Hello and welcome to the review pages. This month there’s more to tempt your purse and expand your collection and to please the real Country fans. Reba, Wynonna, Lorrie, Jewel and Sugarland are all here with great new release. Brandon Hickman steps from Lonesome River Band with his first solo bluegrass CD. Newcomers include Michael Scott and Zona Jones. I’m starting this month with the 2 most famous Georges in Country, Jones & Strait ………
GEORGE JONES...A COLLECTION OF MY BEST RECOLLECTION CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE 17008
The Country legend that is George Jones has partnered with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores to release a special collection of some of his biggest hits. This Cd also has 2 previously unreleased songs “I'm A Long Gone Daddy” and “I Don't Want To Know” produced by Buddy Cannon, the latter is George's favourite on this collection. “…They never released it because they thought it was ‘too country’” says George, “but since Cracker Barrel's happy to satisfy the cravings of real country music fans, we're putting it on this record…”. It includes “Why baby why” (his first Top Five Hit), “The race is on” “White lightning” “The window up above” “I don’t need your rockin’ chair” and of course, "He stopped loving her today" (which won the C.M.A. Song of the Year award twice 1980 and 1981 and won him his first Grammy in 81). Most of George’s hits have been released over the years in different formats but the 2 unreleased song included here will tempt the country fan to buy and they alone are worth the price of the CD. George has charted more singles (166) than any artist in any format of music ( and not many people know that ). This will be a great seller and deserves to be part of your collection. Congratulations must also go to Cracker Barrel who continue to release the BEST of country in this series following the successes of their previous releases including Montgomery Gentry's “For Our Heroes” (reviewed Oct/Nov issue) which debuted at No.5 On Billboard's Album Chart, and Dolly Parton's “Collectors' Edition of Backwoods Barbie” which debuted at No.9 on that chart. The series includes a number of exclusive releases in 2008, Bill Gaither's “Homecoming Hymns”, Kenny Rogers- “50 Years” Ricky Skaggs' “The High Notes” and Aaron Tippin's “He Believed” (also reviewed August 2008). Over the last few years Cracker Barrel has also released exclusive CDs featuring Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels. These are all available at www.crackerbarrel.com.OTHER SONGS: The love in your eyes-Finally Friday-Achin' breakin’ heart-You’re still on my mind (12 songs-36 mins)
GEORGE STRAIT…TWANG…HUMPHEAD RECORDS.. HUMP 059
On TWANG, from the opening guitar chords you know you are into some real “Country” here, as one expects from George, the songs, style, musicianship and production, all around his distinctive vocal, which has made him a leader in his field. He glides effortlessly into rocking country, Cajun and even a mariachi tune sung in Spanish, mixing it up with the ballads and dance-floor favourites ( and some that will be). It is the follow-up to George‘s No 1, platinum-certified “Troubadour” CD named "Best Country Album" at the 2009 Grammy Awards. George has now sold over 67 million albums and is in third place on the all-time platinum/multi-platinum album certification list, behind The Beatles and Elvis. He is certainly on a roll and at the top of his game. It includes his latest single “Living For The Night” co-written with Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon, and this marks the first time he has written a song since "I Can't See Texas From Here" from his “Strait Country” album. They also co-writes “Out of sight out of mind” and “He’s got that something special”. George epitomizes what makes modern country music so relevant and so entertaining with songs about rural life, work, love, broken hearts, a horse thief in a cowboy song worthy of Marty Robbins (Arkansas Dave) and others. Apart from Delbert Mc Clinton’s “Same kind of crazy” from 2002, and the 1971 “El Rey” (sung in Spanish), all the songs are today compositions (2009). Another award winning album for George, and producer Tony Brown, who directs the cream of Nashville’s musicians on songs to keep George on the charts for years to come. www.humpheadcountry.com and www.georgestrait.com for details. OTHER SONGS:-Twang-Where have I been all my life-I gotta get to you-Easy as you go-The breath you take-Hot grease & zydeco-Beautiful day for goodbye,(13 songs-43 minutes).
LORRIE MORGAN…A MOMENT IN TIME...COUNTRY CROSSING RECORDS
With more than 30 charted Billboard singles, 14 top ten hits and 7 gold and platinum albums, Lorrie Morgan was just 13 when she made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing with dad George Morgan and in 1984, made history as the youngest member ever inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.The idea of recording a “standards” album didn't appeal to Lorrie until she came up with a way to make it different, “…How about if we do it the old-fashioned way? We won’t do any overdubs. We'll go in with the best musicians there are in town. We'll do it like I remember the industry being, going into the studio with my dad when I was little…” said Lorrie to producer Wally Wilson. “Leavin' on Your Mind” “All Right (I'll Sign the Papers)” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “I'm Always on a Mountain” and “Misty Blue” are all given a new lease of life here. There’s a delicacy and drive on the powerful delivery on “Cry” (with sympathetic piano intro from Gordon Mote) and “'Till I get it Right” as well as a subtleness and sincerity on “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Break it to Me Gently”. Her quest for songs also led her to the late honky-tonk singer Mel Street’s songs “Borrowed Angel” and “Lovin' on Back Streets” and she revives Faron Young’s “Wine Me Up” as she recently become a wine connoisseur. She duets with Tracy Lawrence on “After The Fire is Gone” (with outstanding fiddle) and with Raul Malo on “Easy Lovin’” both memorable duets. Any of the songs mentioned could be chart hits once again. Bergen White did the vocal & string arrangements, bass player Glen Worf, steel guitarist Paul Franklin, drummer Eddie Bayers, pianist Gordon Mote, fiddlers Joe Spivey & Larry Franklin and guitarists Kenny Greenberg, , Billy Joe Walker Jr., Harold Bradley and Jimmy Capps supply the outstanding musicianship which gives the recording a polished finish. Wally Wilson and co-producer Chip Vorhis captured the live performances as they occurred and the sessions were also filmed for a DVD release soon ?) This collection of standards stands out, reminding me of the successful albums of past decades like Willie’s “Stardust” et al and this will surely be considered a long runner on the charts. Beautiful album from a great vocalist capturing that “classic” era in country with the style and song.www.countrycrossingrecords.com and www.lorrie.com for more details.(16 songs-44 mins).
BRANDON HICKMAN…YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL,..RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS.
With his distinctive vocal and song writing ability and as a member of the highly successful “Lonesome River Band”, it was only a matter of time before Brandon would record a solo album (and lay the groundwork for a solo career?). This comes hard on the heels of the No. 1 Bluegrass Unlimited album “No Turning Back” from the Lonesome River Band, where he is lead vocalist/guitarist. It would be an injustice to call this just a bluegrass album, as it is much more, a singer songwriter showcasing his talent in an acoustic-Americana collection. Brandon co-writes 10 songs with top writers and the musicians include Mike Anglin bass, Andy Ball guitar & mandolin, Jenee' Fleenor fiddle, Kim Gardner and Randy Kohrs resonator guitar, Aaron McDaris banjo, Ben Daniels guitar, Tammy Rogers mandolin and Brandon on all lead plus harmony vocals (HV), guitar, mandolin and bass, with Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle, Terry Eldridge, Jamie Johnson, Jenee Fleenor, Tammy Rogers, Shelby Kennedy, Val Storey and Andy Ball all guesting on HV on different songs. Produced by Brandon and Jimmy Metts who also engineered the CD, 4 of the songs are Brandon on guitar and vocal only, with Jerry and Val on HV: then he is joined by Jenee on fiddle and HV on one; Andy Ball on mandolin and HV on another; Andy on guitar with Val and Larry on HV and so it grows to the full band sound on 5 songs. It is so interesting to listen to the various combinations of instruments and arrangements giving the Cd great variety. The inclusion of 2 gospel songs “Let me walk Lord” and “Rest for His workers” plus the comedy song “I bought her the dog” co-written with Tammy Rogers adds another dimension. The first single “Always have, always will” has entered the charts while the album entered at No 8, great news for any debut album and single. Great crystal clear vocals and wonderful songs dominate throughout with super picking and playing from talented musos, everyone enjoying the event. Get a copy now and jump in at the start. www.ruralrhythm.com OTHER SONGS:- Rain & snow-Here comes that feeling again-What I know now-Wide spot on the road-So long 20’s-I take the backroads-Dime store rings-Wearin’ her knees out over me. (12 songs-41 mins).
REBA MCINTYRE…KEEP ON LOVING YOU...HUMPHEAD RECORDS…HUMP 066
Reba must be the most successful female recording artists, selling over 55 million albums, 33 No 1 hits, winner of 2 Grammy, 7 CMA, 9 People's Choice, 12 ACM and 15 American Music Awards. Her voice is distinctive, instantly recognisable as she delivers a fierce, powerful, clear and passionate vocal. Reba returns with this new Tony Brown/Mark Bright/ Reba co-produced album which I’m sure will garner acclaim and probably more awards. We’re talking “top drawer” here when you talk of songwriters, musicians, production, vocal ability and delivery. From the rocking up-tempo tunes “Strange” “Pink guitar” and “Nothing to lose”, the western swing “I'll have what she's having” to the tender ballads like “But why” “I keep on loving you”, “8 crazy hours” and “Over you” nobody sings them better. The ballads have great pathos, sincerity and that “I’ve been there” feel to them. The single "Strange" was the fastest-climbing single of her career. Seven songs produced by Mark with his team of session players, and Tony produces six with his team, using 16 musicians and 9 BG vocalists total. Also included are “Strange” and “Consider me gone” in DVD format, “Live” performances from Reba and her musicians as a bonus. Reba sounding as good as ever. www.humpheadcountry.com or www.reba.com OTHER SONGS:-Just when I thought I'd stopped loving you-I want a cowboy-Consider me gone-She's turning 50 today-Maggie Creek road.(15 songs-49 mins).
VINCE MELAMED…WHAT MATTERS MOST...ADROIT RECORDS Adroit 0902
Vince grew up in Los Angeles, signed a record deal at 16 and went to music school. After graduating he was back on the road as a musician and has toured successfully with a host of stars The Eagles, Rita Coolidge, G1en Frey, Jimmy Buffett, Rodney Crowell, Dan Fogelberg and Bob Dylan to name seven. During this time his songs were recorded by Cher, Tina Turner and Phoebe Snow. He came to Nashville to work with Rosanne Cash and in 1986 moved there. Success followed with hits by Trisha Yearwood “Walkaway Joe”, John Anderson had “Hillbilly Hollywood”, Boy Howdy “She'd give anything”, Restless Heart “Tell me what you dream”, Ty Herndon “What mattered most”, Jimmy Buffett “Souvenirs” and his most recent hit Phil Vassar “I'll take that as a yes”. While Vince is also is a founding member of Run C&W this is his first solo album. (He was on the Adroit CD “Words & Music Nashville” reviewed in June 09).“I'm basically a rock n' roll guy, and Jim Tract the producer … brought in some great musicians for the sessions…”. Vince’s own version of 4 of the hits songs are all different versions of the hits “What mattered most”, “I'll take that as a yes”, “Walkaway Joe” and “She'd give anything”. Cheley Tackett duets on “Perfect love forbidden” a bluesy story of love, “Walkaway Joe” gets a slower tempo with more expression, “Damn your love” is the after effect of a broken love affair as is “She'd give anything”. Vince’s vocal is like a heavy whisper at times, but he sings his own songs as only the writer can express them. The overall CD is basically love , broken love, broken hearts and sad songs, with a late night mood as one expects on this type of song . Still enjoyable and worthy of a listen to some great songs, with great musicianship. Recorded at different sessions there is a long list of musicians, with pedal steel, electric, acoustic, bass, guitars drums with Vince playing keyboards throughout. www.info@adroitrecords.com & www.vincemelamed.com OTHER SONGS:-Four o’clock train--The hard way-One little stone-I’ll leave the light on.(10 songs-42 minutes).
WYNONNA …SING-CHAPTER 1...CURB RECORDS…D2-79133
This CD is “…a reflection of the many different styles of music that I have come to love and want the next generation to hear. It is my time to pay homage to these great musical heroes. This album is a tribute to these icons who should not and cannot be forgotten…” as quoted from the sleeve notes on the CD, and that’s exactly what it is. A great tribute album to Wynonna’s heroes, each song given a personalized treatment as only she can give a song. Starting with a 1932 song “That’s how rhythm was born” she recreates the big band sound and style. The Hank William’s song “I’m so lonesome I could cry”, at a pedantic pace, leans to a Nashville Sound with super string section. You’d never believe that this was a country song back in 1949. The bluesy torch song “Women be wise” is vamped to perfection, and then the rocking slide guitar leads into the pulsating “I hear you knocking”. The gentle Red Lane/Larry Henley standard “Till I get it right” suits her smooth delivery . Haggard’s “Are the good times really over” has trumpet, trombone, baritone and tenor sax added over guitars drums, bass and piano, and the powerful vocal just sits right on top, shining like a beacon. Drums, bass, lead guitar and piano only on “The house is rockin’ delivers the late 50’s sound. The gentle classics “Ain’t no sunshine” from Bill Withers and the Bacharach / David’s “Anyone who has a heart” are split by the Leiber / Stoller pacey “I’m a woman”. There’s a string intro for “When I fall in love” the Nat King Cole hit one thinks can never be improved on….but it is here. The collection is rounded off by Crowell’s “Sing” which has a soul feel to it, gentle acoustic & gut string guitars, bass, drums, piano and strings. Not for the traditional country fan, more for the musically minded who rate great songs with great arrangements and Wynonna’s singing…like only she can. A stand out collection! www.myspace.com/wynonnajudd and also www.wynonna.com or even www.curb.com for more, including your favourite Wynonna song ring-tone.(12 songs-47 mins).
MICHAEL SCOTT…BRING IT ON…AGR TELEVISION RECORDS 1922041
Michael Scott says he grew up in a car travelling between Milwaukee and Nashville where his father was trying to make it as a country singer. Michael recalls “… listening to my dad's favourite country music stations. So in a way, this is how Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis and George Jones became my music teachers”. Michael started as a DJ in clubs, sometimes singing. While playing street football he literally bumped into Garth Brooks which led to friendship and door opening by Garth. Soon he was appearing with Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney and finally finished his debut CD. The crew of talented musicians has Chris Leuzinger & Brent Mason on el guitars, Dave Pomery & Mike Brignardello bass, Lonnie Wilson drums, Gary Smith & Tim Akers piano, organ and synth, Biff Watson acoustic, Mike Johnson steel, lap steel and dobro, Joe Spivey & Larry Franklin fiddle, and Glenn Duncan fiddle, mandolin and bazouki. His voice has a great sound, reminding me of early John Anderson particularly on the rocky “I call it livin’” and on the swamp sounding “Ray Ray’s juke joint”. Guitar driven modern mid-paced and up-tempo songs, well performed and delivered faultlessly, in a country package geared very much to today radio and charts. You have to wait until song 9 for the first slow ballad “Somebody’s praying for me” and it’s worth the wait as Michael is really at home here. Great songs from talented songwriters covering love, lost love, and romance with a beat. I particularly enjoyed “Neverland” a story of sadness after a car accident as well as “Ray Ray's juke joint” and “Leavin' and gone”. Great debut album from someone who has that talent for longevity in country. www.agr-music.com or www.michaelscott.com for more. OTHER SONGS:-Bring it on - I hear you now - She loves me like a woman - She's everything I need - What are the chances (10 songs-37 minutes).
ZONA JONES…PROVE ME RIGHT...AGR TELEVISION RECORDS 1922049
Zona hails from Beaumont, Texas. His first name is an abbreviation of Arizona and “…my dream, since childhood, was to become a country singer…” he says. He made his mark in the Texas music scene in 1993 with his band Swing West, and his debut album “Harley's & Horses”. He received great acclaim and three top five singles on Texas charts. Recently signed to Tracy Lawrence's Rocky Comfort Records, this is his first national release in the US and in Europe. He continued to work on his voice, phrasing and song writing with great success as this current album “Prove me right” now proves. Zona offers a balanced mixture of lively country and soft country rock all with that modern traditional fiddle and steel feel to them. “You should've seen her this morning” “Never took my eyes of you”, a snappy “Rock 'n' roll day off”, a great cover of Strait’s 1987 hit “Blame it on Mexico” and deep memorable ballads, “When you love 'em like crazy” “Bluer than blue” “Go away” and “Two hearts” all the songs from TOP songwriters. Great production from Mike Jones & Zona and James Stroud and great musicianship from Nashville pickers playing their best, around a charismatic voice. This is “the new kid on the block” and it sounds like durability, with a long successful career in the offing. www.agr-music.com and www.zonajones.com OTHER SONGS:- Could not stop myself from loving you-You should've seen her this morning-Bluer than blue-She showed me- Drinking. (12 songs- 40 mins).
TED RUSSELL KAMP…POOR MAN’S PARADISE....PoMo RECORDS 8-03020-1440-26
Multi talented singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Ted has released a mix of country, Southern rock and Americana in the style of his lifelong inspirations Cale, The Band, and Kristofferson. He writes and co-writes all the songs, with a storyteller's flair for unusual characters. “Just a Yesterday Away” is a story of a lost lover and sets the tone, followed by the Jerry Reed-style “Just Go South”. There’s lots of story songs “Ballad of that guy”, the waltzing “Player piano” and the weepy “Let love do the rest”. While travelling as bass guitarist with Shooter Jennings, Ted found colourful characters and their dialectic colloquialisms at truck stops and festivals, while fans, musicians, waitresses, desk clerks and others inspired, like the bartender in "Player Piano" and the “poor man” of “Poor man’s paradise” (looking for paradise in the arms of a wayward lover). Ted says “… “I'm influenced by the '60s and '70s …That's an era I always come back to when I'm looking for inspiration.” The New Orleans-flavoured “Old Folks Blues,” and “Just go south” are funky stomping stories truthfully told about life on the road, the bluesy “Dixie” tells of lost love… “we had it good, good as anybody could” with haunting steel guitar. There’s a sadness in his slow ballad songs, or is it truth shining through? But he lifts us up with the road song “Long distance man” and the autobiographical? “Ballad of that guy”. The musicians include Ted on guitar, mandolin, lap steel, bass, keyboards, accordion, trombone and trumpet with additional guitar, drums mandolin, pedal steel (from Robby Turner on track 1 only), percussion, Hammond, and Rhodes with vocalists including Mark Stuart, Gia Ciambotti, Penny Dale, Chip Taylor, Shooter Jennings, Arlane Kamp, Tina Schlieske and Robin Wiley guesting. Ted sums it up nicely with “…I wanted each song on this album to go to a different place lyrically and musically and hopefully listeners will enjoy that journey.” I certainly did and I am sure that you will too. www.tedrussellkamp.com for details. It is also available in the UK through Proper Music. OTHER SONGS:- Let the rain fall down-Never gonna do you wrong-(11 songs-45 mins).
