Sam Austin's new single, "On the Road at Christmas" perfectly captures the deep longing that both travelers and dreamers feel, those who want to be home but are chasing dreams that are just out of reach, from Roanoke, VA. For the season, it's a heartfelt message from the heart of the highway.
Austin's voice sounds genuine, and it complements the sound of a snowy windscreen and dim dashboard lights. This is an honest story about how far apart you are from the person you love during the Christmas season. The lyrics wrap around listeners like a well-worn wool coat that has been worn and traveled for years.
Sammy Shelor, a Grammy-nominated banjo virtuoso, adds to the song by weaving thrilling, beautiful strings throughout. Shelor has won the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year award several times. He brings not only his skill but also his legacy. He has a strong bond with Austin. Shelor was in charge of keeping the music going after the terrible plane crash in 1991 that killed Austin's cousin, Chris Austin, a banjo player for Reba McEntire. Each note has a sense of shared history that is real, quiet, and respectful.
"On the Road at Christmas" evokes a sense of headlights cutting through fog in a soft, yet steady, manner. It speaks to soldiers, musicians, truck drivers, and anyone who has ever wanted to go home after seeing twinkling lights in the distance.
This piece isn't for really loud radio ads. The song is for people who travel at night, have restless hearts, and know that no matter where we go, love will always find us again.