CELTIC MUSIC RADIO

October/November 2011

 



                  August/September 2011                         

Summer's normally quite quiet on the CD release schedule, but not this year. We have loads of new releases to tell 
you about this time around.

One of my favourite debut albums to come out of Nashville in recent years was from ASHTON SHEPHERD. She had a voice that was just pure Country, and I longed for the day I’d hear more from her. Well, three long years later, “Where Country Grows” arrives (released here on Humphead), and it’s great to hear her Country voice again. I cannot fault Ashton on this outing. She is good. Her voice is pure Country, and much stronger than a lot of the Nashville pop princesses, who get all the hype. The title track is a real powerful anthem, sung with such passion, and “More Cows Than People”, “Beer On A Boat”  continue the uptempo beat. A bit more relaxed are “While It Aint Rainin’” and “Rory’s Radio”, which are real homespun Country gems. Amongst the ballads is one called “I’m Just A Woman”. Her vocals on this number, showing such emotion and vulnerability, make her the female George Jones! Yes, she is that good! Without doubt, Ashton Shepherd is the most Country voice on a major Nashville label  today.

Reba McEntire comes from a very musical family. Her brother Pake had a couple of big label album releases and sister Susie has made quite a name for herself too. SUSIE McENTIRE performed as a backing singer for Reba in the early days,  but went off in the Christian music route, performing at rodeo’s throughout Oklahoma and Texas. She was more recently seen hosting Rural TV’s Cowboy Church programme. She has a vocal style, not unlike Reba, but with her own particular twist. Her latest album, “Passages” features 10 tracks, which are not all Country, but then I wouldn’t say Reba was either. The album opens with Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen”, which has quite a contemporary feel to it. There’s also a cover of Van Morrison’s “ Someone Like You”, and a gorgeous version of  Amy Grant’s “Carry You”. She does use Country writers, with Ronnie Dunn & Craig Wiseman’s “Believe”,  and Steve Azar & Rafe Van Hoy contributing the rather poppy “Big Blue Sky”. I don’t want to alienate Reba’s fans, but since I first  saw Suzie almost 30 years ago, I’ve thought that Susie has had an equally good, if not better vocal style than her sister.

TOM T HALL is something of a Country music institution. He first signed with Mercury Records back in 1967, and has racked up over 50 chart hits, including 7 Number one's. Known as The Storyteller, he officially retired from recording in the late 90's, but continued to work on bluegrass projects. A few years back, Tom T gave his wife, Miss Dixie, a mock up CD as a Christmas present. It was titled “Tom T Hall sings Miss Dixie”, and signalled Tom T's intention to record an album of songs, they had written together. Now the album is released here in the UK (Drimfire Records), and what a wonderful collection it is. It's still Tom T Hall, and his story songs, but with fabulous bluegrass arrangements. I just cannot pick favourites, they're all good. “I'm A Coal Mining Man” and “Leaving Baker County” are the strongest bluegrass arrangements, but still unmistakably Tom T Hall. Jimmy Martin joins in on “Jimmy Martin's Life Story”, whilst Earl Scruggs joins in on “One Of Those Days (When I Miss Lester Flatt). It's a superb album, one that I'm really enjoying listening to.

It’s a while since we’ve heard from Canadian family group, THE RANKIN FAMILY.  John Morris, who was the band’s musical director, died in a car crash ten years ago, and although the individual members carried on their individual musical ambitions at their own pace, it wasn’t until they did a reunion tour across Canada in 2007 that the flame was rekindled. “These Are The Moments” was released in Canada in 2009, but only now been released in the UK on Western Songs. Their harmonies are such a joy to hear once more.  The album features six brand new songs, alongside a couple of remixes of popular songs like “Fare Thee Well Love”, the bop along “You Feel The Same Way Too” and the spine chilling “Rise Again”.But of the new songs, the title track, comes from the opening line off the second track , “Straight Into Love”, a great song written by Jimmy Rankin and Patricia Conroy, with Cookie in lead vocals.But my favourite cut has to be “Never Alone”, written by Victoria Shaw , Sarah Buxton & Gary Burr, and performed by Heather & Cookie. Heather also gets in on the writing act, with the soft “I Would”.The other track which stands out for me is Raylene’s “Hopeville”. I’ve always loved The Rankins. This album  has hardly been off the CD player since it arrived. If you like your Country, with just a little Celtic influence, then this is a must for you!

TERRI CLARK has been one of Canada’s most successful Country girl singers, since she graduated from Tootsie’s Bar on Nashville’s Lower Broadway to the charts, and numerous high level awards like CCMA Entertainer of The Year. Her latest album, “Roots & Wings” was released here by Humphead Records at the end of July. She has co-written most of the tracks on the album, with folks like Victoria Banks (more of which in a moment), Tia Sillers, Deric Ruttan , Kristen Hall and Tom Shapiro, and produced the album herself. Terri has a strong modern sound, without losing the real Country feel. The songs are about woman, whether she’s on a mission, breaking up, being single, or in a relationship. She has always had a real gutsy beat to her songs. I particularly enjoyed her biographical “Northern Girl”, and was amazing surprised by the old time Country “Lonesome’s Last Call”- probably the most Country track Terri’s ever recorded. It’s a wonderful cut. I also enjoyed the simplicity of “Beautiful And Broken” , “Flowers In Stone” and “Smile”. Then she rocks it up on “We’re Here For A Good Time”, which she describes as “a 70’s Rock classic by Canadian band, Trooper, which I country’d it up a bit”. It’s certainly a bit different, but works for Terri. It probably wouldn’t suit everyone, but Terri pulls it off. Terri Clark is an immense talent that hasn’t been given too many releases over here. Appreciate this one.

  Canada appears to have an abundance of Country girl singers. Following Terri Clark to Nashville is VICTORIA BANKS, who, as well as a singer, is also establishing herself as a successful writer. She’s written tracks for Terri Clark’s latest album, and Johnny Reid, amongst others. “Never Be The Same” is her second album, (OnRamp/EMI Canada). And, as you’d expect, she’s written, or co-written all 11 tracks, and, like Terri, produced the project herself. She’s  certainly a force to be reckoned with. Victoria’s music is certainly on the modern side of Country. Many of the songs, like “Come On “, “I’m Gone” and “Barefoot Girl” are up-tempo radio friendly numbers. She can also slow things down, like on “Somebody Does” and “Remember That”. I really enjoyed “Jackson”, which is probably the strongest Country number, and there’s a lovely folksy feel to “The Other Side”. Victoria is the current Canadian Country Music Association Female Vocalist. Look out for her repeating that success next month.

