Press — Wesley Randolph Eader

American folk & old-time country singer-songwriter Wesley Randolph Eader has family roots all over Tennessee, but he was raised among the Cascade mountains of the Pacific Northwest. His storytelling songs showcase a broad understanding of American roots music: country ballads, bluegrass stompers, talking blues, old time gospel camp tunes, and topical songs. His songs feel equally at home in an old-time string gathering or a honky tonk, and they have the unique ability to bounce between eras of vintage American music, maintaining authenticity no matter the setting. One article from No Depression placed Eader's distinctive voice and songwriting style within the more mythical tradition of American folk music: "Eader sings each song as if he’s been singing them forever, as if they were passed down like precious heirlooms, or discovered on one of A.P. Carter’s song expeditions”.

Eader’s most recent album “Highway Winds" sounds like a long-lost songwriting classic. It was recorded entirely on a 70s tape machine and features, among others: National Old Time Fiddle Champion Luke Price and Eric Earley, producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and frontman of Blitzen Trapper, Rachel Ann Dial, vocalist and guitarist in indie rock band Mero, as well as legendary Portland engineer & producer Danny O’Hanlon on percussion. This strong cast of players has helped take Eader's songs, which stand so strongly by themselves, to an even higher level of interest to the listener. Nostalgic ridden Americana music lovers are sure to find "Highway Winds" a more than suitable soundtrack for the road.

Eader has toured regionally along the west coast and Pacific Northwest and internationally in the U.K. He has played in legendary venues such as Mississippi Studios, The Aladdin Theater, Green Note London, Rockwood Music Hall, Landmark Saloon, Alberta St Pub, The Old Church, Alberta Rose Theater, Al’s Den, White Eagle, Revolution Hall, and Secret Society. He’s played festivals such as Northwest Folklife Festival, Southern Fried Festival, UK International Beer & Bluegrass Festival. He has shared the bill with prestigious acts and friends such as Liz Vice, Eric Earley (of Blitzen Trapper), Anna Tivel, Jefferey Martin, Josh Garrels, Michael Hurley, Holly Ann, The Wild Reeds, The Grahams, Dead Lee, Arcadian Wild, Josh Harmony, Evan Way (of the Parson Red Heads), Joshua Powell, Branches, House of Angels, Hannah Glavor, Hank Wedel, The Hot Seats, Bevelers, Derek Webb, Josh White, Marty Marquis (of Blitzen Trapper), Tow'rs, Charlie Shaw, Kevin Lee Florence, Hip Hatchet, The Show Ponies.

“”John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, along with artists such as Guy Clark are idolized by many (including me) and justifiably so. I’m sure that if Wesley progresses from this album and is actually able to continue making albums of this quality he could very well be added to that esteemed list. Only time and longevity will tell but this is one hell of an excellent start.””

— American Roots U.K.

“A traditionalist with a taste for Willie Nelson and early Bob Dylan, handles both ballads and barn-stormers with charm”

— The Oregonian

“Highway Winds follows his 2012 debut, Of Old It Was Recorded, and it’s a pitch-perfect tour of various old-timey styles, from folk to country to traditional gospel music, with tasteful touches of slide guitar, piano, and basic percussion, but only when necessary. Recorded entirely to tape, the record captures a warm and intimate performance that sounds like Eader’s playing just for you in your living room. It’s hard to imagine a better way to hear him.”

— Portland Mercury

“He plays his version of old-fashioned folk completely straight, with not a wink or a trace of irony to be found - he’s like a time-traveling third Louvin Brother …he has a special sympathy for the down-and-out, and a Townes Van Zandtian knack for the poetry of the hardscrabble”

— Spirit You All

“Eader sings each song as if he’s been singing them forever, as if they were passed down like precious heirlooms, or discovered on one of A.P. Carter’s song expeditions”

— No Depression

“I see visions of that lost highway again when I listen to Wesley Randolph Eader’s new record, Highway Winds. I see Woody Guthrie riding a boxcar. I hear Townes Van Zandt singing stories in an old saloon. I see mountain ranges in the far distance and desert stretched out all around. I am swept up in the mystery of the road.”

— Let Us Make A Record

“Highway Winds is an excellent set of traditional country, folk and bluegrass inspired music. Standout tracks include: the bluegrass thumper ‘Carry On Down the Road’; ‘Talkin’ Walmart Texas Blues’ – a nod to Dylan’s ‘Talkin’ World War III Blues’; the gorgeous ballad ‘Eliza (The Saint of Flower Mountain)’; and the riverboat inspired ‘Big Steam Wheel’”

— The Record Dept.

“Wesley Randolph Eader from Portland might still be fairly unknown, but he is an incredible folk songwriter. Highway Winds should get a lot of recognition. This contains some of my favorite songs of the year. Actually five of these ten songs could be candidates for the songs of the year list. ”

— One Chord To Another