Jack Ingram Doesn’t Give A Damn on ‘Midnight Motel’ & It’s Pretty Brilliant
We all know the story arc for Texas country artists by now, or at least we should. It starts off with a tiny label or independent releases, hitting the honky tonks in the Texoma region hard and heavy, getting big opportunities at the regional festivals and putting together a strong fan base. Then wanting to see it all continue to grow, they get highlights in their hair and head to Nashville, participate in a few songwriting sessions with professionals the likes of which they’ve never worked with before, get slotted with some producer who they invariably cause friction with because they’re stubborn Texas bastards. And after a few mild-performing singles and albums that don’t make them super rich, but have the folks back in Texas stenciling “sellout” over their mug, they’re summarily dropped from the big label and head back home.
Jack Ingram just happens to be a few years ahead of the curve since he got started a little earlier than some of the other big names in the Texas scene. And like Pat Green who followed a very similar trajectory to Ingram, Jack took some seven years off after being shelved by his major Nashville label (Big Machine in Ingram’s case), and now he’s back doing whatever the hell he wants, writing songs with his friends, singing about the things that mean something to him and speak to his own life experiences, and loving life in that genuine Texas way that makes the country music of the region inviting, warm, and true in a way Music Row could never capture.
Midnight Motel is kind of an insane record. Surely you’ve heard a track here an there where they leave the studio banter uncensored on either the beginning or end of a song, capturing some funny moment or some other thing that the producer or performer decided needed to be included. Midnight Motel has more of this than I have ever heard on a record. In spots it is interesting. In other segments it feels a bit superfluous and you just wish they would get to the song. And in other instances it is absolutely essential, and it’s all essential to the spirit of this album.
Jack Ingram wanted to let everyone know as soon as they turn this record on that he doesn’t give a damn anymore about “making” it in music, or making tons of money from it. That’s all in the past. Finito. If he does make money henceforth, it will be on his terms. And just in case you question his resolve about this after hearing some of the stuff he released on Big Machine, Jack’s gonna yammer a bunch in between songs to show you he’s serious that he doesn’t want anything more than regional radio touching this stuff.
The songwriting on Midnight Motel ranges from good to brilliant, and is handled mostly by Ingram himself including many of the album’s best cuts. A few other notable names come in for assistance like Lori McKenna, Mando Saenz, Will Kimbrough, and Liz Rose. The first cut called “Old Motel” makes you wonder if this record is going to have anything to offer after it starts off with a bunch of behind-the-scenes studio noise, and moves forward relying on Ingram’s laid-back vocals, and an endlessly-repeating simple guitar riff for over six minutes. But later the opening song reveals itself as the perfect way to start off an album like this, and is one of the most infectious songs of the record.
Midnight Motel is not just an album, it is an experience. Many artists try this, but Jack Ingram, producer Jon Randall, and his Beat Up Ford Band pull it off. There are so many great songs, but there’s maybe even more better moments. There’s a song called “Blaine’s Ferris Wheel” about a concert promoter in San Angelo that starts off with Jack telling a long-winded story about Blaine and how he once booked Merle Haggard. To be frank, the story that Jack tells sort of meanders and is hard to keep up with. But when he sings the song right after you hear the story, it becomes this brilliantly unfurling masterpiece where every turn of the story is enrapturing and ripe with warmth and wisdom.
Most songwriters or performers would not have either the latitude or ability or guts to do something like this. A song like “Blaine’s Ferris Wheel” would be like an inside joke without the story. So Ingram says shit, let’s put it right there on the record and pulls it off. There is a separate version of this album without all the banter. If you need a coaster for your coffee table, go in that direction. Otherwise, you’re selling yourself short by not getting the whole thing.
And “Blaine’s Ferris Wheel” might not be the best-written song on the album. There are two “cousin” songs back to back (for lack of something better to call them) that also boast prodigious lyricism and pentameter, while also laying out the life lessons you can so easily see Jack accruing through the arc of his musical career.
“Nothing to Fix” says:
Don’t try to sell what you wouldn’t buy
You’ll go to hell for telling a lie
Don’t write a song that you wouldn’t sing
The only thing wrong is everything.
“What’s a Boy To Do” says:
Don’t pick up what you can’t put down
Don’t walk away just to turn around
Don’t sell what you wouldn’t buy
Don’t pretend to know just to wonder why.
