Now that’s some country music.
Zach Top singing Gary Stewart is everything I need in my life. Zach Top has been reviving the classic sound of country music, as many listeners compare him to Keith Whitley or Alan Jackson. While most comparisons are to legendary artists of the late ’80s and ’90s, we might need to step back further and consider comparing him to Gary Stewart after he pulled out this cover.
Last year, before the “I Never Lie” singer was as big as he is now, he took the stage for Jake Owen‘s Tiki Tonk Jake Jam. The Tiki Tonk jam session brought together the best of country music with some island vibes for laid-back yet stellar performances.
“First ever Tues Night Tiki Tonk Jake Jam was a HUGE success. Honestly, probably some of the most fun I’ve had since I could remember.….there was so much talent in one room, it was overwhelming!”
Throughout the evening, many artists jumped on stage, including Walker Montgomery. The performers delivered covers of country classics like “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” by John Michael Montgomery and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink” by Merle Haggard.
@joshdel1 Since everyone is sharing their favorite @Zach Top videos here’s him playing a little Merle at @Jake Owen ‘s house last year. Love that guy, super talented and kind. #zachtop #merlehaggard #countrymusic ♬ original sound – Josh Del
However, one of the more notable performances of the night was when Zach Top and the jam host, Jake Owen, teamed up to lay down some Gary Stewart. Personally, I believe that more people need to cover Gary Stewart. His catalog is filled with heartbreak heaters aside from “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Double),” so it’s refreshing to hear these two men pull out something from his discography other than that single.
The two pulled out Stewart’s “An Empty Glass.,” a Dean Dillon co-write. It is whiney, sad country music at its best. The video opens with Owen wrapping up a verse before handing the reins over to Top. Both men belt out the lyrics with a thick twang while still flawlessly delivering the melancholy lyrics.
“Every night I’m in some bar
Pouring whiskey on a heart that’s on fire
Forgetting you is no easy thing
Each night for me always ends the same”
After hearing this snippet from this unexpected duo, I need more. Owen and Top’s vocals together make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
If you’re anything like me, you will watch this clip an embarrassing amount of times.
@joshdel1 Here’s @Zach Top and @Jake Owen playing some Gary Stewart at Jake’s #tikitonkjam Nights. #zachtop #garystewart #jakeowen #cover #country #music ♬ original sound – Josh Del
Without the original, we wouldn’t have this stellar cover, so fire it up while you’re here, too.
