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 consistant 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 risque 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 4th 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 sleevenotes 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 phenominal 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 isa 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 labelled 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 14th.
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 sountrack was quite intruiging.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Dec 2010
With the run up to Christmas, there’s a load of CD’s up for review this time around, and I’m pleased to say we have some good home grown music to kick off with.
A few issues back we introduced you to LISA McHUGH, a Glasgow lass making her name in Ireland, since reaching the final of last year’s Glor Tire TV talent show. Now her debut album has arrived, and it’s a real cracker!
“Old Fashioned Girl” is the title track of the album, and was her first single. It’s a bright breezy number that really gets the feet tappin’. It’s one of three Joni Harms songs on the 13 track collection, the others being the equally catchy “Catalog Dreams”, and the slower “When I Get Over You”.
Lisa excells at quick catchy numbers and does a good job on “Ramblin’ Man” and “I’m a Little Bit Lonely”. She also covers Australian group The McClymonts “You Were Right”, and “I Wish It Would Rain”, previously best known for Nanci Griffith’ version.
She does a great tribute to Loretta Lynn on “You Aint Woman Enough”, which I particularly enjoyed.
But it’s not all uptempo. This girl can deliver a mean ballad.
“God’s Plan” is also out as a single from it’s writer Derek Ryan, but Lisa really delivers the song with stunning emotion. I’m also pleased to see her include the beautiful Cara Dillon song “There Were Roses”, a song with touches on the innocent losses suffered by families during the troubles in Ireland. She performed the song on the Glor Tire semi final, (video avaiable on You Tube) and really handles the song with such sensitivity and grace.
Add to that a number in Gealic, written by The Corrs, and a lovely song written by Daniel O’Donnell, and this album covers a real variety of material.
I really enjoyed the whole album. Every single track won me over, and I cannot rate this album highly enough. It’s a brilliant debut for the lovely Lisa.
www.lisa-mchugh.com
Nobody can deny that SYDNEY DEVINE has been Scotland’s most succesful Country singer. 55 years in
the entertainment business, 25 albums, and his TV and radio shows tell it all. As in Barbara Mandrell’s song, Sydney was “Country Before Country was Cool”. He certainly brought Country music to a huge audience in Scotland in his heyday.
His latest album, “Skiffle Country” (Scotdisc) takes him back to his early years, by covering Lonnie Donegan hits like “Battle Of New Orleans” and “Putting On The Style”, and Nancy Whiskey’s “Freight Train”.
He has also covered “Tennessee Waltz” , “I’m Movin’ On” and a couple of old Hank Williams tunes, including “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Move It On Over”.
The album sleeve gives a history of Skiffle music, which I liked.
Produced by Bill Garden, the album features Dougie Stevenson, Bill Garden, Stevie Lawrence, Stuart Anderson, Chas McKenzie, Eve Graham & Kevin Finn.
Sydney’s in fine voice throughout the album. If you’re a Sydney fan, this is one for you.
There’s a small but very enthusiastic bluegrass scene right here in Scotland. One of the long standing groups on the scene are a family band from Glasgow, NEW REDWING, and their new album , “Glimpes,Visions + Dreams” is a beautiful mix of bluegrass , old time, acoustic and gospel music.
The album features 13 tracks, all but two self penned.
“A Glimse Of You” is just one of the lovely songs from Louise. She also does a good job on the catchy “Come Back Dear”. “The Right One” works well too, as does the more uptempo, “You’re Not Worth It”
“Wishing My Life Away” features some wonderful family 3 part harmonies, as does “Everlasting Kiss”
Meanwhile, Alan leads the instrumentals, in “Struggl’n Muggl’n“ and “Fare Thee Well” and vocally on “Dark Holler”. He also leads the vocals on the gospel flavoured “Turn To the Lord”.
Hazel’s vocals are best heard on “Broken Dreams”, in two part harmony with mum Louise.
The album was recorded in Moffat, and features an array of acoustic instruments. Louise plays resonator guitar, double bass and guitar, whilst Alan plays guitar, mandolin and fiddle ,and daughter Hazel plays the double bass.
I loved the sheer simplicity of this album. It was just a joy to listen to. I loved it.
www.myspace.com/newredwing
More homegrown bluegrass next, in the form of a new album, “Carolina Star” from GOLDRUSH, who have been part of the Scottish scene for 21 years now. The current line up features founder member John Sheldon, alongside Alan Jones, Tom Connel, Danny Hart and Kenny Marshall.
The album features covers by some of the bluegrass legends like Richard Thompson, Don Reno and Earl Scruggs. They cover Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” and the title cut comes from the pen of Hugh Moffatt.
It’s all well produced banjo driven traditional bluegrass, which the band is renowned for. I especially enjoyed “Waltzing For Dreamers”, which has some nice concertina.
Contact John on 07968 124582 for your copy
I wasn’t familiar with THE SCUFFERS, but I am now.
They are a Glasgow based band, whose music has an likeable rawness to it. They’re not what I’d label a Country band, but there are definite Country influences in their music.
“Scrambled Pictures”, is their second album, and apparently the first one had more of a Country feel to it.
Recorded at Glasgow’s Carlton studios, all the songs were written by Gavin Wallace, who also leads the vocals, and plays acoustic guitar, harmonica,recorder and melodica. There are six members in the band, but a total of ten musicians are playing on the album.
Some of the tracks are on the rocky side, but there are plenty of Country influences, notably the simple “I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now”, the haunting story song, “The Night God Came To Town”, and the breezy “Take Me Down”, and “A Man Who Treats You Right”
The harmonies at the start of “A Heartful Of Lovin’” are superb, and really show the important part Angie Darcy plays on the album. This track also features some nice melodica.
“High And Low” has a good strumming guitar beat, in a Dave Edmunds style. Elsewhere, The Scuffers reminded me of another Glasgow band of yesteryear, the Humpff Family.
I really enjoyed the album. It was bright and breezy and refreshing.
Only one caution. Track 10, an otherwise pleasant ballad called “Here’s To The Day’s”, is spoiled by the use of unneccesary swearing, which will certainly prevent it getting radio play.
http://www.myspace.com/thescuffers
As reported in the last issue, JOHNNY REID , who was born in Lanark, has had another huge year in Canada. His latest album, “A Place Called Love”(EMI Canada) was the top selling album in Canada across all kinds of music within days of it’s release.
I have to be honest, and state that this isn’t an all out Country album. Having supported Johnny since his first self released album, he has always demonstrated a raunchy soulful vocal style, and that seems to be more apparent on this new album, than ever before.
Some of the songs do sound more Motown than Music City, but he does blend the two beautifully, and even manages a Celtic twist. All the songs were co-written by Reid, many with Brent Maher, who produced the album. The album was recorded in Nashville, and features some impressive names including Eddie Bayers, Brent Mason, Tammy Rogers, Richard Bennett, Glenn Worf ,and harmonies from Vicki Hampton (ex Dave & Sugar).
“Out of The Blue” is possibly the bounciest Country radio friendly song, and he gets all sentimental on “Tell Me Margaret”, a song devoted to his grandmother. I really enjoyed “This Is Not Goodbye”, a good uptempo number which really shows off his soulful tones.
The album’s title cut is devoted to family life, of which Johnny is a strong advocate.
But I did promise a Celtic twist, and that is featured in “Today I’m Gonna Try And Change The World”, which was the first single from the album. It’s another song that Johnny cries for peace and friendship, and just when he was starting to sound like a politician, along comes Jim Drury and his bagpipes, and totally transforms the song.
Johnny wont be everyone’s idea of a Country singer, but us Scots cannot ignore such a superstar that we’ve given our Canadian cousins. We should share in his pride (he calls his fanclub The Tartan Army).
The album should be released here in the spring, but is available from Canadian outlets now.
“The Essential DIXIE CHICKS” (Columbia) is a 2 CD set of hit material from the trio, that ironically was released in the UK to coincide with two thirds of the trio’s new brand, The Court Yard Hounds, making their London debut in November.
The chicks have been one of the most inspirational Country groups of the past 12 years or so. They have set the standard for girl groups, and set the standard for being able to speak out with your music. They may have made some enemies along the way, but that, perhaps, said more about those who tried to stifle free speech, than the Chicks music.
This 30 song collection stands up for the girls’ music. It features 30 songs, including all six of their Country chart toppers, taken from their four widely acclaimed albums. Among the favourites, you’ll find “Travellin’ Soldier”, “Wide Open Spaces”, “Long Time Gone”, “Ready To Run”, “There’s Your Trouble” and the linedancers favourite, “Tonight The Heartache’s On Me”.
It’s a superb collection for fans who dont already have their albums.
JAMEY JOHNSON made quite an impression with his last album, “That Lonesome Song”, which produced hits “In Colour” and “Between Jennings & Jones”. His latest offering , “The Guitar Song” (HumpHead) will make an even bigger impression on fans, for its VFM if nothing else. It’s a 2 CD set, with no less than 25 songs. The collection is basically split in two. The Black album is a CD of “down” songs, whilst the White album is more positive. That’s not to say they’re upbeat happy songs, far from it.
My favourite track on the whole album is the opening track on the black CD. “Lonely At The Top” is a real honky tonk song, from a succesful singer’s viewpoint. It’s all the more ironic that it was co-written by the tragic Keith Whitley.
Whilst most of the songs were co- written by Johnson, he has included a few more covers, including Mental Revenge (Mel Tillis) , For The Good Times (Kristofferson) and Set Em Up Joe (Vern Gosdin).
The legendary Bill Anderson joins Jamey on the album’s title cut. It’s a stand out track.
The album took a couple of listens to really get into it. It’s a really strong Country album , in the Haggard or Jones styling. It’s got a real personal feel to it. If this is your kinda Country, it’s a must.
Oregon raised RACHEL HARRINGTON has become quite a regular visitor to our shores in recent years, with lengthy tours playing the smallest of venues in the remotest of towns. She’s a lovely lady, who loves to express herself, and just loves travelling.
Her new album, “Celilo Falls”(Skinny Dennis label) is a lovely acoustic set of stories from her travels on the road, and closer to home in America’s Northwest. All but one of the songs are from her own pen.
“Goodbye Amsterdam” is one which is inspired by her European travels, with mentions of Barcelona, Birmingham and Viennna, but “by the time I get to Glasgow I’ll feel right at home”.
She also delves into the celtic musical history on “Pretty Saro”. The song is based on her interest in the Scots/Irish/American musical heritage and found this tune. When she found that the lyrics didn’t follow the story, she wrote her own. She does it accapella.
I really enjoyed “The Last Jubilee” which Rachel describes as her her “own version of heaven”, which also honours Johnny Cash, Elvis & Hank. I also enjoyed “He Started Building My Mansion In Heaven Today”, inspired by her grandpa.
The album was recorded in Washington state, and features impressive musicians like Ronnie McCoury and Lindisfarne’s Rod Clements (who accompanied her on her recent UK tour).
Rachel has a very pleasing acoustic feel to her music. I love listening to her. Very relaxing.
RANDY HOUSER burst onto the American Country scene last year with “Boots On” from his first album , “Anything Goes”. Now Humphead have released the follow up, “Cadillac” here in the UK.
The title track is a cracker. Co-written with Brice Long. It’s got a good uptempo beat. “Whistlin’ Dixie”, the first single from the album in America is a shade rocky, in a Country kinda way, if you know what I mean.
Other highlights include “A Man Like Me”, and “Out Here In The Country”
“Will I Always Be This Way” is a softer ballad with some nice slide guitar, courtesy of Eddie Long, and “Here with Me” is also a pretty Country ballad. “If I Could Buy Me Some Time” sounds so Merle, I had to check the CD again.
The Mississippi native has co-written the whole album, with other singer-songwriters like Shane Minor, Keith Gattis, Jameson Clark, and Kent Blazey.
I really enjoyed the album. Definately Country with lots of traditional values, yet not out of place in today’s modern world.
THE COAL PORTERS are one of the UK’s most established bands of alt-Country, Americana & Bluegrass music. The Chris Hillman inspired band is led by Sid Griffin, the former Long Ryder, who although is originally from Kentucky, has called London home since 1992.
Together with the current line up of Neil Robert Herd, Dick Smith, Jeff Kazmierski and Carly Frey, they’ve come up with a superb album of modern bluegrass in “Durango” (Prima Records). There are also some guest appearances from the likes of Tim O’Brien & Pete Rowan.
It’s a high energy album with beautiful blended vocal harmonies. Most of the songs are written by the band members, although they do cover Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane”, which fits in nicely with the rest of the album. Peter Rowan wrote “Moonlight Midnight”, on which he features as a guest.
I really enjoyed the album for it’s versatility. Picking favourite tracks is difficult, but “Like a Hurricane”, and the old timey “Looking For A Soft Place To Fall” did stand out.
There’s no doubt that KENNY CHESNEY is one of Country music’s biggest star’s. 30 Million album sales in America alone will testify to that. Having said that, he has yet to make a huge dent in the international scene.
His new album, “Hemmingway’s Whiskey” is one of the most impressive I’ve heard from him for a long time. The album kicks off with “Boys Of Fall”, a football anthem. Apparently the video features some well known American footballers. He continues with his soft Gulf of Mexico sound with “Coastal” and “Round And Round”.
That lazy beach sound is also evident on the title track, a song co-written by Guy Clark.
But for me, there are two duets which stand out on the album.
“You & Tequilla” is a lovely durt with Grace Potter. Their voices blend beautifully together.
Then he teams up with George Jones on “Small Y’All”. Featuring George just adds class to the whole album.
Quite a listenable colection of songs, which can only further his appeal here.
Western music doesn’t get the profile it used to, yet there is still a vibrant scene out in America’s heartland. RW HAMPTON is one of the guys still keeping the sound alive.
“Austin to Boston” (Cimarron Sounds) is his latest album, just released here. It’s actually his 12th album,so he is by no means, a new atist. Then, Chris LeDoux had over 20 albums out before Garth Brooks mentioned him in a song, and he suddenly became an overnight success. Perhaps Garth needs to do a new song, or we just need to check this album out to discover what a talent RW is.
The lead off European focus track, “Cowboys Prayer” was No.1 in the Hotdisc chart for 3 weeks, based on reactions from DJ’s and journalists on this side of the Atlantic, so he is catching the ear of the media.
He has a superb authentic, heartfelt voice, that blends nicely with simple musical arrangements.
There is a lot of ground between Austin and Boston, and RW covers a lot of ground on this album.
He was involved in writing three of the tracks. Whilst “Lady” and “Rodeo Man” are quite slow ballads, “Shortgrass”, which closes the album , is quite a bouncy number, which is one of my favourite tracks on the album.
The swing feel to western music lends itself nicely to Michael Buble’s “ Home” and Eddy Arnold’s “You Dont Know Me”, but the two tracks that really show the albums’ diversity are a beautiful version of “Danny Boy”, (complete with bagpipes and tin whistle), and a really catchy swing version of Freddie Mercury’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. It certainly doesn’t sound out of place.
Western music is still alive, and as long as guys like RW Hampton are producing it, there’ll always be a market.
www.rwhampton.com
Going back to your roots can sometimes demonstrate just how much life has changed. In the music world, technology has changed so much in the past twenty years. Much of the eighties music is no longer available.
I recall an impressive appearance by a young Canadian singer called MICHELLE WRIGHT at the Peterborough Festival back in the late 80’s. Her album, “Do Right By Me” was a strong showcase for her music. Savanah Music (via Proper distribution here) have just re-issued the album on CD for the first time.
The look is different, but the music isn’t much changed from what she’s doing these days. Some of the tracks, which I perhaps thought were a bit pop back then, are mainstream Country these days. I guess, Michelle was just a little ahead of the times.
The album brought back memories, with songs like “New Fool At An Old Game” and “Do Right By Me”.
She always had a soulful bluesy sound, evident here on “ I Wish I Were Only Lonely”.
The album has an additional track from the original LP – a duet with Terry Carisse on “None Of The Feeling Is Gone”. That kinda sums up the album. It was a powerful album back in 1988, and 22 years later still shines against the current crop of Nashville girl singers’ CD’s.
www.michelle-wright.com
Ireland is awash with good Country singers. JOHN McNICHOLL is one of the newer guys on the block. The former chef from Forglen, Derry has now five albums to his credit. The latest, “Someone Like You” (Arran) offers quite a variety. He is certainly broadening his appeal accross various musical styles.
He has some rock’n ‘roill, Shakin’ Stevens style, with “This Ole House”, “Oh Julie” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, which contrasts with showtunes like “Somewhere My Love” and “Love Changes Everything”.
There are duets with Daniel O’Donnell, Margo, and Louise Morrissey, the latter featuring the Louvins’ gorgeous “Hows the World Treating You”.
The title track is the old Gail Davies song, and he does the old Eddy Arnold number “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye”. His latest single, which closes the album , is the old T Texas Tyler/Wink Martindale tale of the “Deck Of Cards”. John has also done a video for the song, which has been featured on Hot Country.
John offers a lot of variety on this album, and proves himself to be a master of all trades by handling the different styles equally well.
ADRIAN NATION is a new name to me, but apparently well travelled throughout the UK & Europe, and has toured Greece twice this year. He was influenced by Dylan and Knopfler, as well as the late Isaac Guillory.
He is a guitar based singer songwriter, having written or co-written each of the album’s 11 cuts.
Most of the album was recorded in Essex and Surrey, although the slide guitar on “The Heart Beats On”, was recorded in Nashville.
The album kicks off with “Dont Turn Away”, which has a good uptempo beat, and a good vocal chorus.
“The Other Side Of The Night(Maria’s Song)” has a lovely folksy feel to it. A couple of the ballads, especially “Brightest Star” work well. And he proves his guitar skills on “Five Finger Rapids”.
I really enjoyed the album. Not apparent Country, but still pleasing to my ear.
www. Laburnumbridge.co.uk
ROSEHILL are a trailblazing Texan duo, consisting of Mitch McBain and Blake Myers, whose debut album, “White Lines and Stars” (Cypress Creek Records) has just been released.
Their influences are listed as Townes Van Zante, Dylan and Buck Owens, which covers quite a spectrum. There’s also some Eagles or Doobie Brothers sound in there too. They claim to be “a little bit Country, a little rock’n’roll”.
The album was produced by Radney Foster. The duo, Foster and Jay Clementi wrote most of the album, although there’s a few credits for George Ducas (remember him!) and a few others.
Most of the material is quite uptempo, without being too rocky. After saying that “Sunday” has quite a rock’n’roll beat, but is extremely catchy.
The album’s title cut, already a big hit in Texas, is a soft Country rock, easy driving song.
“Glass Of Whiskey” is probably the strongest Country cut. It has strong vocals, and steel guitar.
“Picassos For Pesos” stands out for being quite different. It’s quite a mellow, tex mex arrangement, and works really well.
“Love Burns On” quite a pleasent ballad, which should find itself airplay outside of Texas.
I really enjoyed the album. Check it out if you get a chance.
There’s no doubt that The Louvin Brothers were one of the most influential acts in Country music history. Their music goes back to the Forties, and is still heard today. Ira died in a car crash in 1965, but brother Charlie Louvin carried on with a solo career that gave him 30 chart hits.
Now aged 83, CHARLIE LOUVIN is still recording, and has just released “The Battles Rage On” (True North Records). The vocals aren’t as strong as they once were, but that adds to the sincerity of the emotions contained in this new collection.
Being a legend himself does make it notable when he covers old Merle Haggard, Red Foley, Ton T Hall, Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff numbers. There’s also a couple of reworked Louvin classics, including “Mother I Thank You For The Bible”, which was also recorded by Hank Snow.
Then there’s a modern approach with harmony vocals from Del McCoury and Jamie Dailey.
I particularly enjoyed his arrangement of “There’s a Star Spangled Banner”, and “Weapon Of Prayer”.
With title’s like “What We’re Fighting For”,”More Than a Name On A Wall”, “A Soldiers Last Letter”, “Weapons Of Prayer” and “Searching For a Soldiers Grave”, there is a theme running throughout the album. Yes, this album is dedicated to the military and the sacrifices of war. It’s always been a popular theme in Country music. Unlike the current trend for this type of song, however, this album isn’t just about American pride.
Charlie Louvin delivers a whole lot more of emotion.
Finally, a couple of seasonal releases.
