Greg Trooper’s music displays a variety of influences – bluesy inflections from R&B coupled with rootsy country melodies and arrangements. On his latest release, he handles most of the acoustic guitar, with veteran guitar-slinger Michael McAdam adding slide and electric guitar.

Co-produced by Trooper, keyboardist Kevin McKendree, and bassist Stewart Lerman, the album’s arrangements are designed to let the songs breathe. “First True Love” features Trooper’s fingerpicked guitar augmented by a spare bass line and minimalist piano and electric guitar.

Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Maura O’Connell, Vince Gill, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucy Kaplansky have recorded songs written by Trooper. One listen to Upside-Down Town and you’ll know why.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s May ’11 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.