John Baumann’s “Proving Grounds” drops tomorrow (6/9), and as expected, it is definitely one you’ll need to add to your collection! Baumann’s distinctive twang, charismatic delivery, and working-man-vibe, provide 11 tracks of insightful stories, interesting characters, and resonating messages. The album’s unassuming style and honest lyrics present each track with an alluring veracity, that embodies the good-natured values of the small Texas towns that are often found in the background of his verses; offering a solid mixture of “West Texas dust, East Texas rust, a little San Antone, and touch of Cowtown”. The originality of Baumann, his sound, and this record is undeniable and proves he belongs in the ranks of Texas’ best songwriters.