Texan KIMMIE RHODES told me, back in January, when she was over for Celtic Connections, that she was going back to finish a Christmas album. Well, “Miricles On Christmas Day”(Sunbird) is the proof.
The 12 track collection is a nice relaxing set of songs, featuring mainly her own songs, although she does cover Patty Griffin’s “Mary” and the traditional “What Child Is This” (to the tune of “Greensleeves”.
This album was inspired, years ago, by her friend, one Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper, and she vowed to write a Christmas song every year. These songs are now included in this collection.
The songs vary from the tex-mex flavoured “Wake Up Sleepy Town” to the bluesy “Little Touch Of Christmas”.
All the songs are handled quite sensitively and heartfelt. They’re not the usual Christmas commercial sounds that Country music thrives on. That gets plus points from me.
www.kimmierhodes.com
A more lively Christmas song is “Get Me Home In Time For Christmas”, from the much travelled McKENZIE, written by Kenny & Zoe, along with Alex Birnie. It’s a really catchy number, with good instrumentation and lively vocals. It’ll certainly be on my Christmas (play)list.
It’s available on iTunes, and from their Myspace site.
A few issues back we introduced you to LISA McHUGH, a Glasgow lass making her name in Ireland, since reaching the final of last year’s Glor Tire TV talent show. Now her debut album has arrived, and it’s a real cracker!
“Old Fashioned Girl” is the title track of the album, and was her first single. It’s a bright breezy number that really gets the feet tappin’. It’s one of three Joni Harms songs on the 13 track collection, the others being the equally catchy “Catalog Dreams”, and the slower “When I Get Over You”.
Lisa excells at quick catchy numbers and does a good job on “Ramblin’ Man” and “I’m a Little Bit Lonely”. She also covers Australian group The McClymonts “You Were Right”, and “I Wish It Would Rain”, previously best known for Nanci Griffith’ version.
She does a great tribute to Loretta Lynn on “You Aint Woman Enough”, which I particularly enjoyed.
But it’s not all uptempo. This girl can deliver a mean ballad.
“God’s Plan” is also out as a single from it’s writer Derek Ryan, but Lisa really delivers the song with stunning emotion. I’m also pleased to see her include the beautiful Cara Dillon song “There Were Roses”, a song with touches on the innocent losses suffered by families during the troubles in Ireland. She performed the song on the Glor Tire semi final, (video avaiable on You Tube) and really handles the song with such sensitivity and grace.
Add to that a number in Gealic, written by The Corrs, and a lovely song written by Daniel O’Donnell, and this album covers a real variety of material.
I really enjoyed the whole album. Every single track won me over, and I cannot rate this album highly enough. It’s a brilliant debut for the lovely Lisa.
www.lisa-mchugh.com
Nobody can deny that SYDNEY DEVINE has been Scotland’s most succesful Country singer. 55 years in
the entertainment business, 25 albums, and his TV and radio shows tell it all. As in Barbara Mandrell’s song, Sydney was “Country Before Country was Cool”. He certainly brought Country music to a huge audience in Scotland in his heyday.
His latest album, “Skiffle Country” (Scotdisc) takes him back to his early years, by covering Lonnie Donegan hits like “Battle Of New Orleans” and “Putting On The Style”, and Nancy Whiskey’s “Freight Train”.
He has also covered “Tennessee Waltz” , “I’m Movin’ On” and a couple of old Hank Williams tunes, including “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Move It On Over”.
The album sleeve gives a history of Skiffle music, which I liked.
Produced by Bill Garden, the album features Dougie Stevenson, Bill Garden, Stevie Lawrence, Stuart Anderson, Chas McKenzie, Eve Graham & Kevin Finn.
Sydney’s in fine voice throughout the album. If you’re a Sydney fan, this is one for you.
There’s a small but very enthusiastic bluegrass scene right here in Scotland. One of the long standing groups on the scene are a family band from Glasgow, NEW REDWING, and their new album , “Glimpes,Visions + Dreams” is a beautiful mix of bluegrass , old time, acoustic and gospel music.
The album features 13 tracks, all but two self penned.
“A Glimse Of You” is just one of the lovely songs from Louise. She also does a good job on the catchy “Come Back Dear”. “The Right One” works well too, as does the more uptempo, “You’re Not Worth It”
“Wishing My Life Away” features some wonderful family 3 part harmonies, as does “Everlasting Kiss”
Meanwhile, Alan leads the instrumentals, in “Struggl’n Muggl’n“ and “Fare Thee Well” and vocally on “Dark Holler”. He also leads the vocals on the gospel flavoured “Turn To the Lord”.
Hazel’s vocals are best heard on “Broken Dreams”, in two part harmony with mum Louise.
The album was recorded in Moffat, and features an array of acoustic instruments. Louise plays resonator guitar, double bass and guitar, whilst Alan plays guitar, mandolin and fiddle ,and daughter Hazel plays the double bass.
I loved the sheer simplicity of this album. It was just a joy to listen to. I loved it.
www.myspace.com/newredwing
More homegrown bluegrass next, in the form of a new album, “Carolina Star” from GOLDRUSH, who have been part of the Scottish scene for 21 years now. The current line up features founder member John Sheldon, alongside Alan Jones, Tom Connel, Danny Hart and Kenny Marshall.
The album features covers by some of the bluegrass legends like Richard Thompson, Don Reno and Earl Scruggs. They cover Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” and the title cut comes from the pen of Hugh Moffatt.
It’s all well produced banjo driven traditional bluegrass, which the band is renowned for. I especially enjoyed “Waltzing For Dreamers”, which has some nice concertina.
Contact John on 07968 124582 for your copy
I wasn’t familiar with THE SCUFFERS, but I am now.
They are a Glasgow based band, whose music has an likeable rawness to it. They’re not what I’d label a Country band, but there are definite Country influences in their music.
“Scrambled Pictures”, is their second album, and apparently the first one had more of a Country feel to it.
Recorded at Glasgow’s Carlton studios, all the songs were written by Gavin Wallace, who also leads the vocals, and plays acoustic guitar, harmonica,recorder and melodica. There are six members in the band, but a total of ten musicians are playing on the album.
Some of the tracks are on the rocky side, but there are plenty of Country influences, notably the simple “I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now”, the haunting story song, “The Night God Came To Town”, and the breezy “Take Me Down”, and “A Man Who Treats You Right”
The harmonies at the start of “A Heartful Of Lovin’” are superb, and really show the important part Angie Darcy plays on the album. This track also features some nice melodica.
“High And Low” has a good strumming guitar beat, in a Dave Edmunds style. Elsewhere, The Scuffers reminded me of another Glasgow band of yesteryear, the Humpff Family.
I really enjoyed the album. It was bright and breezy and refreshing.
Only one caution. Track 10, an otherwise pleasant ballad called “Here’s To The Day’s”, is spoiled by the use of unneccesary swearing, which will certainly prevent it getting radio play.
http://www.myspace.com/thescuffers
As reported in the last issue, JOHNNY REID , who was born in Lanark, has had another huge year in Canada. His latest album, “A Place Called Love”(EMI Canada) was the top selling album in Canada across all kinds of music within days of it’s release.
I have to be honest, and state that this isn’t an all out Country album. Having supported Johnny since his first self released album, he has always demonstrated a raunchy soulful vocal style, and that seems to be more apparent on this new album, than ever before.
Some of the songs do sound more Motown than Music City, but he does blend the two beautifully, and even manages a Celtic twist. All the songs were co-written by Reid, many with Brent Maher, who produced the album. The album was recorded in Nashville, and features some impressive names including Eddie Bayers, Brent Mason, Tammy Rogers, Richard Bennett, Glenn Worf ,and harmonies from Vicki Hampton (ex Dave & Sugar).
“Out of The Blue” is possibly the bounciest Country radio friendly song, and he gets all sentimental on “Tell Me Margaret”, a song devoted to his grandmother. I really enjoyed “This Is Not Goodbye”, a good uptempo number which really shows off his soulful tones.
The album’s title cut is devoted to family life, of which Johnny is a strong advocate.
But I did promise a Celtic twist, and that is featured in “Today I’m Gonna Try And Change The World”, which was the first single from the album. It’s another song that Johnny cries for peace and friendship, and just when he was starting to sound like a politician, along comes Jim Drury and his bagpipes, and totally transforms the song.
Johnny wont be everyone’s idea of a Country singer, but us Scots cannot ignore such a superstar that we’ve given our Canadian cousins. We should share in his pride (he calls his fanclub The Tartan Army).
The album should be released here in the spring, but is available from Canadian outlets now.
“The Essential DIXIE CHICKS” (Columbia) is a 2 CD set of hit material from the trio, that ironically was released in the UK to coincide with two thirds of the trio’s new brand, The Court Yard Hounds, making their London debut in November.
The chicks have been one of the most inspirational Country groups of the past 12 years or so. They have set the standard for girl groups, and set the standard for being able to speak out with your music. They may have made some enemies along the way, but that, perhaps, said more about those who tried to stifle free speech, than the Chicks music.
This 30 song collection stands up for the girls’ music. It features 30 songs, including all six of their Country chart toppers, taken from their four widely acclaimed albums. Among the favourites, you’ll find “Travellin’ Soldier”, “Wide Open Spaces”, “Long Time Gone”, “Ready To Run”, “There’s Your Trouble” and the linedancers favourite, “Tonight The Heartache’s On Me”.
It’s a superb collection for fans who dont already have their albums.
JAMEY JOHNSON made quite an impression with his last album, “That Lonesome Song”, which produced hits “In Colour” and “Between Jennings & Jones”. His latest offering , “The Guitar Song” (HumpHead) will make an even bigger impression on fans, for its VFM if nothing else. It’s a 2 CD set, with no less than 25 songs. The collection is basically split in two. The Black album is a CD of “down” songs, whilst the White album is more positive. That’s not to say they’re upbeat happy songs, far from it.
My favourite track on the whole album is the opening track on the black CD. “Lonely At The Top” is a real honky tonk song, from a succesful singer’s viewpoint. It’s all the more ironic that it was co-written by the tragic Keith Whitley.
Whilst most of the songs were co- written by Johnson, he has included a few more covers, including Mental Revenge (Mel Tillis) , For The Good Times (Kristofferson) and Set Em Up Joe (Vern Gosdin).
The legendary Bill Anderson joins Jamey on the album’s title cut. It’s a stand out track.
The album took a couple of listens to really get into it. It’s a really strong Country album , in the Haggard or Jones styling. It’s got a real personal feel to it. If this is your kinda Country, it’s a must.
Oregon raised RACHEL HARRINGTON has become quite a regular visitor to our shores in recent years, with lengthy tours playing the smallest of venues in the remotest of towns. She’s a lovely lady, who loves to express herself, and just loves travelling.
Her new album, “Celilo Falls”(Skinny Dennis label) is a lovely acoustic set of stories from her travels on the road, and closer to home in America’s Northwest. All but one of the songs are from her own pen.
“Goodbye Amsterdam” is one which is inspired by her European travels, with mentions of Barcelona, Birmingham and Viennna, but “by the time I get to Glasgow I’ll feel right at home”.
She also delves into the celtic musical history on “Pretty Saro”. The song is based on her interest in the Scots/Irish/American musical heritage and found this tune. When she found that the lyrics didn’t follow the story, she wrote her own. She does it accapella.
I really enjoyed “The Last Jubilee” which Rachel describes as her her “own version of heaven”, which also honours Johnny Cash, Elvis & Hank. I also enjoyed “He Started Building My Mansion In Heaven Today”, inspired by her grandpa.
The album was recorded in Washington state, and features impressive musicians like Ronnie McCoury and Lindisfarne’s Rod Clements (who accompanied her on her recent UK tour).
Rachel has a very pleasing acoustic feel to her music. I love listening to her. Very relaxing.
RANDY HOUSER burst onto the American Country scene last year with “Boots On” from his first album , “Anything Goes”. Now Humphead have released the follow up, “Cadillac” here in the UK.
The title track is a cracker. Co-written with Brice Long. It’s got a good uptempo beat. “Whistlin’ Dixie”, the first single from the album in America is a shade rocky, in a Country kinda way, if you know what I mean.
Other highlights include “A Man Like Me”, and “Out Here In The Country”
“Will I Always Be This Way” is a softer ballad with some nice slide guitar, courtesy of Eddie Long, and “Here with Me” is also a pretty Country ballad. “If I Could Buy Me Some Time” sounds so Merle, I had to check the CD again.
The Mississippi native has co-written the whole album, with other singer-songwriters like Shane Minor, Keith Gattis, Jameson Clark, and Kent Blazey.
I really enjoyed the album. Definately Country with lots of traditional values, yet not out of place in today’s modern world.
THE COAL PORTERS are one of the UK’s most established bands of alt-Country, Americana & Bluegrass music. The Chris Hillman inspired band is led by Sid Griffin, the former Long Ryder, who although is originally from Kentucky, has called London home since 1992.
Together with the current line up of Neil Robert Herd, Dick Smith, Jeff Kazmierski and Carly Frey, they’ve come up with a superb album of modern bluegrass in “Durango” (Prima Records). There are also some guest appearances from the likes of Tim O’Brien & Pete Rowan.
It’s a high energy album with beautiful blended vocal harmonies. Most of the songs are written by the band members, although they do cover Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane”, which fits in nicely with the rest of the album. Peter Rowan wrote “Moonlight Midnight”, on which he features as a guest.
I really enjoyed the album for it’s versatility. Picking favourite tracks is difficult, but “Like a Hurricane”, and the old timey “Looking For A Soft Place To Fall” did stand out.
There’s no doubt that KENNY CHESNEY is one of Country music’s biggest star’s. 30 Million album sales in America alone will testify to that. Having said that, he has yet to make a huge dent in the international scene.
His new album, “Hemmingway’s Whiskey” is one of the most impressive I’ve heard from him for a long time. The album kicks off with “Boys Of Fall”, a football anthem. Apparently the video features some well known American footballers. He continues with his soft Gulf of Mexico sound with “Coastal” and “Round And Round”.
That lazy beach sound is also evident on the title track, a song co-written by Guy Clark.
But for me, there are two duets which stand out on the album.
“You & Tequilla” is a lovely durt with Grace Potter. Their voices blend beautifully together.
Then he teams up with George Jones on “Small Y’All”. Featuring George just adds class to the whole album.
Quite a listenable colection of songs, which can only further his appeal here.
Western music doesn’t get the profile it used to, yet there is still a vibrant scene out in America’s heartland. RW HAMPTON is one of the guys still keeping the sound alive.
“Austin to Boston” (Cimarron Sounds) is his latest album, just released here. It’s actually his 12th album,so he is by no means, a new atist. Then, Chris LeDoux had over 20 albums out before Garth Brooks mentioned him in a song, and he suddenly became an overnight success. Perhaps Garth needs to do a new song, or we just need to check this album out to discover what a talent RW is.
The lead off European focus track, “Cowboys Prayer” was No.1 in the Hotdisc chart for 3 weeks, based on reactions from DJ’s and journalists on this side of the Atlantic, so he is catching the ear of the media.
He has a superb authentic, heartfelt voice, that blends nicely with simple musical arrangements.
There is a lot of ground between Austin and Boston, and RW covers a lot of ground on this album.
He was involved in writing three of the tracks. Whilst “Lady” and “Rodeo Man” are quite slow ballads, “Shortgrass”, which closes the album , is quite a bouncy number, which is one of my favourite tracks on the album.
The swing feel to western music lends itself nicely to Michael Buble’s “ Home” and Eddy Arnold’s “You Dont Know Me”, but the two tracks that really show the albums’ diversity are a beautiful version of “Danny Boy”, (complete with bagpipes and tin whistle), and a really catchy swing version of Freddie Mercury’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. It certainly doesn’t sound out of place.
Western music is still alive, and as long as guys like RW Hampton are producing it, there’ll always be a market.
www.rwhampton.com
Going back to your roots can sometimes demonstrate just how much life has changed. In the music world, technology has changed so much in the past twenty years. Much of the eighties music is no longer available.
I recall an impressive appearance by a young Canadian singer called MICHELLE WRIGHT at the Peterborough Festival back in the late 80’s. Her album, “Do Right By Me” was a strong showcase for her music. Savanah Music (via Proper distribution here) have just re-issued the album on CD for the first time.
The look is different, but the music isn’t much changed from what she’s doing these days. Some of the tracks, which I perhaps thought were a bit pop back then, are mainstream Country these days. I guess, Michelle was just a little ahead of the times.
The album brought back memories, with songs like “New Fool At An Old Game” and “Do Right By Me”.
She always had a soulful bluesy sound, evident here on “ I Wish I Were Only Lonely”.
The album has an additional track from the original LP – a duet with Terry Carisse on “None Of The Feeling Is Gone”. That kinda sums up the album. It was a powerful album back in 1988, and 22 years later still shines against the current crop of Nashville girl singers’ CD’s.
www.michelle-wright.com
Ireland is awash with good Country singers. JOHN McNICHOLL is one of the newer guys on the block. The former chef from Forglen, Derry has now five albums to his credit. The latest, “Someone Like You” (Arran) offers quite a variety. He is certainly broadening his appeal accross various musical styles.
He has some rock’n ‘roill, Shakin’ Stevens style, with “This Ole House”, “Oh Julie” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, which contrasts with showtunes like “Somewhere My Love” and “Love Changes Everything”.
There are duets with Daniel O’Donnell, Margo, and Louise Morrissey, the latter featuring the Louvins’ gorgeous “Hows the World Treating You”.
The title track is the old Gail Davies song, and he does the old Eddy Arnold number “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye”. His latest single, which closes the album , is the old T Texas Tyler/Wink Martindale tale of the “Deck Of Cards”. John has also done a video for the song, which has been featured on Hot Country.
John offers a lot of variety on this album, and proves himself to be a master of all trades by handling the different styles equally well.
ADRIAN NATION is a new name to me, but apparently well travelled throughout the UK & Europe, and has toured Greece twice this year. He was influenced by Dylan and Knopfler, as well as the late Isaac Guillory.
He is a guitar based singer songwriter, having written or co-written each of the album’s 11 cuts.
Most of the album was recorded in Essex and Surrey, although the slide guitar on “The Heart Beats On”, was recorded in Nashville.
The album kicks off with “Dont Turn Away”, which has a good uptempo beat, and a good vocal chorus.
“The Other Side Of The Night(Maria’s Song)” has a lovely folksy feel to it. A couple of the ballads, especially “Brightest Star” work well. And he proves his guitar skills on “Five Finger Rapids”.
I really enjoyed the album. Not apparent Country, but still pleasing to my ear.
www. Laburnumbridge.co.uk
ROSEHILL are a trailblazing Texan duo, consisting of Mitch McBain and Blake Myers, whose debut album, “White Lines and Stars” (Cypress Creek Records) has just been released.
Their influences are listed as Townes Van Zante, Dylan and Buck Owens, which covers quite a spectrum. There’s also some Eagles or Doobie Brothers sound in there too. They claim to be “a little bit Country, a little rock’n’roll”.
The album was produced by Radney Foster. The duo, Foster and Jay Clementi wrote most of the album, although there’s a few credits for George Ducas (remember him!) and a few others.
Most of the material is quite uptempo, without being too rocky. After saying that “Sunday” has quite a rock’n’roll beat, but is extremely catchy.
The album’s title cut, already a big hit in Texas, is a soft Country rock, easy driving song.
“Glass Of Whiskey” is probably the strongest Country cut. It has strong vocals, and steel guitar.
“Picassos For Pesos” stands out for being quite different. It’s quite a mellow, tex mex arrangement, and works really well.
“Love Burns On” quite a pleasent ballad, which should find itself airplay outside of Texas.
I really enjoyed the album. Check it out if you get a chance.
There’s no doubt that The Louvin Brothers were one of the most influential acts in Country music history. Their music goes back to the Forties, and is still heard today. Ira died in a car crash in 1965, but brother Charlie Louvin carried on with a solo career that gave him 30 chart hits.
Now aged 83, CHARLIE LOUVIN is still recording, and has just released “The Battles Rage On” (True North Records). The vocals aren’t as strong as they once were, but that adds to the sincerity of the emotions contained in this new collection.
Being a legend himself does make it notable when he covers old Merle Haggard, Red Foley, Ton T Hall, Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff numbers. There’s also a couple of reworked Louvin classics, including “Mother I Thank You For The Bible”, which was also recorded by Hank Snow.
Then there’s a modern approach with harmony vocals from Del McCoury and Jamie Dailey.
