Ryan Bingham returns today with his first full-length album in more than seven years and a new collaboration with The Texas Gentlemen. Released via The Bingham Recording Co./Thirty Tigers.
First single “Ballad of The Texas Gentlemen” reflects his evolving relationship with the band, a group he had previously played with intermittently before the collaboration became more formal. “I realized somewhere along the way I was part of a band again without really planning it,” Bingham said. The song captures that shift, focusing on the dynamic of returning to the road with a trusted group of musicians.
They Call Us The Lucky Ones features ten tracks, including previous singles “The Lucky Ones” and “Americana.” Across the album, Bingham continues to draw on themes that have defined his work – life on the road, personal resilience, and the realities of a working musician – while introducing a more collaborative approach to both writing and recording.
The project was recorded largely live with minimal overdubs, a deliberate decision that shapes its overall sound. Bingham has described the process as one of the most enjoyable of his career, noting that working closely with The Texas Gentlemen allowed for a more immediate and less structured recording environment. The result is a record that prioritizes feel and performance over precision.
The Texas Gentlemen — Ryan Ake (guitar), Daniel Creamer (piano, organ), Paul Grass (drums, percussion), and Scott Lee (bass) — play a central role throughout the album. Additional contributions come from Richard Bowden (fiddle, mandolin) and Cody Huggins (electric and acoustic guitar, pedal steel), expanding the record’s instrumentation while maintaining a consistent band-driven sound.
The release also marks Bingham’s first major studio album since a period of sustained activity outside traditional album cycles. In recent years, he has released standalone projects including the 2023 EP Watch Out For The Wolf and the live album Live at Red Rocks, while also gaining wider recognition for his acting role as Walker on Yellowstone. Beyond music and film, Bingham has launched his own record label, as well as ventures including a Texas-based festival and a spirits brand.
They Call Us The Lucky Ones is out now on CD, digital and vinyl.