John Rich’s Distinctive voice and distinctive writing style really shine through in his CD “Son of a Preacher Man“. John, one half of Big & Rich has proved he has what it takes to crank out the hits. From his dedication to the soldiers killed in action during the vietnam war with “8th of December” with an introduction by Kris Kristofferson to Country Honky Tonk favorite “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy“. John Rich’s song writing style has been the driving force in his Music career, he is a big believer in music without boundaries. John has written songs for many of today’s hottest stars including Faith Hill, Keith Anderson, John Anderson, Jason Aldean, James Otto, Cowboy Troy and Honorary Muzik Mafia member Gretchen Wilson.
You can see John just about everywhere, He was on CMT’s “Gone Country” and as a judge on “Nashville Star” to name just a couple. He’s even written a campaign anthem for John McCain called, “Raisin’ McCain.” The song focuses on the 5 1/2 years McCain spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The song says “He stayed strong, stayed extra long til they let all the other boys out. Now we’ve got a real man with an American plan, we’re going to put him in the big White House.
One of my favorite songs on “The Son of a Preacher Man” is “Shuttin’ Detroit Down“, the song speaks to the struggles americans are going through in these rough economic times. The lyrics bring to the surface the issues we are all facing these daysand with this song he puts itall into perspective.

“Drive Myself to Drink” is also a great song on this CD, written by John Rich, James Otto and Vickie Mcghee it’s reminiscent of old George Strait meets Benny Goodman.  “Preacher Man” is a dedication to his father Jim, an autobiographical song that goes on to tell how John wanted to live like his father and even though he does’nt he is still his fathers son. “Why does somebody Always Have to Die” and “Turn A Country Boy On” are both great tracks that are sure to please the country enthusiast taste for good country music.
If you know a Veteran or are a Veteran you will most definitely love “The Good Lord and the Man“, although a little light on the story telling side of a good country song. The song still resonates the thoughts of veterans on america’s laid back attitude of religion and veterans with lyrics such as “we’d all be speaking German, living under the flag of Japan if we have lost World War II”.

“Another You” and “I Thought You’d Never Ask” are two ballads one dealing with the loss of the one that got away and the other about finding the right one and accepting his marriage proposal. The rest of the CD “Son of a Preacher Man” a solid country feel, that John pulls of very well. He is getting more prolific in his song writings which I think comes with the ease of someone who has gained the experiences he has in his career. I say John keep it up, I really enjoy when a member of a duo or band members go out on their own and mix it up and give us a little more than we were looking for. Last chance to catch Big & Rich at these concerts:

8/29/09 Big Flats, NY Tag’s Summer Sound Stage
8/30/09 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Buy Now
9/4/09 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair/Grandstand
9/5/09 Atlantic City, NJ Resorts Atlantic City — Superstar Theater

See you All There!!