I particularly enjoyed his arrangement of “There’s a Star Spangled Banner”, and “Weapon Of Prayer”.
With title’s like “What We’re Fighting For”,”More Than a Name On A Wall”, “A Soldiers Last Letter”, “Weapons Of Prayer” and “Searching For a Soldiers Grave”, there is a theme running throughout the album. Yes, this album is dedicated to the military and the sacrifices of war. It’s always been a popular theme in Country music. Unlike the current trend for this type of song, however, this album isn’t just about American pride.
Charlie Louvin delivers a whole lot more of emotion.
Finally, a couple of seasonal releases.
Texan KIMMIE RHODES told me, back in January, when she was over for Celtic Connections, that she was going back to finish a Christmas album. Well, “Miricles On Christmas Day”(Sunbird) is the proof.
The 12 track collection is a nice relaxing set of songs, featuring mainly her own songs, although she does cover Patty Griffin’s “Mary” and the traditional “What Child Is This” (to the tune of “Greensleeves”.
This album was inspired, years ago, by her friend, one Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper, and she vowed to write a Christmas song every year. These songs are now included in this collection.
The songs vary from the tex-mex flavoured “Wake Up Sleepy Town” to the bluesy “Little Touch Of Christmas”.
All the songs are handled quite sensitively and heartfelt. They’re not the usual Christmas commercial sounds that Country music thrives on. That gets plus points from me.
www.kimmierhodes.com
A more lively Christmas song is “Get Me Home In Time For Christmas”, from the much travelled McKENZIE, written by Kenny & Zoe, along with Alex Birnie. It’s a really catchy number, with good instrumentation and lively vocals. It’ll certainly be on my Christmas (play)list.
It’s available on iTunes, and from their Myspace site.
Oct 2010
In an everchanging Country music scene, DIERKS BENTLEY has one of the longest running recording contracts in Nashville. He’s been with Capitol Records since 2003, and produced a string of hits such as “What Was I Thinking” and “Free And Easy, Down The Road I Go”.
But there’s always been something different about Dierks. He’s always featured a token bluegrass number on his albums.
Now on his new collection, “Up On The Ridge”, he’s gone all the way. He’s still with Capitol, but this is certainly not your run of the mill Country album. It’s an all out Bluegrass classic, with an array of guests including The Punch Brothers, Del McCoury, Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson, Chris Thile, Kris Kristofferson, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Sonya Isaccs, Sam Bush & Tim O’Brien.
The album is produced by Jon Randell Stewart, a veteran of Emmylou’s Nash Ramblers.
Jon also co-wrote four of the songs, and plays and hamonising on several tracks too.
Interesting to note that both Randell & Bentley appeared at Celtic Connections in Glasgow a few years back.
Back to the album though, and there just isn’t a bad track.
I really enjoyed the fast banjo pickin’ on “Rovin’ Gambler” and “Fiddlin’ Around”, the superb vocals on “Bad Angel” with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson (nominated for a CMA Award), and he superb duet on Kristofferson’s “Bottle To The Bottom”.
But stand out track for me is “Down In The Mine”, written by Bentley & Randell, which would have been a perfect song for Kathy Mattea’s ”Coal” CD, but really fits in well here. It’s an honest tribute to miners, without being dark. Sonya Isaccs beautiful harmonies just finish it off beautifuly
It’s real respectful authentic bluegrass, a breath of fresh air, and my album of the year.
BOB LESLIE is from Glasgow, and proud of it, if his new album, “In A Different World” is anything to go by. Most “Country” acts here depend heavily on American Country music, but this is a definate Glasgow album.
Originally from Edinburgh, Bob has been involved with music all his life. His Glaswegian mother was a professional club and theatre singer, while his father's Orkney Islands folk tradition showed itself in his mastery of piano, accordion, and fiddle. Bob started singing from the cradle and made an early mark on the Edinburgh music scene, winning his first talent show at 14 years old.
20 years as a professional musician, and many more semi-pro, have honed Bob's performance and writing skills to a keen edge. He has played every type of venue from folk and working men's clubs to festivals and theatres.
“The Cultural Imperialists Have Got Me” is a good fun number to kick things off. In it, Bob recalls a lot of musical headliners who have influenced him over the years.
He slows down on “Beans & Beer”, in a gospel sounding number (he has a good voice for gospel), before a catchy line about ducks and hens really get your attention.
There’s a good number of slower numbers, some of which owe more to jazz than country, but listenable all the same. Of the ballads, I particularly enjoyed “Time To Smell the Roses”
But it’s the uptempo numbers which really leave their mark on the album.
“The Star Harmonica Band” is a fine tribute to a guy called Jimmy Fletcher, who not only was an inspirational musician, but an inspiration to young junior footballers too. The song features some really neat harmonica too, courtesy of Fraser Spiers.
But the one that’ll get the most reaction has to be “Cowboy In The Heart Of Glasgow”, which for a few readers, may just be too close to home, but I think we all know a few candidates. It’s a good fun, inoffensive song.
As well as Fraser Spiers, Bob has amassed a good set of players in Alex Mack, Carl Esprit Bridgeman, Craig Nelson, Jim Keilt and Robin Rankin. There’s also backing vocals from Alice Leslie and Bernadette Collier.
The main project was recorded at North Glasgow College in Springburn.
I enjoyed the album. I especially liked the Glasgow aspect. That really worked for me.
www.bobleslie.biz
Another new Glasgow recorded album comes from BRIAN HUGHES , the Dumbarton based singer songwriter , who has made quite a mark on the British Country scene. His last album won the British Country Music Album of the Year in 2008, and his new release “My Kind Of Paradise” could certainly follow on from that success.
Once again, it’s eleven self penned tracks, recorded at Blue Productions in Glasgow City Centre.
His regular band, The Lonesharks, together with some top notch musicians give the songs a good backing.
The songs vary from the young love of “Get Over It” and “Home By Ten” to the working man influence on “God Bless Friday Night” and his autobiographical “Overnight Success”.
The title track bounces along nicely, billed as Brian’s observations. This one could have the X Factor, after all there’s a line in here, “ Watching TV on a Saturday Night, My Kind Of Paradise”.
I particularly enjoyed “Fly”, which apparently was a last minute inclusion on the album. It has a really catchy beat, whilst “Lost In You” and “Memphis By Midnight” both have a softer beat to them.
If you’re aware of Brian’s music, you’ll know that he mamages to blend Country & rock without losing the Country influence.
It fits in nicely with today’s American Country sounds, and he’s right here in Scotland.
www.brianhughesmusic.com
It’s a well accepted fact that we only get to hear a small amount of the good Country music out there.
There’s so many Country music singers out there that never get the break.
Well, here is a guy who should be up there with with the hottest Nashville stars. He is from Virginia, and his name is DAVID STATZER. His album, “ Until I Get It Down” (Three Hat Records) is 100% pure Country music.
He apparently was inspired by Earl Thomas Conley, Waylon and Travis Tritt, but I detected influences of Haggard, Strait and even our own John Miller. Yes! Real Country music !
The songs are originals, from the pens of Terry Dennis, Steve Sayler and Tim Johnson, amongst others. Between them, they’ve written hits for Diamond Rio, Jimmy Wayne, and Tracy Lawrence.
The title cut kicks it all off, but track two really sets the tone. “I Refuse To Get The Blues” has shades of Ray Price as well as Merle, and has some really neat honky tonk piano. “My Baby And Me” , “Out Of His Hands”, and “I Know A Goodbye” are again heavily Haggard.
I really liked the uptempo “Rocker Rolling On The Country Side”, which brings a bit of rockabilly, Carl Perkins style, to the stage. He can certainly handle this type of song extremely well too.
“Save The Wildlife”, has more of an old time George Jones sound, but still sounding good.
He slows the tempo for “Hold You To It” and “Me All Alone”, and proves himself a fine balladeer as well.
Great stuff.
From Ireland, let me introduce you to ITA MADDEN.
Ita has a few CD’s to her credit, and has worked the Irish club scene on both sides of the Irish sea, and worked as a DJ on Breffni Community Radio.
Her latest album “Something For Everyone” (Anew Records), has quite a variety of material, from the standards like “Sea Of Heartbreak”, “Old Love Letters” and “I’ll Never Stop Loving You”, to recent Country hits like Reba’s “One Promise Too Late”, Hal Ketchum’s “Mama Knows The Highway”, Josh Turner’s ”Firecracker” and Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried”.
She also covers Elizabeth Cook’s “Sometimes It takes Balls To Be a Woman”. She has completely changed this song. It wasn’t a song that I thought would suit an Irish arrangent,but Ita does a great job.
It’s on the Irish arrangements that Ita really shines however.
She covers “Roads To Kildare”, “Tar & Cement” and “Make Sure You Love Me”, and has a couple of traditional Irish sentinental songs, including her hit “A Single Working Mother” and “My Mothers Old Rosary Beads”.
Ita has a distinct Irish twang in her voice, which adds to her interpretations here.
GUY PENROD, the dominant voice of the famous Gaither Vocal Band for the last 14 years, has released his debut country CD release, BREATHE DEEP, produced by Brent Rowan (known for his work with Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton etc ), on Servant Records. The first single release from the project, "Are You The One," is climbed to #1 on the New Christian Music Chart here and and #58 on the Billboard Country Chart.
He has an uncanny resemblance to our own Charlie Landsborough, and whilst the vocal styling is different, Guy should appeal to Charlie fans.
Born in Abilene, Texas, the son of a preacher, Guy grew up singing in church and school. His first performance came at the age of three, and Penrod recalls his mom and dad standing him up on a folding chair for his debut solo, "Fill My Cup Lord”. During the early 90s, Guy was an in-demand session singer in Nashville, who also appeared on TNN's "Music City Tonight" (as part of the show's vocal quartet), introducing him to a national audience via the live, 90-minute telecast. That led to The Gaithers, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The album contains 13 tracks, and whilst they all have a message in there, the casual listener could mistake it for a typical country album. It is very much a Nashville production.
The single “Are You The One” is a particularly strong commercial song, yet has a message on the good influence one can have on others.
“The World Goes Around” has a feel good tempo, and features some nice harmony, in a kinda Oakridge Boys style. “More Power To Ya” is a tribute to single working moms. Whilst “Nothin’ More Beautiful Than That” is dedicated to survivors and recoverers.
As far as gospel music goes, “The Maker Of Us All” is a superb song, uptempo and positive, and still with that Nashville sound.
Guy also softens the tempo on “The Broken Ones”, honouring those who help others. It’s a really beautiful number.
I really enjoyed the album. Well worth checking out!
To promote the album, he recently toured Northern Europe performing in six countries and a variety of venues, ranging from large theaters to intimate church settings. Although he didn’t play any dates in mainland Britain, he did play Belfast, and really reaching out, he played two nights in The Faroes.
SARAH McCLURG is a new emerging name out of Canada.
This good lookin’ gal from Ottawa was raised on Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and Top 40 radio, and certainly has a driving beat throughout the ten tracks on her debut album, “Tennessee Rain”, which she recorded in Nashville.
The title track kicks the album into gear,and continues through titles like “Little More Highway” and “Out Of Nowhere”, before declaring her Country roots with “Rodeo Girl”.
She has some top notch musicians backing her up, including Al Perkins, Scotty Huff and Dave Roe.
The title cut has already enjoyed a good bit of airplay in the UK, and been a great introduction to fans.
My favourite cuts would be the fast paced “Home Is Were You Are”, and the two slower numbers, “Sunday Morning” and “Tumbleweed”.
The album is fast paced, and has a definate Country rock edge to it. But it works well.
www.sarahmcclurg.com
Calgary based SHANNON SMITH is a new name to me, but she’s certainly making an impression with her debut album, “Tell Me Something”. She was the winner of Country 105 /Lammie’s Rising Star Award last year, and has an impressive list of Festival appearances to her credit.
The album, recorded in the Stampede City, features a number of songs written by Noah Gordon, who
had a short recording career of his own, as well as writing hits for John Michael Montgomery, amongst others.
The album is quite poppy, but extremely well produced. It’s ideal radio material for North American Country radio stations.
“Better Luck In Vegas” is quite a catchy number that worked well for me, whilst I enjoyed the solo ballad, “Cant Have My Heart”.
But there’s two real crackers that stand out.
“Over You By Now” is a fast paced number , with a really cheeky tag line, “If I’d Only Met You Sooner, I’d Be Over You By Now”. The other stand out number is “Take My Drunk I’m Home”. It’s another fast paced number, which excels at mixing up lines. It’s a very cleverly written piece of work, and well performed by Shannon.
As I said, it’s a modern Country pop album, well produced, and a great debut offering.
www.shannonsmith.ca
LENNIE GALLANT is a well established singer songwriter across Canada. The P.E.I. native has recorded 9 albums to date, which blend folk, pop and Country. He has a host of Juno and East Coast Music Awards, and was inducted into The Order Of Canada. (Like our OBE).
His latest album , “If We Had we a Fire” has a good mix of Country influenced Maratime music, all self written by Gallant. He has co-written a few of the songs, including “You Dont Know How Beautiful You Are” with fellow maratimer Gordie Sampson (who is getting a few cuts in Nashville these days).
The title track, a good driving uptempo number, was co-written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who also provides backing vocals. I really enjoyed this track. It should appeal to Country listeners, and crossover too.
“Before We Sell This Car” has some nice harmonica on the intro, which leads into a song which remembers all the history that the vehicle holds. Another song which really works.
“Emily’s Letters” is a beautiful story of a dying aunt, whose secret was exposed on her death bed.
He even has the Symphony Nova Scotia join in on “Extraordinary Ordinary Life”
A good album which I enjoyed.
www.lennie gallant.com
Now for something different, and if any group can have the most obvious title, it has to be Canada’s THE WESTERN SWING AUTHORITY. In the classic style of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, and inspired by great bands like Asleep at the Wheel, this group really do recreate the sound that attracted crowds to the dancehalls of Texas, Oklahoma and California in the 1930’s and 40’s, and has continued in popularity to present day.
The seven members have all got impressive cv’s having worked with top Canadian singers and group’s
They offer 4 vocalists ,Stacey Lee leading many of the tracks.
The music is great, and the vocal arrangements just a joy to listen to.
Amongst the songs they bring back to life, there’s “Miles And Miles Of Texas” , “Stay All Night”, “All Of Me”, “Cherokee Maiden” and “Faded Love”.
Great stuff. A joy to listen to.
Western Australia’s NICKI GILLIS recently toured a variety of venues in the UK in support of her new album, Lucy’s Daughter” (Leap).
She has had a couple of single releases, including the rather lightweight “Be a Star”. Whilst that song is on the album, the other tracks prove Nicki to be much more of a talent to be reckoned with.
The lead off track, “Remember Me”, was co-written by Nicki (as was half the tracks), and is a strong radio song.
There a few cover songs that readers will recognise, including the Alan Jackson hit “A Little Bluer Than That”, Marianne Faithful’s “Ballad Of Lucy Jordan”, Annie Lennox’ ”Thorn In My Side”, Nanci Griffith’s “Once In A Very Blue Moon” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Real Live Woman”.
She does a fair job on the covers, but it’s the originals that best show Nicki’s talents.
“Leavin’ You For Myself” is a shade on the rocky side, but I really enjoyed the fiddle intro and the simple acoustics of “Watch The Wildflowers Grow”, and the softer “No One To Listen But The Wind”, which displays Nicki’s Aussie accent.
I also enjoyed the “bonus track” , “On The Mountain”, which again was quite acoustic, with some neat banjo.
All together, a very nice album.
www.nickigilis.com.au
LITTLE BIG TOWN are one of the more distinctive groups in Nashville these days.
Founded in 1998, the group has comprised the same four members since its inception: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jim Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet. The quartet's musical style relies heavily on four-part vocal harmonies, with all four members alternating as lead singers. Westbrook and Sweet also play rhythm guitar.
Their new album, (their fourth) “The Reason Why” was released on the Humphead label here in the UK at the end of August.
It features eleven tracks, with the biggest half of which were written by the band. Most of the tracks are fast paced numbers, with strong harmonies, best evident on songs like “All The Way Down” and “Why Oh Why”
There are ballads too, like “Shut Up Train” and “Kiss Goodbye” which work well.
My favourite track is the melodic, celtic influenced “You Cant Have Everything”, which has lovely solo & harmont vocals, with a very simple musical arrangement, which kinda reminded me of The Rankins. I also enjoyed the soft “Lean Into It”, with it’s Eagles type harmonies, which closes the album.
“Little White Church”, which has also been released here as a single, is a fast paced number, and has already been a huge crossover hit in the States. It’s quite a catchy number, that should get a bit of airplay here too.
The vocals are shared, both male & female, although the sleevenotes dont credit the lead vocalists.
Their last album,”The Road To Here” was reissued at the same time as this album.
The RANDY ROGERS BAND are an Texan band, composed of Randy Rogers (lead vocals), Geoffrey Hill (guitar), Jon Richardson (bass guitar), Brady Black (fiddle), and Les Lawless (drums). They have recorded two live albums, and four studio albums, two of which went Top 10 on the Country album charts.
But fans on this side of the Atlantic may be excused for not recognising them however, as their highest-charting single, "Tonight's Not the Night (For Goodbye)", only reached No 43 in 2005.
So here we have a band, which are selling tons of albums, without mass radio play.
Humphead have seen their potential, and have given their new album, “Burning The Day” a UK release just days after it hit US stores.
Having listened to the album, I cant determine why American radio haven’t embraced them. Their sound has the same qualities that the airwaves there are full off. They are certainly up there with the Lonestar’s and Rascall Flatts of Music City.
The songs (all but three written, or co-written by Randy) are all well written and well produced.
He has co-writtten with Dean Dillon, Bruce Robison and Sean McConnell.
“Missing You Is More Than I Can Do” and “Dont Tell Me The Truth”, both melodic ballads, are the stand out tracks, although the more uptempo, “Last Last Chance” also impressed me. He reminded me of Marty Stuart on this track.
Altogether, for a group I hadn’t heard off before, I enjoyed this album. Hopefully UK Country radio will give them more airplay than back in the US.
FIERY BLUE is an intersting name for a Country/ Americana act, but that’s exactly the name of this cross country group from New York, Austin and San Diego. New Yorker Simone Stevensis the lead vocalist, whilst Quinn Vogt-Welch , also from New York provides backing vocals. Texan Gabe Rhodes, the son of Kimmie Rhodes who was here for Celtic Connections earlier in the year, produced the album, and plays a whole lot of instruments, whilst fellow Austin based Hunt Sales plays drums. The San Diego connection comes from Paul Marsteller, who is the songwriter of the quintet.
Their self titled debut , just released at the end of September in the States (Doubloon Records) , offers no less than 18 tracks, all led vocally by Simone.
The New Yorker has a really good vocal delivery, which suits Paul’s songs, and are well supported by Gabe’s production.
It’s not all Country. There’s shades of pop. There’s a bit of blues. Some of it’s quite folksy, and other tracks soft rock. It’s Americana, in the true sense of the label. It all blends together nicely, and is quite listenable.
I did particularly like the more uptempo “Magic”, probably the more Country track, with “Looking At You” close behind.
It wont be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like the more Acoustic Singer-songwriter sounds, then this will certainly appeal to you.
www.fieryblue.com
Grand Ole Opry member CRAIG MORGAN has been around Nashville for 10 years now, and had a number of impressive hits, including “That’s What I Like About Sundays” and “Redneck Yacht Club”.
His latest album, “That’s Why” is a collectors edition released by Cracker Barrel (see separate feature), and features his recent Top 20 single, “This Aint Nothin’ “ and previous hits “Bonfire”, Love Remembers” and “God Must Really Love Me”.
There are two previously unreleased tracks, “You”, and “Evil Knievel”, both of which are quite uptempo.
He co-wrote 5 of the 13 tracks.
I particularly liked the title track, and the Toby Keith influenced “Sticks”, both written by the Tennessee native. I also enjoyed the ballads,“It Took A Woman” and “Ordinary Angels”.
Of the modern Nashville stock, Craig is one of the strongest Country singers.
MICHAEL RAY from Florida, is a new name to Country Music, but at the tender age of 21, he has a long future in the business assured.
His self titled debut album (CNE Entertainment ) has been given a UK release through Smart Choice Music (www. Smartchoicemusic.com), and should win over an army of fans with the dozen original songs contained on the CD. Michael co-wrote half of the album.
