On the surface, it seems as if Merle Haggard and our own NARIP Board member Scott G have little in common. Haggard is a legendary country artist with 38 number one hits. “The G-Man” is an underground electronica artist and the head of Golosio Music Publishing. But when Haggard’s new album (“I Am What I Am” on Vanguard Records) is released this month, it will contain a song co-written by Haggard, Doug Colosio, John Scott G, and Scott Joss.
“Bad Actor” is the song and it’s getting favorable mentions in advance reviews of the album. For example (from Amazon):
“Equally at ease with hard country realism and jazz-informed expression, Haggard’s songwriting is operating at an entirely new and impressive artistic plateau. BAD ACTOR is a remarkable soliloquy on married life and the vortex of hope, guilt, confusion and doubt it can instill. Delivered in the simplest language yet dealing with some highly intricate and subtle emotional issues, it is an altogether moving and unique achievement. Haggard’s often closely guarded innocence is completely exposed, showing an incredible tenderness that, considering the counterpoint of his battle-scarred, hardened exterior, creates a profoundly resonant experience.”
Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Scott G, a man of many talents.