Though the themes of the two songs appear to tackle two entirely separate issues, the songs together equal something greater than their separate parts, just like the story and the song of “Blaine’s Ferris Wheel.” Jack Ingram may have taken seven years to release an album, but he really took his time to do this one right, and everything that happens in Midnight Motel is purposeful and intertwined in a way that pulls you in deeper than most music is able to go. This album isn’t as much conceptualized as it is thought out and delivered with love.
And I articulate all of this sensing that Midnight Motel still has wrinkles and tricks to it that I have yet to unravel, and that a record like this is likely to only get better with subsequent listeners.
Yet Ingram hasn’t become some aloof musical zen master overnight who will be too esoteric for most as they go searching for something simple to tap their toe to. Ingram may be a reformed Music Row refugee, but he’s still a drinker, and makes that known in “I Feel Like Drinking Tonight” and “I’m Drinking Through It,” which are about as straightforward as they sound. Jack doesn’t ask much from his band on this album, and there are numerous acoustic songs, and others that are fairly stripped down. Nonetheless, everything sounds full and alive.
Ingram says in the liner notes of this record, “All these songs were written, worked on, started, finished, lost or found and recorded around midnight and in and out of some motel on the road. We made this record playing music together all in one room … We could see each other without looking through walls of glass or borders any kind. A group of musicians listening to the songs and playing them with the only intention of giving the music what it needs to become something worth giving away.”
So many of these Texas country artists are saddled by past trespasses in the eyes of certain country purists who scoff when they simply see their names. But the loss is theirs. Jack Ingram has paid the dues, fought the battles, seen it all, and now can sing about it with authority. It’s easy for some to sit back and swear they’d never sell out when the truth is they never had the chance to because they’re either not talented enough or too lazy. Meanwhile Jack Ingram has seen both sides of the coin, is man enough to admit he went dancing with the devil, yet made it back in one piece and made a record that not only atones for any past transgressions, but is bred specifically from those lessons while being fearless in its approach and articulating things no ordinary 13-track record could ever convey.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8.5/10)
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Midnight Motel is on Rounder Records.
August 26, 2016 @ 8:56 am
Not in a position to buy this record on release day, but I did the next best thing. First thing I did when I woke up in the morning was I downloaded Spotify and put this record on, I plan to put it on heavy rotation this coming fall when I really buy it.
I imagine the 8.5 was because of the story with Blaine’s Ferris Wheel, I actually thought the story was pretty funny and probably the equivalent of putting happy tears in a clown’s face because of how bittersweet the song is.
I will say this: I find it amazing that he didn’t put “Religiously” or “Living the Dream” on this record because those two are probably my favorite songs of his right now. “Living the Dream” is kind of a modern day telling of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” But then again those two songs would’ve watered the quality of this record down a bit because it’s not heavy on the Rock sound.
Final note: I swear this will be the last time I bring it up on here, it will be ten years on 9/11/06 where I bought “Live: Wherever You Are” and that record rescued me from suicide, so this is definitely an icing on the cake for me.
August 26, 2016 @ 10:25 am
Jack has enough material squirreled away, that he can easily fill another 2 or 3 discs at least. I was a little disappointed too not to have Religiously, Livin the Dream, or Jonesin’ For Haggard, show up. But another record, another mood… I’m good with that, as long as it’s not another 7 years between
August 26, 2016 @ 11:01 am
At one point last year he was talking like he had two or three new albums on the way.
August 26, 2016 @ 7:59 pm
It sure seems to me I read yesterday that he has another one ready, but I don’t know which article that was.
August 29, 2016 @ 8:16 am
Blaine was a bar owner first and foremost and a concert promoter second. Great times back when ragweed, ingram, green, and those guys were still playing bars.
August 26, 2016 @ 8:58 am
Does he tell the story of life altering experience of jamming with the legendary Toby Keith on CMT? Who do ya love…………..
August 26, 2016 @ 12:14 pm
I actually liked that duet because it was a high energy blues rocker and the fact that prior to “Red Solo Cup” Toby Keith actually had a real Outlaw Country mentality at the time.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:09 am
I’m going to go find this and listen to it before I make any final judgements. Having said that, two quick observasions. Drinking through it is a horribly written song. I’ve heard it on the radio a few times and can’t even allow myself to listen to the whole thing. The lyrics you posted above don’t sound much better. Secondly, if you don’t know who Blain was, you need to get out a little more. He was more than a concert promoter. Most of the guys you write about owe their careers to Blaine.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:13 am
Bitter much?