JEWEL…PERFECTLY CLEAR...HUMPHEAD RECORDS…HUMP056
Finally released in the UK, this, her 7th album is co-produced with John Rich, and originally went Top 10 in US charts and No.1 Country in 2008. Jewel is quoted as saying “… I've been writing country songs my whole career; some of the songs on this record date back to when I was 18. I've been hanging on to them until now. They were meant for a record like this one”. It opens with “Stronger woman” (also enhanced to view in DVD) which Jewel co-writes with Merv Green. Jewel writes all the songs (except “Til it feels like cheating” by Lisa Carver and Liz Rose) some are co-writes with Shaye Smith, Wynn Varble, Guy Chambers and Joe Firstman. The song, “I do” is about making up, a song with a great hook and delivered with punch. “Love is a garden” is a gentler songs again about .. making up and the story of “Rosey & Mick” is about…making up. “Anyone but you” is a stone country ballad (with great steel parts from Mike Johnson) and reminded me of Emmy Lou singing with Jeannie Sealy. Her voice also reminds me of early Linda Rondstat on “Loved by you” and “Perfectly clear” 2 great love songs. She sings her heart out on every songs, super voice, great delivery and her range is exceptional. Super musicians drums, steel, percussion, electric guitar, bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, viola and bazouki, piano, accordion B3, acoustic, and hi-strung guitar. John Rich guests on harmony vocal on “Two became one” and “I do” while Liana Manis and Wes Hightower sing on “Rosey and Mike” and “Anyone but you”. Great country album with super songs, great arrangements and production. www.jewel.com or www.myspace.com/jewel for music and bio or on www.humpheadrecords.com for more info. OTHER SONGS:- Thump, thump-Everything reminds me of you (11 songs-41 mins).
CD & DVD-SUGARLAND…LIVE ON THE INSIDE ...HUMPHEAD HUMP 064
CD:- As part of the intro to song 3 on the CD Jennifer Nettles (one half of Sugarland), while referring to Led Zeppelin and Clash tee-shirts states “…it’s all about all kinds of music up here in Sugarland…” as they move through covers made famous by Beyonce, B-52's, Pearl Jam, Edie Brickell, Kings of Leon and R.E.M. plus 4 self written songs “Love” “All I want to do” “Night swimming/Joey” and “Stay”. The duo exploded onto the country music scene 6 years ago and have racked up more than 8 million album sales, 2 consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year and 2 Grammy Awards. This is their fourth CD release. It includes live recordings of seven of their famous covers and their 3 biggest hits, including their Grammy-winner “Stay”. The lightest songs here are “Sex on fire” with Jennifer and Kristian Bush (the other half) sharing vocals with acoustic guitar and piano only, “The one I love” with acoustic guitar and mandolin only and “Stay” with vocal and acoustic guitar only, great songs and arrangement. All the other songs features a really tight road band, making this an excellent listen. OTHER SONGS:-Circle - Better man - Irreplaceable- Love shock.(10 tracks-44 mins) DVD:- Filmed in high-definition in Lexington, Kentucky by director Shaun Silva with 20 cameras, the duo's artistic and innovative live show comes to life with 16 songs and over an hour of live performance footage. They repeat only 5 of the songs from the CD and include their 5 No 1 hits “Want To”, “Settlin’”, “Stay”, “All I Want To Do” and “It Happens” as well as other chart successes. The road band of Travis McNabb drums, Annie Clements bass and vocals, Brandon Bush keyboards accordion and vocals, Scott Patton and Thad Beaty electric, acoustic guitars (and steel at times) and vocals all perform at their best and everyone gives a faultless performance. Their show is exciting, great songs, with some terrific visual and lighting effects and a lively audience who obviously enjoyed the live spectacle. This is how a country show is nowadays and if it sells million of CDs then the plan is working. It’s all about entertainment and the audience were and the viewers will be certainly entertained. Its another coup for Humphead to released this CD/DVD in the UK and I’m sure this will draw many towards today’s country. This outstanding performance is wonderful both in sound and vision and yes it is entertaining. Loads of information at www.humpheadcountry.com and at www.Sugarland.com DVD:-OTHER SONGS:- Love - Baby girl - Night swimming-Joey-Already gone- Steve Earle- Genevieve- Everyday America-Down in Mississippi (Up to no good)-The one I love-Something more.(16 songs 88 minutes)
That’s it for another year……I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Always delighted to hear your comments via e-mail at gerryford@madasafish.com.
Keep on keeping it country.....Gerry Ford.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2009
Hello once again as we move into the review pages. As usual there’s a wealth of country releases, something for everyone I'd say, and certainly sure to please the discerning country fan. Bluegrass is from Russell Moore & 111rd Tyme Out, while newcomers to me Grant Langston, Gina Villalobos and Steff Nevers all have great CDs. Ronnie Milsap returns with a double Gospel CD and Montgomery Gentry have a special release. Canadian Brad Johner releases another cracker, as does John Rich now solo, and that’s just the first 8. I‘m starting this month with the family Tradition that is ….
HANK WILLIAMS JR...127 Rose Avenue…CURB RECORDS…D2-79149
Hank Jr. has established himself with his unique voice, style and song since his first No 1 back in September, 1970 with “All for the love of sunshine”. If you are expecting more “Sunshine” songs they are not here, this is more of his “rowdy friends” music beloved by his fans. His blend of songs on life and love, his heritage, tradition and patriotism continue as the main themes of his music, as displayed on “Forged by fire” a powerful patriotic piece and “Last driftin’ cowboy” a tribute in two styles to the “Drifting Cowboys” band. This 70th album, debuted at No 7 on the album charts. It’s big guitars, loud vocals, drums, drama and stadium sounds, apart from the occasional wander, like the blues-guitar and vocal on the first verse of “Long gone lonesome blues” or on the ballad “Gulf shore road” or when he is joined by the Grascals and drummer Steve Turner vocally and musically on “All the roads” showing Hank Jr. in another light, ( maybe even considering a bluegrass album?). The musicians are the cream of the crop. If you like your country with an edge featuring great songs with powerful delivery, outstanding musicianship, production and content you’ll never better Hank Jr and this will rank as one of his best albums ever. www.curb.com & www.hankjr.com are the web pages. OTHER SONGS:- Farm song-Red white and pink-slip blues-High maintenance woman-Mighty oak trees-127 Rose Avenue-Sounds like justice.(11songs-45mins).
HOLLY WILLIAMS…HERE WITH ME…HUMPHEAD RECORDS HUMP 052
Holly is Hank Jr's daughter. This is her 2nd album while her debut “The Ones, We Never Knew” received great reviews. Holly writes 8 songs here including 2 co-writes with Chris Janson, and one each with Chuck Jones and Marcus Hummon. Hilary Lindsay and Luke Laird co-write the first single "Keep The Change” about living life at home and then waxes philosophic, with that great line“…I've paid my dues honey, you can keep the change…”. Her song “Mama” is certainly autobiographical in content and a wonderful tribute, while “Let her go” could be added in that same framework. “Three days in bed (with a stranger)” features husky voiced Holly and an acoustic guitar while the ballad “Alone” is piano led and fear of being alone. “A love I think will last” is a great up-tempo love duet with Chris Janson (who co-wrote it too).The song “Without Jesus here with me” is another autobiographical piece written after her near fatal car accident. The Cd closes with a Neil Young song “Birds”. With her great writing talent and unique voice, Holly is incomparable to others, and with most of the songs radio friendly, radio play and exposure will in time make here easily recognisable and bring great success. Lovely songs delivered with tenderness, clarity and excellent musicianship from the various musicians across the CD. Details from www.humpheadcountry.com OTHER SONGS;- He’s making a fool out of you-I hold on-Gone with the morning sun (11 songs-37 minutes).
GINA VILLALOBOS…DAYS ON THEIR SIDE...FACE WEST RECORDS. FW003
California native, Gina Villalobos is an Americana, soft rock, folk and alt-country singer-songwriter who became one of the most acclaimed new artists in the alternative country community with her breakthrough album in 2005 "Rock N Roll Pony". This, her 4th CD, is on her own label, Face West Records and is hard to categorise. To a country listener it appeals, with her distinctive voice, husky and stretched at times,
but always within the boundaries of enjoyable. All the songs are self written and range in style from slow ballads to mid tempo stories of life through her eyes. Gina has been included with and influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Patty Smith, and Lucinda Williams and others who paints pictures with words and melody. The musicians are a collection of classy pickers from the Californian scene new to me. Gina and Eric Colvin co-produces while Eric and Ben Pringle plays Hammond and Wurlitzer, and Gina plays acoustic and some el. guitar. Sean Coffey and Josh Grange pedal steel, Dawn Fainter bass, Andrew Garters drums, Kevin Holland el. guitar and banjo, Jamie Candler piano, and Tanya Haden cello. www.ginavillalobos.com for music samples, downloads and loads of information including where and how to buy. SONGS:-Take a beating-Sun in my eyes-String it out-Ring around my room-Crazy-Mortified-Immune- Pictures of pictures-Falling away-Days on their side-Second chance-Die here tonight”(12 songs - 44 mins).
RUSSELL MOORE & 111RD TYME OUT...RURAL RHYTHM RHY1045
This bluegrass band with guitarist Russell Moore, Steve Dilling on banjo, Justen Haynes on fiddle, Wayne Benson on mandolin and Edgar Loudermilk bass has been together for 18 years (and they all sing). This is their 15th and 1st studio album for 5 years. Together they have won over 50 Awards including Vocal Group of the Year 7 times from the I.B.M.A. Top songs from Tim Stafford, Becky Buller, Jeff Hovis, Kim Fox and Ronnie Bowman and others are presented with no additional musicians. The blend of instruments, the outstanding vocal harmonies and Russell’s vocal ability combine to give this collection a modern feel, in a traditional setting, without allowing the music to be swallowed up by additions and gimmicks. It opens with the up-tempo prison song “Hard rock mountain prison” followed by the tender ballad with remembered memories of “Me & Dad”. “Carolina’s arms” “I’m leaving” and “The last greyhound” are all leaving songs, while Russell’s co-write “ Prayer for peace” is a gentle patriotic gospel ballad that will be around for many years. Becky Buller’s story song “My Angeline” tells of lost love. Russell’s “Little John I am” and “Big city blues” are real life songs and the Melvin Endsley classic “Knee deep in the blues” gets a bluegrass treatment to great effect. “Boiling Springs” written by Wayne shows the bands instrumental talents to perfection and the CD closes with the gospel “The Eastern gate” at a gentle pace. Overall this is worthy of awards and no doubt will collect later this year. www.111rdtymeout.com www.ruralrhythm.com for more.(12 songs-36 mins).
JOHN RICH...SON OF A PREACHER MAN..HUMPHEAD RECORDS..HUMP 057
John Rich is now a multi-platinum CD seller with Top 10 and No.1 Country hits and credentials gained with Lonestar and Big & Rich. As an award winning songwriter and producer he helped to launch Gretchen Wilson and others. This album is another “all my own work” CDs, ( well nearly) for as well as singing and producing he also plays guitar, writes 2 songs himself and shares the credits on all the other songs, with John Anderson (2) Vicky McGehee (6) and Marv Green (1). In these troubled times in the US and around the world economically, Rich steps up to the plate with great political comment on “Shutting Detroit Down” and again on “The good Lord and the man” while “Trucker Man” salutes the drivers. Then it’s slow down and get all sentimental on “Another you” and later on “I don't wanna lose your love” with Gretchen singing harmony, both power ballads. He rocks along on “Everybody wants to be me” and again on “Turn a country boy on” then adds a lovely tender vocal to “I thought you’d never ask” and swings old style with added brass on “Drive myself to drink” showing that he can sing much more than in a country style. But apart from that and one other with strings, this is solid country, fiddles, guitars and steel to the fore. Top musicians playing at their best, great songs, great vocal, great arrangements, great variety and production all in all a GREAT CD. www.humphead.com www.myspace.com/johnrich and www.johnrich.com for more details. OTHER SONGS:-Preacher man-Why does somebody always have to die.(11 songs-42 min).
BRAD JOHNER…LOOKIN’ AT YOU…ONRAMP RECORDS/EMI R2009001
When I reviewed Brads CD “Summertown Road” in December 2007 I said “…He has a great voice and unique delivery which makes his voice instantly recognisable…”. That album delivered numerous singles and various awards in Canada and I’m sure this, his 3rd release, will continue in the same vein. The current single “Lookin' At You” is climbing the Canadian charts and receiving great play on country radio. This is a collection of songs by top Nashville songwriters and played by top session players with guitars, piano, drums, steel and fiddle giving the overall sound a lovely today country feel. Opening with “The trouble with love” and then the new single “Looking at you” both catchy love songs. He delivers the lovely ballad “High” well and “That wouldn’t be me” and “The whole idea” will surely be hit singles, catchy and pulsating. “She’s good to go” and “Saved by Grace” are “teens with problem” songs, and Chris Rice’s “Other side of the radio” sums up the album nicely, catchy songs, well produced with a distinctive vocal and a quality continued across the whole album. Check out www.bradjohner.com for more details and how to buy. OTHER SONGS:- I want it- Take time.(10 songs-38 mins)
GRANT LANGSTON…STAND UP MAN…MSG RECORDS
Alabama born and raised singer-songwriter Grant Langston moved to the west coast and joined the Bakersfield country scene, where he is now a veteran honky-tanker rooted in the music and sound there, after a short and undistinguished flurry in Nashville. You can hear the influences of country greats Cash, Haggard, Yoakum and Nelson with guitar work that rocks. The songs are guitar-driven melodies and down-home arrangements mixed in with an earthy country twang. Co-produced by Grant with Rich McCauley, his band “The Supermodels” include guitarist Larry Marcia, bassist Josh Fleeter, and drummer Tony Harkins with added guests on different songs including Rich on guitar, bass and mandolin, Carl Bison on piano, Chris Lawrence on pedal steel, Gibe Watcher and Amy Farris fiddle, and Amy, Jeanne Jolly and Sarah Stanley back-up vocals. His songs have a distinct edge to the writing, with clever hooks and no nonsense telling, all delivered with an experienced voice. On “Burt Reynolds move and brawl” there’s a great stomping dance beat, “30 Days” an unusual leaving song, while the ballad “Just Pretend You Love Me Tonight” is worthy of any country chart, with great steel guitar work. “The King of Sunset Hills” is about sex in an old folks home (who says country is boring?), “Broken Clocks” is Bakersfield guitar honky-tank at its best, while “I give up” with great fiddle is a rousing fun song and the fast paced “Damn Good Day” has great rocking lead guitar solos. The reprise of “Call my bluff” swamp style creates a whole new song. There are free downloads, $7 CDs and even the chance of a custom song written for the buyer on his web site at www.grant.com so check it out. Great album, super unusual lyrics in great songs, delivered with tongue in cheek and great sincerity or both as each song demands. SONGS:-Stand up man-Shiner bock and violin -Not another song about California. (11 songs plus reprise - 43 mins)
RONNIE MILSAP…THEN SINGS MY SOUL...EMI RECORDS…5099924225526
Ronnie ranks as one of country’s most successful singers with 40 number one hits, over 35 million records sold, 7 Grammy, 8 CMA and 4 ACM awards plus numerous accolades to his credit. This is his first venture into the world of country gospel music. Having decided to record this project he certainly didn’t skimp or cut corners. Top musicians and backup vocalists, wonderful arrangements, great production on Gospel songs and hymns from the new to traditional plus the addition of 4 secular songs, an inclusion of the classic “Stand by me”, “People get ready” and his former gospel hit “What a difference you’ve made in my life” (Country No. 1 January, 1978) is inspired. The new songs include “Up to Zion” written by Noreen Crayton & Greg Tornquist, James Darrell Scott /John Anderson song “World of wisdom” and “ Jesus was all I had” by Donnie Fritts and Bill Blackburn. It opens with Brumley’s “I’ll fly away” at a very sedate pace and cleverly didn’t fall into the sudden up-tempo jump expected. His gentle versions of “How great Thou Art” and “Farther along” are separated by the up-tempo “Soon and very soon” while “Amazing Grace” “In the garden” and “Have Thine own way” are delivered with his unmistakable vocal over piano and guitars. There’s a more moderate country pace on “Just a closer walk with Thee” and “Peace in the valley”. CD 2 opens with a do-wap version of “Swing down Chariot” with great backup vocal, while his versions of standards like “Precious memories” “Rock of ages” “Softly and tenderly” “It is no secret” and “The old rugged cross” leave the listener wanting more. Ronnie sings here with great sincerity and delight at delivering the songs special to him personally….at least that’s how it sounded to me. Faultless in production and delivery this deserves great exposure and while you may already have versions of some of the songs this will certainly enhance any collection. Highly addictive listening here and certainly inspirational. www.emicmg.com http://www.ronniemilsap.com www.starsong.com for more information. DISC 2-What a friend-Holy Holy Holy-The Lord's prayer.( 24 songs-85 mins).
