Blaine Larsen Off To Join The World CD

With looks reminiscent of a young Paul Newman and a resonant baritone that is equal parts Merle Haggard and George Strait, Blaine Larsen amazed the record industry by scoring a Billboard hit ("How Do You Get That Lonely") that came from an independently released album, and was recorded while the singer was still in high school. On OFF TO JOIN THE WORLD (a spruced up re-packaging of his debut, IN MY HIGH SCHOOL), Larsen reveals surprisingly mature tunes worthy of the aforementioned influences, and co-writes many of the disc's best songs. ("If Merle Would Sing My Song" actually features Haggard on guest vocals.)

Although Larsen's intensely personal songcraft often deals with topics appropriate to his age, the album is imbued with a seriousness that transcends the subject matter. "The Best Man" is a the true story of Larsen's mother's divorce and subsequent re-marriage, while "In My High School" is a slice of life drama full of wisdom that usually takes a lifetime to attain. The record's earnest tone is matched by spare, thoughtful production, characterized by twanging Telecasters and sliding steel guitars in just the right measure.

Recording information: Blaine's Backyard In The Barn; Blueberry Hill; Dogden Studios; Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Personnel: Blaine Larsen (vocals, guitar); Merle Haggard, Paul Overstreet, Joey Martin (vocals); Michael Spriggs, Pete Hutlinger (acoustic guitar); Chris Leuzinger, Tony Harrell, Danny Parks (electric guitar); Mike Johnson , Bruce Bouton (steel guitar); Larry Franklin (mandolin, fiddle); Michael Rhodes , Spady Brannan (bass guitar); Sean Patrick McGraw, Joey Martin (background vocals); B. James Lowry (acoustic guitar); Jerry McPherson, J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); Russ Pahl (dobro); Stuart Duncan, Jonathan Yudkin (mandolin, fiddle); Jimmy Nichols (piano, background vocals); Eddie Bayers, Tommy Harden (drums).

Audio Mixers: Bill Decker; Tony Green; Bill McDermott.