THE ROYS, Lee and Elaine, are one of the freshest sounding acts coming out of America at present. Roughstock named them “one to watch” in 2011. Their new album “Lonesome Whistle” (Rural Rythym) is a beautiful CD to listen to. Several of tracks have a fast paced bluegrass sound, especially “Nothing I Can Do About It Now”, “Give A Ride To The Devil”, “My Oh My, How Time Flies” and the title track, “Lonesome Whistle”. There’s also a good catchy beat to “Trailblazer”, and also on “Coal Minin’ Man”, which opens the album, Other tracks have a more laid back homestead sound, like that on “That’s What Makes It Love”, which features Ricky Skaggs & The Whites., “Everything I Ever Wanted”  and “I Wonder What God’s Thinking”. The brother and sister duo share the vocals, and are both equally as strong, and the harmonies are wonderful. This album was a joy to listen to.

THE BRACKEN BROTHERS from Northern Ireland have made their reputation playing Buck Owens’ hit songs. But their new album, “After My Own Heart” is full of original material written by Edward and George. That’s not to say that they’ve abandoned Buck. No way ! They still have that Bakersfield sound, especially on “Forever Aint As Long As It Used To Be”, “Exactly The Girl I’m Looking For” , and of course, “You Cant Beat A Bit Of Buck”. Another uptempo number, which works well is “The Guy Who Has Everything” They slow it down on several tracks, like “Here With Me”, “Gone Past Caring” and “First Love”. A good listen  from the boys who were here in Scotland back in May. Lets hope it’s not too long before they’re back. Available by calling 07732154772.

JODY GALLAGHER grew up in Killybegs, a fishing port in Donegal, the second of seven children. He has a long and varied musical career having played for over 20  years in covers bands, but has only recently taken to songwriting. His first songs were comedy  numbers, which caught the attention of Conan Gallen, but he then progressed into writing Country blues. The result is “Crazy Mixed Up World”, a really nice album featuring 11 of his own songs. His style does have similarities with Guy Clark and JJ Cale amongst others. He has that sort of “lived in“ vocal style, which really adds authenticity to his songs. Two of them have already featured here have already been released by Brendan Quinn, including the catchy “Day’s Gonna Come”. I enjoyed the title track, as well as the catchy “Don’t Have Time Today”, although the whole album was an enjoyable listen.     www.jodysongs.com

One of the brightest new stars on the Irish scene is NATHAN CARTER. Nathan’s new album. “Time Of My Life” (Sharpe Music) covers quite a variety of styles, and makes for a really pleasant listen. He has a good up-tempo selection of Country covers, including a lively “Delta Dawn” , and a good paced cover of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishing In The Dark”. He does slow down for “Lay Down Beside Me”, a hit, of course, for Don Williams. He also produces his trump card, by getting Charlie Landsborough to guest on the album, on a duet of Charlie’s “Forever Friend”. There’s a few Irish tracks, including “The Rainbow In Glenfarne”, about a popular venue, and the catchy “One For The Road”, both penned by John Farry. There’s also some pop fair, with Perter Sarsted’s “Where Do You Go To My Lovely”. I really enjoyed this album , from a young man, we’ll no doubt be hearing more from.   www,nathancartermusic.co.uk

PATRICK FEENEY is another of Ireland’s rising stars, and has just released his new album “Good Thing Going Down”. (CMR Records) The title track was written by Scotsman David MacLeod, (Dad of Slange Ava’s Keith), and gets the 16 track collection off to a great start.  He also covers Charlie Landsborough’s “All Passing Through” and  Jody Gallagher’s “Days Gone Come”, as well as Irish originals “Firelight” and “Love At First Sight”. He also covers some classics including “Bonaparte’s Retreat”, “Walk Thru This World With Me”, “She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man”, “Behind Closed Doors” and “Eleven Roses”. I really enjoyed his cover of Mac McAnally’s “Simple Life” , which is certainly influenced by the The Chieftains version. It’s a good entertaining album. Well worth a listen, if you like that Irish sound.

North Carolinian BYRON HILL is one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters currently, and he gives the original versions of some of the hits he’s written on the 14 track “Radio Songs” CD (BHP Recordings) You’ll find songs that Byron has written for the likes of George Strait, Johnny Lee, Ray Charles, Anne Murray and Tracy Byrd. The songs are given an authentic simple acoustic treatment, just as you would imagine a songwriter demo-ing. The songs, including “Pickin’ Up Strangers”, “Fool Hearted Memory”, “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous” and “Nothin’ On But The Radio”, were recorded over a two year period. It’s a nice collection of songs, done just a bit differently from the versions we’re used to.    www.byronhillmusic.com

Last time around, we  reviewed a new “friends” album from THE GRASCALS, who have really taken bluegrass into the mainstream stateside.  They have also released a 7 track CD, “Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot And Ravelin’”, a tribute to the music of The Andy Griffith TV Show in the USA. Its real old timey authentic bluegrass that’ll really have your feet tappin’  from the “Dooley” and “Stat All Night” to the instrumental “Ol’ Joe Clark”. A great sound, and well worth getting your attention !

It’s over quarter of a century since we first discovered the talents of RANDY TRAVIS. Now HumpHead Records have released an interesting “25^th  Anniversary Celebration”. The album is full of guests, many part of the Country music scene, and some names we’re not too well aware of. You’ll find guest spots from Jamey Johnson, Carrie Underwood, Shelby Lynne, John Anderson, Kenny Chesney , Alan Jackson and Don Henley amongst others. Several of the songs, you’ll recognise. Titles like “Forever And Ever Amen”, “Digging Up Bones” and “Is It Still Over”, but there are newer songs too. One of the real star studded anthems is “Didn’t We Shine”, which features George Jones, Connie Smith, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Price , Gene Watson and Joe Stampley. When Randy first came on the scene, he was labelled “New Country”. Time proved him to be one of our music’s greatest traditionalists. And it’s great that he’s still making great Country music today!