SAM MILLAR…SATURDAY NIGHT…CMR HOT RECORDS…CMHR001
Sam Millar’s first album “9 hours to Nashville” was a critical success with many of the tracks used for line-dance compilations. Sam continued writing and returned to the Nashville to record his second album, produced by Mark Moseley, earlier this year. “Saturday Night” is the theme and emotions based around that night. With a team of top session musicians and singers we now have a modern day pop/country album. Sam writes eleven of the songs (the only cover being his version of “I Can See Clearly Now” a hit for Johnny Nash which he sings with a great vocal and wonderful arrangement), but we have to wait to song 4 “Getting Nowhere” for the first real sounding country song, piano led with nice strings, ( like the old Nashville sound), then song 6 for “Thank you very much” for a little steel guitar. “House full of love” is a country gospel song with true meaning delivered with great sincerity. “Somebody’s in love” is another nice country song delivered as a romantic ballad. I found the lyrics didn’t flow at times with extra words in lines that didn’t scan with the music, but many of the song are well written. There’s a mixture of driving dance tunes and laid back ballads with good variety overall. Sam’s first 2 singles on the Country Hot Disc “Getting nowhere” (May 09) and “Saturday night” (August 09) have done well with his latest making the top ten for 2 consecutive weeks. Enjoyed “Temptation my heart” a good song, one of his best, mid tempo for dancing and would make a good single, has a nice radio friendly sound too. More details at www.sammillar.com or (e-mail to djangoproms@btinternet.com) OTHER SONGS:-Diamond love-At
the funfair-Just give me one beautiful girl on a horse with some lemonade-You lied I cried-Gypsies.(12songs-46 mins).
CHARLIE ALLEN...THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW...RIVER RUN RECORDS 2009 could be the turn-a-round year for Charlie Allen’s career here in Europe. On 1st January he hit No 3 on the main Hot Disc chart and No 1 on the Independent Chart with “Proof” and stayed on the chart until 12th March. Then his latest single “Good time Charlie’s got the blues” went straight in at No 1 on 9th April and stayed until July. He visited UK in January to promote, came back to perform at the UTV Festival in Belfast in August and included some Scottish dates, all with great success. (I saw him in Kirkcaldy 10th August with Jackie Storrar in a great night’s “country and more” show where Jackie also launched “Caledonia” her great new single).This Cd has both chart-toppers included. He is a prolific writer and his name is behind 9 of the songs here, all co-writes mainly with Brian G. White and Steve Dean. Brian and Steve also produce and co-write another 2 songs and Danny O’Keefe’s “Good time Charlie’s got the blues” makes 12 in all. Top session players giving their country best here, surrounding a strong & powerful vocal with great direct delivery and great range. This is not old style traditional country, but it does have steel, fiddle, mandolin, and great guitars, outstanding vocal, variety, super songs and arrangements, just “Country” like today. The songs are well written, covering a variety of subjects from broken hearts and love songs to drinking and the sadness of lost love, religion and belief. There’s clever wordplay like in “Proof” “…when the whisky starts talking the Proof comes out…”. This is modern country, much deserving of a huge audience and while Charlie is on his own record label I can’t understand why he’s not with a major and on the US Charts as the Cd sounds radio friendly (like a best friend should). Recommend you check out his web sites for more, www.myspace.com/charlieallenmusic www.charlieallen.com or www.riverrunrecords.comOTHER SONGS:- Can’t take him out of me-I did this to me-Why ask why-See if I care-Everything but me-Can’t live without you-She’s still here-That was then, this is now-Dollar general-I don’t have forever.(12 songs-44 mins).
MONTGOMERY GENTRY…FOR OUR HEROES...CRACKER BARREL A 749446
The latest from country’s most successful and most awarded duo is a selected cross-section of their former hits and other songs, released through the popular Cracker Barrel Country Stores Music catalogue. It includes one new song “One of these days”, and is dedicated to the “Wounded Warrior Project” founded to honour and empower the US wounded warriors, and to help the severely injured service men and women, (you can visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org for more details). The songs are instantly recognisable and could have easily been called a “Greatest Hits” or “ Best of” . It includes the slow burners “Didn’t I” “She loved me” and “The man that I am” and the gentle “Tattoos and scars”, while amongst the stompers you’ll find “Something to be proud of” “Daddy won’t sell the farm” and “Blue collar nights” and the rockers “Just got paid” “One of these days” and even Bon Jovi’s “Wanted dead or alive”. It’s a super collection of top notch songs and I am so glad they did not fall into the “patriotic song collection” on this themed album. For more details check out the music catalogue at www.crackerbarrel.com and buy it via the web. You will be delighted with the content of the Cd and you’ll also help a worthy cause. OTHER SONGS:-Some people change-Tattoos and scars-My town.(12 songs- 50 mins).
NICK and NOAH MURRAY… SLINGSHOT BUDDIES.
Nick and Noah Murray’s debut single, “Sling Shot Buddies” entered the Country Hotdisc chart on 4th June at No.1 and stayed on the top ten for 8 weeks. Their next single “Matthew 25” will be on the charts by the time you read this and both are from this their first CD. They stand 6’3” inches tall, blond hair, blue eyes and twins, and can sing the soul out of any one and all of the songs on this CD. Their break-through came with the American Country Idol contest last year when the won their heat in Omaha, and continue to host the show to the finals in Branson. Although steeped in country music tradition they are not afraid to perform songs and record out-with the genre, like Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” and Randy Newman’s “You can leave your hat on” both included. It’s up to date country with all the expected instrumentation guitars, fiddle, steel, bass, drums, piano and keyboards with strings on the power ballad “She’s water” which they handle well. “Mathew 25” opens with fiddle (Wanda Vick) and acoustic guitar (Mark Moseley, who also produces 8 songs and co-produces the other 2 with Jill Spencer and Vince Kavanaugh), slowly building to a mid tempo gentle well expressed real country story song with lovely piano (Walt Cunningham) and steel (Scott Saunders) underlay. The remaining songs are all a little heavier, punchy, rocking fun songs, “It’s summer round here” “Sling Shot Buddies” “One hell of a ride” “Trouble rides a fast horse” “Get your honky tonk on” and “We’re all here”. There’s some great el. guitar solos throughout (Kelly Back) and driving bass and drums (Duncan Mullins, Tommy Wells & Jimmy Carter) pulsing along at times. Great debut album from a duo who should be around for a long time in (and out of) country and will build a large following on their obvious talents and continued TV exposure stateside. The CD is available here via Django Promotions. (e-mail to djangoproms@btinternet.com) or www.nickandnoahmurray.com (10 songs-39 mins).
Always delighted to hear your comments via e-mail at gerryford@madasafish.com.
Keep on keeping it Country.....Gerry Ford.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 Hello once again as we move into the review pages. As usual there's a wealth of country releases, something for everyone I'd say, and certainly sure to please the "hardest to please" country fan. The Oakridge Boys are back, so too is Tracy Lawrence, and Randy Travis with "The Ultimate" hits collection. Bluegrass this month from the Lonesome River Band and Audie Blaylock and Redline, and from Ireland theres reident Robert Mizzell with 2 Cds and a DVD, Scotland's Stretch Dawson debuts and the ladies are well represented too with Alice, Amanda and Janie. This time I'm starting with and outstanding CD from ............
THE OAKRIDGE BOYS...THE BOYS ARE BACK, EMI MUSIC/SPRINGHILL MUSIC
The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in country. They had the ability to keep abreast of new ideas and at times became the “leader of the pack” in musical direction in Nashville during their most productive era, from their 1st No. 1 “I’ll be true to you” in June 1978 to “No matter how high” their 17th in March 1990. The diversity of their music over the years is noticeable listening to “Leaving Louisiana” and “Elvira” “Bobbie Sue” and “Gonna take a lot of river” “Thank God For Kids” and “American Made” “Fancy Free” and “Dream On” to name some of the No. 1 and Top 10 hits that won CMA, ACM, Dove and Grammy awards.The new CD sounds like they were never away. Produced by Dave Cobb (also plays guitar, bass and percussion) they set out to create a new sound that has all the hallmarks of familiarity. Fred Mandel plays piano and keyboards, Chris Powell drums, Robby Turner steel guitar, with guests Jesse Colter on piano on “Hold me closely”, and Jason Cope on “Live with Jesus”. The songs are from Shooter Jennings “The boys are back” a catchy up-tempo stomper, Brent Cobb’s gospel ballad “Hold me closely” followed by the lilting love song “Hold me in your arms” from Ethan Johns and Raycharles Lamontagne and the uplifting “Seven nation army” written by Jack White of the White Stripes', also the first single. Jamey Johnson & George Teren co-write a wonderful story ballad of family life at “Mama’s table” with haunting steel and lovely piano. There’s no mistaking the John Lee Hooker song “Boom Boom”. “ You ain’t gonna blow my house down” by Dallas Frazier and Glenn Ashworth features Ted Kamp on bass and Jason Cope on guitar. Neil Young’s “Beautiful Bluebird” gets a whole new vocal sound. The traditional “God’s gonna ease my troubling’ mind” is re-arranged and “Live with Jesus” (Paul Kennerley) closes in true gospel style. Outstanding and unmistakable vocal harmony arrangements, wonderful songs and musicianship all produced with taste and surely a contender for the awards 2009. More details and info at www.oakridgeboys.com & www.springhillmusic.com (10 songs/39 minutes).
DVD; GORDON MOTE…THE BEST OF GAITHER GOSPEL SERIES … AUTHENTIC MUSIC ... SHDVD 4833
These 16 songs are taken from various personal appearances made by Gordon. He includes 9 songs from his “Don’t let me miss the Glory” CD which I reviewed last issue, “Get up in Jesus’ name”( with the Gaither Vocal band) “Don’t let me miss the glory” “Maplewood Methodist Church” “Ain’t gonna give up on God” “Wake up dancing” “Mercy walked in”, “All that noise” “I can’t even walk (without you holding my hand)” and “I know somebody who does” (with guests The Isaacs).The other 7 are from other shows like “Sweet forgiveness” and “Get up in Jesus name” from the Homecoming Shows. Most enjoyable choice of songs, with the talented musicians from the latest CD featured (and others too). Introduced by Bill Gaither, who interviews Gordon between the songs, revealing intimate details of Gordon’s life, his music, his blindness, family values and religious beliefs as well as adding some light relief here & there. ( Even a chapter of out-takes included). It’s the perfect companion to the CD from last issue. Full details at www.gaither.com or www.authenticmedia.com. OTHER SONGS:-The old Gospel ship-If they could see you through my eyes-Give the world a smile-Church in the wildwood/Just over in the glory land (inst)-I catch ‘em God cleans ‘em-Jesus loves me. ( 16 songs running time-100 minutes approx)
BRYAN CLARK…GOSSIP INSPIRATION AND SLANDER…(Double CD) RAINFEATHER RECORDS
Bryan started playing guitar when he was 9, studied music at various universities, formed his first band (bluegrass trio) in 2002, after he heard Skaggs. His other influences include Earle, Dylan, Wills, and Diamond. The trio “Honeywagon” had 3 releases, with critical acclaim and bluegrass chart successes. Bryan moved to Nashville in 2006 and started a solo career as well as session player. This is his 6th solo release. CD 1 (Acoustic) features 8 self-penned songs and 2 traditional pieces. The musicians play guitars, dobro, banjo, fiddle,
mandolin, and bass and sounds like a bluegrass band playing jazz or is it jazz musicians playing bluegrass. Whichever way you look at it, the sound is something else, with musicianship and arrangements at it’s highest, with freeform playing a speciality and considered background harmonies on only 2 songs. The opening “Angelyne” is fast paced like (Skaggs’ “Country Boy”) followed by “Midnight kisses” opening like many Munroe-fiddle-classics but there the similarity ends. His husky vocal leads into great harmony. “Raven King” is a dobro led blues story followed by “Blackberry Blossom” instrumentally perfect and showing talent here….And that’s only the first 4 tracks. More of the same (or should I say more of the difference) follows with 2 songs “Kiss the bride” an unusual drinking song and “Predictions of you” a love song on the road, separated by an instrumental “Dom on the saddle horn”. Then “Midnight and the Harvest Moon” a 6-minute instrumental starting slowly with dobro only and building to the faster pace with all the musicians contributing and it concludes with the instrumental “Bill Cheatum”. CD 2 (Electric) Bryan repeats the songs “Angelyne” adding a Motown throw back sound, “Midnight Kisses” is a contemporary pop-country song, and “Nights like these” falls in there too. Bryan sounds like Lyle Lovatt doing western swing on “Bumper to Bumper” and like a bluesy Earle on “Down in flames”. “The way it was” is certainly a biographic song while “You follow me” is Dylanesque in content. Bryan plays all the instruments (guitars, dobro, keyboards, organ and piano) except rhythm guitar on “Don’t blame me” and bass on “Nights like these”. The disc closes with the slow instrumental “All that really matters”. A wonderful musician and vocalist with a reaching tenor voice that shades itself from damage by never over-reaching, Bryan certainly impressed me with these 2 completely different sounding CDs, and you too can be impressed, if you want to download a sample at www.bryanclarkmusic.com OTHER SONGS:- Don’t blame me-Yes it is amen. (Both CDs 10 songs-42 mins & 38 mins).
RANDY TRAVIS...I TOLD YOU SO…the ULTIMATE HITS OF HUMPHEAD HUMP054
Since 1986 and the release of his first “Travis” album “The Storms of Life” on Warner, Randy (formally Randy Rae) has notched up an incredible string of Country No. 1 and Top Ten hits and on this double Cd (UK release), there’s 14 chart-toppers, 9 top ten songs, 2 previously unreleased songs and 7 favourites. If your favourite hit is not here then I’d never guess what it is, as we all have different favourites. All you need to do is check out the track listing below and rush out and buy it. For sure you probably have most of the hits on vinyl, but we all love his voice, the great songs, outstanding musicianship and arrangements, the stone-country sound and the value for money here. Randy will be headlining the Country Festival at the Kings Hall, Belfast, 1st and 2nd August 2009. Now you can say “I TOLD YOU SO” and this is without doubt the ULTIMATE HITS from Randy Travis. Brilliant! www.humpheadcountry.com for more info. SONGS;- CD1=Diggin’ up bones-Forever and ever, Amen-I told you so-He walked on water-Promises-Three wooden crosses-Deeper than the holler-On the other hand-Too gone too long-We're strangers again-Look heart, no hands-1982-Better class of losers-I won’t need you anymore-Faith in you-Love's alive and well (16 songs-53 minutes). CD2=Honky tonk moon-Would I-Its just a matter of time-Forever together-No place like home-A few ole country boys (with George Jones)-Is it still over?-Whisper my name-Before you kill us all-Heroes and friends-This is me-King of the road-The box-Are we in trouble now-Turn it around-You ain’t right. (16 songs-55 minutes).
TRACY LAWRENCE ...THE ROCK AGR TELEVISION RECORDS 1922046 /UNIVERSAL
Multi-platinum, chart-topping, Tracy Lawrence’s new inspirational country CD has made a powerful first impression with country music fans and radio across the U.S., one that will continue for years to come. This the 3rd album from his own independent Rocky Comfort Records ( released in Europe via AGR and Universal), debuted in the Top 20 country albums and Top 5 Christian albums on 14th June 2009 “…I waited to record this album and I’m so pleased that my fans and country radio …embrace the new music. It was worth the ‘time’ and that in itself is what it’s all about for me…” Tracy says. He has 17 No. 1 hits and over 30 charted singles from his 10 studio albums, five specialty records and over eight million albums sold. He has never compromised when it comes to recording his music, one of the main reasons he started his own record label. Drums, bass, guitars, steel, keyboards, fiddles and mandolin from only 8 musicians surround his outstanding baritone vocal, dominant throughout and co-produced by Tracy and Julian King. It’s not a country gospel album, just a country album with passionate inspirational songs, powerful delivery and tenderness when required, an outstanding album, worthy of any country collection. The message is peace and a new found tranquillity in his life after the rowdy and eventful years. More details at www.tracylawrence.com or www.agr-music.com SONGS:-Dear Lord-Every prayer-I'm done-The book you never read-The rock-Somebody who would die for you-Jesus come talk to your children-I know where heaven is-Up to Him-Say a prayer (10 songs-36 minutes).
AUDIE BLAYLOCK AND REDLINE RURAL RHYTHM…RHY1042
Audie has received numerous honours and awards including the 2001 IBMA Entertainer of the Year as a member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and the 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper plus a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and a nomination for Recorded Event for "A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass.” The band members are Audie on guitar plus lead and tenor vocal, with Jason Johnson mandolin and tenor
vocal, Patrick McAvinue fiddle, Matt Wallace bass, and Evan Ward banjo and baritone vocal. The only guest is Rodney Worley who plays mandolin and sings chorus on “Lonesome weary heart”. Other than that the rest is all Redline and what a wonderful sound they make. Bluegrass true and true, and their chart successes since this came out in January are now part of history. Their song choice is great too with a leaning to the traditional bluegrass writers as well as some new songs. Lester Flat’s “My Darling’s last goodbye” stands out, along with Bobby Osborne’s “You’ll never be the same” and the Bailes Brothers “”Send me your address from Heaven”. He also includes the Jimmy Martin/Paul Williams Gospel song “Goodbye” and the oft sung traditional “Who’ll sing for me?”. On the sleeve notes written by Carl Jackson he says “…bluegrass…it’s GREAT bluegrass…no argument …end of discussion…”. I would certainly agree and I found the CD a real pleasure to listen to. Look out for this one in the Bluegrass awards in September this year. www.audieblaylock.com or www.ruralrhythm.com OTHER SONGS:-Whispering waters-Two lonely hearts-My blue eyed darling-Lonely river-Roll on blues-Mountain Laurel in bloom.(12 songs-34 mins).
