Charley Crockett/Shooter Sharp & the Shootouts

A Texas native, standout singer-songwriter Charley Crockett earned his street cred by hitch-hiking across the country at a young age and winning over the city of New Orleans, one impromptu street show at a time. With a wisdom well beyond his years, the roots singer crafted a well-written, fine-tuned fourth album with Lonesome as a Shadow. Dripping with old school country music influence, “I Wanna Cry” displays Crockett’s vocal and musical range. “Ain’t Gotta Worry Child” features Crockett’s soulful, bluesy side. On this album highlight, he has delivered a toe-tapping masterpiece, telling the story of being at the beck and call of a lover. (Halle Weber)