CONNIE SMITH is a true evergreen legend in Country music. Despite her only chart topper being back in 1964,  she continues to be as popular as ever, thanks to her loyalty to the Grand Ole Opry, and her regular appearances on husband Marty Stuart’s TV series. “Long Line Of Heartaches” is her first new album for years. It features 12 tracks that can simply be described as Connie Smith. She has a beautiful style of her music, from uptempo numbers like “Pain Of A Broken Heart” and “A Heart Like You”, to slower ballads like “I Don’t Believe That’s How You Feel” and “Blue Heartaches”. And closes the album with the gospel favoured “Take My Hand”. The album has no surprises. It’s Connie Smith , just as you would expect to hear her.

One of the recent visitors to Perth’s Southern Fried Festival was the Southern gospel group, BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA. Their latest album, “Take The High Road”, teams the long standing group up with an array of Nashville stars. That other long standing group, who began in gospel way back, The Oakridge Boys help get the album started on the title track, whilst Jamey Johnson adds his presence to “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”, and Lee Ann Womack joins in on “I Was A Burden”. Vince Gill, married to gospel singer Amy Grant, joins in on “Can You Give Me A Drink”, and the old standards “I Saw The Light” and “Family Bible” feature Hank Jr and Willie Nelson respectively. But the group don’t need Nashville stars to give their music a Country feel. “I Know A Place”, has both soulful and country echoes. The album closes with the traditional sounding “Last Mile Of The Way”. It’s an interesting album – not all Country, by any means, but a refreshing listen, none the less!

NICK 13 is better known as singer songwriter with Tiger Army, a phsycobilly band. This is his solo debut on Sugar Hill Records. Recorded in Nashville & LA, and has that country feel, which makes it an interesting listen. It features both electric and acoustic guitar arrangements. It is a modern sounding album, with hillbilly overtones. It has a feel good factor throughout the album, even on titles like “Nashville Winter”, and “Gamblers Life”. I really enjoyed tracks like “Nightime Sky” and “Someday”. Well worth a listen.

Virginian DONNA ULISSE has a refreshing modern bluegrass sound, with lots of fiddle & banjo. Twenty years back, Donna appeared on the short lived Atlantic Nashville label, and got great reviews, but the label’s demise, sent Donna into the Country music wilderness for a while.  Whilst she continued to write songs, it was another 16 years before a second album appeared, and now “An Easy Climb”, is her fourth outing. I enjoyed this album from start to finish. “Let It Rain” is a good uptempo number to kick off with. Indeed most of the tracks are quite fast, with “Crawlin’ Back” , “Lonesome For You” and “Hand Me Down Home” particularly strong. Having said that, the title track, slows the album down by track 5. “Her Heart Is A Stone Hard Ground” and “Banks Of Roane River”, are also slower number, but Donna still handles with ease. The closing track, “Sandy Glen”, with it’s simple instrumentation, has a rather folksy feel to it, but again, Donna shines through. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. If you like your music, in the style of Rhonda Vincent and The Whites, be sure to check this lady out.

Now for a couple of home grown releases:

Many performers across the world were inspired by Johnny Cash, and there have been many tribute albums to The Man In Black. If you’re going to do a Cash album, you have to do it good, and , I’m glad to say, Moray based TREVOR JAMES MAIR has done a good job on his Cash collection. I was especially impressed with the project title, “Mair Cash”! The album contains 14 Cash classics, done very authentically, yet fresh for today’s audience. “Give My Love To Rose” kicks off the album, and is followed by “I Still Miss Someone”, “Busted”, “I Got Stripes”, “I Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow”, and there’s a few gospel numbers to round off the album, including “The Old Account”, “Peace In The Valley” and “In The Garden”. If you want Mair Cash, be sure to check out this album.  www.trevorjames-tjmmusic.com

BUZZARD CREEK are one of the most popular acts on the Central Scotland circuit, and have just brought out a new CD. “Pure Country” is quite an apt title for this 15 track collection, which shows the duo’s versatility on the Country scene, and not just appealing to dancers alone. Here we find some current favourites like “People Are Crazy”, and “Walk The Line Revisited”, but lots of classic oldies too, like “Please Help Me I’m Falling” , “Ramblin’ Fever”, “Margaritaville” and “Louisiana Saturday Night”. There’s a couple of Eagles tunes just for good measure too. Being primarily a gig album, there’s no sleeve notes, but the production is of a good standard, and certainly an album to be picked up by fans.

Although this next release is from Australia, it has good Scottish connections. PRESENT COMPANY are a quartet of musicians who have a lovely blend of bluegrass, folk and alternative music. “Present Company Included” is their second CD release, and came out just in time for their recent Scottish tour, which saw them perform everywhere from Edinburgh to Dunnet Head, and festivals in Guildtown, Beauly and Stornoway. They were previously called “Innes & Present Company”. Innes, is Innes Campbell, who grew up in Stirling, before emigrating down under where he is a doctor by profession. Innes is a Tamworth guitar champion.  He is joined by George Jackson, Tamworth’s Bluegrass Fiddle champion  in 2010 & 2011. George also plays banjo. Markus Karlsen is on acoustic bass , and Michael Patrick is on mandolin & violin, and they all share the vocals. Their sound features some good songs, most notably the opening “Say Something Nice”, and the really Country sounding “You Belong Here”. I also enjoyed “The Light Of Day”, which is a bit more folk-country sounding,  in the same way Lindisfarne blended the genres. There’s some fun stuff too, like “Aliens”, and “The Dark Of The Matinee”, one of the folkier numbers on the album., and a number of instrumentals from the fast paced “Ride The Wild Turkey” and “Lethargy”,  to the relaxing “Lead Me Away”. A good listen, well worth checking out. www.present-company.com.au  

ZOE MUTH is the latest name to come out of the exciting Seattle singer songwriter scene. Her first album impressed me, and her second offering, “Starlight Hotel” is just so good. All ten tracks were written by Zoe, with one being a co-write. Whilst the album is generally a soft acoustic production that suit singer songwriters, the CD kicks off with a lively horns intro to the more Texan influenced “I’ve Been Gone”, which really gets your attention from the word go . “Let’s Just Be Friends For Tonight” is another true Texan honky tonk styled number. There’s lots of steel in “If I Cant Trust You With A Quarter” , that works well with Zoe’s soft vocals. She’s been described as “the spirit of Hank & Merle”, and “Reminiscent of Iris Dement”. That should be enough incentive for Country fans to check her out. Believe me, you wont be disappointed.