August 26, 2016 @ 9:20 am
No, not all. I’m just one of those that guys that appreciates when an artist takes the time to craft good music. I think Hey You was probably his best work. I hope this is just as good. Drinking Through It is not a very good indication of that being the case.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:33 am
JT,
The reason I said Blaine was a “concert promoter” is because that’s how Jack Ingram introduces him in the story before the song. Perhaps Blaine deserves his own dedicated article sometime, but I wasn’t going to try and squeeze that into this already-elongated 15-paragraph review. If you’d heard the song, perhaps you’d understand why I presented it the way I did in this review.
There are 13 songs on this album, and lots of banter and other stuff in between. I tried my best to articulate my opinions after listening intently to this album many times. Sure, maybe “Drinking Through It” is not the best-written song on the album (and I even address this in the review), and the songs they select for the radio always tend to be the worst from the record. But it seems like you’re looking to discount my opinions and this record based off of two pretty arbitrary things. Give it a shot. You may love it. That’s all I’m trying to say in this review.
And I do probably need to get out more.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:43 am
Hey brother, sorry if it came across that I was being critical of you. It wasn’t my intention. I like this forum you provide and I’m often critical of stuff you post just because I expect more from these guys that make music for a living. I guess it’s my own fault for holding them to the standard of Kristofferson, Townes and Guy.
August 26, 2016 @ 12:11 pm
I will apologize for being snippy at you and blame it on the fact that I’m very passionate about the people who I support.
That said, if you’re holding people like Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen or (my personal pick) Sarah Darling to the standards of Kristofferson, Townes and Guy, all you’re doing is setting yourself up for disappointment.
There’s only going to be one Kristofferson, Merle Haggard and George Jones and no one is going to replace them, it’s all about carving out your own path and leaving your own mark.
August 26, 2016 @ 1:24 pm
I’ve expected more from Jack Ingram too, and in my opinion, he delivers on this album.
Also, I always appreciate people sharing their opinions here, especially if they are critical of me. I may disagree or get defensive, but I welcome dissenting viewpoints.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:28 am
Just want to say that I’m joking about the Toby Keith thing. I remember thinking at the time he’s just doing what he has to do. I’m listening now to midnight motel, love it so far. Love ya Jack!
August 26, 2016 @ 9:38 am
The best album I heard from anyone, except Dolly Parton. Just like Dolly’s this album is a real,and direct experience. Can’t wait to get stoned and drunk with it!
August 26, 2016 @ 9:40 am
I’m sure it wasn’t planned this way, but as an aside from this album it was sorta brilliant for Ingram to release this on the same day that FGL put their new record out. You really get two records that could not come from different places. The FGL album is a “band” at the peak of just going through the motions and making music so sell tickets and Spotify streams while Ingram’s record is seemingly made out of a love of music, with no real illusions about trying to crash the gates of the industry sales wise. It’s kinda fascinating to see two records released on the same day come from such polar opposites in terms of artistic integrity.
I’ll give it a listen on Tidal later on today. The first couple singles didn’t wow me, (a common theme for me among the majority of Ingrams records), but such a glowing review from Trigger means I’ll at least give it a listen.
August 26, 2016 @ 9:48 am
Juast listened to this and I thought it was pretty boring. More folk than country or texas music. Not really my thing
August 26, 2016 @ 9:59 am
“It’s easy for some to sit back and swear they’d never sell out when the truth is they never had the chance to because they’re either not talented enough or too lazy. ”
Holy cow you said a mouthful there Trigger.
August 26, 2016 @ 10:14 am
Gave this listen this morning. Nothing really grabbed me so far. Don’t like the first song. Will give some more spins to see if it grows on me. I’m a Texas Country fan, so it’s good to see Jack has come back around, but honestly I have never been a huge fan.
August 26, 2016 @ 10:28 am
I’ll give this a listen. Is that a recent photo? I though that was the dude from Matchbox 20.
August 26, 2016 @ 3:06 pm
I will buy this cd I really like Jack Ingram. Jack doesn’t need radio at this point.
August 26, 2016 @ 3:55 pm
Hey Trigger, I have the album with and without all the dialogue and banter. What order do you think is best? I started the album this morning without the dialogue (literally just finished Blaines Ferris Wheel as I pulled back into my driveway) but then read your review and I now think I’m missing out. I get the feeling I should definitely experience this album with all his intended talking/explanations.
August 26, 2016 @ 10:27 pm
I would recommend that folks listen to it first with the dialogue, that way you know what’s going on. The go with the non dialogue when you want to just jam the tunes. Then go back to the long version perhaps when you’re on a road trip or have an opportunity to listen cover to cover.
