FLORENCE — There were initially some puzzled looks on the faces of some in the audience at Country Thunder: What the heck is that guy doing singing the Swon Brothers hit "Later On"?
Well, because Ryan Hurd wrote that song — and all the other songs he sang during his nearly hour-long show including "I'll Be the Moon," a song recorded by Dierks Bentley.
It was interesting hearing how Hurd imagined the songs would sound when he wrote them. A little less polished than the "covers" by the other artists, a little more organic.
"City Girl," a song he recorded on his debut EP, was more rock than country, and raucous enough that Hurd's drummer broke his snare drum. Have to admit in all the years I've covered Country Thunder I've never seen that happen.
Next up: Newcomer Chase Bryant.
