Wes Youssi And The Country Chanps: High Diver Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Wow! What a great sound Wes Youssi and the Country Champs have created. These folks have created an incredible gumbo. I will try to pick out all the elements I hear: garage, psychedelic, rockabilly, blues, honky tonk, outlaw country, and early rock and roll. I’ll take a bowl for now and one for later. It seems like a lot of “stuff” to pack into an album, but Wes Youssi and company does a perfect job putting all of the influences and genres into one package that is cohesive and well played throughout.
There were many contributors to this project, and it is important to give them all a heartfelt shout-out for their impressive work. Without their talent and dedication, the project would not have come to fruition in the same way. Each artist brought their unique flair to the mix, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is not only enjoyable but also deeply engaging.
There is Wes Youssi, who brought an unmatched energy and passion to the project, seamlessly blending his powerful vocals with the intricate sounds of both acoustic and electric guitars. His ability to evoke emotion through his singing style sets him apart in the genre. Matthew James Sasser added depth and richness to the music with his backing vocals, while his artistry on the bass guitar anchored the melodies beautifully. The precision and groove he brought ensured that the rhythms were tight yet expressive. Kevin Major provided the rhythmic foundation for the tracks. His skill on the drums brought a lively groove that drove the music forward. The interplay between his drumming and the other instruments showcases the band’s collective musicianship, keeping the listener engaged with inventive fills and a dynamic range.
Other players include Roger Conley, whose mastery of the pedal steel added a lush, evocative quality. His contributions brought a sense of nostalgia, transforming each track into a journey through time and sound. Similar to Roger, Harley Jame’s contributions on the pedal steel enriched the harmonic landscape, enhancing the overall feel of the project and inviting listeners to a world of sonic exploration. Brud Gile’s percussive elements contributed to the infectious energy, adding those essential touches that provided a nice polish to the songs, making them catchy yet meaningful.
With Jean-Pierre Garau’s expertise on both the Hammond B3 and Fender Rhodes, the band was able to incorporate soulful bluesy elements, creating a beautifully layered sound. The textures added by these instruments provided depth and a soulful essence to the entire album. Rich Layton’s harmonica and harp work provided a unique flair, giving the tracks a rootsy vibe that complemented the overall aesthetic perfectly. His harmonica brought the warmth and rustic charm often associated with classic country music.
Rose Gerber’s enchanting backing vocals lent an additional dimension to the sound, harmonizing beautifully and adding to the emotional impact of the songs. Rounding out this impressive crew of musicians is Joel Guzman, whose accordion brought a touch of whimsy and character to the music, showcasing a diverse range of influences. Every individual played a significant role in shaping the final product, and together they formed a cohesive unit that brought this project to life.
Pure honky tonk is hard to find these days, but I’m On A Train is a perfect example of a honky tonk number that exists in 2025 but could have happened in 1955. It is a timeless song that could be destined for classic status. Wes stays true to form but makes it modern, capturing the spirit of honky tonk while infusing it with contemporary elements. Extra points for having a train song on the album—it’s a classic theme that resonates with many.
The band adds a nice twist on the honky tonk theme with their offering on Western Girl, which really draws on The Byrds and Marty Stuart. Blending some great honky tonk licks with a Hammond B3 organ and some spacey. super ambient and ethereal twangy guitar fills, this track exemplifies how traditional sounds can be reimagined. This is a song that could be played multiple times and will still sound fresh and new, revealing layers upon layers of auditory delight with each listen.
That twangy psychedelic country sound is more than abundant, and Wes and the band come out of the gate strong with the first and title track High Diver. Another beautifully crafted psychedelic country number that perfectly fuses both genres. The energy, vitality, and artistic ingenuity displayed in this track set the tone for the entire album, making it a strong opening that captivates and engages the audience from the very start.
Overall, this is not just an album; it’s an experience that invites listeners to dive into the diverse soundscapes and rich storytelling that define the band. They are able to successfully fuse many genres together and completely transform them into their own unique sound.
Listen and buy High Diver here