Album Profile
Shotgun Holler
Loaded
PRODUCTION NOTES
The album Loaded, released in 2015 on the Lonesome Day Records imprint Dry Lightning Records, marks the debut full-length from Shotgun Holler—a dynamic bluegrass supergroup blending traditional drive with modern edge. This 11-track project, approximately 40 minutes long, features the band’s innovative take on the genre, mixing high-lonesome classics, originals, and contemporary flair through strong vocals, tight picking, and fresh arrangements that earned radio play and critical nods. This record led to the band making an appearance on national television on the Josh Wolf Show.
Produced by Jim Van Cleve (Mountain Heart founder) at Lonesome Day Studios in Booneville, Kentucky, with engineering by Greg Lawrence and mixing by Van Cleve, Shawn Brock, and Matt Jones, the album delivers a vibrant, crisp acoustic sound with excellent separation, driving rhythms, and vocal harmonies—balancing roots authenticity and progressive energy.
Standouts include the upbeat “Out in the Parking Lot”, the gospel-tinged “I Hope Heaven Has A Holler”, the traditional “My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It”, the intense “Methamphetamine”, “Clovis Johnson’s Old Red GMC”, and others that showcase originals by guitarist/lead vocalist Matt Jonesalongside reinterpretations, creating a cohesive set of story songs, fast pickers, and reflective pieces.
The core lineup powers the sound: Matt Jones on guitar and lead vocals, Shawn Brock on mandolin and harmony vocals, Aaron Ramsey on bass, Russ Carson on banjo, and Gil Benson on fiddle—delivering precise rolls, fluid melodies, solid foundation, and layered singing that give the material its infectious lift.
As a Dry Lightning debut, Loaded put Shotgun Holler on the map, praised for its strong songcraft, production values, and blend of tradition with innovation. It remains a standout in the Lonesome Day/Dry Lightning catalog, appealing to fans of contemporary bluegrass with heart and edge.
TRACK LISTINGS
1. Out In The Parking Lot
2. I Hope Heaven Has a Holler
3. My Bucket's Got a Hole in It
4. Methamphetamine
5. Clovis Johnson's Old Red
6. Relatively Easy
7. I've Got Ramblin' on My Mind
8. This Side of the Grass
9. Miners Grave
10. One Lone Tree
11. I Should Have Started Yesterday
STREAM/PURCHASE
SOUND CLIPS
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