher at the time, I can tell you he was wrong. I was thoroughly enjoying ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ at the second playing. If you enjoy pure country with a twist of hemp – this just might be the best CD you pick up this year.

David Mathias
- Americana Gazette

Good songwriting seems to attract prominent session musicians like moths to a flame. The chemistry that develops can be magic. In the case of Rich Mahan’s Solo Debut; “Blame Bobby Bare” there is no shortage of magic. Providing background vocals is Bekka Bramlett, a solo artist, former member of Fleetwood Mac and daughter of ‘70’s rockers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Songs feature distinguished studio musicians such as P.T. Gazell on Harmonica, and “man of Steel” Robby Turner on Pedal Steel Guitar. Other studio musicians include Aaron Beavers, Bryan Owings on drums, and Nashville super-picker, JD Simo.

‘Blame Bobby Bare’ should be listened to just a little more on the loud side. The two other elements that might enhance the listening experience are a boatload of beer and a bottle of tequila. The songs are upbeat and the lyrics are witty and to the point. I liked the story behind the album title and rather than spoil it, I think I’ll let you pick up the CD on your own to find out what I’m talking about. You can’t listen to this music and not put a smile on your face.

My High School Communications teacher told us that you need to listen to an album (those round vinyl things) at least five times before you ‘psychologically’ enjoy an album. Now that I’m much older than the age of my teacher at the time, I can tell you he was wrong. I was thoroughly enjoying ‘Blame Bobby Bare’ at the second playing. If you enjoy pure country with a twist of hemp – this just might be the best CD you pick up this year.

David Mathias
- Americana Gazette