Mark Webb Jr. - Smoke Wine Banter (2019)

Smoke Wine Banter is Mark Webb Jr‘s second release from Bristol’s niche label Gold Ship Records.
The album was engineered and produced by Brad Phillips at Studio 101 in Woodruff, South Carolina. Phillips also produced Mark’s debut release, Home in 2016.

The new release is a more assured collection, evincing a tailored, polished country sound – you can hear it in the two opening tracks “Dancer” and “Hangin’ On”. There’s plenty of diversity here though – take the slow honky tonk boogie of “He Ain’t Me” which provides some gifted arrangements including fired-up electric guitar. “Lucy” is a highlight, a crisp country ballad bemoaning one person’s fate, while Webb’s smooth vocals are on display with “Then You Find Love”.

The collection is rounded out by “You To Me” with its catchy chorus and harmonies and the reflective anthem “18 Again”.
Smoke Wine Banter is a classy reminder of the talents of Mark Webb Jr. Highly recommended.