Despite being a lifelong Democrat, I’m now backing Pat Buchanan - not the Washington reactionary, the Nashville singer-songwriter.   This Buchanan has played guitar for people like the Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill.   His self-titled debut is swell and a half.    I expected country or honky tonk and was surprised to discover it’s mostly 1960s Brit pop.   “Smile On My Face” reminded me of The Beatles’ “Getting Better” and “The Luckiest Girl” is sweetly punctuated by Buchanan’s George Harrison-esque guitar work.

I recently raved about singer-songwriter Jeff Finlin who also lives in the Volunteer State.    Buchanan is Finlin’s guitarist and occasional co-producer.   This proves Nashville is home to some huge talents and I don’t just mean the ones with large hair and big hats.

Tony Peyser
Mirror contributing writer

January 29 - February 4, 2003
Santa Monica Mirror