Convicted

CD Review
Convicted - Brandon Rhyder

BRANDON RHYDER BREAKS THE SEAL ON STARDOM WITH HIS 3RD RECORD RELEASE!
RHYDER CONVICTED BY MEDIA AS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!

Nashville, TN-March 6, 2006-Brandon Rhyder is by no means a new artist, and if you haven't heard his name floating on the southern wind then it's time to open up those windows folks and catch the new breeze. A young man straight off the back roads of Texas, Brandon Rhyder is old school reincarnate with records that bear the imprint of the "classics" that have their own exclusive shelf in all of our record collections. Rhyder's third album, CONVICTION, on his own Dogwood Hill label, is 15 tracks strong that induce the sort of reverie that grips like a great movie that you don't want to end. Since the record's release in August 2005, the first two singles have found a home on country radio and the Texas Music Chart. The first single, "Man of Conviction," came in at #11 and set up camp until the second single, "Freeze Frame Time," sent it packing while nestling into the #8 spot. Catch Brandon Rhyder at the Suede Bar on Saturday, March 25th in Dallas, Texas. Contact venue for ticket price and show time.

The album's producer is none other than Walt Wilkins, a fifth generation Texan and cult figure whose songs have been recorded by artists like Ricky Skaggs and have been featured in half a dozen films. His music has been compared to the great writers of his time including John Steinbeck. Wilkins' buoyant spirit is felt all over the record co-penning two tunes while Rhyder's name appears on nearly every single track. Brandon and Walt's immediate bond took form at a fundraising benefit leaving no doubt that a collaboration between them would produce a record that sets a tone for greater musical expectations. Though Brandon has much to say about his experience with this amazing tunesmith, he summed it up by saying, "He is a million dollars. " The top-notch band members throw the whole effort into forward motion with Keith Davis on lead guitar, Mike Henretty on drums, and Chris Grady on bass.

His reputation in the media as a force to be reckoned with has caught the eyes and ears of his peers, fans, and the ever elusive "concert promoter." Getting your feet wet in the industry pool is a cramped affair that comes with a long cue of aspirants who are awash with their own blood, sweat, and tears. Rhyder concedes the point, "You have to gain the respect of your fans, but also the respect of your peers, and that can be a major obstacle ." Three records later and now quite obviously at the front of the line, his hefty tour schedule weaves all throughout the Lone star state and will feature upcoming shows with song-meister Radney Foster. Steamboat Springs recently caught the Rhyder wind when he blew in for the coveted Music Fest, an annual event that showcases the best of the best in Texas-Americana music. Brandon was honored to be a part of the tribute to Ray Wylie Hubbard, reverently regarded as the "boss" of Texas music. The peer soaked homage was broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio. Go to www.brandonrhyder.com for information on the HOV tour (High Occupancy Vehicle) with Walt Wilkins and CMA award-winning singer/songwriter, Susan Gibson. Also check out his live video for "Back Roads" filmed at the Gruene with Envy Awards alongside of Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, and Roger Greager for the famous Texas music song swap. Visit www.TexasTunesmith.com to hear a one-hour radio special on CONVICTION.

Brandy Reed
RPR Media

"He's like Merle Haggard in the way that you find very few people that sing as well as he does and writes solid tunes. Basically, Brandon Rhyder is batting 400 in the minors."
-Texas Tunesmith Radio Show

"Rhyder's plaintive vocals explore youthful escapades and hard times morphing into maturity and a young family. He doesn't sound like Tom Russell, but has the same dramatic intensity in his performances. It's a solid CD all the way through."
-Tom Geddie/Buddy Magazine