Cowboy Comes Home

By: Columnist Ward Hughey

Corey Kilgannon is an artist that has made quite a name for himself over the years. He is the kind of performer that will quiet a loud bar by the end of the first song and keep the crowd enraptured for the full set.  He is also quite prolific with multiple LPs, EPs, and even a recent 31-track live album from Blue Jay Listening Room. When Narrow first featured Kilgannon, it was for his release Hollow II. That album included one track in particular where one may feel Kilgannon had a less than great opinion of his hometown. If said listener is correct, it seems those feelings have changed since writing “Jacksonville.”

Kilgannon’s newest EP, Florida Cowboy releases October 1st. The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Brok Mende at Friends of Friends Studio. “Lots of friends played on it too,” states Kilgannon when talking about the EP which he describes as “very beachy.” From conversation, it is clear Kilgannon is excited about this offering, and it seems to be about life as well. He recently moved back to Jacksonville Beach after heavy touring and a stint living on the west coast. Listening to this EP leads one to believe he missed the sand and surf.

Florida Cowboy opens with “Endless Brother Jam.” an instrumental featuring Lazy Deuces. The track starts like music for a Hawaiian Cafe movie scene. Halfway through, Kilgannon and the Deuces get rambunctious. Imagine American cowboys trying to turn the cafe into a saloon. This track sets the feel for an EP that is a full circle listening experience. 

Following the jam is “Casa Maria,” a song fans may be familiar with, especially if they have seen Kilgannon perform in the last year. It is quite a beautiful track that will have you singing along and planning a visit to your own Casa Maria.

Up next is “Taxi Song.” If the comfort of sea breeze could be music, this song would be it. 

Things get real smooth on “Rum Runner,” a song that epitomizes the laid back Florida beach life. Both lyrically and musically, this one is chill. 

I mentioned the album comes full circle, and that is definitely how it feels with the final, and title track “Florida Cowboy.”  With lyrical content the likes of, “I don’t ride horses I ride waves,“ and “flip flops are the only boots I wear,” Kilgannon cleverly marries the roaming cowboy and coastal surf personas together. It may just be that this Florida cowboy has found his home.

If I were to describe the Florida Cowboy EP to someone I would say it is as if Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, and Jimmy Buffet went on vacation together and wrote an album. Whether you are a beach lover, a cowboy or neither, this album is sure to make you feel relaxed and content with life.  

It is also very fitting that this release is in unison with a live performance at Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach, the venue's first show since having to close due to Covid-19. Kilgannon has spoken very highly of Blue Jay since it first opened, and it seems the perfect homecoming stage for him. 

Check out Florida Cowboy and the rest of Corey Kilgannon’s discography wherever you listen to music. You can also find and follow him on all the usual social media sites. Also, be sure to check out Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach, FL.