August 26, 2016 @ 3:56 pm
I have seen Jack Ingram twice this summer in concert. Once near Chicago a few months ago and last week in Milwaukee. The show in Milwaukee was much better, was in a small club and there were only 35 people there but it was fantastic. He played old songs in new songs, he played full band and solo acoustic. He even came onto the floor and played amongst all of the crowd with just his guitar. He told good stories and he put on a great show just like he used to do.
August 26, 2016 @ 4:03 pm
re: Blaine’s Ferris Wheel
I live in San Angelo. This was “officially” a charity event for a local food bank. And yes, it did raise a bunch of money that went there. However, I would think that the genesis of this event is probably pretty close to the version that Ingram tells on the record.
August 28, 2016 @ 11:38 am
Angelo, thought I was the only one in this town on here
August 29, 2016 @ 8:20 am
i was there too.
August 26, 2016 @ 4:14 pm
Okay, I’ll give a listen. Many years ago I exchanged emails for awhile with the women who took over as editor of the late, lamented Country Music magazine after it got bought, and before it finally died. I liked her a lot but she was a big believer in Jack Ingram, who I sort of dismissed (without telling her) as a good looking kid, earnest and sincere but only marginally talented, playing a role he wasn’t quite up to (the sort of trying-too-hard-to-please stuff Trigger writes about here). The fact that he’s still in there slugging after all this time, and that he’s apparently not trying so hard to please anymore, is encouraging. Good for him.
August 26, 2016 @ 6:42 pm
Jon Randalls’ involvement might motivate me to give this a listen since I really like Jon’s own material. His 2005 release “Walking Among the Living” contained some truly beautiful songs which slipped through the cracks between mainstream country and Americana radio. I’m hoping Jon’s talents could lift Jack’s music to the point I might find some of it interesting! (lol)
August 27, 2016 @ 11:53 pm
I like how it is said that Jack Ingram doesn’t give a damn about “making money” or “making it.” If I must add something that I don’t believe is already on here, he has been aching to put out a record to simply be heard by anybody. So he said at his show tonight in Vacaville, CA. At the little meet and greet thing that they had for whoever wanted to stick around for after the show, he told the lady in front of me that he just loved playing in front of our audience after she acknowledged that there were only about 30 people there at the very end. He’s a pretty friendly guy, and I must admit, he had this carefree attitude the whole time, and that really rubs out on the people he’s around. The article here is great, and his album as well as his concerts are very much things to remember.
August 28, 2016 @ 1:06 pm
I don’t like this song, but I do love some of Jacks older songs.
August 28, 2016 @ 5:41 pm
I personally don’t hear it. If CJ just got a triggerman 9/10 this is a 7/10. But good for Jack. It’s decent and I’ll spin it at times but it is not part of the overall current movement IMO. The song writing isn’t there for me.
August 29, 2016 @ 8:02 am
After reading this review, I had to go out and track the album down. I was not disappointed. Quality storytelling, good lyrics and a nice toned down production made for a good listen. I liked the studio chatter, wouldn’t want that on every album, but it made for a decent framing device for some of the songs.
August 29, 2016 @ 1:48 pm
Was lucky enough to be at the promo at waterloo Friday and was very impressed. Blaine’s ferris wheel was just lovely as was his entire set (outside of drinking thru it which was okay for concert fun but not a good song). I look forward to giving the record a spin and catching Jack’s show (maybe Gruene) in a few weeks.
August 30, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
I saw him yesterday in San Marcos. I read that he will be singing the national anthem at the Texas-Notre Dame football game.
August 30, 2016 @ 7:09 am
Absolutely loved it! Great writing and it also works so well, because nobody is better at the art of banter and storytelling than Jack. Can’t wait to go catch Jack live with these new songs.
September 1, 2016 @ 6:40 pm
Long live, Jack Ingram and Texas Music. I bought the track, “Nothing to Fix”, and ordering the CD. Can anyone tell me if there are two versions of the physical album? The only one I see is one without dialogue. I’d like a CD with all of the dialogue included.
May 28, 2017 @ 2:08 pm
This is what country music is and should be. To bad we have to wade through so much crap to get the chance to listen to music like this.
December 4, 2023 @ 1:36 am
Saw Jack be perform solo acoustic on Saturday (12/02/23) in Dallas at The Kessler Theater. Great show! Great fan turn-out also. Throughout, he was engaging, entertaining & authentically himself. Mentioned upcoming divorce after 27 years of marriage. Sorry to learn of this. Was concerned about how unhealthy Jack looked (overweight, shaky, fatigued). He’s one of Texas Country’s greats. Wishing him health & happiness & gratitude for years of great music!