ALBUM REVIEW

Cedar County Cobras - Sinners & Saints

Cedar County Cobras are an Americana duo from Eastern Iowa known for mixing Delta blues, early country, folk, and rural Americana into a lively, distinctive sound. The band has been performing for over a decade, building a reputation for energetic live shows. Guitarist Tom Spielbauer and multi-instrumentalist April Dirks are at the heart of the group, bringing together guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, and vocals to create their rich, handmade sound. Their latest release, "Sinner & Saints," continues to showcase their blend of rootsy storytelling and musical craftsmanship, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a fresh taste of their Americana style.

Opening with Matches & Gasoline, Tom Spielbauer on lead vocal and guitar joins with April Dirks on bass with high-energy instrumentation. Dirks also plays Mandolin injecting some hot runs and Tom overlays lead riffs over his own rhythm track. On Bessie Smith's Last Ride, Tom's deep raspy vocal is promoted by Heath Alan on bari sax and skillfully layering banjo, saxophone, and backing vocals. 

Get Right Church combines lively gospel influences with soulful organ and piano by Tanner Taylor, rocking electric guitar tone and lead vocal by Tom, drums by Bryan Vanderpool and solid backing vocals by Tom, April, Monica Faye and Krista Guillaume. Guitar Zero is my favorite track on the release with it's driving guitar rhythm, and spoken vocal, with April on mandolin just jamming away.

Wrapping the release is Precious Lord with it's easy electric rhythm, Tom on lead vocal, April on bass, Bryan on drums and warm backing vocals by Monica and Krista and stellar B3 by Taylor. Solid closer.  

📋 Album Credits & Production Info
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• Album Title Sinners & Saints
• Artist Cedar County Cobras
• Record Label Overton Music
• Release Date September 4, 2026
• Personnel Tom Spielbauer (Vocals, Acoustic/Electric/Lap Steel/Baritone Guitars, Banjo, Foot Drum), April Dirks (Upright Bass, Mandolin, Hand Percussion)
• Studio Production Produced by Tom Spielbauer and April Dirks; Recorded at Golden Bear Studios, Des Moines, Iowa; Released by Overton Music.

🎼 Track Listing & Personnel
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Featured Personnel & Musicians: Tom Spielbauer, April Dirks, Heath Alan, Tanner Taylor, Dave Moore, Monica Faye, and Krista Guillaume.

1. Matches & Gasoline
2. Motorbike
3. Bessie Smith's Last Ride
4. St. James Infirmary
5. Get Right Church
6. Mind My Own Business
7. Guitar Zero
8. Ruby Red
9. Springtime
10. Precious Lord

📺 Session Video Performance
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Watch: Cedar County Cobras perform selections from Sinners & Saints

🎵 Discography & Purchase Options
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Album Title	Record Label	Accreditation	Year
Sinners & Saints	Overton Music	Second Studio Album	2026
Homesick Blues	Cedar County Cobras	First Studio Album	2023