“I see Jack as a Midwestern poet. He is more than just a country honky-tonker, he is a timeless Renaissance man.” - Pokey LaFarge

You wouldn’t expect radically progressive views in most honky-tonks, but St. Louis Americana artist Jack Grelle (pronounced Grell-EE) and his new record, Got Dressed Up To Be Let Down, have done just that. Grelle’s subversive songwriting tactics, like discussing the pitfalls of traditional masculinity within a classic country love song, owe to the person Jack Grelle is: resilient. In its most basic form resiliency is surviving, but as we evolve resiliency becomes about progress. It becomes a way to enact change, to form communities and to build bridges.

Grelle adeptly weaves Cajun, Tejano, country, honky-tonk, rock and folk to create a passionately complex overlay of the genres. Through the diverse tracks on the album Grelle’s lyrical integrity stays consistent. From tackling the societal pressures women face on the title track to writing about the deeply personal, platonic love for his matriarchal grandmother on “Birthday Cards,” Grelle’s intelligent, passionate, and astute lyricism ties the album into a stirring and emotional piece of work. Jack’s rambling spirit has brought him to over 13 countries and three continents with a tour schedule that averages 150 shows a year.

Featuring members of Pokey LaFarge’s band and members of the Bottle Rockets