There’s a lot of Tim McGraw in his style of music. It’s modern, but still heartfelt Country.
Ballads include the soft “23rd Psalm”, which isn’t out of the hymmary, “Why Did You Say Yes”, and the lovely “She Doesn’t Know That Yet”.
In the main, however, the tempo is more upbeat, especially on tracks like “One Life” , “Aint That Just Like A Woman” and “I Am Who I Am”.
My favourites would be “The Good Ole Days”, the more traditional “Too Country”, and “She’s My Everything”.
The project was produced by Austin producer Dwight Baker, who also contributed to the writing of the songs. Baker’s previously produced Kelly Clarkson , amongst others, so has good credentials.
I really enjoyed the album, and look forward to hearing more from Michael in the future.
Some readers may recognize the music of THE WRIGHTS. They are the married duo of Adam & Shannon Wright, who released their first album on Adam’s uncle’s label. The uncle in question, Alan Jackson, also took the duo out on the road with him.
Their third album, “Red And Yellow, Blue And Green” (Tour Records) has just been released here.
Their harmonies really stand out , and the acoustics are quite stunning. It’s kinda like The Everly’s meet The Beach Boys at times. At other times, the tempo is quite haunting.
Adam does most of the lead vocals, although Shannon takes the lead on two tracks, “I Cry” and “Miles For You”, which I really liked.
It’s the numbers with a strumming guitar that caught my attention though. Tracks like “Flying Home” and “We’ll All Drink Money”.
An interesting album. They have an intriguing sound, that may take a few listens to get into.
Finally, THE KINGMAKERS are a Canadian authentic rock’n’roll group featuring Clark Lawlor on the Shure 55S (the "Elvis mic"), John Cormier on the electric twang box, Steve Donnelly on the doghouse bass and Pinstripe Bobby on the machine-gun drums. They certainly capture not just the music but the raw energy of the era, where showmanship was key and songs were short and to the point.
For this album, they headed to Nashville, recorded the album in Jack Clements studio, and roped in J.M Van Eaton and The Jordanaires to add some magic. The result is “Last Night in Nashville”.
There’s 12 original tracks, and two alternative versions, and your feet wont stop tapping all the way through. It’s an “as it happens” album , with some of the tracks preceded by studio chatter (no editing here). It adds to the authenticity.
I particularly liked “Saturday Night” , “Annabelle” and the Cajun flavoured “Women & Weather”.
It’s certainly different. I enjoyed the beat.
But there’s always been something different about Dierks. He’s always featured a token bluegrass number on his albums.
Now on his new collection, “Up On The Ridge”, he’s gone all the way. He’s still with Capitol, but this is certainly not your run of the mill Country album. It’s an all out Bluegrass classic, with an array of guests including The Punch Brothers, Del McCoury, Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson, Chris Thile, Kris Kristofferson, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Sonya Isaccs, Sam Bush & Tim O’Brien.
The album is produced by Jon Randell Stewart, a veteran of Emmylou’s Nash Ramblers.
Jon also co-wrote four of the songs, and plays and hamonising on several tracks too.
Interesting to note that both Randell & Bentley appeared at Celtic Connections in Glasgow a few years back.
Back to the album though, and there just isn’t a bad track.
I really enjoyed the fast banjo pickin’ on “Rovin’ Gambler” and “Fiddlin’ Around”, the superb vocals on “Bad Angel” with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson (nominated for a CMA Award), and he superb duet on Kristofferson’s “Bottle To The Bottom”.
But stand out track for me is “Down In The Mine”, written by Bentley & Randell, which would have been a perfect song for Kathy Mattea’s ”Coal” CD, but really fits in well here. It’s an honest tribute to miners, without being dark. Sonya Isaccs beautiful harmonies just finish it off beautifuly
It’s real respectful authentic bluegrass, a breath of fresh air, and my album of the year.
BOB LESLIE is from Glasgow, and proud of it, if his new album, “In A Different World” is anything to go by. Most “Country” acts here depend heavily on American Country music, but this is a definate Glasgow album.
Originally from Edinburgh, Bob has been involved with music all his life. His Glaswegian mother was a professional club and theatre singer, while his father's Orkney Islands folk tradition showed itself in his mastery of piano, accordion, and fiddle. Bob started singing from the cradle and made an early mark on the Edinburgh music scene, winning his first talent show at 14 years old.
20 years as a professional musician, and many more semi-pro, have honed Bob's performance and writing skills to a keen edge. He has played every type of venue from folk and working men's clubs to festivals and theatres.
“The Cultural Imperialists Have Got Me” is a good fun number to kick things off. In it, Bob recalls a lot of musical headliners who have influenced him over the years.
He slows down on “Beans & Beer”, in a gospel sounding number (he has a good voice for gospel), before a catchy line about ducks and hens really get your attention.
There’s a good number of slower numbers, some of which owe more to jazz than country, but listenable all the same. Of the ballads, I particularly enjoyed “Time To Smell the Roses”
But it’s the uptempo numbers which really leave their mark on the album.
“The Star Harmonica Band” is a fine tribute to a guy called Jimmy Fletcher, who not only was an inspirational musician, but an inspiration to young junior footballers too. The song features some really neat harmonica too, courtesy of Fraser Spiers.
But the one that’ll get the most reaction has to be “Cowboy In The Heart Of Glasgow”, which for a few readers, may just be too close to home, but I think we all know a few candidates. It’s a good fun, inoffensive song.
As well as Fraser Spiers, Bob has amassed a good set of players in Alex Mack, Carl Esprit Bridgeman, Craig Nelson, Jim Keilt and Robin Rankin. There’s also backing vocals from Alice Leslie and Bernadette Collier.
The main project was recorded at North Glasgow College in Springburn.
I enjoyed the album. I especially liked the Glasgow aspect. That really worked for me.
www.bobleslie.biz
Another new Glasgow recorded album comes from BRIAN HUGHES , the Dumbarton based singer songwriter , who has made quite a mark on the British Country scene. His last album won the British Country Music Album of the Year in 2008, and his new release “My Kind Of Paradise” could certainly follow on from that success.
Once again, it’s eleven self penned tracks, recorded at Blue Productions in Glasgow City Centre.
His regular band, The Lonesharks, together with some top notch musicians give the songs a good backing.
The songs vary from the young love of “Get Over It” and “Home By Ten” to the working man influence on “God Bless Friday Night” and his autobiographical “Overnight Success”.
The title track bounces along nicely, billed as Brian’s observations. This one could have the X Factor, after all there’s a line in here, “ Watching TV on a Saturday Night, My Kind Of Paradise”.
I particularly enjoyed “Fly”, which apparently was a last minute inclusion on the album. It has a really catchy beat, whilst “Lost In You” and “Memphis By Midnight” both have a softer beat to them.
If you’re aware of Brian’s music, you’ll know that he mamages to blend Country & rock without losing the Country influence.
It fits in nicely with today’s American Country sounds, and he’s right here in Scotland.
www.brianhughesmusic.com
It’s a well accepted fact that we only get to hear a small amount of the good Country music out there.
There’s so many Country music singers out there that never get the break.
Well, here is a guy who should be up there with with the hottest Nashville stars. He is from Virginia, and his name is DAVID STATZER. His album, “ Until I Get It Down” (Three Hat Records) is 100% pure Country music.
He apparently was inspired by Earl Thomas Conley, Waylon and Travis Tritt, but I detected influences of Haggard, Strait and even our own John Miller. Yes! Real Country music !
The songs are originals, from the pens of Terry Dennis, Steve Sayler and Tim Johnson, amongst others. Between them, they’ve written hits for Diamond Rio, Jimmy Wayne, and Tracy Lawrence.
The title cut kicks it all off, but track two really sets the tone. “I Refuse To Get The Blues” has shades of Ray Price as well as Merle, and has some really neat honky tonk piano. “My Baby And Me” , “Out Of His Hands”, and “I Know A Goodbye” are again heavily Haggard.
I really liked the uptempo “Rocker Rolling On The Country Side”, which brings a bit of rockabilly, Carl Perkins style, to the stage. He can certainly handle this type of song extremely well too.
“Save The Wildlife”, has more of an old time George Jones sound, but still sounding good.
He slows the tempo for “Hold You To It” and “Me All Alone”, and proves himself a fine balladeer as well.
Great stuff.
From Ireland, let me introduce you to ITA MADDEN.
Ita has a few CD’s to her credit, and has worked the Irish club scene on both sides of the Irish sea, and worked as a DJ on Breffni Community Radio.
Her latest album “Something For Everyone” (Anew Records), has quite a variety of material, from the standards like “Sea Of Heartbreak”, “Old Love Letters” and “I’ll Never Stop Loving You”, to recent Country hits like Reba’s “One Promise Too Late”, Hal Ketchum’s “Mama Knows The Highway”, Josh Turner’s ”Firecracker” and Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried”.
She also covers Elizabeth Cook’s “Sometimes It takes Balls To Be a Woman”. She has completely changed this song. It wasn’t a song that I thought would suit an Irish arrangent,but Ita does a great job.
It’s on the Irish arrangements that Ita really shines however.
She covers “Roads To Kildare”, “Tar & Cement” and “Make Sure You Love Me”, and has a couple of traditional Irish sentinental songs, including her hit “A Single Working Mother” and “My Mothers Old Rosary Beads”.
Ita has a distinct Irish twang in her voice, which adds to her interpretations here.
GUY PENROD, the dominant voice of the famous Gaither Vocal Band for the last 14 years, has released his debut country CD release, BREATHE DEEP, produced by Brent Rowan (known for his work with Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton etc ), on Servant Records. The first single release from the project, "Are You The One," is climbed to #1 on the New Christian Music Chart here and and #58 on the Billboard Country Chart.
He has an uncanny resemblance to our own Charlie Landsborough, and whilst the vocal styling is different, Guy should appeal to Charlie fans.
Born in Abilene, Texas, the son of a preacher, Guy grew up singing in church and school. His first performance came at the age of three, and Penrod recalls his mom and dad standing him up on a folding chair for his debut solo, "Fill My Cup Lord”. During the early 90s, Guy was an in-demand session singer in Nashville, who also appeared on TNN's "Music City Tonight" (as part of the show's vocal quartet), introducing him to a national audience via the live, 90-minute telecast. That led to The Gaithers, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The album contains 13 tracks, and whilst they all have a message in there, the casual listener could mistake it for a typical country album. It is very much a Nashville production.
The single “Are You The One” is a particularly strong commercial song, yet has a message on the good influence one can have on others.
“The World Goes Around” has a feel good tempo, and features some nice harmony, in a kinda Oakridge Boys style. “More Power To Ya” is a tribute to single working moms. Whilst “Nothin’ More Beautiful Than That” is dedicated to survivors and recoverers.
As far as gospel music goes, “The Maker Of Us All” is a superb song, uptempo and positive, and still with that Nashville sound.
Guy also softens the tempo on “The Broken Ones”, honouring those who help others. It’s a really beautiful number.
I really enjoyed the album. Well worth checking out!
To promote the album, he recently toured Northern Europe performing in six countries and a variety of venues, ranging from large theaters to intimate church settings. Although he didn’t play any dates in mainland Britain, he did play Belfast, and really reaching out, he played two nights in The Faroes.
SARAH McCLURG is a new emerging name out of Canada.
This good lookin’ gal from Ottawa was raised on Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and Top 40 radio, and certainly has a driving beat throughout the ten tracks on her debut album, “Tennessee Rain”, which she recorded in Nashville.
The title track kicks the album into gear,and continues through titles like “Little More Highway” and “Out Of Nowhere”, before declaring her Country roots with “Rodeo Girl”.
She has some top notch musicians backing her up, including Al Perkins, Scotty Huff and Dave Roe.
The title cut has already enjoyed a good bit of airplay in the UK, and been a great introduction to fans.
My favourite cuts would be the fast paced “Home Is Were You Are”, and the two slower numbers, “Sunday Morning” and “Tumbleweed”.
The album is fast paced, and has a definate Country rock edge to it. But it works well.
www.sarahmcclurg.com
Calgary based SHANNON SMITH is a new name to me, but she’s certainly making an impression with her debut album, “Tell Me Something”. She was the winner of Country 105 /Lammie’s Rising Star Award last year, and has an impressive list of Festival appearances to her credit.
The album, recorded in the Stampede City, features a number of songs written by Noah Gordon, who
had a short recording career of his own, as well as writing hits for John Michael Montgomery, amongst others.
The album is quite poppy, but extremely well produced. It’s ideal radio material for North American Country radio stations.
“Better Luck In Vegas” is quite a catchy number that worked well for me, whilst I enjoyed the solo ballad, “Cant Have My Heart”.
But there’s two real crackers that stand out.
“Over You By Now” is a fast paced number , with a really cheeky tag line, “If I’d Only Met You Sooner, I’d Be Over You By Now”. The other stand out number is “Take My Drunk I’m Home”. It’s another fast paced number, which excels at mixing up lines. It’s a very cleverly written piece of work, and well performed by Shannon.
As I said, it’s a modern Country pop album, well produced, and a great debut offering.
www.shannonsmith.ca
LENNIE GALLANT is a well established singer songwriter across Canada. The P.E.I. native has recorded 9 albums to date, which blend folk, pop and Country. He has a host of Juno and East Coast Music Awards, and was inducted into The Order Of Canada. (Like our OBE).
His latest album , “If We Had we a Fire” has a good mix of Country influenced Maratime music, all self written by Gallant. He has co-written a few of the songs, including “You Dont Know How Beautiful You Are” with fellow maratimer Gordie Sampson (who is getting a few cuts in Nashville these days).
The title track, a good driving uptempo number, was co-written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who also provides backing vocals. I really enjoyed this track. It should appeal to Country listeners, and crossover too.
“Before We Sell This Car” has some nice harmonica on the intro, which leads into a song which remembers all the history that the vehicle holds. Another song which really works.
“Emily’s Letters” is a beautiful story of a dying aunt, whose secret was exposed on her death bed.
He even has the Symphony Nova Scotia join in on “Extraordinary Ordinary Life”
A good album which I enjoyed.
www.lennie gallant.com
Now for something different, and if any group can have the most obvious title, it has to be Canada’s THE WESTERN SWING AUTHORITY. In the classic style of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, and inspired by great bands like Asleep at the Wheel, this group really do recreate the sound that attracted crowds to the dancehalls of Texas, Oklahoma and California in the 1930’s and 40’s, and has continued in popularity to present day.
The seven members have all got impressive cv’s having worked with top Canadian singers and group’s
They offer 4 vocalists ,Stacey Lee leading many of the tracks.
The music is great, and the vocal arrangements just a joy to listen to.
Amongst the songs they bring back to life, there’s “Miles And Miles Of Texas” , “Stay All Night”, “All Of Me”, “Cherokee Maiden” and “Faded Love”.
Great stuff. A joy to listen to.
Western Australia’s NICKI GILLIS recently toured a variety of venues in the UK in support of her new album, Lucy’s Daughter” (Leap).
She has had a couple of single releases, including the rather lightweight “Be a Star”. Whilst that song is on the album, the other tracks prove Nicki to be much more of a talent to be reckoned with.
The lead off track, “Remember Me”, was co-written by Nicki (as was half the tracks), and is a strong radio song.
There a few cover songs that readers will recognise, including the Alan Jackson hit “A Little Bluer Than That”, Marianne Faithful’s “Ballad Of Lucy Jordan”, Annie Lennox’ ”Thorn In My Side”, Nanci Griffith’s “Once In A Very Blue Moon” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Real Live Woman”.
She does a fair job on the covers, but it’s the originals that best show Nicki’s talents.
“Leavin’ You For Myself” is a shade on the rocky side, but I really enjoyed the fiddle intro and the simple acoustics of “Watch The Wildflowers Grow”, and the softer “No One To Listen But The Wind”, which displays Nicki’s Aussie accent.
I also enjoyed the “bonus track” , “On The Mountain”, which again was quite acoustic, with some neat banjo.
All together, a very nice album.
www.nickigilis.com.au
LITTLE BIG TOWN are one of the more distinctive groups in Nashville these days.
Founded in 1998, the group has comprised the same four members since its inception: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jim Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet. The quartet's musical style relies heavily on four-part vocal harmonies, with all four members alternating as lead singers. Westbrook and Sweet also play rhythm guitar.
Their new album, (their fourth) “The Reason Why” was released on the Humphead label here in the UK at the end of August.
It features eleven tracks, with the biggest half of which were written by the band. Most of the tracks are fast paced numbers, with strong harmonies, best evident on songs like “All The Way Down” and “Why Oh Why”
There are ballads too, like “Shut Up Train” and “Kiss Goodbye” which work well.
My favourite track is the melodic, celtic influenced “You Cant Have Everything”, which has lovely solo & harmont vocals, with a very simple musical arrangement, which kinda reminded me of The Rankins. I also enjoyed the soft “Lean Into It”, with it’s Eagles type harmonies, which closes the album.
“Little White Church”, which has also been released here as a single, is a fast paced number, and has already been a huge crossover hit in the States. It’s quite a catchy number, that should get a bit of airplay here too.
The vocals are shared, both male & female, although the sleevenotes dont credit the lead vocalists.
Their last album,”The Road To Here” was reissued at the same time as this album.
The RANDY ROGERS BAND are an Texan band, composed of Randy Rogers (lead vocals), Geoffrey Hill (guitar), Jon Richardson (bass guitar), Brady Black (fiddle), and Les Lawless (drums). They have recorded two live albums, and four studio albums, two of which went Top 10 on the Country album charts.
But fans on this side of the Atlantic may be excused for not recognising them however, as their highest-charting single, "Tonight's Not the Night (For Goodbye)", only reached No 43 in 2005.
So here we have a band, which are selling tons of albums, without mass radio play.
Humphead have seen their potential, and have given their new album, “Burning The Day” a UK release just days after it hit US stores.
Having listened to the album, I cant determine why American radio haven’t embraced them. Their sound has the same qualities that the airwaves there are full off. They are certainly up there with the Lonestar’s and Rascall Flatts of Music City.
The songs (all but three written, or co-written by Randy) are all well written and well produced.
He has co-writtten with Dean Dillon, Bruce Robison and Sean McConnell.
“Missing You Is More Than I Can Do” and “Dont Tell Me The Truth”, both melodic ballads, are the stand out tracks, although the more uptempo, “Last Last Chance” also impressed me. He reminded me of Marty Stuart on this track.
Altogether, for a group I hadn’t heard off before, I enjoyed this album. Hopefully UK Country radio will give them more airplay than back in the US.
FIERY BLUE is an intersting name for a Country/ Americana act, but that’s exactly the name of this cross country group from New York, Austin and San Diego. New Yorker Simone Stevensis the lead vocalist, whilst Quinn Vogt-Welch , also from New York provides backing vocals. Texan Gabe Rhodes, the son of Kimmie Rhodes who was here for Celtic Connections earlier in the year, produced the album, and plays a whole lot of instruments, whilst fellow Austin based Hunt Sales plays drums. The San Diego connection comes from Paul Marsteller, who is the songwriter of the quintet.
Their self titled debut , just released at the end of September in the States (Doubloon Records) , offers no less than 18 tracks, all led vocally by Simone.
The New Yorker has a really good vocal delivery, which suits Paul’s songs, and are well supported by Gabe’s production.
It’s not all Country. There’s shades of pop. There’s a bit of blues. Some of it’s quite folksy, and other tracks soft rock. It’s Americana, in the true sense of the label. It all blends together nicely, and is quite listenable.
I did particularly like the more uptempo “Magic”, probably the more Country track, with “Looking At You” close behind.
It wont be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like the more Acoustic Singer-songwriter sounds, then this will certainly appeal to you.
www.fieryblue.com
Grand Ole Opry member CRAIG MORGAN has been around Nashville for 10 years now, and had a number of impressive hits, including “That’s What I Like About Sundays” and “Redneck Yacht Club”.
His latest album, “That’s Why” is a collectors edition released by Cracker Barrel (see separate feature), and features his recent Top 20 single, “This Aint Nothin’ “ and previous hits “Bonfire”, Love Remembers” and “God Must Really Love Me”.
There are two previously unreleased tracks, “You”, and “Evil Knievel”, both of which are quite uptempo.
He co-wrote 5 of the 13 tracks.
