The new single “Ain’t the Beer” that Buffalo, Wyoming’s Geoff Buell isn’t your everyday country artist. The vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is carving out a reputation fast for his traditional yet thoroughly contemporary approach. He relocated to Nashville with his mother at the age of two so she might have the opportunity to pursue her musical ambitions and even a cursory listen to this single reveal that music, and particularly this style, are inextricably woven into his DNA. Despite his innate talents, Buell drifted away from music during his teen years.
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The family returned to Buffalo, Wyoming and Buell soon excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Following graduation he moved once again, this time to Memphis Tennessee where he found work as a cable TV technician. Fate came calling again, however, when he saw The Younger Brother Band at a New Year’s Eve show. It inspired him to return to Nashville in 2006 to play the music he had loved since childhood.
He became an accomplished pedal steel guitarist and soon began producing demos of the songs that would later bring him his initial success. It’s obvious, however, listening to his new single “Ain’t the Beer” that his talents are continuing to take quantum leaps forward. Moreover, as the clever lyrics reveal, he’s steeped in a complete take on the genre. It’s his voice though and the subtle musical twists he peppers throughout the track that capture the attention.
Low key yet emotive vocals are another key to the single’s success. He knows how to play the lyrics just right, never plunging overboard into absurd histrionics. This young performer who could play a song as soon as he heard it as a young child understands this music’s potential for artistry. It is a song with broad appeal for the modern country audience, but it’s more than that. It’s a timely reminder of the music’s power and allure in the right hands.
Producer Jody Stevens serves the song well with balanced attention to detail that still focuses on Buell’s voice. Buell and Stevens tailor the single to just the right length as well, never overstaying their welcome with listeners. It’s qualities such as this and those mentioned earlier seem to poise this track for outstanding in live performance. Buell, furthermore, has the chops suggesting his acumen as a live performer would be off the charts.
It’s frankly a revelatory experience to hear this song. It doesn’t break new ground, it’s lovesick to its core, but many lovers of traditional country will be blown away by the finesse and, more importantly, the song’s genuine passion. There’s nothing cookie cutter about this performance, nothing manufactured. It’s the sound of a performer who possesses a real affinity for the style and there’s every reason to believe that he’s just beginning to shine. His promise is boundless. It’s going to be quite a ride from here for Geoff Buell and there’s no reason to believe far brighter days lay ahead for this talented vocalist and musician.
Chadwick Easton