ALICE PEACOCK…LOVE REMAINS PEACOCK MUSIC
This is Alice’s fourth album, recorded in Nashville, and features a set of country-tinged pop-rock tunes, mainly from her own pen and some co-writes with John Paul White (All about me) and Danny Myrick, her collaborator and co-producer and they have successfully re-created the Californian-country sound of the 70’s. The players include pedal-steel guitarist Dan Dugmore, multi-instrumentalist Phil Madeira, guitarists Kenny Greenberg, Rob McNelley and Scott Dente, with drummer Will Denton, mandolin and banjo lIya Toshinsky and Danny on bass. While this is a throw-back sound wise, don’t be fooled into thinking its out of style and time, this is cutting-edge country with songs with a great depth, delivered with an exceptional voice that stands out. It’s a really enjoyable listen and could, given the radio play it deserves, launch Alice here in Britain. Look out for her on tour in the UK in the autumn. www.alicepeacock.com for details on the CD and tour dates. SONGS:- All About Me-Real Life-If I Could Talk to God- Hard Way-Do What I Can Do-City of Angels- Lovely-Blank Page -Angel-Trying to Hold Back Time-Forgiveness-l Am Mary-Fairborn-Wrong Time-Love Remains.(15 songs-59 minutes).
DREW NELSON...DUSTY ROAD TO BEULAH LAND WATERBUG RECORDS
Drew grew up in Michigan, joined the Navy and travelled the world collecting life experiences now converted to song, and these form the basis which expands beyond his folk-singer roots to embrace a little country, Americana, and other genres. Its produced by Michael Crittenden and mastered in Austin, Texas. Drew plays acoustic guitars, mandolin and sings all his own songs here. Michael plays piano, bass, organ, banjo and electric guitars, with Dominic Sctucha bass, Jim Spalink hurdy gurdy, Fred Wilson mandolin, Lauran Bittenger accordion, Brian Morrill drums with Drew Howard on pedal steel, dobro and el. guitars. This is all about story songs, their content, their lessons, and their outlook, like the road song “Highway 2” the working man song “Stranger”, “Grandmother Moon” is autobiographical. “The Farmer’s lament” is self-explanatory and bears all the sadness of his problems. Overall it encaptures the folksy side of the music with leanings elsewhere and Drew is a great songwriter and fine musician. www.waterbug music for more. www.drewnelson.net for more information. OTHER SONGS:- Waiting for the sun-True & fine-Half a mile down-Raindance-Hello-Molly’s home (10 tracks-53 mins).
LONESOME RIVER BAND...NO TURNING BACK RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS…RHYS-1040
Currently Lonesome River Band is Sammy Sheller banjo and vocal, (Banjo Player of the Year), Mike Hargrove fiddle, Brandon Rickman lead guitar and vocals, Mike Angling bass and Andy Ball mandolin and lead vocals. They celebrated their 25 anniversary in 2007. (Past members include Dan Timings, Ronnie Bowman, Kenny Smith, Don Rigby, Ron Stewart, Rickie Simpkins, and founder, Tim Austin). It could be said that this release, their 12th is their most successful with No 1 album on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine's Top 15 Albums for THREE months May, June & July this year and No 1 single “Them Blues” on the top 30 bluegrass charts in June. The instrumentation here is top notch, just 5 guys playing a traditional bluegrass line-up to perfection. The selection of songs ( 3 co-written by Brandon), show the modern and traditional feel the band generate in their performances. They give the older songs a nod with Ralph Stanley’s “I’d worship you” while Larry Cordele's 2 songs “Wire & woods” and “Molly” are standout tracks, along with Brandon’s “Dime Store Rings” “One little teardrop” and singles “Them Blues” and “Like a train needs a track”. Loved the instrumental “Strutting to Forum” too. (The Cod closes with a Billy Yates/Monty Criswell song “Flowers”, the only ballad with the addition of piano. Lovely song well performed but a little out of place on this collection.). Super songs, well sung with great harmonies and musical content all produced by the band who can be proud of another 1st class collection. www.ruralrhythm.com OTHER SONGS;-Somebody’s missing you-I’m not there yet-Long way from here-We couldn’t tell-Darkness wept. (14 tracks-45 mins)
ROBERT MIZZELL...THANKS A LOT CEOL MUSIC LTD.. CJNCD001
This is Roberts latest studio CD and features his last 2 hits in Ireland, “A Friend in need” and “ Next to you next to me”.“Thanks A Lot” by Ernest Tubb is given an impressive contemporary feel and sets the standard Robert delivers throughout. Other classics include Dolly’s “9 to 5” (show-band style with added brass). I think it deserves a single release. I don’t know of another male version and this is a touch of class. Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and Jones’ hits “The Race Is On” and “White lightning” stand up well, Bill Anderson’s classic “Must You Throw Dirt In My Face” is a wonderful waltz, Hugh Moffat’s “Rose of My Heart” stands out and Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again”, is a duet with Lorraine McDonald nicely performed. Dean Dillon’s “It's Gonna Rain” and Josh Turner’s “Long Black Train” are two modern tracks that suit’s the richness in his voice while he sings the Troy Barnes-Skip Ewing “Love me” ballad with great sincerity. The musicians deserve praise too for their excellent musicianship, and include Jonathan Owens (co-producer with Robert) on piano, drums and bass, Charlie Arkins fiddle and harmonica, Martin Cleary lead, steel guitar and mandolin, Richard Nelson on steel guitar and dobro, Frank Colohan on lead and acoustic guitars and bg vocal, Danny Sheerin on acoustic and bg vocal, Tony Fitzgibbons fiddle, and John Byrne Saxaphone, Danny Healy Trumpet and Tom Hanaway banjo. Now many may frown on 13 covers getting praise but Robert knows his market and the songs are carefully chosen for his vocal capabilities, their popularity before he recorded them and the additional popularity well known songs bring to the performer from radio. Just have a listen to him sing “9 to 5” like me you will be very impressed. www.robertmizzell.com
DVD & CD…ROBERT MIZZELL...THE
LOUISIANA MAN- THE HITS CEOL MUSIC LTD... CDC117-CDVD114
Louisiana born and raised Robert has found a place on the Irish country and dance scene for the last 10 years. CD:-This 15 track retrospective CD was recorded in Ireland. It includes the songs that have given Robert chart successes in Ireland and are taken from his 5 Cds. His voice has a distinctive rich quality that draws your in and the music and song envelopes you. His revival of great classic country songs gives each song a modern blend with fine backing from great musicians and backup singers ( see above) . I found the recordings faultless in presentation and have to say I fail to understand why Robert has not found the same success in the US. Standout tracks for me include “Thanks a lot” “Alcohol of fame” “Next to you Next to me” “Walk the line revisited“ (with his Dad Richard as guest) and “Louisiana Saturday night”. DVD:- This is a great companion to this CD featuring the same songs in the same order. The visuals include Robert in Ireland, duetting with his Dad in Kentucky, performing in Nashville and Dyess where Johnny Cash was born and in other locations associated with him and other Nashville tourist spots. Both CDs and DVD are available direct from www.robertmizzell.com and watch out for his tour dates across Scotland this year. OTHER SONGS::- Louisiana Man-If it’s gonna rain-Kick ass country-Home-Friend in need-Must you throw dirt in my face-Who’s gonna dance with Sally-Rose of my heart-Say you love me-White lightning’.(15 songs-49 mins on CD--DVD runs for 90 mins including some funny out-takes).
BOBBY MOUNTAIN...HOLDING ON BSW RECORDS BSWR1109
It’s been some time since I listened to Bobby’s last CD “Dixie Bound” and again he steeps us in dobro, fiddles, guitars, steel and piano, his style of traditional country. He writes all the songs and delivers them with a down-home sincerity. They cover his own life experiences, his ups and downs and the good with the bad, like “Country Gold” his time in Nashville, “Holding On” a ‘stay with me’ love song, the autobiographical “Guitar song” and the sad “All I can be” looking down a gun barrel. I like the road song (Hills of) Ellijay, the stomping “Build a fire” and the working man song “Only Money”. “Mind over matter” is a cleverly written song (she don’t mind and I don’t matter any more) while the closing song “Make a memory” is a gentle family love ballad well delivered. The only contact I have for you is bswr@netscape.com OTHER SONGS:-Hog tied-New man.(11 songs 36 minutes).
STRETCH DAWSON AND THE MENDING HEARTS...CELTIC SWING
Country historians in some quarters claim Western Swing is part of country music’s heritage pioneered by Bob Wills who blended country instrumentation with Dixieland jazz, big band sounds, Cajun and Mexican music, European polka bands and vocalisation using standards from the 20’s onwards. Here in Scotland we now have our own exponent in Stretch Dawson and the Mending Hearts and the release of this their 1st Cd. Its cleverly made up of 6 ‘Live’ tracks featuring a full big band sound, ( and a small but enthusiastic audience) including Stretch (guitars and lead vocal), Gemma Donald (fiddle and backing vocal), Dave Dukes drums, Roy Percy bass, and Tom McNiven (guitar and trumpet). There is one song with an 8 piece band ( “Across the alley to the Alamo”-my 1st favourite track) including Iain Anderson on 2nd fiddle, and guests Martin Foster clarinet and Chris Grieve trombone and the other 4 tracks are solo and duo tracks featuring Stretch with Gemma and Tom. The songs include 4 cleverly written songs by Stretch “You overshot the runway to my heart” “Take your dreams and run” “Tartan is the colour (of my true love’s underwear)” and “Stalks and scares”. He includes the traditional pieces “Yellow Roses” and “Back up and push” plus “She ain’t Rose” and “Mr Sandman” showing his guitar picking style. The CD opens with the big sounding Will’s song “I laugh when I think (how I cried over you)” and closes with “My window faces the south” ( my 2nd and 3rd favourite tracks ) and they do justice to all the songs included. It’s “tongue in cheek” (like the unusual cover photo) a lot of the time, but well recorded, well produced and full credit to all involved. I doubt if you’ll see this band in your local club, but they would make a great concert or festival attraction. Contact www.celticmusic.com for more info and www.myspace.com/stretchdawsonandthemendinghearts (10 s.-39 minutes).
JANIE BRANNON...HONKY-TONK MEMORIES HILLSIDE RECORDS HSCD 0902
This is Janie’s first solo CD, but her voice may seem familiar. She worked for over 10 years as a background singer in Nashville on many hit records, “Country Bumpkin”-Cal Smith, “Roll On, Big Mama”-Joe Stampley and others. Janie was resident on “That Nashville Music” TV show and sang back-up to nearly every major country star who guested. She also toured with Danny Davis and Nashville Brass. This has a variety of old and new songs written by legendary writers Buddy Mize, Dallas Frazier, Doodle Owens, Lou Rochelle, Dan Mitchell and Haggard, and some songs will be familiar like “Satin Sheets” “Tennessee Waltz” “I‘ve got a yearning” “Mockingbird “Hill” “Working my way through a heartache” and “Hooked on a feelin’”. As with all Hillside Records, the players are a "Who’s Who" of country musicians and include: Lloyd Green, Weldon Myrick, Jay Dee Maness and Gary Carpenter on pedal steel-Jay Lacy, Jimmy Capps, Grady Martin, Jimmy Colvard, Ray Edenton, Steve Chapman, on electric and acoustic guitars-"Pig" Robbins, Tony Migliore and Tim Alexander on keyboards-John Rains and Buddy Harman on drums-Dale Morris and Buddy Spicher on fiddle-Bob Moore, Justin Trevino, Leon Rhodes and Harold Bradley on bass & tic-tack bass and Lloyd Green also on dobro. Backup singers are Dottie De Leonibus, Amber Digby and Janie also. Recorded at Sound Emporium Nashville and at Eagle Audio in Fort Worth, it’s a nostalgic collection of country standards over different sessions at different times and very well done. Country stamped with tradition is the best way to describe this one, no gimmicks, just great musicians, production and laid back vocal, most enjoyable. www.hillsiderecords.com or www.honkytonkin.com and www.cdbaby.com for details and how to buy. OTHER SONGS;-Honky-tonk memories-Stranger in our home-Let your lovin’ do the talking-There’s still a lot of love in San Antone-I am love-Let’s be friends not lovers-I don’t believe your ever coming home.(13 songs-38 mins).
CURTIS POTTER...WHEN THE NEON LIGHTS COME ON HILLSIDE RECORDS HSCD0901
The 1st song here gives the Cd it’s style, content and presentation, great vocal, wonderful steel and twin fiddles, Texas style two-steps and shuffle, with walking bass on nearly every song. The musicians include Lloyd Green, Buddy Emmonds, Weldon Myrick, Jay Dee Maness and Gary Carpenter on pedal steel-Jay Lacy, Jimmy Capps, Reggie Young, and Billy Sanford on electric guitar-Ray Edenton, Steve Chapman, Dave Kirby, and Justin Trevino on acoustic guitar-"Pig" Robbins, Tim Alexander and David Briggs on keyboards-Jim Loessberg and Buddy Harman on drums-Dale Morris Johnny Gimble, Reggie Rueffer and Buddy Spicher on fiddle-Bob Moore and Jake Hooker on bass- Leon Rhodes Jake Hooker and Harold Bradley on tic-tack bass .Backup singers are Amber Digby and Janie Brannon. Songwriters include Billy Mize with “Just a foolish notion” the ballad “Wish you’d stayed around” and title track. Ray Sanders writes 3 “When she turns you on”, “She wears faded jeans” (with Ed Carini) and “I can’t make it without you” (with D. Hall).The tender ballad “I need help” by Gene Davis is also viewable during recording (like a DVD) on your computer. Ray Price’s “I’ll be there” gets an airing and Ray Pennington’s beautiful “Nothing can stand in my way” is delivered like a hit ballad, suiting Curtis’s to a tee. Tradition oozes from this CD recorded at Sound Emporium, Nashville and Eagle Audio Fort Worth all produced by Dave Franer. Great compilation of earlier recordings worth giving a listen to. Details and how to buy at www.hillsiderecords.com or www.honkytonkin.com and www.cdbaby.com . OTHER SONGS;-Story behind the photograph-I believe in you-Texas proud. (12 songs - 33 minutes).
AMANDA SHIRES…WEST CROSS TIMBERS
Texas born Amanda Shires became obsessed with a green and orange pawn shop fiddle and with the sounds of western swing and country at the age of ten. At sixteen she began performing with Tommy Allsup and the legendary Texas Playboys and at college became a founding member of alt-country band “Thrift Store Cowboys” who garnered rave reviews and a loyal audience. In 2006, Amanda was spotted performing in Austin by singer - songwriter Rod Picott, and they began recording and touring as a duo. This is Amanda's second solo album, a great collection of her own songs and 3 co-writes ( “Keep them dogs from barkin” “Angels and acrobats” and “Whispering’”). It’s co-produced by Amanda with David Henry and Rod. The players are Amanda on fiddle and ukulele, David on cello, piano and organ, Rod on guitars, Paul Slivka bass, Steve Byam on steel and Rich Malloy drums. Her voice shines across the Cd with lovely songs, blending with the differing instrumentation and giving great variety in sound. It has a gentle feel at times, almost folksy with an acoustic-Americana feel but wonderful to listen to. The up-tempo songs “Angels and blankets”, “Keep them dogs from barkin” and Whispering” and the plaintive ballad “Mariann Leola” do it for me, with excellent vocal, fiddle and overall sound throughout the whole CD. Excellent quality. www.myspace.com/amandashiresrunning for more details.OTHER TRACKS:- Upon hearing violins-Unwanted things-I kept watch like doves-Put me to bed-Mineral wells-Rings and chains-Days in blankets.(11 songs-39 minutes)
Welcome to this issue’s review pages, another mixture of new releases, on CDs . This month there’s the latest from the western scene from Michael Martin Murphey and R. W. Hampton, some bluegrass from Jeanette Williams and Melanie Cannon, new recordings from Gordon Mote, Rayburn Anthony, Megan Munroe and River Country and much more. Let me start with the great Bluegrass album from...... MELONIE CANNON-AND THE WHEELS TURN-RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS RHY1036
Melonie is ace-songwriter Buddy Cannon’s daughter and at 14 she started singing backup in Nashville and added her vocal talent to songs by George Jones, Willie Nelson, Sammy Kershaw, Kenny Chesney and John Michael Montgomery. Willie says “…Melonie is one of the best singers I know…Her new bluegrass album is fantastic…The fact that I got to sing with her on a song I wrote makes it even better…Go Melonie”. Produced by Buddy and Ronnie Bowman the Cd boasts a fine collection of musicians including Dan Tyminski-mandolin & acoustic, Adam Steffey-mandolin, Tim Stafford-acoustic, Randy Kohrs-dobro Hawaiian & acoustic slide, Wyatt Rice-acoustic, Jody King-banjo & acoustic, Barry Bales-bass, Aubrey Haynie & Deanie Richardson-fiddle, John Gardner-percussion & drums, Alan Bartram-bass, Stephen Mougin and Ashby Frank-mandolin Randy McCormick-keyboard and Larry Paxton & Buddy on bass. The bg., vocals include some of the above plus Garnet Imes Bowman, Sonya Isaacs, John Chapman, and Ricky Skaggs who also plays mandolin. The only guest not mentioned above is Willie Nelson who duets on the his outstanding song “Back to earth”. Melonie and the other writers co-write in various combinations and any one song from this CD could be and probably will be a hit. This bluegrass album is more than just that, it’s a collection of great country songs sung by an outstanding vocalist. I’m sure her Dad must be the proudest parent in Nashville to have such a talented daughter. Among the standout songs there’s “I’ve seen enough of what’s behind me” “Mary Magdalene (Why You Cryin’),“Set ‘em up Joe” ( a Vern Gosdin hit in 86), “I call it gone” hit No.1 on SIRIUS/XM Bluegrass Junction, and “Back to earth” the duet with Willie, which entered the Hot Disc Chart at No 2 on 4th December and stayed on the Top 20 for weeks. www.ruralrhythm.com for more details. OTHER SONGS:-Cactus in a coffee cup-Dark shadows-send a little love-The day before you-It’s all right there-I just don’t have it in me- And the wheel turns. (12 songs-43min).
MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY-BUCKAROO BLUEGRASS............RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS RHY 1044
Today's No. 1 selling cowboy music singer, Michael Martin Murphey finally closes the gap between cowboy music and bluegrass. Produced by his son Ryan, who also sings harmony and plays rhythm. It includes 2 new songs and many Murphey classics, performed with top bluegrass and acoustic pickers, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCourt & Clay Riness mandolins, Rob Icke dobro, Pat Flynn guitar Andy Leftwich & David Davidson fiddles, Craig Nelson and Matt Wilkes bass, Mike Stidolph mandolin & dobro and Charlie Cushman banjo. The 2 new songs are “Lone Cowboy” and “Close to the land” which is the theme for the national hit television show “America’s Heartland”. Michael has selected from his 9 top country albums ( and 8 Top Pop albums) to give a fresh new sound and includes “Carolina in the pines” popular with bluegrass bands, his first writing success “What am I doing hanging around” the popular fiddle story songs “Cherokee fiddle and “Fiddling man” “Lost river” (featuring Rhonda Vincent) and the John Denver hit “Boy from the country”. This deserves great credit and the many awards I’m sure it will win. It’s a real gem with terrific instrumentation and musicianship, great production, all enhancing Michael’s distinctive voice that lends itself to these arrangements. This is another winner for the country listener. www.michaelmartinmurphey.com or www.ruralrhythm.com for more details. OTHER SONGS:- Dancing in the meadow-Healing spring-wild bird (11 songs-44 minutes).
JEANETTE WILLIAMS …THANK YOU FOR CARING - BLUE CIRCLE RECORDS BCR 007
Jeanette first graced a recording studio 17 years ago and this is only her 3rd solo album, but her 11th project, including the recent “Daughter’s of Bluegrass” cd. It’s a diverse mix of great songs from great writers and opens with her self-penned “Enough of you”, love with attitude in motion, while “Bad Money” shows the root of all evil. Tim Stafford Kim Williams & Larry Shell co-write “Break the chain” with its powerful message against child abuse. Tom T and Dixie Hall co-write the title track a great country story song given that something special with George Jones duetting. It then moves into classic country songs with a bluegrass feel with Skip Ewing‘s “Your memory wins again” and the unforgettable “I forgot more than you’ll ever know” with Michelle Nixon as the 2nd voice (Skeeter would have been proud of this one), separated by Shannon Slaughters “Dreamer” a song of hope. “Alone” is loneliness in a song, while the tempo and smile returns with “Blue days sleepless nights” with lovely fiddle and resophonic guitar. Brother John Finney co-writes the lovely “Through the eyes of a child” and Paul Humphrey’s “That’s the bottom line” is one of the best love songs I’ve heard in a while, lovely simple vocal and lyrics to die for…“true love, everlasting, that’s the bottom line”. Tim Stafford’s “Either way I’m going home” gets just a vocal with Tim Rice on acoustic to great effect. “Everything’s Blue” by Marcie Horne is a broken love song duet with Keith Garrett who also sings harmony on 4 other songs. The last track “I will survive” (yes, the Gloria Gaynor/Billy Jo Spears hit) gets a bluegrass backing and while it is well sung and the arrangement is definitely bluegrass, it doesn’t gel for me but then…..? Overall, a real bluegrass gem with a super voice singing great songs with wonderful musicians. The basic band is Jody King on banjo, Josh Pickett guitar, Jacob Fuller bass, Ronald Inscore mandolin and Stephen Fraleigh on fiddle. The banjo is replaced with resophonic guitar from Randy Kohrs on 5 songs, but some songs have other musicians replacing the core. There’s loads of guests, as mentioned plus husband Johnny Williams, Heather Berry, Jesse Finney, Aubrey Haynie, Ben Isaacs, Chase Johner and Tony Mabe.(14 songs nearly 47 minutes). It’s on the web at wwwbluecirclerecords.com or on Jeanette’s site www.jeanettewilliams.com
RAYBURN ANTHONY…EVERYTHING’S JUST WAITING - RAYBURN ANTHONY MUSIC
Rayburn has led a dual career within country and rockabilly since his Sun days. His songs have been recorded by the good and the great and this has 8, some with co-writers. Two covers open, a Harlan Howard shuffle “Different Kind of Flower” and “The deepening snow” a real tear-jerker written by Gary Selton. Rayburn shows his talent with his outstanding tribute to Cash “Boom Chika Boom” (co-writer Jim Newcombe) and one of his oldies “The sadist words”( which should read “Saddest“). The novelty standard “My buckets got a hole in it” is followed by another self-penned tear-jerker “Don’t worry Daddy” as daddy’s girl grows through life. Larry Kingston’s “Easy Goodbyes” is delivered with great phrasing and is followed with 2 covers “I love you because” and “Oh Lonesome Me” with country steel, piano, mandolin and fiddles sounding fresh. Rayburn carries a sentimental love ballad as easy as any country singer and delivers yet again on his own “You can’t hide an old flame in the dark” (co- writer Jerry Hunter).“Would you like to sleep with a different man tonight” (Larry Kingston) is a fine mid tempo song about staying dry and winning her back. The next 2 are co-writes with Gene Dobbins “come-on-back” songs, the ballad and title track “Everything’s just waiting” and “Wouldn’t you just love us” a bluesy waltz. It closes with a “Redneck Crowd”, applause here and there giving it the “live honky-tonk” atmosphere. The 6 musicians are tight as twin fiddles, Andy Hull drums-Bob Williams acoustic -Gary Primm piano, keyboards and B3 - Joe Spivey fiddle and mandolin - Fred Nule electric, steel and dobro and Dow Tomlin bass. Great sound, great songs and all it needs in the oft discussed promotion and radio play. The CD is radio friendly and some tracks could be chart hits given exposure. Rayburn is still delivering and “Talent”…well it’s still there and here on display. The only contact I have his e-mail address, rayburn233@bellsouth.net and I’m sure he would love to hear from you…ordering a copy.( 14 songs-48 minutes).
RIVER COUNTY …ROCKIN' THE COUNTRY SVC RECORDS
This is a 3-man country rock band River County consisting of Derek Wylie lead vocalist, Chris Presley lead & rhythm guitar and bg vocals) and Jake Hehman keyboards & harmonies. Their music is aimed at the “honky-tonk faithful and true-blue southern rock” fans. If you like Daniels, Tucker, Creedence and even Skynyrd then this one is down your road. They met at High school and progressed to support Andy Griggs, Rascal Flatts, Jack Ingram and Lorrie Morgan, the Indy 500, and NASCAR events, honing their talent. They were named "Indy's NO.1 Country Band, 2008. Produced by Terry Wendt, who also plays steel and percussion. Obviously there are added musicians including fiddle, piano, keyboards, drums, guitars, banjo and mandolin. Some of the best in Nashville. It includes 5 songs co-written by band members while the remainder come from Brad Wolf, Del Grey, Curt Ryle, Danny Rollins, Greg Lee Sr., Jon Stone, Buddy Owens, Adam Browder, Phil O'Donnell and Bobby Tomberlin to credit them all. Good songs too, get up and rock’em songs like “Moonshine still” “We're All Here (cause we ain’t all there)” and “Becky Brown’s daddy”, bold ballads with tender and sad lyrics like “It’s Alright to Cry” “What A Real Man Does” and “I Thank God” delivered with punch. Not for the faint hearted this one, jumps off the player at you from the opening title track, which explains exactly who and what they are musically. Lesser talents have succeeded in country and from where I’m at, these could be the next big thing. www.rivercountymusic.com for more info and how to buy. You won’t be disappointed. SONGS:-Rockin' The Country-Moonshine still- We're All Here-The song from your heart- Those nights-Thrill of a better chase.(10 songs-37 minutes)
MEGAN MUNROE…ONE MORE BROKEN STRING - DIAMOND MUSIC GROUP
Megan had her 1st album released in 2006 but this is her national debut with 11 songs co-written with Brian Oaks plus “Belle Meade” a solo composition. This is country/Americana with sounds from soft country rock on “Angel on my shoulder (Devil on my back)” & “Good fight” to the near bluegrass sound on “Angel on fire”, some straight country on “Nothing is easy anymore” & “Moonshine” with steel and acoustic guitars and soft violin and the folksy “Lonely tonight” with mandolin and violin. The musicians include Doug Deforest who produces plays bass, acoustic guitars and keyboards, Tim Crouch violin, mandolin, banjo, percussion and acoustic guitar, Robby Springfield elec & steel guitar, R.P.Harrell on piano and B3 organ and Mike Kennedy on drums and percussion. Brian Oakes co-produces and plays acoustic guitar on “Lonely tonight”. The songs are well written with simple and direct lyrics on love, life and human emotion delivered with that straight down the speaker feel. Megan’s voice has a depth that belies her 24 years and when she reaches for the high ones she cuts straight with a powerful delivery. Details and where to buy check out www.myspace.com/Megan and www.Megan.com OTHER SONGS:-Pennies in the ocean-Leaving‘ Memphis-Shameless fool-Perfect storm-Speechless-(12 songs-52 min).
R.W.HAMPTON…WHERE THE WEST REMAINS - CIMARON SOUNDS…CS 1107-2
Here is a wonderful concept written by Enda Moe Holden, Richard E.O’Brien and R.W Hampton. Edna Mae is executive producer, had the idea and wrote the narrative, while Richard produced and arranged the project and R.W narrates, sings and plays guitars. Imagine a Movie or TV documentary without the pictures, the orchestra plays the overture as the titles roll. RW starts to outline the story and delivers the first song, a narration , followed by the same tune as the Soliloquy. The songs are then separated by a narration, alternating to the end. The songs are written by Edna Mae and /or Richard or together, or by and with R.W, apart from the occasional country standard added. “Where the west still remains” sums up the story, while “The Journey” tells of the cowboy (our hero) heading west, “Run of the Cherokee Outlet” is about the land grab from the natives, and “Words on talking leaves” is the letter complaining about the grab and the mistreatment of the Cherokee. “Keeper of the Plains” tells how is should be, while “A Cowboy I will stay” is about cattle drives and the Chisholm. “Wish I’d stayed in jail” tells of the difficulty of cowboy life. “101 Ranch Cowboy” tells about the start of rodeo. The next 3 songs are standards delivered as part of the story “Dusty Skies” (Cindy Walker) tributes the cowboy and weather, Jack & Woody Guthrie’s “ Oklahoma Hills” is a perfect fit and the traditional “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” tells of faith. “Oklahoma towns” is about homesickness while the Wills tribute is “We’ve taken Bob back to Tulsa” with a great western swing song (what else!), and then a tribute to two legendary sons in { Wylie Post and } “Will Rogers’ last flight” (Tim Spencer and RW). “The everlasting hills of Oklahoma” (Tim Spencer) tells of the states beauty and the patriotic “For the freedom” concludes. The music runs from lush orchestral arrangements, some lovely country backing with steel, fiddle, piano, harmonica, bass and guitars played by the country band, to just acoustic guitar backing, all surrounding RW’s great baritone. This is a masterful tribute to Oklahoma where you can truly say the “ west remains”. The CD was released on April 20th in the U.K. by Proper Music Distribution. There are 2 web sites www.wherethewestremains.com and www.rwhampton.com (total time 69 mins).
WORDS & MUSIC NASHVILLE. …VARIOUS ARTISTES - ADROIT RECORDS ADROIT 0801
This is the first in a series of compilations from Adroit, who say in their publicity script “…Dedicated solely to generating awareness and exposure for the singer-songwriter, Adroit Records exists to provide an outlet for extraordinary musical works by artists that may not otherwise be heard through traditional media channels. In doing so, the listener is offered a rare opportunity to hear songs by not only award-winning composers but also some of the best up-and-coming singer-songwriters the Nashville music scene has to offer…” This is not a demo Cd but fully recorded and produced showcasing the 10 talents. There’s power guitars and great vocal delivery on “Dirt” from Lucas Hoge fiddles, banjo and guitars to the fore on a great up-tempo opener and the only up-tempo song here. It’s contrasted by Craig Monday on “Heaven is a small town” with haunting dobro. Vince Melamed sings his “Walkaway Joe” ( a hit for Trisha Yearwood and “Song of the year” from Music Row Magazine 1993”) . Craig Monday co-writes “Memphis (ain’t no place to lose the blues)” with Ray Sisk who sings the blues here. Lisa Carver sings “Bullets” with only acoustic & bass guitars, while most of the others have the full band from some great musicians. It closes with Mason Douglas and his patriotic “Home free”. Watch this space as I’m sure some, if not all, of the talent on display will rise like cream. Roll on volume 2. The cd can be purchased at major digital outlets including iTunes, and CD Baby as well as at www.adroitrecords.com OTHER SONGS:-). Joshua Rush -I found myself dancing, Brendan McKinney -Yeah she does , Ray Sisk -Memphis (ain't no place to lose the blues), Cheley Tackett -Play the one I like, Karleen Watt -I'm not ready.
TANYA TUCKER…THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION - HUMPHEAD RECORDS HUMP 043
The latest in the highly successful " Ultimate Collection" Series from Humphead Records is this 24 song collection from Tanya Tucker. Already a millionaire at 16 following her launching at 13 with “Delta Dawn” Tanya was to recreate herself regularly over her successful career which saw her collect a string of Country No 1 hits, pop crossover and eventually a stadium-rock following. “Her sultry, gutsy and emotional voice was always so full of knowing understanding of the lyrics she was singing” says Alan Cackett (editor of Maverick Magazine). The recordings here include a live recording of “Delta Dawn”, the emotional “I‘m not Lisa” and “Love
knows we tried” the driving “Lover Goodbye”, the hit duet “Dream Lover” with Glen Campbell from 1980, 4 songs from 75, 76, 78 and 80, 2 from 77, 3 from 79 and 2 from 81, covering the most successful years of her career chart wise and many hits you will recognise below. Great songs, great hits, great voice and a great collection that could introduce her to a new audience. OTHER SONGS:- San Antonio stroll-Lizzie and the rainman -Son of a preacher man-Don't believe my heart can stand another you -Here's some love-You've got me to hold on to-My cowboys getting old- It's a cowboy-lovin' night-Dancing the night away-I’m the singer, you're the song-Texas (when I die)-Angel from Montgomery-Ridin' rainbows-Wait till daddy finds out-By day by day-Pecos promenade-Can I see you tonight-Should I do it-Rodeo girls(24 songs-80 minutes).
SHOOTER JENNINGS & 357’S...BAD MAGICK…THE BEST OF.. HUMPHEAD RECORDS.HUMP 051
After only 5 years of recording you would think that a “Best of” album was a little premature, but Shooter Jennings has already released 4 albums. 5 songs from “Put the O back in Country“, 3 from his “Electric Rodeo”, 4 from “The Wolf“ and 1 from “Live at Irvine Plaza” plus 2 new previously unreleased tracks (one a live recording and one a studio recording) make up this CD.10 of the songs are written by Shooter (some co-writes) and he includes Knofler’s “Walk of life”, Hank Juniors “Living Proof”, Leroy Powell’s “Slow Train” with the Oakridge Boys and Leroy’s “Lonesome Blues”. Ted Russell Kamp’s “Steady at the wheel” makes up the 13th song. But the remainder of the songs are Shooter at his best, delivering his own songs his own way. It’s a no holds barred country-blues-rock ‘n’ roll collection, a great cross-section of his songs over his career so far. It’s a super introduction to his music and style and should generate new fans if it were to get radio play on more than just country programmes here, and it should. When I reviewed his Cd “The Wolf” some time ago I said then “…its not your down home country with a Nashville sound but could be the future of country music, and let’s face it, Country need a future…” well this just reinforces my thoughts again. If you like the edgier sound of today’s country with that occasional throw “back to then” Shooter’s you man. More details on :- www.humpheadcountry.com or www.shooterjennings.com or www.universal-south.com …OTHER SONGS:-4th Of July-Gone To Carolina-Southern Comfort -The Wolf -Manifesto No.1-It Ain't Easy-This 01 Wheel-Busted In Baylor County-Bad Magick -Daddy's Farm (live),(15 songs-77 minutes)
GORDON MOTE…DON’T LET ME MISS THE GLORY - SPRINGHILL CMD1131
I was introduced to Gordon Mote as a keyboard-piano player and vocalist via the Gaither Music DVDs in their “Homecoming” series. This new CD was recorded in Nashville with top session players Brent Mason and Kelly Black on electric guitars, Bryan Sutton on banjo and acoustic, B. James Lowry acoustic, Scott Sanders and Paul Franklin on steel guitar and dobro, Duncan Mullins bass, Aubrey Haynie fiddle and mandolin Scott Williamson and Lonnie Wilson on drums and percussion giving it an overall country sound, with additional choral and orchestral backing added here and there. It’s produced by Gordon with Phil Johnson. Gordon’s voice has that lovely laid back relaxed and “come on in” quality, never a note out of place, never over stretched, all encased in the music and voices. But he can deliver with strength like on “Get up in Jesus’ name” with the Gaither Vocal Group, and holds his own along with the Isaacs on the great “I know somebody who does”. Great songs delivered with great sincerity and a joy to listen to like on the ballad “Mercy walked in”, the story song “Maplewood Methodist Church” with Alison Krauss and the lovely duet “My Redeemer is faithful & true” with Kimberley Mote. The Voices of Lee guest on “Adoration”. This is just an outstanding collection of inspirational, and religious songs of praise from a talented achiever at the top of his game. OTHER SONGS:-Wake up dancing’-Don’t let me miss the glory-All that noise-I can’t even walk (without you holding my hand)-Ain’t gonna give up on God-On the other side of time-This life.(13 songs-54 minutes)
Always delighted to hear your comments via e-mail at gerryford@madasafish.com.
Keep on keeping it country.....Gerry Ford.
April~May 2009
Hello again and welcome to the CD reviews, another miscellany of new releases, newly recorded, re-recorded and re-issued CDs and DVD. This month there is a new British singer-songwriter destined for the top (if she gets the breaks) plus the Hot Disc "Best of CD " for 2008, Jimmy Dean and The Wilburn Brothers from the Archive, the latest from Lee Ann Womack Rayburn Anthony and Billy Currington and I'll start with an outstanding DVD from......
THE ISAACS…..LIVE FROM NORWAY DVD.......GAITHER GOSPEL SERIES. SHDVD 4818.