I particularly liked the title track, and the Toby Keith influenced “Sticks”, both written by the Tennessee native. I also enjoyed the ballads,“It Took A Woman” and “Ordinary Angels”.
Of the modern Nashville stock, Craig is one of the strongest Country singers.
MICHAEL RAY from Florida, is a new name to Country Music, but at the tender age of 21, he has a long future in the business assured.
His self titled debut album (CNE Entertainment ) has been given a UK release through Smart Choice Music (www. Smartchoicemusic.com), and should win over an army of fans with the dozen original songs contained on the CD. Michael co-wrote half of the album.
There’s a lot of Tim McGraw in his style of music. It’s modern, but still heartfelt Country.
Ballads include the soft “23rd Psalm”, which isn’t out of the hymmary, “Why Did You Say Yes”, and the lovely “She Doesn’t Know That Yet”.
In the main, however, the tempo is more upbeat, especially on tracks like “One Life” , “Aint That Just Like A Woman” and “I Am Who I Am”.
My favourites would be “The Good Ole Days”, the more traditional “Too Country”, and “She’s My Everything”.
The project was produced by Austin producer Dwight Baker, who also contributed to the writing of the songs. Baker’s previously produced Kelly Clarkson , amongst others, so has good credentials.
I really enjoyed the album, and look forward to hearing more from Michael in the future.
Some readers may recognize the music of THE WRIGHTS. They are the married duo of Adam & Shannon Wright, who released their first album on Adam’s uncle’s label. The uncle in question, Alan Jackson, also took the duo out on the road with him.
Their third album, “Red And Yellow, Blue And Green” (Tour Records) has just been released here.
Their harmonies really stand out , and the acoustics are quite stunning. It’s kinda like The Everly’s meet The Beach Boys at times. At other times, the tempo is quite haunting.
Adam does most of the lead vocals, although Shannon takes the lead on two tracks, “I Cry” and “Miles For You”, which I really liked.
It’s the numbers with a strumming guitar that caught my attention though. Tracks like “Flying Home” and “We’ll All Drink Money”.
An interesting album. They have an intriguing sound, that may take a few listens to get into.
Finally, THE KINGMAKERS are a Canadian authentic rock’n’roll group featuring Clark Lawlor on the Shure 55S (the "Elvis mic"), John Cormier on the electric twang box, Steve Donnelly on the doghouse bass and Pinstripe Bobby on the machine-gun drums. They certainly capture not just the music but the raw energy of the era, where showmanship was key and songs were short and to the point.
For this album, they headed to Nashville, recorded the album in Jack Clements studio, and roped in J.M Van Eaton and The Jordanaires to add some magic. The result is “Last Night in Nashville”.
There’s 12 original tracks, and two alternative versions, and your feet wont stop tapping all the way through. It’s an “as it happens” album , with some of the tracks preceded by studio chatter (no editing here). It adds to the authenticity.
I particularly liked “Saturday Night” , “Annabelle” and the Cajun flavoured “Women & Weather”.
It’s certainly different. I enjoyed the beat.
Aug 2010
First up this time around, let my introduced you to THE ROYS, a new brother/sister act taking Nashville by storm. Their new album, “Comin’ Back Around” (Pedestal Records) , their second release, comes out in September.
Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to French-Canadian parents, Elaine and Lee showed an early affinity for music, a natural pull that only intensified when the family moved to New Brunswick, Canada.
While Elaine took guitar lessons, Lee taught himself to play drums on barrels and buckets, eventually adding bass, guitar, mandolin and keys to his repertoire. Lee formed his first band, a bluegrass band, before the family moved back south of the border. But the music was in their blood, and Nashville was calling.
Their “Good Days” CD got great reviews, and their new 15 track offering will further enhance their careers.
They have superb harmony,as only siblings can offer, although they share the lead vocals. The music is modern, not too far removed from Sugarland, but with a much more pleasant vocal style. The album kicks off with their current American single, “Beautiful”, which has a real good radio friendly sound to it.
Elaine then carries on with the uptempo numbers in “Trailblazer”.
They reach out to the traditional fan, with a great song title dropping number in “They Shaped The Country”. I also liked “Right Back at You”, written and sung by Elaine. It probably ranks as my favourite track on the album. It features some nice steel guitar and fiddle, giving it a real traditional homespun sound.
They can do a mean ballad too, as demonstrated on “All That’s Been Done”, and “Those Were the Days”, both with Lee on lead vocals.
There’s also a tribute to the “American Farmer” which closes the collection.
They prove themselves, not only as performers, but also as good songwriters. All 15 tracks were written, either by both, or co-written by one of the family duo.
I really enjoyed this album. The Roys have a good modern sound, which retains a lot of Country influence. They are certainly a name to keep an eye and ear open for.
CHARLEE PORTER is from Sweden , where she runs a monthly “Country House” venue. She’s also a very capable singer songwriter on her own.
“Heartstrings” is her second album. I recall being impressed with her first collection, but this new album is just simply superb. She demonstrates a superb vocal style, with very interesting acoustic arrangements.
“Driven” , “Missing You” and “Country House”, especially, have some neat banjo arrangements. There’s also nice ballads, like “Broken”, which has quite a folksy feel to it.
I have to mention “Doggy”, a catchy song, about giving a name to the new puppy. Who would’ve thought that a song could be written about that, but it works really well.
“Drifter” which closes the album, was recorded in Charlee’s home, really shows off her vocal skills, with the absolute minimum of instrumentation.
I’m constantly amazed at the quality of original Country music coming out of Europe. Charlee Porter is no exception. She’s very highly recommended.
www.charleeporter.com
California born, Oklahoma raised KEVIN WELCH has charted five singles on the charts and released eight studio albums, and was one of the co founders of the Dead Reckoning Records label, but it’s probably as a writer that he has had most success. Singers like Ricky Skaggs, Waylon Jennings, Patty Loveless, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Don Williams have all used his material.
In Europe he is known mainly for his hit "Something About You" (contained in his 1981 album Western Beat) which was used as background music in Tuborg's commercials.
More recently , he was part of the Kane Welch Kaplin, touring trio with Lucas Kane and Fats Kaplin. He’ll be back in October for Glasgow’s Americana Festival, and his latest album, “A Patch Of Blue Sky” has just been released here on Music Road label.
All ten songs were written, or co-written by Welch, and were recorded in Texas. The songs all have a raw Texas feel to them. Eliza Gilkyson joins Kevin on “Andaman Sea”, which is one of the stand out tracks.
“Long Gone Dream” also quite appealled to me. Also worth a listen, is “Come A Rain”, inspired by a statement by Kevin’s son, Dustin, that “If Woody Guthrie were alive today, he would be a punk”. Find out what Kevin had to say about Hank Williams, Jesus, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, and more.
TONYA KENNEDY is a proud Newfoundland Gal ~ living in Barrie, Ontario. Over the past couple of years Tonya has quietly been establishing her place in the Canadian Country Music scene by charting with 3 singles released to radio & also being the opening act for many established Canadian stars
Tonya began her pursuit of music in 1999 where as a Pop Rock singer soon realised that her passion was in the world of Country music. In 2005 Tonya was crowned the KX96 Super Star Search winner. Her grand prize was an opportunity to record and release a country song to Canadian Radio. Today Tonya is a dedicated & driven country music singer songwriter. She offers a unique sound that some say might remind you of a young Tanya Tucker or Carlene Carter.
All but two of the tracks on her “Lucky I Lost You” album were self written. The opening track is one of the exceptions. It’s the old Bryan Adams/Suzy Quarto hit, “ When You’re Gone”, where Tonya has teamed up with Colin Amey, already an established Canadian recording artist.
It’s a really catchy song. It always was, but this version has a really neat backing to it. Also worth a mention is “If You’re Phone Doesn’t Ring”, an pacey radio friendly song about a rocky relationship. Most of the songs are uptempo, but she does a good job on “Anything For You”, which proves she can write and perform a good ballad too.
Tonya’s sound is very modern Country pop. It’s ideal for radio play in North America. The production is superb.
Well worth checking out at www.tonyakennedy.com
Another Canadian act worth listening out for is The C-DENNY BAND.
They are a family band from Rutherglen, Ontario, whose music has been described as “turbo-grass, outlaw-folk and progressive Country”. Essentially they are a bluegrass band, who have much more to offer. They have twice showcased at the IBMA in Nashville, and were nominated as Gospel Group at Canada’s Bluegrass Awards.
“Takin’ Flight” is their second album. It features quite a variety, from the rockin’ “Jacked In, Cranked Up, Turned On”,to the gospel flavoured “Poor Man’s Blues”, and the sad “Goodnight Daddy”.
Their main man is Denis Chadburn, who had a hand in writing all 11 songs on the album. The group also features daughters Emily-Ann and Juleann, who both play fiddle, and stepdance.
The album is quite a pleasent listen. For a bluegrass band, there’s not a strong bluegrass influence, but quite listenable, all the same.
www.cdennymusic.ca
JENI & BILLY have an unique old timey quaintness to their music that I just found quite irresistable.
“Longing For Heaven” , a feast of Appalachian folk & fidle music, was released to coincide with their recent visit to England. Sadly they didn’t come north this time around.
They met in 2005 when Jeni was recording at Billy’s studio in Maryland. Within months they had started writing & performing together. Recorded in a small intimate cabin in North Carolina, there is an special intimacy coming across on the 10 track collection.They certainly have a magical blend, if this album is anything to go by.
The couple wrote 6 of the songs, with their arrangements of 4 other traditional and old time tunes making up the album . The music is simply guitars, banjo, harmonica, mandolin and bass, with added fiddle on one track. They really recreate the era of The Carter Family and Dr Ralph Stanley.
This is real old fashioned, round the fire, communal singing type of album. It was a delight to listen to. I couldn’t fairly pick a favourite, but “If I Ever Get Ten Dollars”, which closes the album , just edges above the others. Some of the gospel inspired songs, like “Father Will You Meet Me In Heaven” , also made an impression on me.
There’s also three video’s on the disc, including onewith a Scottish connection. “Henry Lee” is a traditional song about a “Scotland Man”. This song isn’t on the Audio CD, just on the video, alongside the song lyrics.
Check out Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp at www.jeniandbilly.com
THE RUNNING KIND are described as Alt-Country Rockers who took their name from the Merle Haggard song. Their second release , “ The Girl For All The World”, is a strong mix of Bakersfield Country & Americana, with lots of superb steel guitar.
The group are a six piece outfit, which can trace its roots back to Massachusetts. That’s where the group’s nucleaus of Leslie Ann and Matt Bosson went to school together. But these days they certainly have a west coast Californian Country sound.
Most obvious, they do a superb version of Gram Parson’s “Return Of The Grevious Angel”, but they also cover Neil Young’s “Dont Cry No Tears”, and George Jone’s “Life To Go”. The latter, probably the most challenging, but it really works. Doing a female vocal cover of a Jones classic could’ve been risky, but it works really well. Leslie leads the vocals on all but three of the ten tracks. They guys take over on “Seemed Like A Good Idea”, a real party style honky tonk song.
I was pleasantly suprised at this album from a group I had never heard of before. I hope to hear a lot more.
Check them out at therunningkind.net
ROY SCHNEIDER is an up-and-coming Florida based singer/songwriter whose songs are creating a buzz in the world of Americana and contemporary Folk music. Ending a nationally syndicated comic strip in 2008 to focus on his lifelong musical goals, he has already shared stages with such respected artists as Sam Bush, The Indigo Girls, The Steeldrivers and Rodney Crowell. He has just released his 3rd studio album , 'Erleichda' (Shiny Gnu Records) which includes 'Angels Along the Road,' the song that took him to the prestigious Grassy Hill New Folk competition at the 2009 Kerrville Folk Festival.
After a decade honing his performance skills in local haunts and the occasional competition, Roy played his first ten-state tour in the summer of 2009 with a concentration in the southeastern United States. Inspired by the southern experience,Roy is bringing his music to the UK in September.
All but one of the 13 tracks on the album is self written by Roy. The exception is “Brokedown Palace” which closes the album. A slow ballad written by Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter.
They are all well crafted stories, with a running theme of rural roads. With titles like “South In The Summertime”, “Angels Along The Road”, “Carraige”, and “Life Keeps Moving”, you kinda get the feel of the album. There’s also an instrumental with the unlikely title of “Dancing With a Horse”, which is quite pleasant.
It’s not a rocky album, but does have quite a Mellencamp sound to it. My favourites would be “Living The Dream” and “No Rest For The Nature Boy”, although the uptempo “So Crazy” is also quite catchy.
www.royschneider.com
I first saw THE QUEBE SISTERS on Rural TV’s Marty Stuart Show, and what a breath of fresh air they are. They specialize in Western Swing and old Cowboy songs. On their album “Timeless”, which has been released here to tie in with a short tour down south ,you’ll find classics like “ Georgia On My Mind”, “Along The Navajo Trail” , “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”, “Roly Poly” and “Across The Alley From The Alamo”, all done in the unique Quebe Sisters style.
They say nobody harmonies like family, and Grace, Sophia & Hulda certainly harmonise beautifully, not only vocally, but also on triple fiddle. The band is made up by two guys, Joey McKenzie on rythym guitar and Drew Phillips on upright bass.
Although recorded in Tennessee, these are Texas gals, with an authentic Texan sound.
It’s real Country & Western music. Well worth checking out at www.quebesisterband.com.
LARKIN POE are two young sisters, Rebecca & Megan Lovell, aged 19 & 20, who hail from Georgia, in America’s Deep south. Despite their youth, they have years of experience, having appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and at Bonaroo, Merlefest and Telluride Festivals. They were previously two third’s of The Larkin sisters, with big sister Jessica. Rebecca plays guitar and mandolin, whilst Megan picks dobro, lapsteel and ukelele, and are supported by four guys on their new CD. They changed their name to recognise their great-great-great grandfather, who obviously was a historic source of stories.
And stories are big on these girls list. They bill themselves as sisters, musiclovers and storytellers. They were renowned for hounding family,and later bookshelves for stories.
They have just released a 9 track EP (more than some full albums) called “Spring”. Their sound is very acoustic , and all songs, or should that be stories, are written by either one, or both of the sisters. They harmonise beautifully.
The album kicks off with bright & breezy “Long Hard Fall”, which is the only uptempo track on the collection. But their stories are well worth a listen.
www.larkinpoe.com
Finally, LOUISE MORRISSEY is one of Ireland’s longest established country girl singer’s, and a new album is always welcome from her.
Her latest collection is a 13 track collection on CMR Records titled “You Raise Me Up”. We probably dont need another version of that song, but Louise does an exceptionally good version of the song. She also takes on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, aiming at mainstream audiences.
She features a couple of duets. Along with John McNichol, she does a great version of The Louvin’s “How’s The World Treating You”, and is joined by Isla Grant on Gail Davies’ “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”. This was originally featured on Isla’s duets album.
In fact Isla does quite well on this album. In addition to the duet, Louise has recorded no less than four of Isla’s songs.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a little Irish on “My Connermara Marble Ring”, and a bit of Judds nostalgia on “Young Love”. But for me the stand out track is the traditional “My Fathers Love”. It’s a very traditional sounding song, but extremely well delivered.
www.cmrrecords.ie
Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to French-Canadian parents, Elaine and Lee showed an early affinity for music, a natural pull that only intensified when the family moved to New Brunswick, Canada.
While Elaine took guitar lessons, Lee taught himself to play drums on barrels and buckets, eventually adding bass, guitar, mandolin and keys to his repertoire. Lee formed his first band, a bluegrass band, before the family moved back south of the border. But the music was in their blood, and Nashville was calling.
Their “Good Days” CD got great reviews, and their new 15 track offering will further enhance their careers.
They have superb harmony,as only siblings can offer, although they share the lead vocals. The music is modern, not too far removed from Sugarland, but with a much more pleasant vocal style. The album kicks off with their current American single, “Beautiful”, which has a real good radio friendly sound to it.
Elaine then carries on with the uptempo numbers in “Trailblazer”.
They reach out to the traditional fan, with a great song title dropping number in “They Shaped The Country”. I also liked “Right Back at You”, written and sung by Elaine. It probably ranks as my favourite track on the album. It features some nice steel guitar and fiddle, giving it a real traditional homespun sound.
They can do a mean ballad too, as demonstrated on “All That’s Been Done”, and “Those Were the Days”, both with Lee on lead vocals.
There’s also a tribute to the “American Farmer” which closes the collection.
They prove themselves, not only as performers, but also as good songwriters. All 15 tracks were written, either by both, or co-written by one of the family duo.
I really enjoyed this album. The Roys have a good modern sound, which retains a lot of Country influence. They are certainly a name to keep an eye and ear open for.
CHARLEE PORTER is from Sweden , where she runs a monthly “Country House” venue. She’s also a very capable singer songwriter on her own.
“Heartstrings” is her second album. I recall being impressed with her first collection, but this new album is just simply superb. She demonstrates a superb vocal style, with very interesting acoustic arrangements.
“Driven” , “Missing You” and “Country House”, especially, have some neat banjo arrangements. There’s also nice ballads, like “Broken”, which has quite a folksy feel to it.
I have to mention “Doggy”, a catchy song, about giving a name to the new puppy. Who would’ve thought that a song could be written about that, but it works really well.
“Drifter” which closes the album, was recorded in Charlee’s home, really shows off her vocal skills, with the absolute minimum of instrumentation.
I’m constantly amazed at the quality of original Country music coming out of Europe. Charlee Porter is no exception. She’s very highly recommended.
www.charleeporter.com
California born, Oklahoma raised KEVIN WELCH has charted five singles on the charts and released eight studio albums, and was one of the co founders of the Dead Reckoning Records label, but it’s probably as a writer that he has had most success. Singers like Ricky Skaggs, Waylon Jennings, Patty Loveless, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Don Williams have all used his material.
In Europe he is known mainly for his hit "Something About You" (contained in his 1981 album Western Beat) which was used as background music in Tuborg's commercials.
More recently , he was part of the Kane Welch Kaplin, touring trio with Lucas Kane and Fats Kaplin. He’ll be back in October for Glasgow’s Americana Festival, and his latest album, “A Patch Of Blue Sky” has just been released here on Music Road label.
All ten songs were written, or co-written by Welch, and were recorded in Texas. The songs all have a raw Texas feel to them. Eliza Gilkyson joins Kevin on “Andaman Sea”, which is one of the stand out tracks.
“Long Gone Dream” also quite appealled to me. Also worth a listen, is “Come A Rain”, inspired by a statement by Kevin’s son, Dustin, that “If Woody Guthrie were alive today, he would be a punk”. Find out what Kevin had to say about Hank Williams, Jesus, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, and more.
TONYA KENNEDY is a proud Newfoundland Gal ~ living in Barrie, Ontario. Over the past couple of years Tonya has quietly been establishing her place in the Canadian Country Music scene by charting with 3 singles released to radio & also being the opening act for many established Canadian stars
Tonya began her pursuit of music in 1999 where as a Pop Rock singer soon realised that her passion was in the world of Country music. In 2005 Tonya was crowned the KX96 Super Star Search winner. Her grand prize was an opportunity to record and release a country song to Canadian Radio. Today Tonya is a dedicated & driven country music singer songwriter. She offers a unique sound that some say might remind you of a young Tanya Tucker or Carlene Carter.
All but two of the tracks on her “Lucky I Lost You” album were self written. The opening track is one of the exceptions. It’s the old Bryan Adams/Suzy Quarto hit, “ When You’re Gone”, where Tonya has teamed up with Colin Amey, already an established Canadian recording artist.
It’s a really catchy song. It always was, but this version has a really neat backing to it. Also worth a mention is “If You’re Phone Doesn’t Ring”, an pacey radio friendly song about a rocky relationship. Most of the songs are uptempo, but she does a good job on “Anything For You”, which proves she can write and perform a good ballad too.
Tonya’s sound is very modern Country pop. It’s ideal for radio play in North America. The production is superb.
Well worth checking out at www.tonyakennedy.com
Another Canadian act worth listening out for is The C-DENNY BAND.
They are a family band from Rutherglen, Ontario, whose music has been described as “turbo-grass, outlaw-folk and progressive Country”. Essentially they are a bluegrass band, who have much more to offer. They have twice showcased at the IBMA in Nashville, and were nominated as Gospel Group at Canada’s Bluegrass Awards.