A few months back we were impressed by an album from The Secret Sisters, and now I find a group called SWEETBACK SISTERS, who have a knockout album called “Looking For A Fight”, recorded in Brooklyn, New York, although you’d never guess that from the sound. The group are actually a 6 piece outfit, with four guys and two girls. But it’s the gals, Zara Bode and Emily Miller, who lead the vocals, on what is a totally refreshing album of Country and Texas Swing. Whether it’s the pure Country of “I Wont Hurt When I Fall Down From This Barstool” , the melodic “Mystery Of You”, the rockabilly influenced “Rattled”, or the Texas swing of “Texas Bluebonnets”, “Thank You” or “Run Home And Try” , this album really shines I really enjoyed the fast paced “Too Many Experts”, and the western styled “Cowboy Ham And Eggs”. Whilst the album, is largely upbeat happy music, they do prove themselves on slower ballads too, especially on “Don’t Put Her Down, You Help Put Her There” and “Home”. “Looking For A Fight” has a good Country beat, but is probably the least impressive track vocally. Modern Country, it is not. It has a definite nostalgic sound, but one that is totally refreshing.

If you enjoy your bluegrass music with a real old timey authentic sound, then listen out for  , whose album, “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down” is released August 8^th , ahead of a UK tour which kicks off in Scotland from September 22^nd. Old Sledge are the real deal, bringing Blue Ridge Mountain music straight from deepest Virginia. They group are Chance McCoy, multiple West Virginia Fiddle Champion, Sabra Guzman, and Luke Richardson. There’s 15 tracks on the album, and not a poor track among them. Lots of Fiddle and banjo, and authentic singing.

THE CARRIVICK SISTERS are twins, Laura & Charlotte from South Devon, and sing and perform beautiful bluegrass music. The 21 year olds have already three CD’s released and their new collection, “From The Fields” is released on August 22^nd . The album, recorded at Pure Records Studios, has a really nice sound to it. They girls feature ten original songs , one instrumental and one cover, “Early Early In The Morning” I really liked the relaxing atmosphere this CD creates. Lovely vocals, nice instrumentation, and good songs, all done in a bluegrassy/ folksy feel. They’re at The Edinburgh Folk Club next month. They’ll be worth checking out.     www.thecarrivicksisters.com

ROD PICOTT, is a Nashville based singer-songwriter, originally from South Berwick, Maine. He is a former blue collar worker, and that lifestyle is reflected in his music. His new album, his seventh, is “Welding Burns” and features three songs, co-written by Slaid Cleaves. I particularly liked the sound of “Sheetrock Hanger” and “Your Father’s Tattoo”.

Finally, Country music appears to be huge business across the North Sea, in Norway, even before the likes of Alan Jackson decided to make it his European concert stop. They have several first class artists, and include the very talented KARIN WRIGHT, whose new album is titled “Too Rock’n’Roll For Country”. The press release says that she loves both genres, but certainly proves her Country pedigree with this 15 track collection of original material. The rockin’ title track kicks off the album, and is really catchy and radio friendly, whilst some lovely steel guitar introduces “Dancing On My Mind”. She apparently likens herself to Lucinda Williams, but, to my ears, she’s much more mainstream, and, on tracks like “Lucky Once”, and “Little Drop Of Love”, she’s more influenced by Brenda Lee or Wanda Jackson,  Then there’s a Carlene Carter sound on “Bit By Bit”. She does a few ballads, like “Long Lost Highway” and  “Room For Me” which she does an equally good job on. There’s also just a couple of pop numbers, where the Eurovision influence comes in. But don’t let that put you off. There’s 15 tracks here, and most are really enjoyable. www.karinwright.com 

June/July 2011

JACQUI SHARKEY is based in West Donegal, but grew up in Glasgow, and found her musical footing in the city’s folk scene many years ago. Despite her roots, “A New Dawn” is first album, and has been getting reaction everywhere from Shetland to Argentina. Recorded in Donegal, the album has a lovely easy listening feel to it. She’s a big fan of Mary Chapin Carpenter, and has covered three of her less obvious songs, ”This Shirt”,”Haley Came To Jackson” and “Shut Up and Kiss Me”. She also covers Jessie Colter’s “I’m Not Lisa” , Anne Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Beth Neilsen Chapman’s “Sand & Water”. The first single, and video, from the album, which has been featured on the “Hot Country” TV Show is a beautiful version of “When I Dream”. originally an early hit for Crystal Gayle. “Restless Heart”, one of the strongest cuts on the album, was written by Ian Smith, from Kilmarnock, who also played acoustic guitar on the album.  Ian co-wrote  “Midnight Symphony”  with Jacqui, and she wrote  “Be My Valentine” on her own. The album is really well produced, and Jacqui has  chosen a nice set of songs which really compliment her vocal style, and the simple arrangements. It is hard to pick a favourite, but her version of Tom Kimmel’s “If I Fell From Grace With You”, really clicks for me. If you like the easy listening Anne Murray sound, then you’ll just love Jacqui Sharkey.       www. Jacquisharkey.com

SLANGE AVA are one of the North of Scotland's top groups, who will be hardly recognised in the Central belt.The Caithness quartet features Keith MacLeod , Donny Mathieson, Chris MacIntosh and Jim Davidson, featuring a musical mix of guitars, keyboards, drums and mandolin. Last year they brought out a DVD recorded at the Lyth arts Centre, before they recorded a CD. Now the CD has arrived, and what they've done is to copy the live set in the DVD, but went into the studio to re-record the tracks, so the sound qualityis better, especially for radio play. “From The DVD In Concert” (Pan Records), was recorded in Wick, and features 15 tracks. The material ranges from the uptempo “Why You Been Gone So Long” and “Every Second” to Country classics like Haggard's “Back In Love By Monday”, and Nanci Griffith's “I Wish It Would Rain”. They do a great version of “In The Shadows Of My Mind”, and it's no surprise that their version of “Walking On The Moon” is one of their most popular songs. There's a couple of nifty little mandolin instrumentals which are really catchy. For those who haven't seen the band yet, I'd recommend giving this CD a listen, and spread their popularity beyond the Caithness border. www.panrecords.co.uk    

THE GRASCALS are something different in today’s  Country music. They have taken Bluegrass music to the masses, and brought with them , a totally unique fresh sound to the Nashville scene. Their latest album, “The Grascals & Friends” (Cracker Barrell), features some Country classics, with some classic  artists, given the Grascals bluegrass twist. You’ll find  Brad Paisley doing his bit on Buck’s “Tiger By The Tail”, Tom T.Hall on his “Year Clayton Delaney Died”, Darryl Worley joining the band for “White Lightning”, and Charlie Daniels on the superb “Devil Went Down To Georgia”. I loved the joining of The Grascals with The Oakridge Boys” for “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight”, but my favourite cut has to be “Pain Of Loving You” with Dolly. Dolly also features on “I Am Strong” , a song inspired by their visit to St.Judes Childrens Hospital. There’s two versions on the song on the album, one with Dolly, and one with the cast, and more, of the album. It’s quite an anthem, and the video has been featured on a few of the Showcase TV shows. It’s a real catchy foot tappin’ album. A great listen. 

