Turnpike Troubadours – A Cat in the Rain

No matter the size or location of their audience, Turnpike Troubadours always create an amazing show with their upbeat walkup song. Led by bassist RC Edwards, fiddle player Kyle Nix and steel guitarist Ryan Engleman from Oklahoma band Turnpike Troubadours magnify seemingly mundane moments from everyday blue-collar life in their powerful narratives.

After an extended hiatus in 2019, gritty country-rock ensemble, A Cat in the Rain, are back with new music. Their latest album includes ten tracks which show an authentic sound while showing new perspectives in terms of songwriting and foot-stomping rhythm that first won them fans.

Lead Vocalist Evan Felker

Turnpike Troubadours have long relied on frontman Robert Felker’s songwriting as their foundation, making them a powerhouse in independent red dirt country music. A fan favorite at shows, his success as an artist has enabled him to reside on a ranch with wife Staci and their two children.

As any touring musician knows, life can be hectic; with writing and recording duties often leaving no time for reflection or planning ahead. So when they entered FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals Alabama to record their first album in six years with Shooter Jennings they needed a fresh approach – one which produced even bolder renditions of their signature Red Dirt sound that has earned them so many fans over time.

Bassist R.C. Edwards

Felker credits his hiatus with giving him time to focus on improving himself, which can be seen through their new material. Recorded in Muscle Shoals Alabama with country producer Shooter Jennings and released as A Cat in the Rain album by Turnpike Troubadours; A Cat in the Rain represents Turnpike Troubadours at their best: merging popular political folk from Woody Guthrie with outlaw honky tonk from Waylon Jennings while still featuring elements of bluegrass, Cajun and straight rock dynamics for maximum impactful rock dynamics!

RC and the Ambers have taken on a fresh emphasis since reuniting, giving fans a preview at Mile 0 Fest in Key West of what to expect in future concerts. Plus, they plan to release their first album since 2021! Don’t miss catching them live!

Lead Guitarist Ryan Engleman

“Dance with the one that brought you here” is an opening line from Evan Felker’s song, “Brought Me”, that can only be taken to represent his love that has been hard won and earned.

Turnpike Troubadours have never shied away from throwing themselves fully into their performances since their turbulent beginnings, whether through Red Dirt roots or contemporary members such as Felker, Nix, Engleman, bassist RC Edwards, drummer Gabe Pearson and steel guitar/accordion player Hank Early – music which speaks not just for itself but for everyone watching them perform too.

Turnpike returns with their debut album since taking an involuntary break in 2018 to release A Cat in the Rain, produced and recorded at Muscle Shoals’ FAME studio, produced by Shooter Jennings and recorded at Muscle Shoals’ FAME studio. A Cat in the Rain provides listeners with a fresh perspective on authentic songwriting and foot-stomping sound that first captured fans’ hearts.

Fiddle Player Kyle Nix

As Turnpike Troubadours are on indefinite hiatus, fiddle player Kyle Nix took some time out of his busy schedule to release a solo album entitled Lightning on the Mountain & Other Short Stories. While fans may recognize some signature traits from his former bandmates on it, its unique sound will give this project its own identity.

Nix’s divorce and rehabilitation experience provided inspiration for his new record, with songs covering topics from shootouts to love-sick ballads. Backed by Ryan Engleman, RC Edwards Gabe Pearson and Hammerin’ Hank Early’s backing band; Nix delivered a solid album sure to please country fans.

Check out the tracklist below, and locate it at a venue near you.

Drummer Gabe Pearson

Turnpike Troubadours have quickly established themselves as an independent country force thanks to Felker’s vivid character sketches and blue-collar narratives, solidifying them as an independent country force to be reckoned with in an industry rife with jingoistic snap tracks understood solely within bro-country circles. His authenticity quickly won over an enthusiastic fanbase who immediately appreciated his music.

At Tulsa’s BOK Center on a recent evening, the band is gearing up for their show. Frontman Jeff Felker, bassist R.C. Edwards, lead guitarist Ryan Engleman, fiddle player Kyle Nix and drummer Gabe Pearson can be heard bantering as they wait for house lights to illuminate the stage.

After two years, since declaring an indefinite hiatus, demand has skyrocketed for every reunion show. When they announced their return to live performances, ticket prices crashed venue websites and skyrocketed into orbit.