Roger Alan Wade New CD Now Available
For those in and around the Chattanooga area, not much of an introduction is necessary for Roger Alan Wade. A fixture in the local music scene for many decades, Roger makes Chattanooga his home, and for those of us that live here – well, we are darn lucky for that.
Roger has been writing songs for a long time. He has been playing songs for a long time. Many like him for his funny songs, like Fryin’ Bacon Nekkid or All Likkered Up. Many like him for his insightful songs, about life in the South and other real-life experiences.
Which ever is the case, people do love their Roger Alan Wade. A few of Country music’s biggest stars love him, too. Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Hank Williams, Jr. are just some the ones that have recorded RAW songs. He even managed a number one hit along the way, with “Country State of Mind” topping the charts for Hank Jr.
His newest album on CD is called “Bad News Knockin’, produced by his cousin Johnny Knoxville at Johnny Knoxville Records. I have heard all of his CD’s and I think this one is the best – highlighting his incredible songwriting talents to the max. With 13 cuts, the CD gives great insight into the mind that is Roger Alan Wade. You just can’t make this stuff up, folks. You have to experience it to write it like RAW.
Like his initials, RAW, this CD is the raw Roger Alan Wade, with just his voice and a guitar. No fancy autotune equipment and studio musicians on this album, my friends. The unfortunate part about this album is my inability to pick a favorite. I think I have one, then I listen to another track, and it becomes the new favorite. And on, and on, and on it goes. It is kind of like The Beatles “Rubber Soul” album in that way – so many great tracks.
While this album can bring up references of guys like John Prine or even Jerry Jeff Walker, Roger is his own man, with his own sound. While I classify it as Country, allow me to clarify – this is Real Country. No Bro-Country here. Any Country music fan – the kind that likes Merle Haggard, John Prine, or Ray Price, not necessarily Florida Georgia Line – will enjoy this CD and play it over and over again.
Roger remains one of the most humble and gentlemanly people I have ever met. If I could learn just one thing from him, it would be his humbleness. He so truly appreciates his audience, friends, and family. As his hair starts to turn more to salt and less pepper, he seems to value these even more and it is reflected through his writing.
When I opened up “Bad News Knockin”, I was blown away to see that I was mentioned in the “special thanks” section. It brought a tear to my eye, as my friend was so kind to mention me on his body of work. In trying to become more humble, like Roger, I debated to even mention it here. However, I felt it portrayed just how kind and gentle Roger really is – to remember friends and family enough to give thanks. While I am humbled by this gesture, I am more proud of the fact that I can call him my friend.
You can buy the CD or download MP3’s at ITunes by clicking https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-news-knockin/id944601090
You can also get it at Amazon here - http://www.amazon.com/News-Knockin-Roger-Alan-Wade/dp/B00Q039XUE
Support a local musician and take a listen. If you like it, buy it. When Roger is playing out at local venues, please go support an icon of Chattanooga music.
Bob Payne grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Baylor School. He is the Entertainment Editor for the Chattanoogan.com and talent buyer for Friends Of The Festival.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.
Bob Payne