LAURA CANTRELL is from Nashville, but lives in New York, where her iconic Radio Thrift Shop had a cult following (that even stretched to Radio Scotland for a summer season a few years back). She is an admirer of the Country women who didn’t fint it as easy to break into the music scene as today’s pop princess’s do.  One of these women would be Kitty Wells, of whom Laura’s latest CD is devoted.  The album is released on the Glasgow based Shoeshine label. The album kicks off with the title track, “ Kitty Wells Dresses”, which Laura co-wrote with Amy Allison, before treating us to some real memories, like “I Dont Claim To Be An Angel”, “Poison In Your Heart”, “I Cant Tell My Heart” and “I Gave My Wedding Dress Away”. Of course, there’s “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” and “Making Believe” too, but my favourite track has to be “One By One”, which is duet with Chuck Mead (of BR 5-49 fame). These songs suit Laura’s lovely vocal style. I really enjoyed the album , a beautiful tribute to Ms Wells, and great to hear Laura on song again.     www.shoeshine.co.uk

JOSH KELLEY is one of the new Country names to look out for in 2011. The Georgia native isn’t new to the music business, however, having already charted 4 Top 100 Pop hits. His music has featured in films, “Life As We Knew It”, “27 Dresses” and “The Ugly Truth”, which featured his actress wife, Katherine Heigl, best known for her part as Izzie in Grey’s Anatomy. He is also the brother of Charles Kelley from the hit group Lady Antebellum. But now Josh is making his mark on Country music , with the release back in April, of  “Georgia Clay” (Hump Head) . The title track has already been a top 20 song for him in the Country charts.  The album features 11 tracks, all written, or co-written by the singer. The songs range from the uptempo “Rainin’ Whiskey”  and “ Aint Letting Go” to the slow closing track, “Dont You Go”. In between, I enjoyed  “Baby Blue Eyes” and “Two Cups Of Coffee”. Josh has a pleasent Country style, which should fit in fine with Nashville today. I’m sure we’ll hear more from him.

It’s 19 years since TIM McGRAW first hit the Country charts, with a song called “Welcome To The Club”, which barely squeezed into the Country Top 50 chart. The next few releases didn’t even make the Top 50. But, how he’s made up for it since then. He’s sold over 40 million album’s, and now Rhino Records have brought us a double CD, titled “Number One Hits” featuring no less than 24 of them , including “I Like it I Love it”, “Just To See You Smile” and his recent US hit “Felt Good On My Lips”. Some of Tim’s best songs have been quite emotional ballads, like “Dont Take The Girl”, “Please Remember Me” and “Live Like You Were Dying”, which are all featured on this collection. There’s also the blockbuster duet, “It’s Your Love”, which features his wife, Faith Hill. This is not the first collection of Tim’s hits, but, nevertheless a good collection , if you need to catch up with his hits.

GEORGE HAMILTON IV needs no introduction to Scottish fans. He has done it all throughout the years. I’ve seen him compere at Wembley, in a theatre setting telling us the Patsy Cline story, in church , and I’ve even seen him perform in prison (both of us just there for the gig, I hasten to add).  But George has always been a pioneer. From starting the first Nashville tour of the stars homes, to the first Country music star to play behind the Iron Curtain, George has always been keen to broaden his horizons. For his latest project, he’s headed for the Heart Of Texas, and teamed up with folks like recent Caithness Festival visitors Justin Trevino and Tony Booth, for what is a really refreshing album. Hearing George accompanied with solid steel guitar licks, and tremendous twin fiddles, is a real transformation. He’s covered some of his old numbers , like “Fort Worth, Dallas Or Houston”,”Truck Driving Man”, and “Abilene”, the latter, given a true Texas Country makeover, with Darrell McCall duet-ing. Justin Trevino, who produced the album, teams up with George on the old Ernest Tubb number “There’s A Little Bit Of Everything In Texas”, and they keep the old ET style, whilst freshening it up a bit. There’s sleevenotes from former Country Music People editor Tony Byworth, and DJ and Songwriter, Bill Mack, who wrote Clinging To A Saving Hand”, which is featured on the album. Great to hear George sounding so good!

Back to Ireland, where SUSAN McCANN  has been at the forefront of Irish Country music, since 1977, and continues to play to loyal audiences live, and through her internet radio show (http:www.susanmccann.com/susans-radio-shows.htm). In recent years, H&H Music have repackaged all her old vinyl albums onto double CD’s. The latest release , “Ireland’s First Lady Of Country Music” features the original album of that name, with her “Tribute To Buck Owens” live concert collection. Songs on the 40 track collection include, “Once a Day”, “NeverEnding Love Affair”, “Noreen Bawn”, “Act Naturally” and “Crying Time”. There’s also tw o instrumentals from her band on the Owens CD. She’a as popular as ever, and her fans will enjoy hearing her sing these songs again.

I’ve heard a lot about THE BENN SISTERS. Carrie & Leanne were born in London to parents from Co.Clare & Fermarnagh. “An Old Memory” is their second album, and is one of my favourites of the year so far. Although one of Ireland’s most popular duo’s, they don’t appear to duet too often. Of the 14 tracks on the album, only two are duets between the sisters. There are other duets, with Carrie dueting with Shaun Loughrey on “Loose Talk” and Leanne teaming up with Nathan Carter on Dean Dillon’s “Still Got A Crush On You”. The album features some good covers, with Allison Moorer’s “I Found A Letter”, Gretchen Wilson’s “When You Think About Cheating” and Loretta’s “Blue Kentucky Girl” standing out. But there’s some good new material too. “We’re On Our Way To Heaven”, one of the girls duets, was written by Lawrence John, is my favourite track  It’s a superb gospel flavoured hand clapping feel good song. I also have to mention Carrie’s stunning version of “Connemara Marble Ring”. It’s a song that’s been recorded many times, but this version is just so beautifully performed. I loved this album. Great stuff!    www. Bennsisters.co.uk

