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Rod Picott returns to the status of current recording artist with the release of his latest album. You get a sense that this is likely to be the case for the foreseeable future such is the torrent of inspiration that appears to flow from his creative stirring pot. The tread gets a little worn, but this only adds to the resilience that insulates from the fickle world of changing tastes and horizons. STARLIGHT TOUR is an explicit case of an artist focussing on their strength and possessing the nous to source some additional parts to refine the running. The key component here is a return to the producing realm of Neilson Hubbard; an ace in the pack for polishing the raw credentials of songwriters rich in the soil of their influences, though just needing a reboot to get the songs out in commercial formats.
Writing collaboration is one thing Picott hasn't shied away from in his career. You only have to explore his back catalogue or attend one of the shows to learn about the Slaid Cleaves liaison that has lasted a near lifetime. The duo don't appear on this ten-track effort, but three other writers get a co-credit with one featuring twice to suggest that hooking up has been a key driver here. Anybody attending a recent Rod Picott show would have heard the origin of the Brian Koppelman involvement. For those not privy, this influential movie shaker fancied a dabble at this songwriting game and ended up chipping in on the metaphorical 'A Puncher's Chance' and the deeply reflective 'Combine'.
A more likely name circulating in Nashville songwriting circles is Amy Speace. The pair put their considerable talents together and came up with one of the standout tracks on the record. 'Homecoming Queen' is an adorable song at the heart of the album and protrudes as a clear example of Rod Picott being at his most accessible. A sincere melody joins the fray alongside some atmospheric pedal steel, while there are positive undertones to a song that as usual is framed by a dose of pensive realism.
The album ventures into a gritty domain with the fourth and final co-write. The name Nick Nace didn't ring too many bells in European circles (a place where Picott has made his second musical home for many years), but there must have been some synchronised understanding with the way the main man works when coming up with the toughened strains of title track 'Starlight Tour'.
On one of his recent UK shows, Picott filtered the first three album tracks into the opening set. The second of these is quintessential Rod Picott and the first song to land a lasting blow when taking an initial dive in the well of this new release. 'Digging Ditches' is earthy, punchy and about as trademark as you want to get. Maybe the sentiment of the chorus and title gives way to the power of the pen these days, but a good story, image and past truth is all part of the show. 'Next Man in Line' leads things off setting the scene with the knowledge that you are in the safe hands of a pragmatic singer-songwriter and accomplished production team. 'Television Preacher' is a profoundly personal offering and those in tune with the world of Rod Picott from previous material and live shows will know the influence imparted from close family.
Prior experience of Rod Picott albums teaches that they don't tail off. We wait eight tracks to be greeted by the most uptempo effort within the grooves. 'Wasted' escalates with a decent rhythmic pace alongside the usual lyrical outpouring of something itching to be said. Quieter service is resumed as a more stripped back Rod Picott dips into character mode to tell a heartfelt story in 'Pelican Bay'. We depart with similar lo-fi vibes trickling out of the ultra philosophical 'Time to Let Go of Your Dreams'. At this point you marvel at the way Neilson Hubbard almost backs off bar some faint trumpet and lets a seasoned operator sign off on their own terms.
Of course every Rod Picott album is an invitational deep dive into what he has to say and the way it is said. This is a personal engagement and STARLIGHT TOUR is ripe for such an interaction. The string of releases over the years vividly tell the Rod Picott story. Each has their own space and a new plot has been cultivated for the fruits of 2023 to grow.