With poignant and thought provoking lyrics, Amy McCarley finds balance in a new perspective with MECO, her 3rd studio album released February 8, 2019. After collaborating in writing new songs with Bluebird Cafe round-mate and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, Pat Alger, McCarley returned to the studio with esteemed colleagues, co-producers Kenny Vaughan & George Bradfute to work on MECO, her highly anticipated follow up to 2014's Jet Engines. MECO was recorded and mixed by Bradfute in his Tone Chaparral Studios in Madison, Tennessee and mastered by Jim DeMain at Yes Master Studios in Nashville. A rhythm section all in himself, multi-instrumentalist Chris Scruggs lent his talents not only on drums, percussion, and bass, but also steel guitar. Alongside esteemed guests Marty Stuart, Pat Alger, Kenny Lovelace, and Harry Stinson — the future is bright for fans of Amy McCarley. Uniquely relatable, this northern Alabama native's music is embraced by Americana fans across the country and abroad. Vaughan says, "I think all of her songs come from a personal experience. Each song is about something she's gone through, which is good because it gives her a little edge on the delivery. The emotional content kinda comes through in there." MECO, an acronym borrowed from the Space Shuttle program that stands for Main Engine Cut Off, occurred for the shuttle when onboard propulsion systems were disengaged at an altitude where velocity could be maintained by the power of an innate force at work in the universe with periodic adjustments from the vehicle. The album traces McCarley's experience of what it's been like leaving life as a NASA contractor to pursue a career in music. McCarley explains the inspiration behind the album, "Similar to shuttle missions, the trajectory of my path has been defined by how well I have been able to develop personal strength as an artist to the point where the possibility of connecting with the enormous collaborative power of other worldly talent exists. It has taken everything I have plus the guiding unseen hands of time and chance together with support from some incredibly talented generous souls in order for this album to be made and on its way to listeners."

[source: Abilene Bar and Lounge website, 2019-Sep-23]