After a successful release of ‘American Cosmic Revival Vol. 1: Back At Home’ in 2025, Christian Parker & Patrick Cleary return with a phenomenal follow-up! Honoring the country-rock pioneers of yesteryear while also inspired by the artists such as Gram Parsons, Gene Clark, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, this new album preserves the legacy of Cosmic American Music. Centered around themes of heartache, redemption, loneliness, resilience and the search for home & hope, ‘American Cosmic Revival Vol. 2: Miles From Nowhere’ hits on many levels.
The new project features some distinguished guests like legendary pianist Earl Poole Ball, who has worked with Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, The Byrds, and Buck Owens, alongside legendary pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness, whose work with Gram Parsons, The Byrds, and the Desert Rose Band helped define the sound of Cosmic American Music and country-rock. The record also features Gary Jacob on pedal steel, Michael Rinne on bass, Ron Keck on drums and arranger and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Blacke—whose string arrangements have appeared on recordings by Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, Chris Isaak, Joe Cocker, and Pink. Get ready for one incredible ride that comes complete with raw sincerity and distinct harmonies.
The record kicks off with an enticing melody and catchy tune with “Wheels”. Christian Parker & company are kickin’ up dirt as the “Wheels” are turnin’ in the right direction. We’re cruisin’ along at a leisurely pace on “Brand New Headache” as this proves to be a comfortable ride with no bumps. On track three, “She Once Lived Here”, the vocals and rhythm will grab you with its striking flow that is also nice ‘n’ simple. It’s time to jump aboard because “The Train Leaves Here This Morning” and there is no looking back! “The Train Leaves Here This Morning” is quite a journey that’s full of life and good vibes. Embrace a comforting sensation with an emotional tone that connects on a higher level on “There Must Be Someone”. The following song “So Sad” has a very nice touch musically where all the elements come together to make up a wonderful arrangement. Next, the melody will grab you with its appealing & happy tone on “If We Make It Through December”. We’re all “Hangin’ On” now with a bright ‘n’ airy tone that pleases your ears and warms your senses. Christian Parker and his talented team deliver heartfelt lyrics and powerful material with major impact on “I Threw It All Away”. Prepare to unwind with an expressive number on “No Memories Hangin’ Round” where one can reminisce for a bit and let the mind wander. Next, the listener will “Hear The Wind” rush past your ears, which comes across as soothing & sincere in nature. The album ends with a cover of one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs “Wild Horses”. This was a fantastic version as these musicians truly kept the integrity of the original song intact. That magic that was created at Muscle Shoals years ago during the recording of “Wild Horses” is brought back to life by Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary and guests. The end result is terrific as these artists did this classic track major justice.
I was thoroughly impressed with the overall efforts on this project as Cosmic American Music is in good hands here. ‘American Cosmic Revival Vol. 2: Miles From Nowhere’ is set to be released worldwide on August 21, 2026 through Edgewater Music Group, with global distribution by The Orchard, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary and the rest of the supporting cast should be very proud of this record because the tradition of the music was honored by way of truthful and thought-provoking performances.
By Jimmy Rae