Denny Wheatley

Doing his best Willie Nelson-meets-Alan Jackson impression, local singer-songwriter Denny Wheatley knows him some honky tonk.
From the get-go, Wheatley gets his redneck country on with the album’s title track, “Blame it On the Whiskey.” What Wheatley brings to the table is a strong vocal delivery that could stand up to any modern crooner. He exhibits this on “The Faker,” which harkens vaguely to the old days of Ferlin Husky.
Another strength of this collection is the crisp recording quality and the thick layers of harmonica, steel guitar, Dobro, mandolin and more. Wheatley assembled a talented supporting cast, from Jim Lenz to Ed Hysinger and Bob McLendon, all of whom keep the album humming along while still showcasing Wheatley’s vocal style.
The album’s subtitle is “Lovin’, Leavin’, Drinkin’ Songs (and One for Mom)”, and Wheatley doesn’t disappoint. The piano strains in “Mother’s Lullaby” add a gentleness to his reminisces about his mother singing “Goodnight Irene” when he was a child.
For the most part, this is just straight-ahead folksy country. In that way it sometimes fails to distinguish itself, but Wheatley is at his best when things are moving at a nice pace. An example is the sweet “Nobody Loves You Like I Do,” a swinging mid-tempo dancer with some nice vocal harmonies and some beautiful fiddle playing.
- Louisville Music News - Kevin Gibson

I'm not a huge fan of country music. I wouldn't even consider myself a casual fan. It's just not my trip. Although, every now and then, I'll hear an album that will stick with me for one reason or another. This one...okay...maybe I got hooked on it because it goes well with Captain & Coke, which happens to be my new best friend. I can really relate to this album while I'm in a drunken state, especially the title track, "Blame It On The Whiskey." What can I say...I love me a good drinkin' song...and this one is worthy of kickin' back with a cold one. Now, as I'm sure you all know, EVERYTHING sounds good when you're intoxicated. So, in order to form an honest opinion, you have to sober up and give the album a listen with a clean head...which I did...and...BIG SUPRISE...I still got into the album. It's kind of hard for me to explain because, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be caught dead listening to an album like this. Like I said...it's not my trip. But, I do like good music regardless of the style and I have to give credit where credit is due...this is a pretty good disc. It kinda grew on me. Now, I'm not sayin' that I dig every song on this disc. There's a few that didn't do too much for me. I just happen to like more than I dislike. Goin' through the disc...let's see...the tunes that really do it for me (besides the title track) include "The Faker," "Cry, Cry Baby," "Now You're Gone," "The Bottom Of A Bottle" and "If It Weren't For You." If you're a country music fan, I'm sure you'll like this album and, if you're not, at least give it a chance. It might suprise you. - ~Paul Autry – BallBusterMusic~

Denny Wheatley has won our hearts over the past couple of years. I personally REALLY enjoyed the music and personality of Denny Wheatley when he made his first appearance back in October 2009. I think he will quickly become one of our favorites and hope you all get the opportunity to check him out this Monday evening.

Suzette Weakley - Bloomington Songwriter's Showcase

- Bloomington Songwriters Showcase News Letter

Blame it on the Whiskey
Denny Wheatley
SELF-RELEASED
By Michael Sohan – LEO Weekly
Channeling classic chops, Wheatley’s debut transports listeners to the days when the construction of country songs mattered more than an artist’s age, hairstyle or love life. These tunes are traditional, spirited and stately, drawing on many canonical influences, starting with Hank and Jimmie Rodgers. The title song breaks out of the starting gate like a blistering Willie and Waylon tune, and Wheatley’s voice eerily resembles Willie’s relaxed, nasally tone in “The Faker,” a she-done-me-wrong walking tune sure to please those looking for a little beer-drinking chill music. Wheatley also drops just enough turns-of-phrases on “Cry, Cry Baby” and “You and Me” to resemble cuts off John Prine’s In Spite of Ourselves, and the Caribbean-tinged “If It Weren’t for You” should be covered by Jimmy Buffett. It could be his biggest hit in years.
- Michael Sohan - LEO Weekly