SEAN WILSON has been one of the most popular Irish entertainers for many years. As with many other Irish acts, Sean’s versatility extends beyond Country music, but Country music is certainly a significant part of his repertoire. “These Tender Years” (H&H Music) is his new double album collection, his first new release for four years, and he’s sounding as good as ever. The second CD is an accordian selection, with CD1 being “the country album”, which we’ll concentrate our review on. There is an Irish sentimental feel to the album, as Sean’s fans have come to expect.  You’ll find titles like “Shanagolden”, “It’s Really Nice To Meet Someone From Home”, “Sentimental Irish”, and the less than sentimental “Galway Girl”. “Rosie”, which opens the CD, is the story of a traveller girl who was under privelliged and abused when she went to school. Rosie survived the trauma, and later returned to her childhood school as prinicpal teacher. The title track is dedicated to mum’s everywhere, and was released as a single in the run up to Mothers day earlier this year. There’s also a Country medley, one of Sean’s specialities, featuring “You’re My Best Friend”, “I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me when I Cry” and “I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me”.

When you hear THE FOGHORN TRIO, you know you are listening to real bluegrass music. The trio feature Stephen “Sammy” Lind and Caleb Klauder , who were founding members of the original Foghorn String Band, who have teamed up with Quebec’s Nadine Landry, who certainly leaves her mark on the title track of their new album, “Sud de la Louisiane”. With a lovely mix of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass and guitar, and some superb vocal harmonies, the trio take us on a music journey back to the music of Doc Watson, The Carter Family, and even Kitty Wells.   They have made no attempt to modernise any of the songs. This is a truly authentic old time album- a delight to listen to.The trio have recently been touring Ireland, and the South of England.        www.Foghornstringband.com

CIARA SIDINE is a singer songwriter from Dublin, who has just released her debut album “Shadow Road Shining”. It’s an album of haunting atmospheric self written songs, in the American roots tradition. The 12 track album kicks off with the old timey flavoured “Riding Home”, and is a welcoming introduction to the album.  The second track, “Take Me Down” , one of the catchier numbers on the album was released as a single a few months back. Listen out for “The Arms Of Summer”, which is Ciara’s tribute to Johnny Cash.The musicians on the  album have played alongside The Waterboys, REM, Dylan and Van Morrison.

Who remembers DOTTSY? The Texan sweetheart was signed to RCA Records in Nashville, when she toured here with Moe Bandy and Roy Drusky back in the early Eighties. Since then, we’ve not heard much from her, but , she’s back, and is the latest name to appear on the Heart Of Texas label. She hasn’t lost her rich deep, yet warming, vocals, as she revisits some of her old hits, including “I’ll Be Your San Antone Rose”, “Trying To Satisfy You”, “Storms Never Last” and “(After Sweet Memories) Play Born To Lose Again”. She also cover’s Willie’s  “Healing Hands Of Time”. There’s also a duet with producer Justin Trevino on “We Talk About The Weather”, a soft ballad which suits both vocals well. It was great to hear Dottsy again, Some nice memories , and some good new songs too.

After the Caithness Festival, I thought I’d maybe be all Tex’d out, but then I received an album from BLAINE GRAY. He has been billed as “the new face of traditional Country music”, and I have to say that I enjoyed this self titled album (Aaron Ave Records). He co-wrote five of the songs with Bill Carnes , and one on his own, with others from the pens of the likes of Lane Turner, Bobby Randall and George Jones. “The Corner Of Love And Life”, his new single, is one of favourite cuts, but I also liked “Why Baby Why”, which is not the George Jones classic, but nevertheless, a good uptempo catchy number. The Jones cover is “I’m Ragged But I’m Right”, on which he does a good job. “Life Without You”, has a bit of a Haggard feel to it, and there’s was a bit of a Strait sound to “Urban Cowboy Man”, The first single “No More Cryin’” is featured in a forthcoming movie, “The Ex-Terminatoirs”, a romantic comedy, in which Blaine plays an ex to Heather Graham. I’m sure, whether it’s music or movies, we’ll hear a lot more of Blaine Gray , and I hope it’s through his music.   www.Blainegray.com 

It’s a long time since I heard anything from DES HORSFALL, one of England’s consistant Country rockers.  Together with his band, KUSCHTY RYE,  Des has come up with a beautifully packaged album called “The Good Gentleman’s Tonic” (Valve Analogue Recordings) , as a tribute to Ronnie Lane (of The Faces fame), and especially the period in the 70’s when Lane was working with the group, Slim Chance. This isn’t an all out Country album, but there are Country influences blending in with folk, blues and pop. Most of the songs are Horsfall originals, with “Nothing New”, with it’s uptempo Cajun beat being the stand out track for me, although I also liked “Little Girl” and the traditional “Careless Love”, which opened the album. It does have more of a 70’s pop feel , but a good listen all the same. The album is packaged with a booklet, and even has a little refreshment included.

February/March 2011 

MARTY STUART was one of the big attractions at the recent Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow. Since starting out singing gospel as a child, a bluegrass stint with Lester Flatt in the ‘70s, six years with Johnny Cash in the ‘80s, the “Hillbilly Rock” hits of the ‘90s, and his recent Rural TV series, the Grand Ole Opry star, country music memorabilia preservationist, stylist, designer, photographer, songwriter, all around renaissance man, and (first of all, perhaps), leader of the extraordinary, versatile touring and recording band The Fabulous Superlatives, Marty has shown a showman’s zest for every conceivable flavor of country music.  Not to mention, a missionary’s zeal for bringing the importance of the music and its themes home to long-time fans and newcomers alike.  “What inspires me now, is traditional country music”, Marty says, “It’s the music I most cherish, the culture in which I was raised.  It’s the bedrock upon which the empire of country music is built, the empowering force that provides this genre with lasting credibility. It’s beyond trends and it’s timeless.  With all that being said, I found traditional country music to be on the verge of extinction.  It’s too precious to let slip away. I wanted to attempt to write a new chapter.”That new chapter is Ghost Train (The Studio B Sessions) (Sugar Hill label),  his new album, which includes such unmitigated country staples as the male-female duet ("I Run to You," written and sung with his wife, Connie Smith), the dramatic recitation ("Porter Wagoner's Grave," a story song written by Stuart that raises the ghost of the late, great country icon, whose final album Marty produced), the chugging, bluesy—and spooky— fellow Mississippian Jimmie Rodgers-like train song "Ghost Train Four-Oh-Ten,"  and such steel guitar driven, hardcore heartbreak ballads such as "A World Without You," and "Drifting Apart." Marty wrote eight of the tracks, on his own, two with Connie, one with steel guitarist Ralph Mooney , and one with Johnny Cash – the haunting “Hangman”, which serves as a tasteful tribute, done in an eerie Cash style. There’s a catchy instrumental in “Hummingbird”, and a great cover of Warner Mack’s classic “Bridge Washed Out”. If you missed his CC gig at The Arches, don’t miss out of “Ghost Train”. This IS Country Music!

