Scott Joss - Souvenirs (CD)

All Music Guide

The debut album by Scott Joss, an award-winning fiddle player whose musical resumé includes playing behind Dwight Yoakam and legends Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, is an impressive nod to the classic California country sound that also offers up a contemporary feel. Possessing a richly deep and well-oiled voice, Joss especially shines on the traditional-sounding cuts -- particularly two cool Jim Lauderdale-penned tunes, "Doin' Time in Bakersfield" and "Stay Out of My Arms." And although most of the 11 cuts come from such notable writers as Kostas, Kevin Welch, and Tom Russell, among others, Joss proves himself more than a capable songwriter with the standout ballad "I Never Got Anywhere With You." His fiddle playing is good, but the spotlight here is on Joss the singer. The rest of the musical muscle -- featuring mainly producer Pete Anderson's signature lead guitar and others from Yoakam's band -- is inspired and memorable throughout.

- Jack Leaver, All Music Guide