Levi Parham exits Tulsa time zone for “My Finest Hour”

From left, Aaron Boehler, John Fullbright, Levi Parham, Dustin Pittsley, Paul Benjaman, Lauren Barth, Dylan Aycock, Jesse Aycock and Michael Staub stand outside Portside Sound Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. [Photo provided by Phil Clarkin]

The more time you spend with the Tulsa Sound, the messier it gets. It’s a gumbo of genres after all, and it entertains all sorts of rock, blues, country and boogie woogie tastes. Like a fancy roll of paper towels in a TV commercial, this Oklahoma creation soaks up everything in its tangled path. I’m here to talk about the newest Tulsa Sound entry even though it found its footing in Alabama.

Last year, singer-songwriter Levi Parham packed a suitcase — and a van full of Okie-bred musicians — for more than just a road trip to the famed soul music capital of the South. The McAlester native’s excursion to a Muscle Shoals recording studio acted as a timely document of just how deep the talent pool is in Tulsa County. I don’t know how everyone’s schedule lined up but it happened, and I’m glad it turned into the new record “It’s All Good.”

It lands June 15 via Horton Records, and the 10-track collection’s getting celebrated in concert on Saturday.

I suggest spending some time with the nearly 8-minute cut “My Finest Hour.” The sprawling song features an XXL collection of guitar talent, John Fullbright on keys and Parham delivering thoughtful and uplifting lines about making the best of the little time we’re given. His lyrics cut out about halfway through the track and guitar riffs do the rest of the talking. It’s essentially two tracks in one. Both halves speak volumes.

So, go ahead and turn it up.