TOM T HALL is a popular Country music figure, but his material hasn’t always been the easiest to find in the shops.  That all changes, with the release of his “50 Greatest Hits” (HumpHead). It’s a 2CD collection, featuring all of his big hits like “Ravishing Ruby”, “I Love”, “Faster Horses”, “Ballad Of Forty Dollars”, and, of course, “Old Dogs Children & Watermelon Wine”. It’s a superb collection from the guy they call “The Storyteller”. He recorded 35 albums, in a career that stretches back to 1967. And he is still recording today. He’s notched up 54 chart hits, including 7 Number one’s, all of which are included in this collection. There isn’t much more to say about this collection. The music speaks for itself.

TRACE ADKINS has been one of Nashville’s consistent hit makers since first hitting the charts in 1996. In that time, he has recorded 8 studio albums, and hit the top of the charts three times. Now Humphead have released “The Definitive Greatest Hits”, which is just that- 28 tracks from his 14 year chart career.You’ll recognise titles like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”, “Chrome”, “Big Time”, “Every Light In The House Is On” and my favourite “I Left Something Turned On At Home”. Recently, Trace’s music has sounded a bit on the heavy side for me, but this collection does show Trace’s softer side, with songs like “Dont Lie”, and “Help Me Understand”. It’s a good collection. He’s had quite a variety of styles in his career, and they show up in this collection. Well worth a listen.

The Humphead label have also released a couple of new “2on1” CD’s featuring old albums re-issued as a 2CD package. The SUZY BOGGUSS package is especially welcome. It features her first two albums for Capitol Nashville. “Somewhere Between” was a wonderful debut album (on a major label- she did have an earlier independent recording). The title track has probably become more of a standard than Haggard’s original. Her version of “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” was brilliant too. In a similar vein, there’s “I’m At Home On The Range”, and Hank’s “My Sweet Love Ain’t Around”. There’s Suzy’s version of “Night Rider’s Lament”, later recorded by Garth and a gorgeous song written by her husband Doug Crider. This really was an outstanding album at the time. Her second album,”Moment Of Truth” was one of the strangest cases in Country music of not getting the recognition it deserved. Despite it being a lovely album (one of my all time favourite albums), and coming off the back of her succesful label debut, the album bombed. I’m really glad to see it getting another chance here. Several of the songs are quite memorable. “Blue Days” and “My Side Of The Story” are beautiful ballads, as is the Dan Seals duet “All Things Made New Again”. She lifts the tempo on “Under The Gun” and “Fear Of Flying”. This is a great package to collect. A great label debut album, and one of Nashville’s hidden treasures in one package. Highly recommended.

TANYA TUCKER has had many steps in her career. She started off as a teenage sensation with Columbia Records, then had spells with MCA and Arista, before moving over to Capitol in 1986. The new “2on1” collection from Humphead features her first two Capitol albums. When “Girls Like Me” came out in 1986, it was three years since she had last charted. This album rekindled her career. It produced three hit single’s hitting No.3, No.1 & No.2. These hits were “One Love at A Time”, Just Another Love” and “I’ll Come Back As Another Woman”. That album was followed by “Love Me Like You Used To”, which produced another three top ten hits, including the No.1 vocal event  “I Wont Take Less Than Your Love”, with Paul Davis & Paul Overstreet. This album also features the romantic, “I’ll Tennessee You In My Dreams”.  A good one to catch up on.

LYNNE HANSON is getting quite a bit of reaction to her album “Once The Sun Goes Down” (UK distribution by Proper). It’s the Ottawa based singer-songwriter’s third album. She has already toured Ireland, and will be in Germany when you read this, but she is planning some UK dates in the spring.  Her music has been called Country, Roots & Blues, Rough Around the Edges Folk, but Lynne, herself calls it “Porch Music with a little Texas Red Dirt”. The album, to my ears, does have that porch effect. “Rest Of My Days”, “Just For The Ride” and quite ear catching ballads. There’s a more uptempo beat to “No More Rain”, and “Off This Train”  which work just as well as the ballads. Possibly, the most Country numbers are the waltzy “Three Time Bent”, and “Somewhere A Lovely Flower”, which are quite listenable. I quite enjoyed this album, and look forward to her visiting our shores.

Another Canadian of note is MISS QUINCY, and boy, is she something different. Miss Quincy does not fit the classic Singer/Songwriter mold. Equal parts edgy frontier woman and risquè saloon madame, her mystique lays within the character created through her music, stories, and carnival weaved throughout her show. Influenced by the renegade women who came before, Miss Quincy draws inspiration from the blues ladies of the 1930s, boot stompin' bluegrass, and a healthy dose of vaudeville. “Your Mama Don’t Like Me”, is an infectious album of quirky songs and tunes from a bygone age. Most Country numbers are “Dead Horse” and the bluegrass flavoured “Wild Mountain Flower”. Elsewhere, I enjoyed the harmonica influenced “Bad Luck Woman” and the title track. It’s a catchy album. Catch Miss Quincy, if you can on Friday 4^th  February at Glasgow’s State Bar.

MIKE DENVER has really established himself as one of Ireland’s leading Country stars in recent years. However  his latest album,”Tradition” (Sharpe Music) sees him change direction a bit. He says on the sleeve notes that this is an album he has wanted to do for a long time, since he watched the BBC “Bringing It All Back Home” series a few years ago. That programme featured a fusion of American and Scots/Irish music, and this album features a lot of Irish folk music influences alongside classic American Country music. His fans wont be disappointed, as he includes good versions of “Gentle On My Mind” and “Still Feelin’ Blue”. There’s also two beautiful ballads. “God’s Plan” written by Derek Ryan, is given a strong cover (Lisa McHugh also has this song on her album) and “Knowing You’ll Be There”, previously recorded by Guy Penrod, is one of the album’s strongest songs. But it’s his new found Irish sound that stands out. The instrumentation is superb, and these songs really suit Mike’s vocal style. Apart from a raucous “Seven Drunken Nights”, I enjoyed “I Want To Be in Ireland For The Summer”, “Day Of My Return”, “Paddy” and especially “Boston Rose”. A lot of Country fans tend not to enjoy the Irish-Country sound, but we have to remember that American Country music, as we know it today, has its roots here and in Ireland. It’s something which we should be proud off, and the Irish certainly are. Just listen to the album’s closing track, “That’s How We Got Country”, written by Lawrence John.  A thoroughly good listen. Enjoy !

