Venture South, the debut full-length album from Cowboy Dave Wilson, paints a 10-song picture of the American West — from 19th-century cowboy tales to the plight of the modern day working man. With the backing of Grammy-winning producer John Macy and an all-star cast of musicians, this new album is a triumphant culmination of over a decade spent honing chops in country dancehalls across the country.
Producer: John Macy; Acoustic guitar: Cowboy Dave Wilson, Eugene Moles (tracks one & three); Upright bass: Scott Johnson; Electric bass: Leslie Brown (tracks one & three); Drums: Andy Sweetser, Jim Christie (tracks one & three); Fiddle: Hank Singer; Pedal Steel: Tommy Detamore, Jay Dee Maness (tracks one & three); Electric Guitar: Zach Boddicker, Eugene Moles (tracks one & three); Trumpet: Gabriel Mervine (track nine); Vocals: Cowboy Dave Wilson, Kristina Murray, Loren Dorland, Zach Boddicker and Scott Johnson.
All songs written by Wilson (BMI), except 287 (by Wilson/Sparks) and Skunk Yodel No. 7 (by Wilson/Tilton). Recorded by John Macy at The Zone Recording Studio in Dripping Springs, Texas, and Mighty Fine Productions in Denver, Colorado.
Additional recording by Loren Dorland. Vocal post-production by Stephen Leiweke at Yackland Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Mixed by John Macy at Coastal Bend Music in Rockport, Texas. Mastered by Mark Fuller at Mark Fuller Mastering. Artwork by Nick Bensch.
Venture South
These are songs that perfectly capture the ruggedness, honesty and sense of adventure associated with western folklore. Cowboy Dave Wilson’s soulful voice infuses each track with an authentic country vibe, while his clever lyrics bring a fresh twist to traditional sounds. Telecaster, fiddle and pedal steel further elevate the melodies, alongside a dash of trumpet for good measure. Whether it’s the dust-kicking dancehall anthems like “287” or “This Kind of Living,” or an understated ballad like “Sandhill Girl” or “Whiskey Tonight,” Venture South shows Wilson’s range and isn’t short on spirit.