“Takin’ Flight” is their second album. It features quite a variety, from the rockin’ “Jacked In, Cranked Up, Turned On”,to the gospel flavoured “Poor Man’s Blues”, and the sad “Goodnight Daddy”.
Their main man is Denis Chadburn, who had a hand in writing all 11 songs on the album. The group also features daughters Emily-Ann and Juleann, who both play fiddle, and stepdance.
The album is quite a pleasent listen. For a bluegrass band, there’s not a strong bluegrass influence, but quite listenable, all the same.
www.cdennymusic.ca
JENI & BILLY have an unique old timey quaintness to their music that I just found quite irresistable.
“Longing For Heaven” , a feast of Appalachian folk & fidle music, was released to coincide with their recent visit to England. Sadly they didn’t come north this time around.
They met in 2005 when Jeni was recording at Billy’s studio in Maryland. Within months they had started writing & performing together. Recorded in a small intimate cabin in North Carolina, there is an special intimacy coming across on the 10 track collection.They certainly have a magical blend, if this album is anything to go by.
The couple wrote 6 of the songs, with their arrangements of 4 other traditional and old time tunes making up the album . The music is simply guitars, banjo, harmonica, mandolin and bass, with added fiddle on one track. They really recreate the era of The Carter Family and Dr Ralph Stanley.
This is real old fashioned, round the fire, communal singing type of album. It was a delight to listen to. I couldn’t fairly pick a favourite, but “If I Ever Get Ten Dollars”, which closes the album , just edges above the others. Some of the gospel inspired songs, like “Father Will You Meet Me In Heaven” , also made an impression on me.
There’s also three video’s on the disc, including onewith a Scottish connection. “Henry Lee” is a traditional song about a “Scotland Man”. This song isn’t on the Audio CD, just on the video, alongside the song lyrics.
Check out Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp at www.jeniandbilly.com
THE RUNNING KIND are described as Alt-Country Rockers who took their name from the Merle Haggard song. Their second release , “ The Girl For All The World”, is a strong mix of Bakersfield Country & Americana, with lots of superb steel guitar.
The group are a six piece outfit, which can trace its roots back to Massachusetts. That’s where the group’s nucleaus of Leslie Ann and Matt Bosson went to school together. But these days they certainly have a west coast Californian Country sound.
Most obvious, they do a superb version of Gram Parson’s “Return Of The Grevious Angel”, but they also cover Neil Young’s “Dont Cry No Tears”, and George Jone’s “Life To Go”. The latter, probably the most challenging, but it really works. Doing a female vocal cover of a Jones classic could’ve been risky, but it works really well. Leslie leads the vocals on all but three of the ten tracks. They guys take over on “Seemed Like A Good Idea”, a real party style honky tonk song.
I was pleasantly suprised at this album from a group I had never heard of before. I hope to hear a lot more.
Check them out at therunningkind.net
ROY SCHNEIDER is an up-and-coming Florida based singer/songwriter whose songs are creating a buzz in the world of Americana and contemporary Folk music. Ending a nationally syndicated comic strip in 2008 to focus on his lifelong musical goals, he has already shared stages with such respected artists as Sam Bush, The Indigo Girls, The Steeldrivers and Rodney Crowell. He has just released his 3rd studio album , 'Erleichda' (Shiny Gnu Records) which includes 'Angels Along the Road,' the song that took him to the prestigious Grassy Hill New Folk competition at the 2009 Kerrville Folk Festival.
After a decade honing his performance skills in local haunts and the occasional competition, Roy played his first ten-state tour in the summer of 2009 with a concentration in the southeastern United States. Inspired by the southern experience,Roy is bringing his music to the UK in September.
All but one of the 13 tracks on the album is self written by Roy. The exception is “Brokedown Palace” which closes the album. A slow ballad written by Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter.
They are all well crafted stories, with a running theme of rural roads. With titles like “South In The Summertime”, “Angels Along The Road”, “Carraige”, and “Life Keeps Moving”, you kinda get the feel of the album. There’s also an instrumental with the unlikely title of “Dancing With a Horse”, which is quite pleasant.
It’s not a rocky album, but does have quite a Mellencamp sound to it. My favourites would be “Living The Dream” and “No Rest For The Nature Boy”, although the uptempo “So Crazy” is also quite catchy.
www.royschneider.com
I first saw THE QUEBE SISTERS on Rural TV’s Marty Stuart Show, and what a breath of fresh air they are. They specialize in Western Swing and old Cowboy songs. On their album “Timeless”, which has been released here to tie in with a short tour down south ,you’ll find classics like “ Georgia On My Mind”, “Along The Navajo Trail” , “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”, “Roly Poly” and “Across The Alley From The Alamo”, all done in the unique Quebe Sisters style.
They say nobody harmonies like family, and Grace, Sophia & Hulda certainly harmonise beautifully, not only vocally, but also on triple fiddle. The band is made up by two guys, Joey McKenzie on rythym guitar and Drew Phillips on upright bass.
Although recorded in Tennessee, these are Texas gals, with an authentic Texan sound.
It’s real Country & Western music. Well worth checking out at www.quebesisterband.com.
LARKIN POE are two young sisters, Rebecca & Megan Lovell, aged 19 & 20, who hail from Georgia, in America’s Deep south. Despite their youth, they have years of experience, having appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and at Bonaroo, Merlefest and Telluride Festivals. They were previously two third’s of The Larkin sisters, with big sister Jessica. Rebecca plays guitar and mandolin, whilst Megan picks dobro, lapsteel and ukelele, and are supported by four guys on their new CD. They changed their name to recognise their great-great-great grandfather, who obviously was a historic source of stories.
And stories are big on these girls list. They bill themselves as sisters, musiclovers and storytellers. They were renowned for hounding family,and later bookshelves for stories.
They have just released a 9 track EP (more than some full albums) called “Spring”. Their sound is very acoustic , and all songs, or should that be stories, are written by either one, or both of the sisters. They harmonise beautifully.
The album kicks off with bright & breezy “Long Hard Fall”, which is the only uptempo track on the collection. But their stories are well worth a listen.
www.larkinpoe.com
Finally, LOUISE MORRISSEY is one of Ireland’s longest established country girl singer’s, and a new album is always welcome from her.
Her latest collection is a 13 track collection on CMR Records titled “You Raise Me Up”. We probably dont need another version of that song, but Louise does an exceptionally good version of the song. She also takes on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, aiming at mainstream audiences.
She features a couple of duets. Along with John McNichol, she does a great version of The Louvin’s “How’s The World Treating You”, and is joined by Isla Grant on Gail Davies’ “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”. This was originally featured on Isla’s duets album.
In fact Isla does quite well on this album. In addition to the duet, Louise has recorded no less than four of Isla’s songs.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a little Irish on “My Connermara Marble Ring”, and a bit of Judds nostalgia on “Young Love”. But for me the stand out track is the traditional “My Fathers Love”. It’s a very traditional sounding song, but extremely well delivered.
www.cmrrecords.ie
June 2010
Lets start of this month on the homegrown scene and let me introduce you to THE WYNNTOWN MARSHALS. They are a 5 piece Edinburgh based band, who draw their influences from the likes of The Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Neil Young. Yes this is Country rock- Scottish style.
Keith Benzie, lead vocalist and songwriter, together with Keith Jones, Iain Sloan, Iain Barbour and Murdo Macleod got together in 2007, and the following year toured as support to Chuck Prophet (whose latest album, “Dreaming Waylon’s Deam” is a complete recover of Jenning’s “Dreaming My Dreams” 1975 album).
Now. Their debut album, “Westerner” has just been released (Charger Records). The album was recorded in Fife, with all but one song written by Benzie.
The exception is a superb cover of an LA Guns’ “Ballad Of Jayne”, which is also out as a single, and has been picking up some credible airplay.
The subject matter of the original songs range from the almost extinct albino gorilla in “Snowflake”, a fateful long Greyhound bus trip in “48 Hours”, and remembering 50’s Pin-Up artists called “Gil”.
The vocals are strong, and the instrumentation superb
There’a a lovely slow reflective instrumental interlude,”El Prado” half way through, which is quite well fitting.
If you like your Country a bit on the rocky side, then be sure to check out The Wynntown Marshalls.
Staying right here in Scotland, “On The Sunny Side Of The Mountain” has to be one of the most refreshing albums I’ve heard for a long time. It comes from GRASS ROUTES, who are Roy Bayne, Dave Smith, Murray Wilson and John More, who have been in various bands throughout the years,, and bring a wealth of experience to the new group.
As the CD liner notes say, “The roots of Grass Routes are in the 60’s,where everyone seemed to be involved in the folk revival, but the next forty years saw the folk bands become country bands, bluegrass bands and rock bands, and musical ionfluences grew to include Flatt & Scruggs, Hank Williams and Gram Parsons”.
Don’t expect a modern sound from these guys. This is real feel good old time bluegrass and western swing. There’s superb fiddle, banjo, steel, double bass and wonderful harmonies.
They are at their best on the uptempo numbers like “Good Ol’ Mountain Dew”, “Lost And I’ll Never Find The Way” , “Corrina Corrina” and “Teardrops In My Eye”, but add something to the classic ballads they feature, especially “She Thinks I Still Care” and “I Cant Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”.
The band have been featured on STV’s “The Hour”, and can be seen live on the third Tuesday of every month at The Cedar Inn, Aberdour, with a similar gig on Saturdays at The Halfway House , Kingseat, Dunfermline.
They are also hoping to get back into the mainstream Country clubs, and would certainly be a blast of fresh air wherever they play.
I loved the album. Superb stuff.
The American version of Grass Routes may be THE GRASCALS. They’ve been around for a few years now, and their fourth album , “The Famous Lefty Flynn’s” has just been released here on the Rounder /Universal label, to coincide with some planned Summer festival dates across Europe.
The group feature the fantastic playing of two times IBMA Banjo award winner, Kirsten Scott Benson, who is the newest member of the group. They have three lead vocalists in Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith.
Their music range from high energy Osborne Brothers covers to Steve Earle’s “My Old Friend The Blues” to The Monkees’ “Last Train Clarksville”. Hank Williams Jr. teams up with them on the old Bill Monroe/Hank Snr classic “I’m Blue I’m Lonesome”. It’s a great collaboration.
There’s also a catchy instrumental “Blue Rock Slide” half way through the 12 track album, which really shows off their various insdtrumental skills.
Superb pickin throughout, and one you should pick up on too,
Indian born AUBREY LOVEJOY has been a mainstay of the English Country music scene, without perhaps making any inroads north of the border. Why that should be, I don’t know, but , if his new album , “Silence In The Wind” is anything to go by, he should find plenty of fans up here.
This album was recorded in Nashville, with Mark Mosely in the producers chair. As with Mark’s other recordings, it’s top notch, and features a mix of original material, and well crafted covers.
You’ll find a few Ronnie Milsap, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Rodriguez and Charley Pryde covers, alongside songs written by Mark The covers are exceptionally well done, and as it’s not every day you hear “Why Don’t You Spend The Night”, “Silence In The Wind” or “Almost Like A Song”, they really stand out.
Jennifer O’Brien joins Aubrey on “Let’s Leave The Lights On Tonight”, a catchy easy listening number.
He rocks it up a little on “Watch Robin Like A Hawk”, a cleverly written ditty from the pens of Moseley and JoeBarnhill, and closes the album with Brooks & Dunn’s laid back “Neon Moon”.
This is a thouroughly enjoyable album. Well recommended.
Louisiana Man ROBERT MIZZELL has been one of Ireland’s top Country entertainers for the last decade or more, and has just released his 5th album, “Redneck Man”.
The album was recorded primarily in Longford, with one track recorded in Nashville.
The album features 15 tracks, mainly covers of American Country hits. Whilst some will be familiar to Country fans, they’re not the tried & tested classics.
Fans will recognise”I Swear” “Murder On Music Row” (a duet with Collin Raye) and “Wind Beneath My Wings”, but there’s also covers of Darryl Worley, Janie Frickje and George Strait songs.
The album title is taken from Alan Jackson’s “Blue Blooded Woman”, which opens the album. Robert does an incredible version of the song that was Jackson’s first single.
One Irish original, and Mizzell’s latest single, is “Mama Courtney”, a song in appreciation of a legendary carer who couldn’t have kids of her own, but fostered 32.!
It’s an incredibly strong traditional Country album, with superb vocals and great music, especially the fiddles.
But if there’s one track which stands out, it’s the cover of the Randy Travis/Carrie Underwood hit “I Told You So”, Whilst both American’s did great versions of the song, the duet version was less than harmonious. Here, Robert teams up with Glasgow’s shining star LISA McHUGH , and their voices really blend together beautifully. This girl is certainly worth watching out for.
And “Redneck Man” is a great album worth checking out too !
THOMAS McGUIRE & FHIONA ENNIS are Ireland’s golden couple at present, and make regular trips to the North of Scotland circuit. “Solid As A Rock” (Nell Records) is their third album together, and features 15 tracks, 4 duets, 5 from Fhiona and 6 from Thomas.
They cover quite a variety, as Irish acts normally do. You’ll finfd The Kendall’s “Heavens Just A Sin Away”, Buck Owens’ “Tiger By The Tail” and The Bellamy’s “I Need More Of You”, through to Fhiona’s very good version of the gospel classic “Precious Memories”.
There’s a couple of Irish flavoured numbers in “Your Health Is Your Wealth” and “Come Home To Ireland”, and a couple of more pop flavoured numbers.
The album features the fun Henry McMahon song “I Hate Karaoke”, which was a successful single for the couple.
It’s a good fun, happy album. Thomas & Fhiona do it so well.
Back to Scotland, and one of our most popular and longest running duo’s, JOLENE & BARRY have a new gig CD available.
“Just Another Love” features 13 tracks, and just like they do on stage, they deliver a broad mix of popular covers, old & new, which suits dancers and listeners alike.
This time around, they feature long time favourites like Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden”, Merle Haggard’s “Lonesome Fugitive”, and Crystal Gayle’s “Somebody Loves You”, alongside Alan Jackson’s “Five O’Clock Somewhere” , Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night” and Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile”.
They vocals are split with Jolene leading vocals on eight tracks, with Barry taking the lead on five tracks.
The two tracks which stand out for me, are Barry’s version of “Too Gone For Too Long”, which he gives a real old timey feel to, and Jolene’s beautiful version of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch”.
After over 30 years on the scene, the Falkirk based duo know their audience, and know the songs that their audience want. This new collection is certainly one for their fans to add to their collections.
If you like Alison Krauss, then you’ll love BECKY SCHLEGEL.
“Dandelion” (Lily Ray label) is her second album, and features some really beautiful songs, all written by the lady from South Dakota.
The album has a lovely blend of simple arrangements and crystal clear vocals.
I especially liked the banjo flavoured ballads “Cincinnatti”, and the more uptempo “Colorado Line”, but also enjoyed the lovely “Reunion”, a song with some lovely memories of teenage years.
In fact, the whole album is just a joy to listen to. It’s not an album for linedancers, or hony tonkers, but lovely just to listen and relax with.
Moving a bit farther northwest, we’ll find the WATER TOWER BUCKET BOYS.
From their very name, you can tell that their music is going to be interesting to say the least.
If you enjoy bluegrass, old timey music, then their album, “Sole Kitchen” , which is released here on 5th July is well worth checking out.
The album kicks off in an old timey mood, with “Crooked Road”, but quickly picks up speed with some high energy bluegrass fiddlin’ & banjo pickin’ on tracks like “Fromage”, “Bread” , “London Breakdown”,
They slow it down on tracks like “Tequilla With Lime” and “Heaven”.
Vocals are quite raw and authentic, which adds to the sound somewhat.
It’s a very enjoyable album. They’re coming on tour in August, but have no Scottish dates at the time of writing. Maybe next time, in the meantime, check them out,
KIM RICHEY should need no introduction to Country fans. An artist in her own right, and a regular visitor here, Kim is also one of Nashville’s leading songwriters having written hits for the likes of Trisha Yearwoood (Believe Me Baby I Lied), Radney Foster (Nobody Wins) , Terri Clark (I’m Alright), Mindy McCready, Patty Loveless, The Dixie Chicks and many more.
Singing her own songs, “Wreck Your Wheels”, is her sixth album (Loginx label), released here to coincide with her summer tour. The album features 11 songs, co-written by Kim with folks like Will Kimborough, Mark Olsen Boo Hewerdine, Pat McLaughlin and Beth Rowley.
I do think that Kim has a particularly strong set of songs this time around.
I particularly liked the uptempo “Leaving 49” , the catchy “In The Years To Come” and the traditional sounding “Once In Your Life”. In the main, however, Kim demonstrates her strong handling of ballads.
You can catch her in Glasgow or Kircaldy during June (see giglist) , and online at www.kimrichey.com
MARTY RAYBON was the power & voice behind the 8o’s Country group Shenandoah, whose hits included “Next To You Next To Me” and “The Church On Cumberland Road”. Altogether the group notched up 13 Number one’s.
That’s a tough act to follow, but Marty emarked on a solo career ten years ago, and has enjoyed moderate success since.
His latest album, “At His Best” (GrandVista) features 11 tracks, six of which were co-written by Marty himself, and feature top notch musicians like John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers and Larry Franklin.
It’s a good modern album, with a musical direction generally pointing the same way as Shenandoah did.
The album features his latest single “Daddy Phone”, a song which captures the emotions of a child in a modern day broken family situation. The song is so popular that it has it’s own website (www.daddyphone.com)
“A World Without You” is, for me, the strongest track. This song really shows Marty’s vocal strength. It’s the type of song, which is so traditional Country, yet so crossover as well. It kinda reminded me of the type of song, Charley Pryde had hits with.
“That’s The Way” is also quite a strong number, which verges Country & Gospel genres.
“I Don’t Want To Lose You Anna” has quite a traditional feel to it, and has to take the award for corniest play on words, “Louisiana was a lonely place” (lose you Anna). It works though. Don’t blame Marty for the words though. This song was penned by Mark Sherrill
“I Am Coming Home” is a pretty homecoming song, which will obviously be a hit with American military. It’s one of the better songs of this type that I’ve heard.
Altogether, a very strong commercial album.
OTIS GIBBS is quite a character. The Indiana native is your real “mountain man”, large in stature, heavily bearded , well travelled (he’s planted over 7000 trees, slept in hobo jungles, played anti war rallies from Texas to The Czech Republic, and proudly boasts an FBI file).
He has a voice has that well lived feel to it too.
His new album “Joe Hill’s Ashes” (Wanamaker) has quite a charm about it.
Although he hasn’t the most melodic voice around, it’s well suited to the songs featured here, all of which were written by Gibbs himself.
They’re all well crafted stories about life on the road.
“The Town That Killed Kennedy” has frequent references to Killkenny, but apparently is indictive of the Greyhound bus service in the states.
Most of the songs are about things he’s seen on his travels, like “When Only The Graves Were Real”, about the music industry. “Cross Country” , an anti-city song, is the most uptempo number on the whole album, with some impressive fiddle.
“The Ballad Of Johnny Crooked Tree” is also quite a catchy number, which I really liked.
Otis is perhaps an aquired taste, but this album is remarkably easy listening that a lot more folks will aquire a taste for his music with this album.
SI KHAN is something of a legend in folk music circles, and civil rights activist, but, as his new album, “Courage” (Strictly Country Records), demonstrates, his music definitely has a Country edge.
This is the 16th album of original material from the 66 year old , and is bvilled as a tribute to the people he’s known over the past 45 years or so.
There’s songs about a dog called Otis, Farmers, emigrants, women’s rights fighters, Abraham Lincoln and truck drivers.
There’s a strong Irish connection, with “Peace Will Rise”, “Shoulders” and “Ireland Of My Dreams”.
I really enjoyed “Going Up The Mountain” , a duet with Anji Krugan, and “Playing The Old Songs” and the real banjo flavoured “Hunter”/
Kathy Mattea lends her harmony vocals on several tracks, and also contributes sleeve notes.
The album is released in Europe on the Dutch bluegrass label, Strictly Country Records. www.StrictlyCountryRecords.com
Finally, a few singles and mini albums to finish off with.
MEXICAN JOE WALKER, is in fact, Irish, and does a mean Don Williams cover.
His new CD, “Expect At Everything” features a couple of Don’s covers and Kris Kristofferson’s “One Day At A Time”. The title track is quite catchy in a laid back way, but it’s “The Words Wont Come”, written by Alex Birnie, which is the strongest song on the CD. The instrumentation is stronger on this track, and Mexican Joe’s delivery has more energy, without losing his Don Williams style.