One of the rising stars on the Irish scene, is LINDA WELBY, who has “A Story To Tell”. A native of Loughrea,  Linda, a young mother of eight children, now resides in Roscahill, Co. Galway. Her new album 'A Story to Tell' is a collection of contemporary songs and music all written and composed by herself. As a composer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and singer, music has always been at the forefront for Linda. Her grandfather Paddy Doorhy was an accomplished fiddle player and played with the first Ballinakill ceili band. The phenomenal success of her single release "The Galway Fiddler" , the first track on the album, has surpassed all expectations with regular airplays on Irish, UK & North American radio stations. She recently featured on RTE Nationwide Television and won the award for Best Female Artist of 2008 on West Limerick Radio. Linda is a multi-instrumentalist playing Fiddle, Whistles, Accordion, Keyboards, Banjo and Drums. The album has a distinctive Irish feel to it, through asset of jigs, a hornpipe, and songs like “Crazy Love”, and “A Night I’ll Never Forget”. Family is obviously important for Linda, with tracks like “We Love You Mum”, and “Dear Dad”. My favourite track would have to be the closing song, “You’re The One”. It’s an all original album, from a name on the rise. Look out for Linda Welby.     www.lindawelby.com

If Linda is a new name on the Irish scene, FOSTER & ALLEN are legendary. Their famous laid back easy listening sound has earned them sales of over a million albums in the UK, since their “Bunch Of Thyme” hit the Top 20 back in 1982. Their latest package, “Magic Moments” (DMG) remembers some hige hits from the likes of Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and Pat Boone.  It’s not a Country music collection, by any means, but there are covers of Country favourites like “Back Home Again”, “Happiness”, ”You Needed Me”, “Send Me The Pillow” and “My Forever Friend”. There’s 2 CD’s in this package offering 40 tracks, together with another 20 video tracks on a DVD. A superbly relaxing package, and great value for money. They’re touring in May, and their dates are in the gig guide.

Still in Ireland,  STEPHEN SMYTH has established himself as one of the brightest entertainers there in recent years. Like many Irish acts, Stephen has found a market, with shades of Country, but generally covering a wider range of music. His latest album, “Do I Even Cross Your Mind”, does have strong Country songs, like “He Dont Call Me Anymore”, an quickstep version of Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone” , a catchy version of “Dim Lights Thick Smoke & Loud Loud Music”, and a credible cover of “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. But it’s essentially an entertaining middle of the road album, which I found to be an enjoyable listen.   www.stephensmythband.co.uk

JESSE BREWSTER is labeled as a singer, songwriter, guitar-slingin’ outlaw. His songs are of “loss,hope and reflection; fears, truth and introspection”, according to the publicity send out with his album, “Wrecking Ball At The Concert Hall” (Crooked Prairie). He began his first band at age of 12, and has influences of Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Neil Young and Willie Nelson, all rolled into one. The San Francisco native certainly offers a varirty of styles on the album. He really rocks it up on tracks like “God Fearin’ Man”, but can slow it down with the more soulful “Dive To Drown In”. “I’m Not Broken” and “All Those Things I Said”, whilst upbeat, have quite a Country feel to them, whilst  “Fuel For The Fire”, “All She Deserves” and “Sometime” are pleasant Country ballads. It’s an interesting album, which should see his fame spread beyond San Francisco.          www.jessebrewster.com

SUSAN CATTANEO is a new name, but I’m glad I got the chance to discover her music through her album “Heaven To Heartache” (Jersey Girl Music) released here on Feb 14^th. Although based in Boston, Susan grew up in New Jersey, but spent her summers on an Arizona ranch. She also spent a year in Italy, which has paid off, for she’s been back there touring in support of her debut album. This follow up features 12 self penned originals. She has a lovely delivery, good voice, and good backing arrangements. “Girls Night Out” has quite a modern upbeat Nashville feel to it. It’s the sort of song you could hear Martina covering!  Another uptempo number is “Shave” about watching her man’s daily routine. It’s a quirky fun number, which is different from the rest of the album, but it works. She also rocks it up a bit with “Country Is The State I’m In”. On the ballads, “Put That Bottle Down” has quite a strong message, but one that Susan delivers with strength and dignity. “Baby We Fly” has a lovely easy summery feel to it. I also enjoyed the gentle “Just Like It Was Texas”, which has a western feel to add to its authenticity. I really enjoyed this album. Susan Cattaneo is certainly a name to look out for in 2011 !   www.susancattaneo.com

MALCOLM HOLCOME is no stranger to Scotland, having toured here several times. His eighth album, “To Drink The Rain” (Music Road Records) is scheduled for a March 7th release, just before his latest tour which takes in Aberdeen & Montrose (dates & venues in the giglist). He has an interesting vocal style. It’s quite a “lived in” voice, but theat really adds something to the 12 self penned songs on the album, which was recorded in Austin, Texas.It’s a real Rural America sound, with songs like “Mountains Of Home”, Down In The “Woods” and  “Those Who Wander” , with a bluesy edge. The backing, featuring bass,fiddle,dobro and mandolin really adds nicely to the mix. This is singer-songwriting at it’s best. He doesn’t try to be someone he isn’t. He’s his own man, with his own music.

Finally, “GET LOW” is a film set in the Deep South, in the 1930’s about a Tennessean hermit,  Felix Bush, who, famously threw his own rollicking funeral party... whilst still alive.  The film stars Robert Duvall, and Sissy Spacek, and features some wonderful old time & bluegrass music, in much the same way as “Oh Brother” did. The soundtrack (Rounder) features music from Alison Krauss, The Steeldrivers, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Gene Austin, Paul Whiteman , and even The Inkspots.  Ok, so only Alison Krauss’ solo track and the four tracks from The Steeldrivers are going to appeal to readers here. I’ve not seen the film, but the soundtrack was quite intriguing.

April/May 2010