Daylight

For Daylight, John Driskell Hopkins takes a break from his duties with Zac Brown Band to team up with the bluegrass combo Balsam Range. The result's a spirited project filled with down-home wisdom and humor. Hopkins has a burly, emotive baritone and a musical sensibility steeped in classic Southern rock and jam-band influences. Though he erupts in bear-like growls at times, his persona is often unguardedly tender, especially on “Bye Baby Goodbye” (a bittersweet duet with Joey Feek of Joey + Rory) and “How Could Eye” (a pledge of devotion featuring singer/songwriter Levi Lowrey). His playful, Dixie-fried wit comes through in “She Don’t Love Me Today” and “It’s Not OK,” while his knack for rootsy balladry is evident in “The Devil Lives in a Mason Jar.” Balsam Range shows its prowess as an ensemble on “Runaway Train” (with Jerry Douglas offering scorching licks on dobro), “The Grass Don’t Get No Greener” (a rollicking track that veers from swing to bluegrass and back again), and the fast-paced title track. Zac Brown stops by to contribute vocals to the gospel-tinged “I Will Lay Me Down,” adding to the warm family feeling of this engaging release.