BITTERSWEET, Ky. — Well, it’s a new year, and time to look forward in all we do. And as we do, there are many new musical selections that will be available for our listening pleasure.

As I perused the lists of possibilities, much of what I read is purely speculation. Some of the for-sure releases include offerings from Scotty McCreery, Eric Church and Kacey Musgraves.

But one release, which will come in February, that has me excited and sad at the same time is from Montgomery Gentry. The popular duo met with tragedy last year as Troy Gentry lost his life in a helicopter crash.

This album, entitled Here’s to You, was recorded before Troy’s death and is the eighth from this award-winning pair. It will be supported by an extensive tour, the first Eddie Montgomery will make without his singing mate of 20 years.

The first single, “Better Me,” featured Gentry on the lead vocals and was released shortly after his death. The song certainly is one many of us who are past the “young person” stage can relate to. It is a fitting tribute to Troy, and if it is an indication of the rest of the album, this should be one of MG’s best yet. I think this selection really showcased what a great vocalist Gentry was.

I truly hope the tour and album are a success, and I know how difficult it will be to carry on without Gentry on stage. But Eddie is a great talent and a strong person. If anyone can move forward after such a tragic event, it is him, and I hope the fans get out and support him, the band and his efforts to keep the memory of Troy alive.

In addition to the Montgomery Gentry release, a debut album by the band LANCO will come out. This group will undoubtedly bring a younger crowd into the country music kitchen, with a youthful look and sound that should appeal to them as well as many of us older folks.

There are 11 tracks on this release, including their hit “Greatest Love Story.” These are Southern boys creating a country-rock sound that I think will take them far.

I’m really excited about some of the musical dishes that will be served up this year, and I’m sure to gain weight as I move throughout 2018 sampling all that is coming our way. Happy New Year!

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.