Sometimes, it really is better to record original songs.
NORMAN BORLAND has been around the West of Scotland scene for many years now. His latest single, “Catfish John” is another old Don Williams song, but Norman has given the song his own stamp. It’s a bit quicker that Don would ever have done. It’s got a good beat, and will be a popular one on the dancefloors.
The song, recorded in Letterkenny is available as a free download @ www.normanborland.co.uk
THE RODNEYS are a Glasgow based 6 piece band with a driving Country rock beat.
The group features John McIntosh, Elspeth Alexander, Bill Walker, Bob Muggleton, Frank McHugh, and steel supreme Malcolm McMaster.
Their single, recorded in Motherwell, features a really strong version of “Alcohol And Pills” and “Willin”, which shows off some neat harmomies.
Lastly, “Something Goin’ On Up There” is the new single from LUKEY AND THE HANDCLAPS on London based Inspirationl Records. It’s a real happy sounding song, recorded in Nashville and London, and has a good country, with a shade of gospel, feel to it.
Keith Benzie, lead vocalist and songwriter, together with Keith Jones, Iain Sloan, Iain Barbour and Murdo Macleod got together in 2007, and the following year toured as support to Chuck Prophet (whose latest album, “Dreaming Waylon’s Deam” is a complete recover of Jenning’s “Dreaming My Dreams” 1975 album).
Now. Their debut album, “Westerner” has just been released (Charger Records). The album was recorded in Fife, with all but one song written by Benzie.
The exception is a superb cover of an LA Guns’ “Ballad Of Jayne”, which is also out as a single, and has been picking up some credible airplay.
The subject matter of the original songs range from the almost extinct albino gorilla in “Snowflake”, a fateful long Greyhound bus trip in “48 Hours”, and remembering 50’s Pin-Up artists called “Gil”.
The vocals are strong, and the instrumentation superb
There’a a lovely slow reflective instrumental interlude,”El Prado” half way through, which is quite well fitting.
If you like your Country a bit on the rocky side, then be sure to check out The Wynntown Marshalls.
Staying right here in Scotland, “On The Sunny Side Of The Mountain” has to be one of the most refreshing albums I’ve heard for a long time. It comes from GRASS ROUTES, who are Roy Bayne, Dave Smith, Murray Wilson and John More, who have been in various bands throughout the years,, and bring a wealth of experience to the new group.
As the CD liner notes say, “The roots of Grass Routes are in the 60’s,where everyone seemed to be involved in the folk revival, but the next forty years saw the folk bands become country bands, bluegrass bands and rock bands, and musical ionfluences grew to include Flatt & Scruggs, Hank Williams and Gram Parsons”.
Don’t expect a modern sound from these guys. This is real feel good old time bluegrass and western swing. There’s superb fiddle, banjo, steel, double bass and wonderful harmonies.
They are at their best on the uptempo numbers like “Good Ol’ Mountain Dew”, “Lost And I’ll Never Find The Way” , “Corrina Corrina” and “Teardrops In My Eye”, but add something to the classic ballads they feature, especially “She Thinks I Still Care” and “I Cant Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”.
The band have been featured on STV’s “The Hour”, and can be seen live on the third Tuesday of every month at The Cedar Inn, Aberdour, with a similar gig on Saturdays at The Halfway House , Kingseat, Dunfermline.
They are also hoping to get back into the mainstream Country clubs, and would certainly be a blast of fresh air wherever they play.
I loved the album. Superb stuff.
The American version of Grass Routes may be THE GRASCALS. They’ve been around for a few years now, and their fourth album , “The Famous Lefty Flynn’s” has just been released here on the Rounder /Universal label, to coincide with some planned Summer festival dates across Europe.
The group feature the fantastic playing of two times IBMA Banjo award winner, Kirsten Scott Benson, who is the newest member of the group. They have three lead vocalists in Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith.
Their music range from high energy Osborne Brothers covers to Steve Earle’s “My Old Friend The Blues” to The Monkees’ “Last Train Clarksville”. Hank Williams Jr. teams up with them on the old Bill Monroe/Hank Snr classic “I’m Blue I’m Lonesome”. It’s a great collaboration.
There’s also a catchy instrumental “Blue Rock Slide” half way through the 12 track album, which really shows off their various insdtrumental skills.
Superb pickin throughout, and one you should pick up on too,
Indian born AUBREY LOVEJOY has been a mainstay of the English Country music scene, without perhaps making any inroads north of the border. Why that should be, I don’t know, but , if his new album , “Silence In The Wind” is anything to go by, he should find plenty of fans up here.
This album was recorded in Nashville, with Mark Mosely in the producers chair. As with Mark’s other recordings, it’s top notch, and features a mix of original material, and well crafted covers.
You’ll find a few Ronnie Milsap, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Rodriguez and Charley Pryde covers, alongside songs written by Mark The covers are exceptionally well done, and as it’s not every day you hear “Why Don’t You Spend The Night”, “Silence In The Wind” or “Almost Like A Song”, they really stand out.
Jennifer O’Brien joins Aubrey on “Let’s Leave The Lights On Tonight”, a catchy easy listening number.
He rocks it up a little on “Watch Robin Like A Hawk”, a cleverly written ditty from the pens of Moseley and JoeBarnhill, and closes the album with Brooks & Dunn’s laid back “Neon Moon”.
This is a thouroughly enjoyable album. Well recommended.
Louisiana Man ROBERT MIZZELL has been one of Ireland’s top Country entertainers for the last decade or more, and has just released his 5th album, “Redneck Man”.
The album was recorded primarily in Longford, with one track recorded in Nashville.
The album features 15 tracks, mainly covers of American Country hits. Whilst some will be familiar to Country fans, they’re not the tried & tested classics.
Fans will recognise”I Swear” “Murder On Music Row” (a duet with Collin Raye) and “Wind Beneath My Wings”, but there’s also covers of Darryl Worley, Janie Frickje and George Strait songs.
The album title is taken from Alan Jackson’s “Blue Blooded Woman”, which opens the album. Robert does an incredible version of the song that was Jackson’s first single.
One Irish original, and Mizzell’s latest single, is “Mama Courtney”, a song in appreciation of a legendary carer who couldn’t have kids of her own, but fostered 32.!
It’s an incredibly strong traditional Country album, with superb vocals and great music, especially the fiddles.
But if there’s one track which stands out, it’s the cover of the Randy Travis/Carrie Underwood hit “I Told You So”, Whilst both American’s did great versions of the song, the duet version was less than harmonious. Here, Robert teams up with Glasgow’s shining star LISA McHUGH , and their voices really blend together beautifully. This girl is certainly worth watching out for.
And “Redneck Man” is a great album worth checking out too !
THOMAS McGUIRE & FHIONA ENNIS are Ireland’s golden couple at present, and make regular trips to the North of Scotland circuit. “Solid As A Rock” (Nell Records) is their third album together, and features 15 tracks, 4 duets, 5 from Fhiona and 6 from Thomas.
They cover quite a variety, as Irish acts normally do. You’ll finfd The Kendall’s “Heavens Just A Sin Away”, Buck Owens’ “Tiger By The Tail” and The Bellamy’s “I Need More Of You”, through to Fhiona’s very good version of the gospel classic “Precious Memories”.
There’s a couple of Irish flavoured numbers in “Your Health Is Your Wealth” and “Come Home To Ireland”, and a couple of more pop flavoured numbers.
The album features the fun Henry McMahon song “I Hate Karaoke”, which was a successful single for the couple.
It’s a good fun, happy album. Thomas & Fhiona do it so well.
Back to Scotland, and one of our most popular and longest running duo’s, JOLENE & BARRY have a new gig CD available.
“Just Another Love” features 13 tracks, and just like they do on stage, they deliver a broad mix of popular covers, old & new, which suits dancers and listeners alike.
This time around, they feature long time favourites like Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden”, Merle Haggard’s “Lonesome Fugitive”, and Crystal Gayle’s “Somebody Loves You”, alongside Alan Jackson’s “Five O’Clock Somewhere” , Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night” and Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile”.
They vocals are split with Jolene leading vocals on eight tracks, with Barry taking the lead on five tracks.
The two tracks which stand out for me, are Barry’s version of “Too Gone For Too Long”, which he gives a real old timey feel to, and Jolene’s beautiful version of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch”.
After over 30 years on the scene, the Falkirk based duo know their audience, and know the songs that their audience want. This new collection is certainly one for their fans to add to their collections.
If you like Alison Krauss, then you’ll love BECKY SCHLEGEL.
“Dandelion” (Lily Ray label) is her second album, and features some really beautiful songs, all written by the lady from South Dakota.
The album has a lovely blend of simple arrangements and crystal clear vocals.
I especially liked the banjo flavoured ballads “Cincinnatti”, and the more uptempo “Colorado Line”, but also enjoyed the lovely “Reunion”, a song with some lovely memories of teenage years.
In fact, the whole album is just a joy to listen to. It’s not an album for linedancers, or hony tonkers, but lovely just to listen and relax with.
Moving a bit farther northwest, we’ll find the WATER TOWER BUCKET BOYS.
From their very name, you can tell that their music is going to be interesting to say the least.
If you enjoy bluegrass, old timey music, then their album, “Sole Kitchen” , which is released here on 5th July is well worth checking out.
The album kicks off in an old timey mood, with “Crooked Road”, but quickly picks up speed with some high energy bluegrass fiddlin’ & banjo pickin’ on tracks like “Fromage”, “Bread” , “London Breakdown”,
They slow it down on tracks like “Tequilla With Lime” and “Heaven”.
Vocals are quite raw and authentic, which adds to the sound somewhat.
It’s a very enjoyable album. They’re coming on tour in August, but have no Scottish dates at the time of writing. Maybe next time, in the meantime, check them out,
KIM RICHEY should need no introduction to Country fans. An artist in her own right, and a regular visitor here, Kim is also one of Nashville’s leading songwriters having written hits for the likes of Trisha Yearwoood (Believe Me Baby I Lied), Radney Foster (Nobody Wins) , Terri Clark (I’m Alright), Mindy McCready, Patty Loveless, The Dixie Chicks and many more.
Singing her own songs, “Wreck Your Wheels”, is her sixth album (Loginx label), released here to coincide with her summer tour. The album features 11 songs, co-written by Kim with folks like Will Kimborough, Mark Olsen Boo Hewerdine, Pat McLaughlin and Beth Rowley.
I do think that Kim has a particularly strong set of songs this time around.
I particularly liked the uptempo “Leaving 49” , the catchy “In The Years To Come” and the traditional sounding “Once In Your Life”. In the main, however, Kim demonstrates her strong handling of ballads.
You can catch her in Glasgow or Kircaldy during June (see giglist) , and online at www.kimrichey.com
MARTY RAYBON was the power & voice behind the 8o’s Country group Shenandoah, whose hits included “Next To You Next To Me” and “The Church On Cumberland Road”. Altogether the group notched up 13 Number one’s.
That’s a tough act to follow, but Marty emarked on a solo career ten years ago, and has enjoyed moderate success since.
His latest album, “At His Best” (GrandVista) features 11 tracks, six of which were co-written by Marty himself, and feature top notch musicians like John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers and Larry Franklin.
It’s a good modern album, with a musical direction generally pointing the same way as Shenandoah did.
The album features his latest single “Daddy Phone”, a song which captures the emotions of a child in a modern day broken family situation. The song is so popular that it has it’s own website (www.daddyphone.com)
“A World Without You” is, for me, the strongest track. This song really shows Marty’s vocal strength. It’s the type of song, which is so traditional Country, yet so crossover as well. It kinda reminded me of the type of song, Charley Pryde had hits with.
“That’s The Way” is also quite a strong number, which verges Country & Gospel genres.
“I Don’t Want To Lose You Anna” has quite a traditional feel to it, and has to take the award for corniest play on words, “Louisiana was a lonely place” (lose you Anna). It works though. Don’t blame Marty for the words though. This song was penned by Mark Sherrill
“I Am Coming Home” is a pretty homecoming song, which will obviously be a hit with American military. It’s one of the better songs of this type that I’ve heard.
Altogether, a very strong commercial album.
OTIS GIBBS is quite a character. The Indiana native is your real “mountain man”, large in stature, heavily bearded , well travelled (he’s planted over 7000 trees, slept in hobo jungles, played anti war rallies from Texas to The Czech Republic, and proudly boasts an FBI file).
He has a voice has that well lived feel to it too.
His new album “Joe Hill’s Ashes” (Wanamaker) has quite a charm about it.
Although he hasn’t the most melodic voice around, it’s well suited to the songs featured here, all of which were written by Gibbs himself.
They’re all well crafted stories about life on the road.
“The Town That Killed Kennedy” has frequent references to Killkenny, but apparently is indictive of the Greyhound bus service in the states.
Most of the songs are about things he’s seen on his travels, like “When Only The Graves Were Real”, about the music industry. “Cross Country” , an anti-city song, is the most uptempo number on the whole album, with some impressive fiddle.
“The Ballad Of Johnny Crooked Tree” is also quite a catchy number, which I really liked.
Otis is perhaps an aquired taste, but this album is remarkably easy listening that a lot more folks will aquire a taste for his music with this album.
SI KHAN is something of a legend in folk music circles, and civil rights activist, but, as his new album, “Courage” (Strictly Country Records), demonstrates, his music definitely has a Country edge.
This is the 16th album of original material from the 66 year old , and is bvilled as a tribute to the people he’s known over the past 45 years or so.
There’s songs about a dog called Otis, Farmers, emigrants, women’s rights fighters, Abraham Lincoln and truck drivers.
There’s a strong Irish connection, with “Peace Will Rise”, “Shoulders” and “Ireland Of My Dreams”.
I really enjoyed “Going Up The Mountain” , a duet with Anji Krugan, and “Playing The Old Songs” and the real banjo flavoured “Hunter”/
Kathy Mattea lends her harmony vocals on several tracks, and also contributes sleeve notes.
The album is released in Europe on the Dutch bluegrass label, Strictly Country Records. www.StrictlyCountryRecords.com
Finally, a few singles and mini albums to finish off with.
MEXICAN JOE WALKER, is in fact, Irish, and does a mean Don Williams cover.
His new CD, “Expect At Everything” features a couple of Don’s covers and Kris Kristofferson’s “One Day At A Time”. The title track is quite catchy in a laid back way, but it’s “The Words Wont Come”, written by Alex Birnie, which is the strongest song on the CD. The instrumentation is stronger on this track, and Mexican Joe’s delivery has more energy, without losing his Don Williams style.
Sometimes, it really is better to record original songs.
NORMAN BORLAND has been around the West of Scotland scene for many years now. His latest single, “Catfish John” is another old Don Williams song, but Norman has given the song his own stamp. It’s a bit quicker that Don would ever have done. It’s got a good beat, and will be a popular one on the dancefloors.
The song, recorded in Letterkenny is available as a free download @ www.normanborland.co.uk
THE RODNEYS are a Glasgow based 6 piece band with a driving Country rock beat.
The group features John McIntosh, Elspeth Alexander, Bill Walker, Bob Muggleton, Frank McHugh, and steel supreme Malcolm McMaster.
Their single, recorded in Motherwell, features a really strong version of “Alcohol And Pills” and “Willin”, which shows off some neat harmomies.
Lastly, “Something Goin’ On Up There” is the new single from LUKEY AND THE HANDCLAPS on London based Inspirationl Records. It’s a real happy sounding song, recorded in Nashville and London, and has a good country, with a shade of gospel, feel to it.
April 2010
Starting off this month with a superb new album from JOSH TURNER, who has one of the deepest, richest male voices in today’s Country music. He’s also one of the most traditional stylists around these days.
“Haywire” continues to build on a successful career for the Grand Ole Opry member, who was once refereed to as “A Country Barry White!”
He has co-written four of the tracks on the album , and wrote the title track himself.
Other writers include Shawn Camp, Rory Burke, Mike Reid, Pat McLauchlin, and Rhett Akins.
Stand out tracks for me include the fast moving, “Eye Candy”, the soulful, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” , the bluegrass flavoured “Your Smile”, and “Fast As I Can”.
Whatever style of song Josh takes on, he certainly delivers with soul and conviction.
The “Deluxe Edition” of the album, features four addition tracks, including the really catchy “Lets Find A Church” , which was from his “Long Black Train” session, but didn’t make the album.
Also featured are two live tracks, “Long Black Train” and “Your Man”, two of his biggest hits to date. Great to hear these songs “live”, but, personally, I prefer to listen to the voice of the man singing, not his screaming fans.
Despite that, a superb album, and great to see HumpHead releasing here.
From the same stable comes a brand new name, but he wont be a stranger long, I’m sure .
Florida native, EASTON CORBIN’s self titled debut album on Mercury Records (released here by Humphead) is a real Country winner. Although his heroes are listed as Whitley, Haggard & Jones, I hear a whole lot of George Strait & Alan Jackson in his voice and styling. That’s quite a winning combination.
Having written four of the songs, and featured others by names like Rory Feek (Joey & Rory), Mark D Sanders, Aimee Mayo, Kevin Denney and producer Carson Chamberlain , Easton has delivered a 100% proof Country album, that will still fit nicely into American Country Radio.
It’s such a good album that it’s difficult to pick out any particular tracks. I did like “A Little Bit More Country Than That”, which has also been released as a single. It was his US debut single and went Top 20. I also enjoyed “Don’t Ask Me About A Woman” and the slightly gulf coast sounding “A Lot To Learn About Livin”.
This is going to be one of the albums of 2010.
A couple of cracking home grown albums next.
JOHN MILLER has one of Scotland’s purest traditional Country voices, and has just released his third solo album ,”Still Carrying A Flame (Folk & Western label).
As with his previous offerings, John has written all the songs, and offers a good variety of tempos and styles.
From the catchy opening track, “Take It From Somebody Who Knows” to the softer “My Dreaming Party”, and the western swing styling of “My Baby Ain’t My Baby Any More” and the rockabilly flavoured “Mama Says No”, John is in fine voice/
There’s some nice harmony from Seonaid Aitkin on “Heavy Hangs The Head”.
One track which pleasantly surprised me was “Tiny Sweetheart Roses” which has a very sentimental, almost Irish Country, feel to it. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of interest in this one.
“Feeling Sorry For Ourselves” has a great Asleep At The Wheel swing feel to it, complete with an 86 second instrumental intro. He even tops off the album with “Trucking On Back To You”, a pedal pumping big trucking number.
One song I recognised was “Take Me Back To San Francisco”, which was previously recorded by John on The Radio Sweethearts’ “Lonesome Blue” album. I liked the dobro and organ, giving it quite a different arrangement ten years on.
I particularly enjoyed “I Just Cant Live Without You”, with it’s superb steel intro and superb delivery.
Whatever track you listen to, it’s pure Country music.
He has a good line up of players on the album, including BJ Cole, Francis MacDonald, Andy McDowell, Martin Barrett and David McClean, The whole thing (except BJ’s steel licks) was recorded in Busby.
www.johnmillermusic.com
Another successful songwriting talent we have here in Scotland is ISLA GRANT.
Isla’s latest album, “Movin’ On” has just been released on Rosette Records here.
Whilst Isla is a household name in Ireland, and has huge followings in Australia, New Zealand & Canada, she has found her homeland a harder nut to crack.
Her music has, traditionally leaned towards the sentimental side of Country music, which is no doubt why Ireland has embraced her so warmly.
However, Isla is much more than that. Her last album was full of Hank Williams songs, and this new album has her displaying different styles from blues to bluegrass.
The title track is kinda bluesy, but this style suits her vocals, as much as the sentimental numbers like “I Still Love You”.
I really enjoyed hearing the rather sentimental, yet bluegrass sounding, “Sleep Little Baby”. It reminded of the music from “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”. There’s an old timey feel to “You Don’t Belong” too.
Then there’s gospel. Isla does a fantastic job on “A Train Called Glory”. Such a well crafted song, and it stands out on the album for me. It’s a feel good uptempo number.
Elsewhere, she goes back to her old folk roots on “The Old Canal”.
As those who have seen the lady in concert over the past couple of years will know, she’s been adding harmonica to her set, and this is prominent on “It’s Not Easy”
She also revs it up with some uptempo numbers, like “What Are You Trying To Do To Me” and “What Love Can Do”
Isla hasn’t changed completely. Songs like “It’s Too Late Sweetheart” and “Dont Give Up On Me” bear her well loved sentimental stamp.