The Isaacs are a family bluegrass-country-gospel band and consists of Sonya vocal and mandolin, sister Becky (Bowman) guitar, brother Ben on stand-up bass and mother Lily vocalist. [Father Joe works fulltime in bluegrass in Kentucky]. They are joined by fiddler extraordinaire Jesse Stockman, Kevin Haynie on banjo and guitar and Nathan Fauscett drums and percussion. With 19 songs and running 90 minutes, the extras include interviews and behind the scenes footage. However the music and songs are the biggest attraction with outstanding harmony from the family members, who share the songs, wonderful musicianship from all on stage, great production, lighting, and everything you would wish for in a concert including a little comedy. Here are some of the highlights from a faultless concert-Ben opens the show with “Great is the reward” and then the ladies take turn singing lead on the next 3 songs. “I’ll fly away” is an instrumental and the camera cuts away for a short scenic tour. “Barbie Band-aids” is sung by Sonya to Becky’s daughter on stage. Outstanding harmonies on “Through the valley” and again on “It is well with my soul” with voices and only fiddle for backing. Becky then sings “That’ alright with me” and dedicates it to husband John and her son (in the audience). One verse of “The Old Rugged Cross” leads into Lily a reading of “The Misfit” by Ben Benson. The family also visit Bergen Belsen concentration camp in Germany where Lily’s mother & father were incarcerated until liberation in 1945. Lily sings a short Yiddish song in dedication for an obviously emotional family. The concert ends with “The love of God” again with only voices and fiddle and then the rousing “He ain’t never done me nothing but good” that flows into a varied comedy instrumental “Duelling banjos” much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience, who applaud in unison, (like a slow hand clap at speed) which I remember from playing there some years ago, and were continually on their feet showing their communal appreciation. Probably the best country-bluegrass-gospel DVD I have ever enjoyed and their choice of songs from their earlier and current Cds, mixed with classic songs, was a perfect balance. Without fear of repeating some adjectives, great, wonderful, outstanding, enthusiastic, professional, polished, faultless etc etc. It is available in the UK, just check out www.authenticmusic.com or follow the links on www.theisaacs.musiccitynetworks.com to listen to some music or www.gaither.com … you will be delighted you did. OTHER SONGS:-If that don‘t make you want to go-I surrender all-Yours and mine-Walk on-I bring it to you-He touched me-Heroes-Friend ‘til the end-Love is a cross you bear-The one I‘m dying for.
BILLY CURRINGTON - A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING…….HUMPHEAD HUMP 50
This is the 3rd album from Billy who has 2 No.1 country hits already notched on his belt. Billy says:-“ it always comes down to the song” and on this Cd there are 11 great ones, 5 co-written by Billy and the others from top writers. He sings with an exciting voice unlike all the others and regular radio listeners who know, will recognise the voice immediately. Carson Chamberlain and Billy produce the album and the 8 musicians create an individual sound on every song, yet keep it all within the overall sound of “the album”. Brent Mason and Troy Lancaster lead guitars, Paul Leim drums, Biff Watson acoustic, Scotty Emerick gut-string guitar, David Smith bass, Tony Harrell keyboards, Paul Franklin on steel and Chip Davis and Wes Hightower sing background. “Love And The Meaning Of” “Every Reason Not To Go” and “People Are Crazy”, are all stone-country songs with a lovely uplifting beat of differing tempos while “That's How Country Boys Roll” lifts to a country rockers contrasting with the Mexican flavoured “I Shall Return” and he closes with the power ballad “Heal Me”. This should not distract in any way from the other songs included. I’m just picking my favourites, the ones that stood out for me. If like me this is your first experience with Billy find his first 2 albums. If they are nearly as good as this one, they too must be great. www.humphead.com and www.billycurrington.com for more details. OTHER SONGS:-Swimmin' In Sunshine-Life,-Don't-Everything -Walk On -No One Has Eyes Like You, (11songs 43 minutes).
AMANDA JAYNE LATHAM ..FLY... PPAL-082008-CD
Manchester based singer and songwriter Amanda had a daunting task when she took 12 of her own songs to Nashville to record. It’s co-produced by Tony Migliore (who also played keyboards and arranged the music) and Chuck Haines (who also engineered the sessions). The musicians include top players like Pete Bordonali (acoustic), Chris Leuzinger (lead), Sonny Garrish (steel and dobro), Hank Singer (fiddle and mandolin), Jerry Kroon (drums and percussion) & Jimmy Carter (bass).The background singers are Michael Black and Susan Marshall. These talented people all come together to give the overall sound a wonderful country feel that invites you down the country road to quality recording and great songs, delivered with an experienced voice that’s always at ease, either up-tempo or delivering a laid back ballad. Amanda reminds me of Crystal Gayle on some songs, particularly on the ballad “Leaving”. Most of the songs are written from a very personal standpoint like “Fly” and “My Little girls”, personal family songs, while “Billy Jane” is a catchy story of a girl singer making good featuring lovely dobro. For me the outstanding song is the bright Texas two-step “Cowboys”,( with fiddle and dobro to the fore) reminiscent of the catchy bouncy two-steps popularised by Tanya Tucker. This is worthy of chart success and Amanda should seriously try to place the song in the US ( with Tanya or even Gretchen?). The song “God works in mysterious ways” was written for the soundtrack of the movie “The Spirit Healer” so watch out for it. Nothing but praise for this CD, ticks all the boxes for success and comes recommended. For more details check www.myspace.com/amandajaynelatham or www.ajlatham.co.uk and look out for Amanda in the awards. OTHER SONGS:-Want me back-Can you forgive me-Mr. Rain Man-Life’s what you make it-The way that I love you-Now that your gone. (12 songs-46 minutes)
BEST OF BRITISH AND IRISH COUNTRY 2009......VARIOUS ARTISTES.....
RUSH RELEASED RECORDS…RRR2008
Once again it’s time for the Best of 2008 taken from the successful British tracks on the Country Hot Disc. This years there’s 24 songs, all of which have made it to the Hot Disc Charts, on the International, Independent or British, and some featured in all 3. There’s Top 20,Top ten and Country Numbers 1s and the mix just seems to get better each year. It opens with 6 songs from Ireland’s “All Country Records” 4 from Brenda Mulgrew, (2 solo songs and 2 duets with T. J. Stuart) and one song each from Jason McAllister and Gerry Black. Dave Sheriff sings next (one of 2 of his songs here as he also wrote the opening song).Chilli Gold and Bryan Chalker & Legacy follow showing the gap between the contemporary and traditional sound and then Diablo sing their award winning “Song of the year”. Then 3 female vocalists shine Celia Bryce, Brianie (with the Hot Disc Single of the Year) and Paula MacAskill with a cover of an old Springfield’s hit, while Audrey Lovejoy separates 2 of the 3 Scottish artistes featured. Jackie Storrar is next with her self-penned song. In fact half the songs on this Cd are written by the singers. Martin Smith is up next with one of his own followed by Kelly Lee featuring namesake Albert of lead guitar fame. Gary Curtis is followed by one of only 4 “band” artistes featured and the 3rd Scottish artiste is the band One day 40. Ivan D is another of the Irish offerings while Dave Aspen offers a big sound followed by Clive John unplugged and acoustic. Tyler is a newcomer while the closing track goes to country stalwarts Nicholas McCarthy and the Yellowstone Picnic band with more tradition. There’s 79 minutes in different styles showing that the country scene in the UK, on record anyway, is very diverse. As ever this is a fine collection that British and Irish country can be proud of and deserves your continued support. Best to check out www.hotdisc.net or send £9.99 to Hot Disc, Stables Cottages, Eildon Hall, Melrose TD6 9HD, Scotland for their latest offer. SONG TITLES (in order):- Knocklayde Mountain-The brightest star -Fallen angel -Oh Mama- Time- The lamp -Better late than never- Out of my mind -Truck driver's queen - Whisky, women and wine -Old town habits-Daddy's school-I'll never find another you-My heart is not what it used to be-She's all cried out-One door closes- Stay -If I give my love to you-Sad cowboy-Come over to Ireland-One way train-In a whisper - Don't colour me blue - Tumbling tumbleweeds. (24 songs-79 minutes).
JIMMY DEAN...FIND ‘EM FOOL ‘EM LEAVE ‘EM ALONE….B.A.C.M RECORDS .....BACM CD D252
Mention the name Jimmy Dean and every country fan remembers “Big Bad John” which he wrote on a plane to Nashville for that session. Jimmy was a star long before that hit. After his stint in the Air Force he formed a country band in Washington DC in the late 40’s and had his own radio programme. He later signed to ABC TV and also had a run on CBS TV, and is now considered the fore-runner to “Hee Haw”. His first country hit was “Bumming Around” in 53 and he waited till 61 for his 2nd with “ John”. He followed that with a long run of chart successes through the 60 and 70’s TV, personal appearances headlining in Vegas with lots of TV (including the Daniel Boone series) and movies. He played in the Bond movie “Diamonds are forever”. This covers his years with Four Star and Mercury from 50 to 58 with lots of well known covers including a dabble with rockabilly. You’ll recognise many of the titles and while in later years he became famous for his narrations ( Ode to a sleeping beauty, I.O.U. and Cajun Queen) Jimmy could carry a song as well as mo,st in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. Sounding a bit nasally he became quite the crooner later and its great to hear his voice change. Its really a delight to hear some of these recordings again. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or on the web at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com SONG TITLES:-There stands the glass-Paper love affair-Big blue diamond-Find ‘em fool ‘em leave ‘em alone-Glad rags-Hello Mr. Blues-Do you love me-A fool in love-My world is you-Freight train blues-I’ve found out what I’ve been thinking-Happy Child-Losing game-Look on the good side-Nothing can stop me now-What this old world needs-Picking sweethearts-Bumming around-I’m feeling for you-Queen of hearts-Sweet darling-Please Release me-I might have known-I know what its like to be lonesome-You should see Tennessee Mam’selle-My heart is an open book (26 songs 65 minutes)
THE WILBURN BROTHERS…....THE .....KNOXVILLE GIRL....B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D252
Doyle and Teddy started their career as part of the 5 piece family band. They guested on the Grand Ole Opry thanks to Roy Acuff in the early 40’s but due to Labour Laws had to leave. In 1948 the family joined the Louisiana Hayride and stayed until 54 when Doyle & Teddy became a duo and joined Webb Pierce on the road. They became Opry members in 1956. Their first duo recording “Go away with me” charted and started their long run of chart hits into the early 70‘s. They started their own road-show and featured Loretto Lynn for some years. They started song writing, music publishing and a talent agency among some of their business interests. Along with Jim & Jesse, The Osbornes, and the Louvins they continued the country tradition of family brother acts. The songs here are all from their Decca years 55 to 58 and contains many well known songs. Remarkable recordings of great country classics preserved forever. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or on the web at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com SONG TITLES ;-Always alone-Cry cry darling-Deep Elem blues-The Knoxville girl-don’t sweetheart me-Go away with me-Great big love-I close my eyes-I got over the blues-I know you don’t love me anymore-I’ll sail my ship alone (solo by Doyle)-I’m setting you free-I’m so in love with you-Look around take a look at me-Mixed up medley-My heart or my mind-Nothing at all-That’s when I’ll miss you-Time changes everything-You win again (solo by Teddy)-If it’s wrong to love you-One has my name-Sugartime-I want to live and love-Boy’s faithful friend-Which one is to blame.(26 songs-64 minutes)
LEE ANN WOMACK…CALL ME CRAZY.....HUMPHEAD RECORDS HUMP050
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This is Lee Ann’s 7th album and the first to get a UK release from Humphead Records. Probably best known here for her big hit “I hope you Dance”, Lee Ann carries the Best Female Vocalist title from the CMA (2001) and Best Album (2005) for “There’s more where that came from”, 2 Grammy Awards and her “I hope you dance” CD has gone Triple Platinum. Always among the strong “Country” singers, she has a great voice that delivers everything from tender to powerful in one song. The songs are all wonderful life songs, mainly tender ballads that build to powerful highs and relate to life love, romance and heartbreak and all between. She delivers on every song, and her vocal is crafted to leave you hanging on every word. Surrounded here by musicians at the top of their game, the producer (Tony Brown) leaves enough room for them to deliver too.Excellent production, never over pushed and simple at times, compliment the vocal. She also co-writes 4 songs here with Dale Dobson on all 4, while Dean Dillon co-write on 2 of them and Casey Beathard on one. Keith Urban and Melissa Hayes join Lee Ann on “The Bees”.The Tom Shapiro/Mark Nesler/Tony Martin song “I think I know” tributes Keith Whitley, Hank and Cash, and sets a lovely mid tempo. “If These walls could talk” has plaintive steel guitar from Paul Franklin and piano from Steve Nathan sounding as traditional as it gets. Larry Franklin leads off on fiddle on the duet with George Strait “Everything but quits” probably an award winner. Top songs from top songwriters, top musicians (including Brent Mason, Greg Morrow, Michael Rhodes, Bryan Sutton, John Jarvis, and Audrey Haynie plus those already mentioned) and production gives us another top quality Cds from Lee Ann Womack who without doubt is one of the best “COUNTRY” voices today. OTHER SONGS:-Last call-Either way-Solitary thinking-New again-I found it in you-Have you seen that girl- the King of broken hearts-The story of my life.(12 songs-47 minutes).
RAY SANDERS….TEXAS DANCE HALL STYLE….HILLSIDE RECORDS.HSCD0802.
Just before Christmas I reviewed Ray’s CD “COUNTRY” and this arrives just in time for this month’s reviews, so I thought I would include it to save me relaying his history. It’s another collection of self written co-writes and country standards, given a Texas shuffle feel, though not on all the songs, as there are some great ballads here. Ray co-writes 6 songs, 3 of them with Dewey Hollyhand including the great opener “Shuffle me back to Texas”. He sounds remarkably like his mentor Ray Price whom he recorded with back when. (Ray was the tenor voice on Price’s hit “Heartaches by the number”). He includes Jerry Chestnut’s “Another place another time” and a great version of Nat Stuckey’s “Don’t you believe her” one of the standout ballads here. Vern Stovall’s “One more memory” and Billy Mize’s “I had to let her dance” are well played and sung. He also included 2 Red Stegall songs, “Lonely Eyes“ and “ Beer Drinking music” which was a hit for Ray back in 1969 so I don’t know if this is a new recording or the original. The vocal changes from song to song giving the impression that each song comes from a different session over a few years. The musicians include Lloyd Green and Jay D Maness on Steel, Buddy Spicer, Dale Morris & Billy Armstrong fiddles, Bob Moore bass, Buddy Harmon drums, and guitar players Steve Chapman, Ray Ederton, Billy Sanford and Jimmy Capps, so you know country when you hear these boys play. The bonus 2 songs “Single Mom” and the patriotic “She still lights a candle” are recent recordings. If you like country in a traditional vein with a good singer and top musicians then here’s another to add to your collection. Its available at www.hillsiderecords.net www.cdbaby.com and www.honkytonkin.com. OTHER TRACKS: Rock and a hard place-My special angel-Most wanted woman-Hanging around-I can’t change the changes. (14 songs-39 minutes).
As ever I welcome your comments etc by e-mail at gerryford@madasafish.com and until next time,
keep on keeping it Country
....Gerry Ford.
February/March 2009
Hello and a Happy New Year from "some beach somewhere" (in Australia)..."pass me another cannie Joan, turn me over and rub some more oil on my back" Yes here I am still on holiday but getting ready to return home and looking forward to a little cold frost and snow !!!!. This month starts the year review wise so I'm in catch-up mode with the releases from last year's end. My Bluegrass album of the Year is in here, as well as re-issues from Don Williams,Johnny Cash, and Chely Wright,- one each from Australia and Norway- let me introduce the Crowe Brothers and Tracy Stefans- Golden Oldies from Tex Fletcher and Art Dickson and there's even a CD/DVD set from Frizzell & Friends. So lets make a great start with the latest from ....
RANDY TRAVIS...AROUND THE BEND...WARNER BROS/ AUTHENTIC MUSIC UK…6249845
This new release from Randy is a DVD and CD, 2 disc set. The DVD features Randy in an unplugged studio setting for 2 songs, the gospel No. 1 hit “Three wooden crosses” (not on the CD) and the dramatic “You didn’t have a good time” featuring Lance Dary and Robb Houston on guitars and background vocals, David Johnson on fiddle and producer Kyle Lehning on piano. There there’s 2 versions of “Faith in You” all running for over 16 minutes. Powerful performances from Randy in fine voice. The Cd “Around The bend” has 11 songs, and runs 43 minutes, every songs standing out there on their own. Vocally as strong as ever, Randy puts his unique vocal stamp on every song, all written by top songwriters and given the Kyle Lehning production that’s been a trademark of Randy’s recordings. Then there’s the musicians, a line-up that could grace any good recording:- Paul Leim drums-David Hungate bass-Bryan Sutton and Audrey Haynie mandolin-piano from Gordon Mote - fiddle Audrey Haynie and Larry Franklin-steel guitarists Paul Franklin and Dan Dugmore-B3, electric piano from Steve Nathan-percussion Casey Wood- Dobro Rob Ickes- guitars (acoustic, electric and 12-string) from Steve Gibson, Bryan Sutton and Brent Mason-while background vocals feature Wes Hightower, Tania Hancherof, The Cherry Sisters (Lisa Silver, Diane Vanette and Sheri Huffman) and Dan Seals. The only cover here is a great version of Dylan’s “Don’t think twice it’s all right” which bounces along lifted by dobro, acoustic guitar, steel and fiddle and could be a great hit all over again, while Randy’s vocal warbles through the song from falsetto to “down there” bass. I love the Hugh Prestwood song “Love is a gamble” and the sad love song “Dig Two Graves”, the breaking up song “Everything that I own (has got a dent)” and the powerful “You didn’t have a good time” but then I will certainly hear them all again…and again. Powerful yet light, dramatic yet gentle, its all there in the vocal from Randy who recently notched up 25 million album sales worldwide and no wonder. Its available here or www.authenticmedia.co.uk in the UK or write to Authentic Media, Freepost, Box 300, Carlisle, CA3 0QS for a catalogue. Its also on www.wbrnashville.com OTHER SONGS:-Every head bowed-turn it around - From your knees-’Til I’m dead and gone.
