Vince Gill’s new record is called “Down to My Last Bad Habit,” and it’s an album of adult songs about heartache, broken relationships and personal weakness. Even the love songs, like “Me and My Girl,” have a hint of sadness to them, about wanting to drive out of town to where no one knows you.
Gill, who turns 60 next year, is a country singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, but he’s achieved an elder-ish statesman quality. His new record has a mellow-soul vibe to it, bringing to mind Don Henley and Michael McDonald in places. Elsewhere, like on “My Favorite Movie,” Gill sounds like late-period Roy Orbison.
But Gill hasn’t abandoned his country roots; the album’s closer, “A Sad One Comin’ On,” is a song for George Jones. What ties the new material together is the confidence and warmth in Gill’s singing.
Vince Gill plays the Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington, Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $46 to $86. 860-489-7180 and warnertheatre.org.
