Abbott, Texas. Oildale, California. Hibbing, Minnesota. Points on a map. Signposts marking Brian Ballard’s musical journey. While growing up west of the Rockies in Northern California records by the likes of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan could be found on the families turntable. Brian learned to appreciate the beauty and power of a few primary chords paired with a heartfelt story. The essence of true country music. Gravitating toward rock and roll as a teen Brian’s tastes always favored the artist who was not afraid to print their lyrics on an album sleeve in black and white for all the world to see. Eventually his journey led him to the doorstep of the great Texas singer-songwriters: Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Robert Earl Keen and Steve Earle. In the mid ’90’s he put out his first album under the band name The Tubbs. This record was a proving grounds allowing him to experiment in mixing country, rock and pop; what now might be considered Americana. His latest release due out in the fall of 2023 finds Brian leaning more into the great country tradition of “three chords and the truth”. With songs like “Haggard” and “Easy To Fall” Brian is able to get to the pure and honest emotion of a story in the simplest of ways.

Listening to Brian Ballard’s music one can certainly hear the flavorful confluence of style and poetry that has shaped his life and artistry.