Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum

Every once in a while, a first effort from an unknown comes along and reaffirms that the next generation of musicians might be capable of carrying on the traditions of Texas music without pretension or referring to pickup trucks. Twenty-two-year-old Conroe native Parker McCollum's The Limestone Kid fits the bill perfectly. Here are 11 songs mostly about relationships, yet with an undeniable edge that recalls the swaggering side – and this isn't said lightly – of Charlie Robison. While McCollum's precocious, he's also talented enough to draw veterans like Lloyd Maines, Chris Gage, and new Texas Music Office executive/fiddler Brendon Anthony to the proceedings. His songs seal the deal. Tunes such as "Happy New Year" and "Galveston Bay" feature respectable wordplay worthy of Robert Earl Keen, yet with a youthful outlook that brings to mind John Fullbright. It's too early to declare The Limestone Kid debut of the year, but it's already one to beat.