On Tuesday, recording artist Josh Oldaker traveled to his West Virginia home by its signature country roads. He had spent Monday at Daywind Recording Studio in Nashville, recording his ninth studio album. As its title implies, the project brings the vocalist to his country/gospel roots. But “Country Revival” also refers to the potential rise of our great nation; one rooted in scripture.

 

“2 Chronicles 7:14 says if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” Oldaker said. “That’s where the country revival comes into play.”

 

The vocalist said he has been preparing to record the album for the past few months and that all 11 tracks were recorded in one day. The record is a series of covers which are close to his heart.

 

“’Chain Breaker’ is on there, which is a very familiar one that folks can really identify with and there’s one hymn – an older song ‘The Lighthouse’ – that a lot of folks have requested over the years to be on an album,” he said.

 

That simple country gospel-style of music is Oldaker’s heart and soul.

 

“I love old country music with a good gospel message; that’s always been my niche and it’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to record a country gospel album,” he said. “And it came at the perfect time. I was just touching base with Rick Schweinsburg, one of the producers at Daywind. I had met him at a Bowling Family event so I contacted him and was talking to him about the kinds of options they offered and it all fit perfectly.”

 

Mixed in with country gospel tunes are a few patriotic/Americana pieces such as “I’ve Got a Right to Pray” and “In God We Still Trust,” the latter recorded in 2009 by Diamond Rio.

 

“Those are two of the main ones, really. They are songs focusing on our country and prayer and bringing us together as we trust in God more,” Oldaker said.

 

“Country Revival” is slated for an autumn release and will be available at josholdaker.com at Oldaker’s local events. Until then, Oldaker and his music – including tunes from the new project - can be found at various upcoming fairs and festivals, including the West Virginia Blackberry Festival (7 p.m. Aug. 4), the Peach Festival in Romney (2 p.m. Aug. 5) and  the Mannington District Fair (Aug. 11), , among others. He is also working into his travels various church appearances. On Sept. 2, Oldaker will sing The National Anthem at the West Virginia Black Bear game in Morgantown. See Oldaker's full tour schedule and learn more about his music HERE at josholdaker.com.

 

Oldaker is a 2004 graduate of Bridgeport High Schoool. He and his wife Amanda have a three-year-old son Caleb and are expecting another boy in November.