“Uno” refers to a first, a starting point. For his first album, Rhett sets his foundation as he shows off a blend of contemporary and classic country and his talent for storytelling. If you connect to music, you will connect to this album. There are songs you enjoy hearing, but then there are songs you enjoy because they make you feel. This is what Rhett’s “Uno” album will do as he beautifully sings songs that emotionally resonate with this human experience we call life, moments we have lived out ourselves.
His warm-hearted delivery of “Drive (for Daddy Gene)” will have you nostalgically look back on childhood memories of growing up and special moments with family.
You will identify with the realistic life passage experienced when faced with the hard choice of choosing between love and other passions that encompass someone.
In “Jolene”, Rhett movingly captures the hurt and sadness of love lost due to the inability to overcome personal struggle, but does so in a sweet way that makes you hope the lost love will be restored.
Rhett will stir your emotions in “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” as he brings you into the story about the life and love of a rodeo cowboy. Torn between choosing between his love for a woman and the rodeo energy running through his veins, you will feel the cowboy’s disappointment as he gets the news of his love leaving him because of his absence.
In the lyrical “Smoke Rings in the Dark”, Rhett’s aching vocal communicates the heart wrenching pain we have all felt of confronting the dying embers of a relationship and having to let go and say good-bye. But as the rodeo cowboy turning his truck toward the Wyoming line shows that life goes on despite its hardships, “Uno” has twists and turns that make the journey a wonderful ride.
“Let Me Down Easy” is euphonic as you hear Rhett’s smoothly delivered ballad and are reminded of the sweetness of falling in love. His serenade will melt a girl’s heart as she hears the vulnerability of a man confessing his love for a woman.
Not to be forgotten are the album’s two well-known classic country songs. The energetic opener “Drivin’ My Life Away” is infectious and will leave you smiling as you can’t help but sing along with the harmonious chorus. The lighthearted “Ramblin’ Fever” reminds you of the inner outlaw in all of us that longs for the freedom from our daily constraints and just head out on a carefree highway.
A good artist will bring their own life experiences in their storytelling of a good song, which combined can bring up memories and emotions you had either forgotten or never knew existed. Rhett shows he is that type of storyteller. Whether you are tapping your foot as you are driving down a stretch of road or at home with “Uno” playing on your speaker, you will be reminded that despite all the twists and turns, this is a beautiful life.
Toni Vechinski - Independent
Rhett’s second album “Snake Eyes” builds on the foundation he set with his first. He continues to demonstrate his versatility at narrative storytelling with a variety of musical styles. The album combines genuine country with the infusion of contemporary flair. It includes organic, acoustic ballads that are deep and tap into the emotions that resonate within every man and woman. Another album that will stir your emotions and touch anyone who listens to it.
The album starts with the traditional country classic sound of the guitar, drums, fiddle, and harmonica in “The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues”. Rhett’s charismatic narrative of this witty feel-good song brings the characters to life and starts you off in a humorous and playful mood.
The upbeat tempo continues with the pleasant-sounding romantic tune “More Than a Fever” which combines modern country with a retro style. Rhett’s falsetto and the song’s harmonies give a traditional country feel infused with a sound reminiscent of the Eagles. You will either be toe tapping or wanting to get up and dance with your love.
You will be taken in by the haunting ballad “Scarecrow in the Garden” as Rhett sings with a down-to-earth emotion that keeps you captivated by the telling of this compelling tale despite the foreboding undertone of the song. His rich story telling gives a realness to the trying times we sometimes face and have to stand firm and weather out. It is beautifully done.
Rhett adds another taste of the Eagles to the album with the tough but tender ballad “Desperado” about the concept of solitary living and the call of freedom within us. A soulful vocal delivered with insightful gentleness, he reminds us that answering that call of freedom and living a life devoid of love is really a lonely place.
Two ballads bring instant nostalgia to connect you to the past. In “Strawberry Wine”, Rhett’s wistful twang speaks of the bittersweet topic of the delights of first love and the reality when the love fades and is lost. He bears a deeply personal vocal in “The House that Built Me”, making you long for home and a simpler time. He conveys the message when this world makes us forget who we are, all we have to do is return to the ingrained memories of our childhood home to replant our roots and find strength. His visual story telling in both songs takes you on a trip back home that is sweet as sugar on the tip of your tongue.
He delivers a fun, flirty tune with “Texas Time” that has a classic grass roots feel. It is a charming, smooth vocal that is easy to listen to and will either make you want to get on the dance floor or sit laid back moving your head to the beat with the feeling that ‘Life is good!’ The album wraps up with a true honky-tonk song that is up-tempo and exudes fun. Rhett’s energetic and lively tone in “Mr. Lonely” is lighthearted and a foot-stomping good time.
In his second album, Rhett demonstrates the power of music and how it is the true voice of the heart and soul. He shows off his talent with story songs that portray life experiences everyone can relate to and songs that are fun and lively and leave you with a pep in your step. When you want to hear Rhett, you won’t be asking which of his two albums should you listen to. No, you will be asking, ‘Which one should I listen to first?’ Good music is good music!
Toni Vechinski - Independent