Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars

Leaving Montana is the debut release of singer/songwriter Tessy Lou Williams and her band, the Shotgun Stars. Born and raised in Willow Creek, Montana, Tessy Lou began playing guitar and writing songs at an early age. After performing in the Bozeman area for almost two years, Tessy Lou and her band moved to Austin, Texas and have already captured the attention of country music fans and music industry veterans in and around Austin. Legendary Texas artist and co-founder of the “Cosmic Cowboy” music scene Gary P. Nunn says that Tessy Lou has a “classic country voice that is so rare these days.” Leaving Montana showcases Tessy Lou’s outstanding songwriting and remarkable vocals as well as the accomplished musical abilities of her band. Ten of her original songs, along with the compelling break up song “Next Girlfriend,” co-written with famed Nashville songwriter Jimbeau Hinson, come to life on this incredible debut album. From the wistful title track, “Leaving Montana,” to the powerful “Love’s Dance,” to the masterfully poetic “Unwritten Song,” Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars have crafted an amazing compilation of songs that are sure to capture the attention of country music fans everywhere.

Leaving Montana was recorded at Blue Roan studios in Bozeman, Montana. In addition to regular band members Kenny Williams [known to Tessy Lou as “Dad”] on doghouse bass and Bryan Paugh on fiddle and mandolin, also appearing on Leaving Montana are legendary singer/songwriter Mike Beck on B-bender telecaster, Mike Singer on banjo, Brook Langton on pedal steel, and Rick Philip on drums. Leaving Montana was produced by Tom Ayres and mixed and mastered at County Q Productions in Nashville.