Vickie Vaughn’s star has been steadily rising over the past few years, with membership in the highly acclaimed act, Della Mae, as well as achieving three consecutive wins as IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year. Although Vaughn has previously released an EP, Travel On marks both her first full length album and her debut recording on Mountain Home Music.
The title track, Travel On by Nathan Blake Lynn, sets the tone for this project perfectly. With lyrics trying “to keep it ‘tween the lines in the middle of the night,” this song is an excellent example of the fence that Vaughn straddles between bluegrass and country stylings. This song also introduces us to the core cast that Vickie has assembled for this album, which consists of Deanie Richardson on fiddle, Wes Corbett on banjo, Casey Campbell on mandolin, Cody Kilby on guitar, and Dave Racine on drums and percussion. They’re also joined by Ronnie McCoury, who adds harmony vocals to this track.
Bottle of Wine was co-written by Vickie along with Thomm Jutz. With its catchy swing based melody, this song talks of one’s eternal struggle not to succumb to their temptation to drink. Vickie is joined here by sister and brother, Lillie Mae and Frank Rische, who provide excellent vocal harmony all throughout this project.
Liza Jane is one of a few covers on this album. Having been a Billboard Country hit for Vince Gill in 1991, this track is another incredible example of Vickie’s country grass blend. Another song, Leavin’ comes from the repertoire of Texas singer/songwriter, Bruce Robison. Vickie delivers an incredibly emotional performance here.
Speaking of emotion, Mama Took Her Ring Off Yesterday is an incredibly moving piece. Written by Vickie and the album’s producer, Deanie Richardson, this song is based on the death of Vaughn’s father, and watching her mother navigate that loss. Its lyrics cut deep, with words chronicling the reality of this life altering chapter head on.
She’s On My Mind, co-written by Vaughn with Nora Jane Struthers, is another brilliant example of Vickie’s ability to deliver the story contained within the song. With its lyrics about a woman with whom the narrator’s partner had an affair, Vickie effectively conveys the emotion of wanting to stay with them while simultaneously being unable to recognize the unfaithfulness and betrayal they’ve shown. Justin Hiltner appears on this track providing excellent harmony vocals alongside Vaughn.
While Vickie Vaughn’s instrumental talent is abundantly clear throughout, Travel On puts her abilities as a powerhouse vocalist and lyricist front and center. It’s a phenomenal release, one that will especially appeal to those with a palette for bluegrass and country stylings.
