We embark down a long dirt road to find ourselves on a cattle ranch somewhere just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Lured in by steel guitars and charming fiddles weaving their plectrums and bows across their strings, we are utterly possessed to begin our two-step the moment our boots hit the gravel. Somewhere in the distance it’s as though there is a barn full of strangers soon to become friends set to dance the humid evening away after a long week at work.
As Randy Ross joins the mix, his steady country drawl leading the band with all-American assuredness reminds us faintly of Don Williams or Johnny Lee. He takes us with him on the long roads well traveled by those compelled to make the trip cross-country in search of adventure or new beginnings as he sings about the less remarkable aspects of the journey’s life takes us, metaphorically full of dust and dirt and for extensive stretches, not much else to look at.
He sings about it with a playful casualness that, accompanied by the optimistic and uplifting nature of the instrumentation that surrounds him is quick to provide the kind of calm and peaceful reflection that we feel brought onto ourselves during our own long trips; A soothing meditative companion to enjoy the simple nature of just existing within the complex ecosystem of North American life.
The pitter pattering of the drums drive the track along, tastefully assisting in keeping the time moving gradually forward while providing an innocuous rhythm to drift ourselves into, tapping along to its beat on our internal steering wheel. It’s coupled at times with tasteful and twangy guitars which enter almost unexpectedly, as refreshing as the evening sunset that carries you towards the next rest stop as you begin to note the road signs indicating your impending exit and bringing forth a rush of anticipation for what that exit really looks like.
While we may not ever be wholly sure where our roads are headed, Ross’ Blowin’ Dust reminds us that it’s not the destination, but how you perceive the journey.
Keep up with Randy Ross on his social media channels.
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Crooked Forest 