Photo credit: Marti Clayton (That's Country)

Two years and 200,000 miles might change most men, but neither the time nor the miles have really changed Todd Fritsch; he’s still the down-to-earth, two-stepping, cattle-ranching cowboy who burst onto the country music scene in 2005. There are a few differences though – Todd really “owns” his vocals now, his band has gelled and his stage show is tighter, and he’s writing more of his own material. SAWDUST, Todd’s second CD for Diamond Music Group/Spinville, proves that there’s a man with a heart the size of Texas - and a voice to match - standing tall underneath that hat.

The 17-song disc kicks off with “What’s Wrong With Me,” and immediately, the energy bursts forth like a bull out of the chute. The track’s punchy dynamic and Todd’s far-ranging vocal meld perfectly with the song’s unique lyrics, making for a great “radio record.” Fritsch won’t deny that he hopes this track will boost him to the “big” Billboard chart and place him at the top of the Music Row chart as well. “It’s one of my goals for 2007,” says Fritsch. “It’s part of the reason we did the video – and it’s cool, with guest stars Roger Clemens and Eddy Raven, so there’s sort of something for everyone.”

One of SAWDUST’s treasures was written by Aaron Scherz, Jeff Batson and Thom Shepherd. “The Rock” is a true career record and is a masterpiece on every level. Todd digs in his boot heels and nails this one as surely as the congregation, stone and mortar hold together the church that is at the heart of this lyric. Fritsch’s voice is the strong foundation that carries the listener from the spring of 1844 through to the present day, recalling the joys, confessions, trials and tribulations that “The Rock” has seen along the way. The angels in those old rafters will surely sing along with Todd whenever this jewel is played.

A talented writing team themselves, Todd and producer Doug Deforest still searched high and low for songs for this CD, and they were thrilled to nail down “No Part Of” by Billy Yates and Will Nance. This uptempo, country dance tune has all the requirements of a great country song: lyin’, cheatin’ and more are covered in its clever word play.

Todd & Marti Clayton .... Photo credit: David Oke (That's Country)

Fritsch is country-to-the-bone, and “If You Don’t Like Country (Time To Leave)” leaves absolutely no doubt that this cowboy is serious about staying true-to-form. “It was a line I threw out to the crowd one night,” he says. “And I realized, ‘Hey, this really is how I feel.’ So Doug helped me put it together, and even though it’s a little more ‘Bocephus’ and a little less ‘Waylon-ish,’ than we’d planned, it’s become a big song for us live.”

The touching “Life’s A Circle” (Fritsch/Deforest), features Todd’s rich baritone, a graceful melody and a delicate mandolin – a mesmerizing combination. From start to finish, the song travels from youth, to old age, through death and to the birth of a new life. A picture may paint a thousand words, but a song this well written tells a story better than any visual ever could.

There’s plenty of good old Texas Swing to be found in “All That’s Left Is You.” Written by Fritsch, Deforest and Joe Bob Barnhill, the song has the feel of a great Ray Price tune. It boasts a clever lyric and an undeniable ‘40s feel that brings to mind smoke-filled clubs, ice-cold longnecks and sawdust-covered floors. Cool vamps and a nice modulation make for a memorable listen and a down-home, dance-hall delight.

“A Walk To Remember” holds a special place in Todd’s heart. He started the song with a friend who has since passed away, and Todd has no doubt that something bigger than both of them was involved. The two were working on the song when Randy Sarver became ill. Todd had no idea just how serious the situation was until Sarver’s wife called Todd to tell him that her husband had passed away. “I was devastated,” he recalls. “But Randy never let go of this song, and right before he died, he finished and demoed the last verse so that I’d have it. I re-worked the song with the help of Doug Deforest and Rick Stancil. I knew I had to put it on this album; it’s a gift that will always be special to me.”

Todd lives in the present but cherishes the past, and he’s vowed to stay true to his roots. The native of tiny Willow Springs, Texas has made it clear that he intends to include a traditional “cowboy campfire” song on every CD. “It’s really what I’m all about,” says the handsome 25-year old. “I still ride the line, repair fencing, train horses and doctor our cattle, so I can identify with the characters in these old songs.” “Little Joe The Wrangler” is a half-spoken tribute to the life of Little Joe, an unlikely cowboy and the cattlemen who befriend him. “No one writes songs like this anymore,” Fritsch comments. “But that lifestyle is part of my heritage, and the history of cowboy music is something I won’t let go.”

Todd & Preshias ... Photo credit: David Oke (That's Country)

Todd doesn’t let go of much. For all the miles he’s traveled, the ranch is still his home, and although his music has taken him far from the ranching life he loves, he regularly works 16 and 17 hour days when he’s not performing. “It’s hard sometimes,” he says of the traveling from gig to gig. “There’s so much down time. I just itch to get something done – and there aren’t any fences to mend or horses to ride out there on the road.” He loves the music, though, and Fritsch doubts if he could ever walk away from either life now. “I want my cake and eat it, too,” he says with his trademark grin.

Fritsch might as well face the facts and hang up his saddle and spurs – at least for the foreseeable future. His recent hits have taken him to a new level, and he’s now opening shows for the likes of Lee Ann Womack, Trick Pony, Joe Nichols, Cross Canadian Ragweed and others. In 2006, the European Country Music Association honored him in two categories: Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year (for TODD FRITSCH); he performed at CMA’s MusicFest; sang the National Anthem at a televised Houston Astros’ game, and toured Europe twice.

SAWDUST should open up even more markets for Todd, broaden his appeal and earn him many more fans, and that will mean a lot more “road” and a lot less “cowboying” in his future.