DAUGHTERS OF BLUEGRASS...BLUEGRASS BOUQUET...BLUE CIRCLE RECORDS BCR017
This 2nd Daughters of Bluegrass CD “Bluegrass Bouquet” is designed to showcase the talents of women from all styles of the bluegrass genre, with the main focus being the breathtaking variety of picking and singing of these talented women. The line-up includes Gena Britt, Vicki Simmons, Megan McCormick, Becky Buller, Tina Adair, Kristin Scott Benson, Rebekah Long, Jenee Fleenor, Jeana Martin, Janice Martin, Larita Martin, Martha Adcock, Amber Burks, Beth Stevens and additional featured vocalists: Janet McGarry, Valerie Smith, Stacy York, Dara Wray, Alecia Nugent, Jennifer Strickland and more, 42 in all. The 17 songs (runs for 61 minutes) are all written by Dixie Hall (3 solo) and Tom T Hall with Tony Engle on “Everybody got a light” and Billy Smith on “Will you ever be satisfied”. It would take me pages to describe the individual musicians and vocalists on each song , so you’ll have to take my word for it and give this outstanding Cd a listen. I could fill the pages with praise too, but let me pick this as my “Bluegrass album of the Year”. Outstanding vocal, wonderful lyrics, classic and modern arrangements throughout. Standout songs that particularly appealed to me include “I don’t think I’m going back to Harlan” “More to love than this” “I’m gonna love you now” “The old family table” and “Take me with you” Song samples can be found at www.bluecirclerecords.com/ CDs are available from www.cdbaby.com/ www.bluecirclerecords.com/ or you can get more details direct via e-mail from info@bluecirclerecords.com) OTHER SONGS:- Proud to be a daughter of bluegrass-I don’t think I’m going back to Harlan-Keep on walking-Carolina state on my mind-Desmoranda-Nobody home-Leaving here for Nashville--Go up on the mountain and wait-I made a friend of a flower today-Your memory followed me home-Scenes from an old country graveyard.
DON WILLIAMS…THE JOURNEY COUNTRY HOUSE RECORDS BGCD790
Now with this CD we are talking “COUNTRY” no if’s or but’s , just that great voice that endeared Don to so many in the UK and around the world since the mid 70’s. I can remember the first time I played a Don Williams song on the radio on a Sunday afternoon and having to replay it before the programme’s end to pacify the telephone calls (not withstanding that I wanted to play it over and over anyway for myself). I became a Don Williams fan back then and I’ve never wavered from enjoying the pleasure of hearing his voice. I was at Wembley when he had that “Don Williams Encore” the first time. Far as I’m concerned he could sings a telephone book and make it interesting. On this Cd all the songs are from his own pen, apart from “Til the rivers all run dry” with Wayland Holyfield (live version here) and “I’ll sing for Joy” with Gary Burr. Great catchy songs like “Leaving for the flatlands” “Oh misery” “Fly Away” “Lay down beside me” (live version) and “Shelter of your eyes” performed in that musical enclosure that became the “Don Williams Sound” (devised with Allan Reynolds) with laid back instrumentation steel, dobro, acoustic, electric and bass guitars and piano with gentle strings occasionally added. Great collection and lovely presentation,. and it’s on our own Scottish “Country House” label. OTHER SONGS;-I need you to want me-My heart to you-One like me-Love me over again-When I’m with you-Running in the fast lane-We‘re all the way (live version).(14 songs- 46 minutes).
CROWE BROTHERS…BROTHERS-N-HARMONY RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS RHY1041
In the tradition of the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers and the Wilburn Brothers, the Crowe Brothers are carrying on with beautifully blended harmonies in bluegrass and traditional country music.Josh Crowe plays rhythm and lead guitars, and sings lead and tenor vocals, while Wayne Crowe plays upright bass and sings lead also. They have an all star group of bluegrass musicians (who have won Grammy, IBMA or SPEGMA awards) including: Randy Kohrs-dobro and lap steel guitar, Ronnie Mc Coury-mandolin, Steve Sutton-banjo, and others including Darren Nicholson-mandolin, Shawn Apple -percussion with guests Buck White-piano on the songs “Million for a broken heart“, Don Wayne Reno-banjo on “Better luck next time“, Ronnie Mc Coury-mandolin on “Country boy rock ’n roll” and album co-producer/musician Steve Thomas-fiddle lead guitar and mandolin. (Josh co-produces). They move across a variety of styles paying tribute to the legends with classic songs like “Are you teasin’ me” “Why not confess” “Which one is to blame” and the fast paced “Country boy rock & roll.” They also highlight new originals like “Holdin’on when you’ve let go” written by Dixie Hall and Eric Gibson, “Million for a broken heart” and “Take me by the hand” written by Josh and the first single “Cindy Mae” written by Cody Shuler. “God must be a cowboy” written by Dan Seals, “Go away with me” by Dan Welch and the gospel song “I know I’m saved” make up the 12 songs. They have been recording and touring together since 1975 and have recorded 10 albums over the years in different guises. Their beautifully blended vocals is certainly the highlight of this collection with lovely sympathetic instrumentation around the outstanding vocals. Watch out for this Cd as I’m sure it will be in the various awards in the coming 12 months. They firmly establish themselves as one of the top bluegrass vocal groups carrying on the tradition. www.ruralrhythm.com for more details and how to buy. (the 12 songs run for 35 minutes)
CHELY WRIGHT…ULTIMATE COLLECTION HUMPHEAD RECORDS : HUMP 042
Chely Wright brought a touch of down-home, traditional sounding country music to the charts in the mid 1990s. Fiercely loyal to the roots of country she is quick to point to the pioneers as her inspirations and teachers. Her role models were some of the all-time great country singers, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, Wanda Jackson, Porter Wagoner and Conway Twitty. This collection is certainly worthy of the “Ultimate” title as it includes her hits and nearly hits from her remarkable career which garnered many accolades and awards from both the CMA and the Academy of CM. Her distinctive voice and stone country fiddles and steel sound provided country fans in the US and Europe with an alternative sound to the Pop flavoured fare delivered by Martina McBride, Wynonna, Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood and others since she started in 1993 with Mercury. Many line dance and radio favourites are included like “Sea of Cowboy hats” “He’s a good ole boy” “Listening to the radio” “Shut up and drive” “Feelin single, seein’ double” “Single white female” “The fire” and “Jezabel” (with great fiddle playing). Excellent production from various producers and as the album is a compilation the top class session players are unfortunately not named here. Now for the big bonus , this CD has a UK released at MID PRICE for the first time, great value, so snap it up. OTHER SONGS;-Till I Was Loved by You-Till All Her Tears Are Dry-The Love That We Lost-Alligator purse-Just Another Heartache-I Already Do-Let me in-It Was The Fire-She Went Out for Cigarettes-One night in Las Vegas-Deep Down Low - Never Love You Enough.(20 songs - 73 mins).
JOHNNY CASH...THE GOSPEL MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH GAITHER MUSIC GROUP…SHD2732.
This 2 Cd set is a collection of gospel songs recorded by Johnny over the years starting with his early Sun Records days. Back then he recorded his own “Belshazzar” and “I was there when it happened” with the Tennessee Three and they open CD 1 which has 13 songs and runs for 32 minutes. “God has my fortune laid away” and “ He turned the water into wine” feature the Carter Family and the Statler Bros in a “Live” recording while “Daddy sang bass” and “When the saints go marching in” featuring the “Joyful Noise”, is taken from a “Live” Billy Graham Concert. Then it’s a “Live” recording of the No 1 hit “Man in Black” and “Gospel Road”. “Over the next hill we’ll be home” features June Carter Cash and an un-named piano player only for backing. His “Live” “Peace in the Valley” is from the same session which also features the unmistakable Carter Family, then it’s “Why Me Lord” and “The Old Rugged Cross” as a duet with Mother Maybelle Carter and Choir. The full sound is there on Shaver‘s “I’m just an old chunk of coal” again in front of an audience. CD 2 has 12 songs and runs for 32 minutes. It continues the “live session “ style with Johnny and guitar only on “I won’t have to cross Jordan alone”. Then “The old account was settled long ago” is again a duet with Mother Maybelle and entourage. He duets with June on “Far side banks of Jordan” and the early fade out cuts the applause and “Farther along” and “Matthew 24” sounds like its from the concert. Johnny narrates his “Ragged Old Flag” with sparse backing to great effect and the Carters join him on and “Were you there (when they crucified my Lord)”. His recording of Stuart Hamblen’s “It is no secret “ is a stand alone classic, while “Angel Band” “My Children walk in truth” “In the Sweet by and by” are from the same concert. He closes the concert with “God’s Hands”. While this is aimed at the mass market, I wish they had taken the opportunity and include the recording dates and some detail of the performers on the individual tracks as many of them have now passed on. There are some historical performances included here and the Cash fan will be delighted with this release. It is a great collection of a master at work over the years and Johnny’s gospel legacy is certainly here in song. It is available from www.gaiter.comor www.authenticmedia.co.uk here in the UK or write to Authentic Media, Freepost, Box 300, Carlisle, CA3 0QS for a catalogue.
PAT DRUMMOND & KAREN LYNNE...THE LONG JOURNEY HOME SHOESTRING RECORDS…SR75
This is the long awaited sequel to Karen Lynne & Pat Drummond's “Six Days in December” album. It’s a celebration of their time spent working and touring together and is a collection of true stories, and characters with some added social comment. The stories cover a truck driver on the Hay Plain, a reconciliation song based around a 2000 year old tree on Mt. Warning, and a reflection on Dreams and how we grow to hold them dear as we age plus the poignant tale of forgiveness, based around a murder in the Amish community in Pennsylvania a few years ago. While a noted songwriter in her own right, this time Karen has left the task of song writing entirely to Pat (with the song “Calling Me” a co-write with Brent Parlane, and “Carol Lights” a Christmas song written by Geoff Drummond (Pat’s brother) and Karen makes her debut as producer. This gives the music a very different feel from their first duet album, and is an acoustic arrangement of guitar -Pat, mandolin and fiddle-Lindsay Martin, tin whistle-John Spillane, accordion-David Desanti bass guitar-Rob Frenchman, banjo-Martin Louis and percussion-Marianthe Loucataris, a feel that's much more the folksier side of Australiana country. Karen presents these songs in a much gentler and sensitive way, some tracks pared down to only finger style guitar, bass and mandolin. The strong songs shine without elaborate musical arrangements that would tend to detract from the lyrics and the vocal. Being a true duet album, it features intertwining melody & harmony, with each switching from melody to harmony in most songs. The vocals are balanced beautifully and effectively showcase each other in their best light. The album has a gentle feel with great sincerity in the words, delivered by 2 experienced voices that at times leave you with a sadness and a lump in your throat. This is Pats 18th album release and some of the songs here are re-workings of older songs as duets, but 9 songs are brand new. This is Karen’s 7th album release ( her 6th was “The Singles” reviewed last month) and her 3rd collaboration, one with Pat mentioned above and one with bluegrass band “Acoustic Shock”. If you like the gentle side of acoustic country leaning into folk music then this is a must and is available by post from www.karenlynne.com OTHER SONGS:-18 wheels-The Darling Downs-David’s watch-The bridge (this tree)-Dreams-Love and Irrational hope-If a man is a man-Amish mourn-The spirit of the southern shore-The Bunyip of Hooligan’s Creek-Hearts above the waterline-Wildflowers-Arrogance-Somewhere down the line.(16 songs-68 minutes).
TRACY STEFANS…COUNTRY ROCK STAR. TRACY STEFANS MUSIC…CR727CCM
After spending the last 10 years as front singer with a Wisconsin award winning band called “Great Guns” Tracy Stefans steps out as a solo artist. The band won the Wisconsin Country Group of the Year for 6 years, and Tracy was nominated as Male Vocalist 5 times. Taking the next step was certainly a big one so he moved to Nashville and with his friend Henry Paul from Blackhawk (as producer) completed this CD. The songs, written by some of Nashville's best song writers including Billy Austin, Dillon Dixon, Kevin Savigar, Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, and Dave Robbins, cover life on the road, life in general, love and broken love. It features a great mix of contemporary country songs and his unique vocal is combined with the musical talent of a fine ensemble of musicians. The line-up includes Dave Robbins-keyboard, Kirk Eberhard-bass, Michael Bailey-drums, and Jamie LaRitz -lead guitar, mandolin and banjo and with additional help from Michael Bush-guitar and percussion and Cowboy Crush's Renae Truex on fiddle they create a modern and energetic mix. Michael Randall from Blackhawk and Matthew Randall from The Randall Brothers give the songs a sound reminiscent of Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, and Restless Heart that only twin brothers who have sang together can produce. Loved the fast paced “Country Rock Star” the road song “My way is the highway” and “Country at Heart” for it’s sentiments. Very enjoyable debut album which could launch Tracy to fulfil his dream to be a “Country Rock Star”. www.myspace.com/tracystefansmusic for more. OTHER SONGS:-Promised land-If I can’t have your heart-It happens-Baby I can-I wanna be small today-Blah, Blah, Blah,-Long way back to Carolina-Always have always will-Country Rock Star (radio edit)(11 songs + reprise of title - 42 mins).
DAVID FRIZZELL...FRIZZELL & FRIENDS “THIS IS OUR TIME” NASHVILLE AMERICA RECORDS NA1941 CD
This must surely be a collector’s dream, 20 songs sung by a host of country performers in duet format with David Frizzell. New and old songs, with great musicians and performers all singing and playing what they know best, “Traditional Country”. David sings solo on “Dreams of Angels” “Someday” and the autobiographical “No regrets”, 3 of the 8 songs he’s written for this project, while Jimmy Fortune sings solo on “How longs love gonna put up with that?” and duets with David on “Ordinary Joe” which they co-wrote. Merle Haggard and the Strangers guest on “If you got the money honey I’ve got the time”. The session players play on all the others songs and include Brent Mason, Chris Leuzinger, Greg Morrow, Jeff King, Joel Key, Mark Beckett, Mike Brignardello, Rob Hajacos, Sonny Garrish, Spady Brannon, Steve Hinsen, Steve Turner and session leader Tony Harrell. But this is all about the songs and particularly the voices, all instantly recognisable to most country fans. You can’t mistake Crystal on “Wedding dress for sale”, Rodrigeuz on “Warm Spanish wine” Watson on “Long Black Veil” Stampley with the soft country rocker “Music (where did it come from)” Seely still smouldering on “ Nobody’s darling but mine” and T. Graham Brown with a bayou beat behind Alex Harvey’s “Got to get back to Louisiana”. The husky Lacy. J sound great on “Something ‘bout you” and listen out for the “Bare on the Air” with “Cowboy Hat” and its great dig at modern country (“…we’re pulling singers out of cowboy hats…”).Helen Cornelius duets on the lovely moody “Could it be we fell in love tonight” (and also sings backup vocal with Vicki Carrico, Michael Black, Stacey Houston and Jimmy Fortune on various tracks).Johnny Lee sings well on “You can’t love her” while Allan Frizzell sounds like a Frizzell with “Three minutes” (featuring Tess Frizzell) an outstanding tribute to country, (“...so if we’re the last country singers to leave Nashville, I’ll turn out the lights when you go…”). “Why wasn’t it me” a soulful ballad features Amy Clawson and John Cowan gets the last song, “Reckless Wind” with his soaring vocal. Wonderful country arrangements, sounds, songs, voices and all as traditional as get out, great collector’s item that places country from way back in “Our Time”DVD. Most country fans never get the opportunity to see what actually happens in a recording studio until now. This DVD features all the artistes (except John Cowan) rehearsing, practising, arranging their parts, and actually doing their bit, with warts, flops, mistakes, retakes etc etc included. You don’t get to hear the completed song as that’s only on the CD, but even the band leader giving instructions is there. Wonderful insight into recording, and even the hand held camera and poor lighting at times doesn’t detract too much, even the occasional back of the head shot is overlooked. The fact that the artistes left their ego at the studio door is remarkable and worthy of praise. The CD and DVD is packed in a double gatefold sleeve with pictures of all the singers and musicians and beautifully presented. www.davidfrizzell.com for more information and you can buy it there with your credit card (secured site).(20 songs- 74 minutes).
TEX FLETCHER…THE LONELY COWBOY...B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D241
Born Geremino Bisceglia in Harrison, New York, in 1910 after changing his name to Tex Fletcher he began his career as a cowboy singer on New York radio in the early 1930s. He made his first records for ARC in 1933, but they were never released. He signed with Decca in 1936 and recorded four cowboy songs with voice and guitar only. In December 36 he recorded again “I'm Here To Get My Baby Out Of Jail” and “Still there’s a spark of love”( all 6 songs included). He had some songs released on the Montgomery Ward Label using the name Tack Foster. Violin was added to his next session, two songs in February 1937, “I lost my love in the Ohio flood” and “A song for Mother”. In June 1937 fiddle and mandolin were added and he given a duet partner Smokey Rogers, who also played mandolin for 4 songs including “Poor blind child” and “The girl in the Blue velvet band” (based on an old Irish folk song and later a hit for Hank Snow),while the fiddler was probably Cactus Soldi. The final two Decca sessions, featured Fletcher with a fullun-namedwestern band in 1937 and with The Lonely Cowboys Band in 1938, featuring violin, steel guitar and accordion. This session included a cover of Joe Werner's hit “Wondering” (later a huge hit for Webb Pierce). He also made one western movie “ Six-Gun Rhythm”. He returned to New York and resumed his radio and personal appearances and after war service, he recorded for Flint, Vocalion and other labels and moved into TV also. He continued to perform into the 1970s, but died in 1987 aged 77, leaving behind a small legacy of recordings. My thanks to Kevin Coffey for the sleeve notes. You can visit www.texfletcher.com for more details and as usual you can order direct on the web at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000. OTHER SONGS:- I’m going back to the Red River Valley-Border affair-Ridge running roan-Zebra dun-Mistook the woman I love-Seven more days-My old dog and me-Little sweetheart of the Ozarks-Yodel lady-Shine on Rocky mountain moonlight-Ain’t she sweet-Meet me tonight in the cowshed-Down on the old plantation-Highways are happy ways-I get the blues when it rains.(22 songs 66 minutes).
