In 2015 Shelton made this Jackson Browne tribute. It's not bluegrass. It's not even country most of the time. It's a loving tribute to Jackson Browne, and while I can't track down who plays what on the record, it's clearly made with what sounds like a classic Southern California band not unlike Browne's bands. There's pedal steel guitar to echo David Lindley, great harmonies, and both the pianist and the organist are a stand-outs.
The songs are not rearranged significantly. They are mostly true to the originals in tenor and tempo. So why is this record worth hearing, since these songs are all available on Jackson Browne records already? The best answer is that Tim Shelton is a great singer, and he clearly admires these songs. He actually sings these songs better than Jackson Browne. That yearning thing that is so common in Browne's songs comes through loud and clear in Shelton's voice. The backing band is a talented bunch, and the minor changes to the arrangements all seem to work really well.
Song selection is just fine, except he does Take It Easy. It's a perfectly fine version, but who really wants to hear that song again. Actually, the lead guitar break is very good, and different from the original. While early material is featured, there's songs from most of Browne's career. I didn't need to be reminded how fine Browne's songs are, but I none the less really enjoyed these versions, and especially Shelton's singing, which is terrific. Recommended.
