Jack Ingram More CMT Music

Mainstream Country music has sometimes been described as a big circus tent. Under which there are a lot of different kinds of performers. Jack Ingram proves in his new CD “This Is It” (available 3/27) that he deserves a spot under the tent even if he doesn’t stay “inside the box.”

Under much debate between uptight country programmers is wether Jack’s cover of the Hinder hit “Lips of an Angel” is or isn’t “country.” I think it is and it works.

“I’ll let other people choose sides between what genre and who should stay inside which box.” He says in the liner notes. Watch Lips Of An Angel here and judge for yourself.

Jack is challenged by already being a pretty big star in the Lone Star state. Ingram does a solid job of nudging his self created Texas sound more mainstream but still keeps it gritty on most of the songs he actually wrote on the CD.

Highlights include: “Hold On” (featuring touring partner Sheryl Crow). “Ava Adele” shows off his songwriting. When Jack visited the studio he was quick to tell me he “wrote it for my daughter named Ava”.

Bonus tracks include the previously released #1 “Wherever You Are”, and “Love You.” Jack has bent a bit but radio will have to bend the rest of the way.

My Grade: Solid B