ART DICKSON…SINGING ON THE RANGE...B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D243
Artells"Art" Dickson was involved with most forms of popular entertainment throughout the 30s 40s and 50s, and he successfully exploited a demand for cowboy songs, recorded many and published sheet-music folios. Changing his name to Art Dickson he recorded numerous Western-flavoured songs with his Melody Mustangs, (songs 1 to 9 here), his Harmonicowboys, songs 10 to 24 here and his Lone Star Serenaders, songs 25 and 26 here. He was born on a ranch just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, so his cowboy credentials were relatively bona-fide and stood him in good stead in later years. Some of the songs associated with him include “Lonesome days” “Singin' on the range” “You're from Texas” “No good son-of-a-gun” “Whoa mule whoa” “Blue ranger” “He's gone down the long long trail” “Night train to Memphis” “No letter today” “Cindy” “Jack O’ Diamonds” and “You nearly lose your mind” all included here and some would be recorded again and again over the years. He studied music in New York, did radio and appeared in various stage productions and also made a number of movie “shorts”. As he never made any commercial records the tracks used here are from transcriptions he made for Lang-Worth Recorded Music Services, from New York. There is a noted change in sound between the Melody Mustangs and the Harmonicowboys due mainly to the use of the harmonica played by Hy Dolber. I have to say thanks to Bryan Chalker for his sleeve notes as I had not heard Art before and can find no trace of him in any of my country source books. It’s very enjoyable from a fine vocalist who should have had a great recording career….but sadly didn’t. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com OTHER SONGS:-Would he ride in a roundup in Heaven-When cookie calls-My little cowpony and me-I’m gonna have a cowboys wedding-Whoppie Ty Yi Yo-Chant Of The Wanderer- Move On, You Lazy Cattle-Close to Heaven-Don’t expect me home in the morning-A Dogie’s lullaby- At The Old Barn Dance-Tired little wrangler-A sinner’s prayer-All day on the prairie.(26 songs -62 minutes)
BIG BULL BAND…OUR OWN WAY…STREAMPEAK MUSIC… BBB801
My introduction to the Big Bull Band was back in February 2006 when I reviewed their CD “A Tribute to Waylon Jennings” released then on BSW Records. Hans Olaf Kastodden sings lead and harmony vocal (…with a remarkable resonance, spookily sounding like Waylon, as close as one could get to the original…) while Arve Nilsen plays guitars and bass and Halvor Halvorsen plays drums. They add Joe Degelia on pedal steel. Recorded in Norway and mixed and mastered by Larry Marrs in Tennessee, where Robbie Turner adds steel guitar to 4 songs. Arve co-writes “Time, be my friend” with Hans and Halvor and Hans writes “Sometimes I want to dream“ and “The way it was“. They do a great version of the Ruthie Steel/Max D Barnes/Dawn Sears song “Blue collar Paul” and Waylon’s “Waymore’s Blues” the only 2 covers. Then they add the fast paced instrumental “Hoggy Mountain Breakdown” (yes it is Hoggy) and band 14 is the music video for the song “ Our own Way” on Mpeg-2 . The other 7 songs are all written by Arve, like “Our own Way” a dig at rip-off producers, “The last dance” as a singer reminisces from the stage, the comical “Rock bottom” and words of advise from Mum “An inch is better than a mile (when you’re going the wrong way)”. Thoroughly enjoyable country once again from Big Bull Band and full marks to all concerned for another faultless recording. More details at www.worldcountrymusic.co.uk or for the band at www.bigbullband.com OTHER SONGS:-Changed my mind-I’ll always love you-I’ll rather stay here.(13 songs-42 mins not counting Band 14 which I was unable to view).
Keep on keeping it Country....Gerry Ford.
Next Mag: April/May 2010
Feb/March 10 Mags are OUT! Thank you for being so patient!!
That’s it for another year……I hope you all have a Merry Christmas 
The Isaacs are a family bluegrass-country-gospel band and consists of Sonya vocal and mandolin, sister Becky (Bowman) guitar, brother Ben on stand-up bass and mother Lily vocalist. [Father Joe works fulltime in bluegrass in Kentucky]. They are joined by fiddler extraordinaire Jesse Stockman, Kevin Haynie on banjo and guitar and Nathan Fauscett drums and percussion. With 19 songs and running 90 minutes, the extras include interviews and behind the scenes footage. However the music and songs are the biggest attraction with outstanding harmony from the family members, who share the songs, wonderful musicianship from all on stage, great production, lighting, and everything you would wish for in a concert including a little comedy. Here are some of the highlights from a faultless concert-Ben opens the show with “Great is the reward” and then the ladies take turn singing lead on the next 3 songs. “I’ll fly away” is an instrumental and the camera cuts away for a short scenic tour. “Barbie Band-aids” is sung by Sonya to Becky’s daughter on stage. Outstanding harmonies on “Through the valley” and again on “It is well with my soul” with voices and only fiddle for backing. Becky then sings “That’ alright with me” and dedicates it to husband John and her son (in the audience). One verse of “The Old Rugged Cross” leads into Lily a reading of “The Misfit” by Ben Benson. The family also visit Bergen Belsen concentration camp in Germany where Lily’s mother & father were incarcerated until liberation in 1945. Lily sings a short Yiddish song in dedication for an obviously emotional family. The concert ends with “The love of God” again with only voices and fiddle and then the rousing “He ain’t never done me nothing but good” that flows into a varied comedy instrumental “Duelling banjos” much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience, who applaud in unison, (like a slow hand clap at speed) which I remember from playing there some years ago, and were continually on their feet showing their communal appreciation. Probably the best country-bluegrass-gospel DVD I have ever enjoyed and their choice of songs from their earlier and current Cds, mixed with classic songs, was a perfect balance. Without fear of repeating some adjectives, great, wonderful, outstanding, enthusiastic, professional, polished, faultless etc etc. It is available in the UK, just check out www.authenticmusic.com or follow the links on www.theisaacs.musiccitynetworks.com to listen to some music or www.gaither.com … you will be delighted you did. OTHER SONGS:-If that don‘t make you want to go-I surrender all-Yours and mine-Walk on-I bring it to you-He touched me-Heroes-Friend ‘til the end-Love is a cross you bear-The one I‘m dying for.
This is the 3rd album from Billy who has 2 No.1 country hits already notched on his belt. Billy says:-“ it always comes down to the song” and on this Cd there are 11 great ones, 5 co-written by Billy and the others from top writers. He sings with an exciting voice unlike all the others and regular radio listeners who know, will recognise the voice immediately. Carson Chamberlain and Billy produce the album and the 8 musicians create an individual sound on every song, yet keep it all within the overall sound of “the album”. Brent Mason and Troy Lancaster lead guitars, Paul Leim drums, Biff Watson acoustic, Scotty Emerick gut-string guitar, David Smith bass, Tony Harrell keyboards, Paul Franklin on steel and Chip Davis and Wes Hightower sing background. “Love And The Meaning Of” “Every Reason Not To Go” and “People Are Crazy”, are all stone-country songs with a lovely uplifting beat of differing tempos while “That's How Country Boys Roll” lifts to a country rockers contrasting with the Mexican flavoured “I Shall Return” and he closes with the power ballad “Heal Me”. This should not distract in any way from the other songs included. I’m just picking my favourites, the ones that stood out for me. If like me this is your first experience with Billy find his first 2 albums. If they are nearly as good as this one, they too must be great. www.humphead.com and www.billycurrington.com for more details. OTHER SONGS:-Swimmin' In Sunshine-Life,-Don't-Everything -Walk On -No One Has Eyes Like You, (11songs 43 minutes).
Manchester based singer and songwriter Amanda had a daunting task when she took 12 of her own songs to Nashville to record. It’s co-produced by Tony Migliore (who also played keyboards and arranged the music) and Chuck Haines (who also engineered the sessions). The musicians include top players like Pete Bordonali (acoustic), Chris Leuzinger (lead), Sonny Garrish (steel and dobro), Hank Singer (fiddle and mandolin), Jerry Kroon (drums and percussion) & Jimmy Carter (bass).The background singers are Michael Black and Susan Marshall. These talented people all come together to give the overall sound a wonderful country feel that invites you down the country road to quality recording and great songs, delivered with an experienced voice that’s always at ease, either up-tempo or delivering a laid back ballad. Amanda reminds me of Crystal Gayle on some songs, particularly on the ballad “Leaving”. Most of the songs are written from a very personal standpoint like “Fly” and “My Little girls”, personal family songs, while “Billy Jane” is a catchy story of a girl singer making good featuring lovely dobro. For me the outstanding song is the bright Texas two-step “Cowboys”,( with fiddle and dobro to the fore) reminiscent of the catchy bouncy two-steps popularised by Tanya Tucker. This is worthy of chart success and Amanda should seriously try to place the song in the US ( with Tanya or even Gretchen?). The song “God works in mysterious ways” was written for the soundtrack of the movie “The Spirit Healer” so watch out for it. Nothing but praise for this CD, ticks all the boxes for success and comes recommended. For more details check www.myspace.com/amandajaynelatham or 
Once again it’s time for the Best of 2008 taken from the successful British tracks on the Country Hot Disc. This years there’s 24 songs, all of which have made it to the Hot Disc Charts, on the International, Independent or British, and some featured in all 3. There’s Top 20,Top ten and Country Numbers 1s and the mix just seems to get better each year. It opens with 6 songs from Ireland’s “All Country Records” 4 from Brenda Mulgrew, (2 solo songs and 2 duets with T. J. Stuart) and one song each from Jason McAllister and Gerry Black. Dave Sheriff sings next (one of 2 of his songs here as he also wrote the opening song).Chilli Gold and Bryan Chalker & Legacy follow showing the gap between the contemporary and traditional sound and then Diablo sing their award winning “Song of the year”. Then 3 female vocalists shine Celia Bryce, Brianie (with the Hot Disc Single of the Year) and Paula MacAskill with a cover of an old Springfield’s hit, while Audrey Lovejoy separates 2 of the 3 Scottish artistes featured. Jackie Storrar is next with her self-penned song. In fact half the songs on this Cd are written by the singers. Martin Smith is up next with one of his own followed by Kelly Lee featuring namesake Albert of lead guitar fame. Gary Curtis is followed by one of only 4 “band” artistes featured and the 3rd Scottish artiste is the band One day 40. Ivan D is another of the Irish offerings while Dave Aspen offers a big sound followed by Clive John unplugged and acoustic. Tyler is a newcomer while the closing track goes to country stalwarts Nicholas McCarthy and the Yellowstone Picnic band with more tradition. There’s 79 minutes in different styles showing that the country scene in the UK, on record anyway, is very diverse. As ever this is a fine collection that British and Irish country can be proud of and deserves your continued support. Best to check out www.hotdisc.net or send £9.99 to Hot Disc, Stables Cottages, Eildon Hall, Melrose TD6 9HD, Scotland for their latest offer. SONG TITLES (in order):- Knocklayde Mountain-The brightest star -Fallen angel -Oh Mama- Time- The lamp -Better late than never- Out of my mind -Truck driver's queen - Whisky, women and wine -Old town habits-Daddy's school-I'll never find another you-My heart is not what it used to be-She's all cried out-One door closes- Stay -If I give my love to you-Sad cowboy-Come over to Ireland-One way train-In a whisper - Don't colour me blue - Tumbling tumbleweeds. (24 songs-79 minutes).
Mention the name Jimmy Dean and every country fan remembers “Big Bad John” which he wrote on a plane to Nashville for that session. Jimmy was a star long before that hit. After his stint in the Air Force he formed a country band in Washington DC in the late 40’s and had his own radio programme. He later signed to ABC TV and also had a run on CBS TV, and is now considered the fore-runner to “Hee Haw”. His first country hit was “Bumming Around” in 53 and he waited till 61 for his 2nd with “ John”. He followed that with a long run of chart successes through the 60 and 70’s TV, personal appearances headlining in Vegas with lots of TV (including the Daniel Boone series) and movies. He played in the Bond movie “Diamonds are forever”. This covers his years with Four Star and Mercury from 50 to 58 with lots of well known covers including a dabble with rockabilly. You’ll recognise many of the titles and while in later years he became famous for his narrations ( Ode to a sleeping beauty, I.O.U. and Cajun Queen) Jimmy could carry a song as well as mo,st in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. Sounding a bit nasally he became quite the crooner later and its great to hear his voice change. Its really a delight to hear some of these recordings again. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or on the web at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com SONG TITLES:-There stands the glass-Paper love affair-Big blue diamond-Find ‘em fool ‘em leave ‘em alone-Glad rags-Hello Mr. Blues-Do you love me-A fool in love-My world is you-Freight train blues-I’ve found out what I’ve been thinking-Happy Child-Losing game-Look on the good side-Nothing can stop me now-What this old world needs-Picking sweethearts-Bumming around-I’m feeling for you-Queen of hearts-Sweet darling-Please Release me-I might have known-I know what its like to be lonesome-You should see Tennessee Mam’selle-My heart is an open book (26 songs 65 minutes)
Doyle and Teddy started their career as part of the 5 piece family band. They guested on the Grand Ole Opry thanks to Roy Acuff in the early 40’s but due to Labour Laws had to leave. In 1948 the family joined the Louisiana Hayride and stayed until 54 when Doyle & Teddy became a duo and joined Webb Pierce on the road. They became Opry members in 1956. Their first duo recording “Go away with me” charted and started their long run of chart hits into the early 70‘s. They started their own road-show and featured Loretto Lynn for some years. They started song writing, music publishing and a talent agency among some of their business interests. Along with Jim & Jesse, The Osbornes, and the Louvins they continued the country tradition of family brother acts. The songs here are all from their Decca years 55 to 58 and contains many well known songs. Remarkable recordings of great country classics preserved forever. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or on the web at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com SONG TITLES ;-Always alone-Cry cry darling-Deep Elem blues-The Knoxville girl-don’t sweetheart me-Go away with me-Great big love-I close my eyes-I got over the blues-I know you don’t love me anymore-I’ll sail my ship alone (solo by Doyle)-I’m setting you free-I’m so in love with you-Look around take a look at me-Mixed up medley-My heart or my mind-Nothing at all-That’s when I’ll miss you-Time changes everything-You win again (solo by Teddy)-If it’s wrong to love you-One has my name-Sugartime-I want to live and love-Boy’s faithful friend-Which one is to blame.(26 songs-64 minutes)
This is Lee Ann’s 7th album and the first to get a UK release from Humphead Records. Probably best known here for her big hit “I hope you Dance”, Lee Ann carries the Best Female Vocalist title from the CMA (2001) and Best Album (2005) for “There’s more where that came from”, 2 Grammy Awards and her “I hope you dance” CD has gone Triple Platinum. Always among the strong “Country” singers, she has a great voice that delivers everything from tender to powerful in one song. The songs are all wonderful life songs, mainly tender ballads that build to powerful highs and relate to life love, romance and heartbreak and all between. She delivers on every song, and her vocal is crafted to leave you hanging on every word. Surrounded here by musicians at the top of their game, the producer (Tony Brown) leaves enough room for them to deliver too.Excellent production, never over pushed and simple at times, compliment the vocal. She also co-writes 4 songs here with Dale Dobson on all 4, while Dean Dillon co-write on 2 of them and Casey Beathard on one. Keith Urban and Melissa Hayes join Lee Ann on “The Bees”.The Tom Shapiro/Mark Nesler/Tony Martin song “I think I know” tributes Keith Whitley, Hank and Cash, and sets a lovely mid tempo. “If These walls could talk” has plaintive steel guitar from Paul Franklin and piano from Steve Nathan sounding as traditional as it gets. Larry Franklin leads off on fiddle on the duet with George Strait “Everything but quits” probably an award winner. Top songs from top songwriters, top musicians (including Brent Mason, Greg Morrow, Michael Rhodes, Bryan Sutton, John Jarvis, and Audrey Haynie plus those already mentioned) and production gives us another top quality Cds from Lee Ann Womack who without doubt is one of the best “COUNTRY” voices today. OTHER SONGS:-Last call-Either way-Solitary thinking-New again-I found it in you-Have you seen that girl- the King of broken hearts-The story of my life.(12 songs-47 minutes).
Just before Christmas I reviewed Ray’s CD “COUNTRY” and this arrives just in time for this month’s reviews, so I thought I would include it to save me relaying his history. It’s another collection of self written co-writes and country standards, given a Texas shuffle feel, though not on all the songs, as there are some great ballads here. Ray co-writes 6 songs, 3 of them with Dewey Hollyhand including the great opener “Shuffle me back to Texas”. He sounds remarkably like his mentor Ray Price whom he recorded with back when. (Ray was the tenor voice on Price’s hit “Heartaches by the number”). He includes Jerry Chestnut’s “Another place another time” and a great version of Nat Stuckey’s “Don’t you believe her” one of the standout ballads here. Vern Stovall’s “One more memory” and Billy Mize’s “I had to let her dance” are well played and sung. He also included 2 Red Stegall songs, “Lonely Eyes“ and “ Beer Drinking music” which was a hit for Ray back in 1969 so I don’t know if this is a new recording or the original. The vocal changes from song to song giving the impression that each song comes from a different session over a few years. The musicians include Lloyd Green and Jay D Maness on Steel, Buddy Spicer, Dale Morris & Billy Armstrong fiddles, Bob Moore bass, Buddy Harmon drums, and guitar players Steve Chapman, Ray Ederton, Billy Sanford and Jimmy Capps, so you know country when you hear these boys play. The bonus 2 songs “Single Mom” and the patriotic “She still lights a candle” are recent recordings. If you like country in a traditional vein with a good singer and top musicians then here’s another to add to your collection. Its available at www.hillsiderecords.net www.cdbaby.com and www.honkytonkin.com. OTHER TRACKS: Rock and a hard place-My special angel-Most wanted woman-Hanging around-I can’t change the changes. (14 songs-39 minutes).
keep on keeping it Country
Next Mag: April/May 2010