By Brent Thompson

 

For an artist in his thirties, Joshua Hedley has a deep reverence and understanding of timeless Country music. A longtime touring sideman and stalwart figure at Nashville’s famed Robert’s Western World, Hedley now steps front-and-center for his debut release, Mr. Jukebox (Third Man Records). A 10-track collection including nine originals and a breezy version of “When You Wish Upon A Star,” the album assures us that Hedley’s voice will be heard for many years to come. Harkening back to the classic sounds of Jim Reeves, Ray Price, George Jones and Conway Twitty, Hedley pulls off a difficult proposition – sounding fresh and timeless at once. And given the success found by modern Country artists who draw on traditional styles (Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton), the timing and climate couldn’t be better for Hedley to make this artistic statement.