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LUKE OLSON
San Antonio native Luke Olson has been singing and playing to appreciative audiences for more than ten years now. The 30-year-old Texan is a recent first-time father and now has a new album to add to his responsibilities as well.
The upcoming Sustain release Red River Blue is Olson's fifth album. His easy manner and boyish good looks have earned him many friends in the music business and his commitment to his craft has earned him many fans. Red River Blue is by far Olson's most impressive effort. Produced by Bandera native Gerald Boyd, this album has at once a very country and eclectic sound, thanks in part to the material and Boyd's deft handling in the studio.
The first single is a Warren Zevon cover, "Searching for a Heart". The song is wistful and beautiful and Olson's vocal approach is a perfect fit. The album contains three Olson original tracks and a number of outside songs from celebrated writers such as Hugh Prestwood, Verlon Thompson, Rodney Crowell, Mac Macanally and many others.
From "Uncertain Texas" to "Gone Fishin'", the state of Texas is well covered here. "Yellow Lights", "Searching for a Heart" and "Don't Look Back Now" all stand out with a more eclectic feel. As for tempo, "Man on a Tractor", "Hello My Old Friend" and "Me and this Road" keep the album moving at a steady pace. In addition to all of this, there are several strong ballads including the title track, "Red River Blue".
With a tour schedule that is beginning to fill up, Olson is preparing to embark on his most ambitious promotional campaign and tour. He will be making the rounds to several radio stations, concert venues, festivals and television shows in Texas beginning this summer.
Profile courtesy of Sustain Records.