"Hillbilly Heartache," released in July 2006 on Rebel Records (REB-CD 1818), is Don Rigsby's first album as a formal bandleader, fronting his working group Midnight Call — Shayne Bartley (guitar), Dale Vanderpool (banjo), Bobby Maynard (bass), and Mike Barber — alongside Rigsby on mandolin, guitar, and lead vocals. The 13-track set leans into a traditional-but-not-austere bluegrass sound, sourcing material from writers including Shawn Camp, Tim Stafford, Larry Shell, and Jim Lauderdale alongside traditional pieces including "Kentucky Waltz." Having served as a celebrated sideman and studio voice for years — most prominently in the Lonesome River Band and as a duet partner with Del McCoury — Rigsby's first band album confirmed him as a fully-formed bandleader and front man in his own right within the traditional bluegrass community.
Tracklist
- 1 Hillbilly Heartache 3:04
- 2 Daddy Was A Moonshine Man 3:34
- 3 These Golden Fields 4:05
- 4 Big Jim 2:04
- 5 He Loves To Hear You Shout 2:21
- 6 Kentucky Waltz alt version 3:36
- 7 Make God Laugh 2:46
- 8 Forked Deer alt version 2:56
- 9 Old Green Chevrolet 3:08
- 10 Any Bar In Birmingham 3:13
- 11 Redbird 2:12
- 12 Prisoner Of The Highway 2:47
- 13 I Am the Man Thomas alt version 1:56