Having written songs about Scotland, Ireland & Australia, Isla’s latest place is New Zealand. She closes the album with a lovely song for her kiwi fans in “Aotearoa”. It’s a lovely song that you don’t have to be from the other side of the world to appreciate.
With 15 tracks, Isla has delivered a superb album of all original material.
Throughout this column, and on my radio programme, I’ve often praised the quality of Country music coming from our northern neighbours in The Faroe Islands.
Last year we reviewed an album from HALLUR, and second album “Smile” has just arrived.
As with his debut, Hallur demonstrates a superb Country style, a very traditional sound, and a beautiful twinning of Nashville & Torshavn musicians. Indeed, it was for a celebration of the ties between the cities that brough Music City musos like Brent Mason, Paul Franklin and David Hungate to the windswept rocky islands last summer.
The album features well produced classics like Hank’s “Why Should We Try Anymore”, Ernest Tubb’s “Walking The Floor” , Ray Price’s “I’ll Be There” and Cash’s “I Got Stripes”..He does a superb version of “Til A Tear Becomes A Rose”, dueting with Tanya Hencheroff”. There’s also a Faroese version of a Charley Pryde song
But there’s also original songs by local North Atlantic writers. The album’s title track, has quite a poppy, almost Eurovision, (don’t think The Faroes take part, maybe they should!) feel to it, but sounds really catchy . There’s two versions of the song, in English, like most of the album, and in the local tongue.
“Window Shopping” really impressed me. It has a good traditional feel to it, and “My Sweetest Hello” is a duet with Nashville songstress Dawn Sears.
Throughout, Hallur’s Country credentials, and strong vocal style shines through.
It’s another winner from The Faroes!
One of the most talked about films recently is “CRAZY HEART” which stars Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell in a tale about a hard living Country singer.
There’s plenty of good music in the film , both old & new, featured on the soundtrack, which is available in two versions. You can get a version with 16 tracks, or a deluxe version offering 23 tracks.(New West )
Whilst Colin Farrell does a fairly decent job on “Gone,Gone,Gone”, I was less than impressed with the contributions from Bridges and Ryan Bingham. Bingham’s “The Weary Kind”, which is the film’s theme, is indeed, rather weary.
Most of the new material is rather heavy and rocky, in direct contrast to the older songs from Buck Owens, The Louvin Brothers, Waylon and Townes Van Zante that get a new airing. It was great to hear “Hello Trouble”, and “If You Needed Me” again, and they blew through the album like a breath of fresh air.
If you enjoy the film, then you’ll enjoy the CD as a momento, but, as a musical offering, I wasn’t persuaded to head out to see the film.
There is no doubting that BETH NEILSEN CHAPMAN is one of Country music’s most prolific female songwriters. Her work extends well beyond Nashville, with Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Neil Diamond and Roberta Flack having recorded her songs, alongside Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill and Willie Nelson.
She is no stranger to the studio, having released several albums, including a Warner Brothers Greatest Hits collection.
Her new album, “Back To Love” (BNC) released here to coincide with her recent lengthy UK tour, is one of her strongest to date.
The album is labelled as a “mainstream pop album”, but, to me it’s a songwriter’s album. BNC has always had that Middle Of The Road feel to her songs, where she can sell these songs to a Country audience, and beyond, into a bigger pop market.
OK, so the instrumentation on this album, may be just a shade more contemporary, but the songs adapt well to the arrangements.
I particularly enjoyed the opening two songs, “Hallelujah” and “I Can See Me Loving You”, which are both quite uptempo for Beth. The rest of the album are ballads, ranging from the powerful “How We Love”, to the delicate “Shadows” and “Path Of Love”.
“Happiness” is probably the most obvious Country flavoured number,
But , throughout, Beth displays a beautiful delivery. At times, there’s a hint of laughter, which gives you the feeling of listening to this album in an intimate songwriting club.
I really enjoyed listening to this album from Beth Neilsen Chapman, and was left wishing I had caught one of her recent concerts here.
JOHNNY CASH has become such an icon since he died. His later recordings are, to the long term fan, by no means his best. But there’s no doubt that these latter day recordings did capture a whole new generation of fans.
“American VI : Aint No Grave”, released in February to mark, what would’ve been his 78th birthday, is the final recordings in a long career that stretched back ti the 50’s. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, who produced the previous five albums in the series.
Throughout, John sounds frail, and the choice of songs do come from a dying man.
He covers a few Country classics, like Hank Snow’s “It Don’t Hurt Anymore”, and Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” (with it’s opening line “The Party’s Over”).
There’s Tom Paxton’s “Cant Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound”, and Sheryl Crow’s “Redemption Day”. Cash’s delivery on these songs are all farewell songs.
Even Bob Nolan’s “Cool Water”, which I’m sure Cash has recorded before, looks towards the afterlife.
The album also features his last written composition. “First Corinthians” in which he tells of his journey to his redeemer.
Some may feel that this is quite a morbid album, but I’m sure Cash recorded it, with the view to his life and music carrying on after he died. It’s certainly one to complete that Cash collection.
From Arkansas, Cash’s home state, our next album comes from AMY CLAWSON. “The Woman In Me” (BSW) is a modern album with some good traditional stamps on it. David Frizzell produced half of the tracks on the 15 track selection, wrote four of the songs, and duets on “Why Wasn’t It Me”, one of the strongest songs on the whole CD.
Amy, herself, had a hand in writing the fast paced “Another Clown”.
Several of the numbers are quite poppy, with “Cowboy Up”, which closes, verging close to rapping in parts.
But there are plenty of songs of interest for Country fans.
“Can’t Call It Love” is a particularly strong Country song
“I’m Gonna Fly”, co-written by Karen Taylor Good is one of the more sensitive offerings, with “Where In The World Am I” also standing out.
There’s a classic in the form of Hank Cochran’s “Don’t Touch Me”, which Amy does a really strong version on.
Amy Clawson certainly covers a lot of ground on this album.
Well worth checking her out at www.myspace.com /amyclawsoncountry
Moving up to Nebraska, we find Omaha native HANNAH McNEIL, from whom we received a package including her self titled album, and a DVD of her current single, “What Am I Getting Up For”. (Red)
Hannah worked her way through the honky tonks and Country fairs across the Midwest, before heading to Tennessee. With her husband, she now lives on a farm in Franklin, an easy commute to Music City.
For her album, she teamed up with Ron Higgins, and they co-wrote the whole album of 13 songs.
They’re all quite catchy radio friendly modern Country songs, and well produced and performed by Hannah.
My favourite cuts would be “Doesn’t Have To Be This Way” , “Walking Away A Winner” and “I Am Strong”. They’re up to the Nashville standard, equal to anything you’ll hear from a bigger label.
I’m sure well hear more from Hannah.
It doesn’t feel like 23 years since MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER burst onto the scene with the wonderfully under acclaimed “Hometown Girl” album. These days, a new album from Chapin is something of a rarity, so it’s always worth checking out.
Her new CD, “The Age Of Miracles” is on the Rounder label, and is released towards the end of April.
We have an advance copy, without the usual writing and production credits, but I can confirm that it is a very enjoyable listen. She’s in fine voice throughout.
Vince Gill joins her on “I Put My Ring Back On”, but only in a very background vocal capacity. It is, however, one of the stronger songs on the album.
She recalls the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 on “4 June 1989” from a\17 year old’s point of view. She continues the global theme on the soft and gentle, “Iceland”.
The album’s title track is quite midtempo and folksy. It works really well.
As with any MCC album, many of the songs are quite dark and serious, with the odd flicker of light and joy.
This album has the usual Mary Chapin Carpenter formula. It’ll be another winner!
GARY ALLAN has been around since the mid-90’s, being a consistent Country chartmaker in America, without quite making the superstar status. His sound is of a modern day outlaw, a bit rockier than Waylon or Willie ever was, although he has given us a few lovely ballads over the years.
His music has never made much of an impression on me, and his new album , “Get Off On The Pain” (Humphead) wont change that.
It’s OK, as it goes, but having listened several times to the album, there’s nothing that caught my attention.
Allan had a hand in writing half of the tracks. If you get the “Deluxe Edition”, you get three extra “live” tracks recorded at The House Of Blues in Chicago last October.
If Gary Allan has made an impression on you during the past 15 years, then this album will be worth checking out. If you’re not familiar with Gary already, I doubt if this album would change that.
When you’re a superstar like WILLIE NELSON, you can call your album anything you like. To call it “Country Music”, is simple and effective.
There’s 15 tracks, with a very traditional feel, especially on tracks like “Seaman’s Blues” You Done Me Wrong” and “Gotta Walk Alone”.He does a few standards too, like “Satisfied Mind”, “My Baby’s Gone”, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” and “Drinking Champagne”.
This new album is released at the end of April on Rounder.
BARNEY BENTALL has been part of the Canadian music scene for many years, in various bands. This is the Toronto born singer songwriter’s second solo album for True North Records.
“The Inside Passage” features 10 self penned songs, recorded in British Columbia.
They range from the uptempo opening track “Hold My Heart” to ballads like “I Never Meant To Make You Cry” and “She Ran Away”.
The title track is a soft ballad, as is “Face To Face”. The slow songs are nice, but don’t deliver as strong a message as some of the other tracks on the album.
Uptempo tracks like “Catch That Train” and the bluegrassy “Papa Henry’s Boy” are the album’s stand out tracks.
BUCHANAN are a Manchester based five piece band, who have a solid based Country sound. “Suit Of Lights” (Goldrush Records) is their third release, and it continues from where they left off.
It’s all original material, and is delivered with such strong conviction. Their influences are cited as Merle Haggard, Gram Parsons and Robert Earl Keen.
The twelve tracks offer some quite distinctive sounds.
The album kicks off quite quietly with “She Rides With The Wind”, but the album has some superb uptempo numbers too. “The Girl From Your Hometown” is particularly catchy.
It’s 100% Country throughout, but “House On The Hill” has a particularly strong Country feel to it. “Jim Todd’s Blues” also stands out.
“The Longest Night”, which closes the album has a real old Western story feel to it.
The album was recorded in Manchester, and guest vocalists include Cathryn Craig and Monica Nordli.
It’s a first class UK Country recording. Superb stuff.
ALAN WEST has been part of the UK Country scene, primarily down south, for many years. He was half of the BCMA award winning West & Elliott duo, before setting out on a solo career.
His first solo album was recorded in Nashville, whilst his new release, “The Way Of The World” (Rido Records) was made in England.
This album features songs written by Steve Black , hailed as one of Britain’s unsung songwriters. Well, his work is sung now, and given a really good hearing by Alan.
The opening track , “The Big Freeze”, is a particularly good, strong commercial number, whilst “Wasilla” is much more of a story song.. “I’m Not Over You” has quite a simple ballad that works really well.
“The World That’s Lost Your Name” is back to the catchy beat, with a bit more of a folksy influence. “Devil Or An Angel” is quite fast too, with a good linedance beat to it.
“How Much Time” is has a nice Country feel to it, with some nice harmonies. Sarah Jory and Albert Lee are amongst the background vocalists.
I really enjoyed this album. It was quite different.
SOCIETY are a trio from West Sussex, who have just released their CD, “Songs From The Brickhouse” on their own label.
They have a good Country Rock sound, with good measures of harmonica and Mandolin, which offers much more than effect. They have been likened to CSNY, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Band. Certainly they have that popular West Coast sound.
The band’s Matt Wise wrote all 11 songs, including the cracker of an opening track, “Fools End”.
I also enjoyed “Blown On The Breeze” and “Back In The Woods”, but, I have to say, the whole album brought back memories of the 70’s Country Rock sounds of Poco and The Eagles.
Check them out at www.myspace.com/societymusic
Kent born GRAHAM LANDI has spent years honing his album, “Halfway Home” (Little Onion Records via Frontier). It’s taken years from scribbling down ideas in a little notebook, to putting them into his first album. He doesn’t have a particular style, with bits of folk, rock & country all featuring on the CD.
The whole album, produced by Sean Kenny, is very listenable.
“Yes Days & Yesterdays” is a particularly strong driving song, which features some nice harmony from Hayley Oliver, whose own album, we reviewed last time.
I also enjoyed the catchy “Where Did You Go”, and the slightly rockier, (although not far away from today’s Nashville sound”) “Ashamed”.
“Corduroy Pillow” and “ Four” are a little softer, but the very melodic “I Can’t” really caught my attention, perhaps more of a ballad than a Country song, but it works well.
“Water” and “What If I’m Right” have more of a folksy feel to them, but, again, they work well.
This is his life story in 12 songs (“Mother” has two different versions). I hope he has more to tell.
www.grahamlandi.com
Finally, over to Ireland for a couple of new releases. One from one of the longest running bands, and one of the newest names on the scene,
THE INDIANS, a colourful group of guys who have been entertaining for close on 40 years,
As the title suggests, “From The Beginning”, takes us back to the start, and traces The Indians long career since they first came along in 1971.
Although the line up never changed much in that time, they did have five “Big Chief’s” throughout the years. Three tracks are featured from each era, with songs that have been mainstays of any Indians show.
As with any showband, it’s not all Country, but good dance numbers. Here you’ll find a good few Elvis numbers, like “She Thinks I Still Care” and “Cant Help Falling In Love”. “Love Is All Around” (the Wet Wet Wet hit) is also credited as having been written by The King. There’s The Eagles, “Girl From Yesterday”, and The Statlers’ “Flowers On The Wall”.
Stand out song, is their single hit from a few years back. “Galway To Graceland” is such a great song..
There’s not too many showbands still around these days. The Indians are something of an Irish treasure. Here’s a superb album to remember those great showband nights with.
20 year old NATHAN CARTER is certainly making a name for himself. The winner of the Best Newcomer at the recent Sunday World All Ireland Country Music Awards, has just released his debut album, “The Way That You Love Me”.
The album features a good selections of covers, including Joe South’s “Games People Play”, Vince Gill’s “I Still Believe In You”, John D Loudermilk’s “Break My Mind” and a bouncing Buck Owen’s Medley.
The adds a bit of Irish with Foster & Allen’s “After All These Years”, an Irish medley, and two songs, including the title track, penned by John Farry.
He does a good job throughout the album. It’s your typical Irish Country album, good songs, well produced, and great to dance along to. He doesn’t quite offer anything that stands him out from the crowd, but he has a future, of that I’ve no doubt.
www.nathancartermusic.co.uk
“Haywire” continues to build on a successful career for the Grand Ole Opry member, who was once refereed to as “A Country Barry White!”
He has co-written four of the tracks on the album , and wrote the title track himself.
Other writers include Shawn Camp, Rory Burke, Mike Reid, Pat McLauchlin, and Rhett Akins.
Stand out tracks for me include the fast moving, “Eye Candy”, the soulful, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” , the bluegrass flavoured “Your Smile”, and “Fast As I Can”.
Whatever style of song Josh takes on, he certainly delivers with soul and conviction.
The “Deluxe Edition” of the album, features four addition tracks, including the really catchy “Lets Find A Church” , which was from his “Long Black Train” session, but didn’t make the album.
Also featured are two live tracks, “Long Black Train” and “Your Man”, two of his biggest hits to date. Great to hear these songs “live”, but, personally, I prefer to listen to the voice of the man singing, not his screaming fans.
Despite that, a superb album, and great to see HumpHead releasing here.
From the same stable comes a brand new name, but he wont be a stranger long, I’m sure .
Florida native, EASTON CORBIN’s self titled debut album on Mercury Records (released here by Humphead) is a real Country winner. Although his heroes are listed as Whitley, Haggard & Jones, I hear a whole lot of George Strait & Alan Jackson in his voice and styling. That’s quite a winning combination.
Having written four of the songs, and featured others by names like Rory Feek (Joey & Rory), Mark D Sanders, Aimee Mayo, Kevin Denney and producer Carson Chamberlain , Easton has delivered a 100% proof Country album, that will still fit nicely into American Country Radio.
It’s such a good album that it’s difficult to pick out any particular tracks. I did like “A Little Bit More Country Than That”, which has also been released as a single. It was his US debut single and went Top 20. I also enjoyed “Don’t Ask Me About A Woman” and the slightly gulf coast sounding “A Lot To Learn About Livin”.
This is going to be one of the albums of 2010.
A couple of cracking home grown albums next.
JOHN MILLER has one of Scotland’s purest traditional Country voices, and has just released his third solo album ,”Still Carrying A Flame (Folk & Western label).
As with his previous offerings, John has written all the songs, and offers a good variety of tempos and styles.
From the catchy opening track, “Take It From Somebody Who Knows” to the softer “My Dreaming Party”, and the western swing styling of “My Baby Ain’t My Baby Any More” and the rockabilly flavoured “Mama Says No”, John is in fine voice/
There’s some nice harmony from Seonaid Aitkin on “Heavy Hangs The Head”.
One track which pleasantly surprised me was “Tiny Sweetheart Roses” which has a very sentimental, almost Irish Country, feel to it. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of interest in this one.
“Feeling Sorry For Ourselves” has a great Asleep At The Wheel swing feel to it, complete with an 86 second instrumental intro. He even tops off the album with “Trucking On Back To You”, a pedal pumping big trucking number.
One song I recognised was “Take Me Back To San Francisco”, which was previously recorded by John on The Radio Sweethearts’ “Lonesome Blue” album. I liked the dobro and organ, giving it quite a different arrangement ten years on.
I particularly enjoyed “I Just Cant Live Without You”, with it’s superb steel intro and superb delivery.
Whatever track you listen to, it’s pure Country music.
He has a good line up of players on the album, including BJ Cole, Francis MacDonald, Andy McDowell, Martin Barrett and David McClean, The whole thing (except BJ’s steel licks) was recorded in Busby.
www.johnmillermusic.com
Another successful songwriting talent we have here in Scotland is ISLA GRANT.
Isla’s latest album, “Movin’ On” has just been released on Rosette Records here.
Whilst Isla is a household name in Ireland, and has huge followings in Australia, New Zealand & Canada, she has found her homeland a harder nut to crack.
Her music has, traditionally leaned towards the sentimental side of Country music, which is no doubt why Ireland has embraced her so warmly.
However, Isla is much more than that. Her last album was full of Hank Williams songs, and this new album has her displaying different styles from blues to bluegrass.
The title track is kinda bluesy, but this style suits her vocals, as much as the sentimental numbers like “I Still Love You”.
I really enjoyed hearing the rather sentimental, yet bluegrass sounding, “Sleep Little Baby”. It reminded of the music from “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”. There’s an old timey feel to “You Don’t Belong” too.
Then there’s gospel. Isla does a fantastic job on “A Train Called Glory”. Such a well crafted song, and it stands out on the album for me. It’s a feel good uptempo number.
Elsewhere, she goes back to her old folk roots on “The Old Canal”.
As those who have seen the lady in concert over the past couple of years will know, she’s been adding harmonica to her set, and this is prominent on “It’s Not Easy”
She also revs it up with some uptempo numbers, like “What Are You Trying To Do To Me” and “What Love Can Do”
Isla hasn’t changed completely. Songs like “It’s Too Late Sweetheart” and “Dont Give Up On Me” bear her well loved sentimental stamp.
Having written songs about Scotland, Ireland & Australia, Isla’s latest place is New Zealand. She closes the album with a lovely song for her kiwi fans in “Aotearoa”. It’s a lovely song that you don’t have to be from the other side of the world to appreciate.
With 15 tracks, Isla has delivered a superb album of all original material.
Throughout this column, and on my radio programme, I’ve often praised the quality of Country music coming from our northern neighbours in The Faroe Islands.
Last year we reviewed an album from HALLUR, and second album “Smile” has just arrived.
As with his debut, Hallur demonstrates a superb Country style, a very traditional sound, and a beautiful twinning of Nashville & Torshavn musicians. Indeed, it was for a celebration of the ties between the cities that brough Music City musos like Brent Mason, Paul Franklin and David Hungate to the windswept rocky islands last summer.
The album features well produced classics like Hank’s “Why Should We Try Anymore”, Ernest Tubb’s “Walking The Floor” , Ray Price’s “I’ll Be There” and Cash’s “I Got Stripes”..He does a superb version of “Til A Tear Becomes A Rose”, dueting with Tanya Hencheroff”. There’s also a Faroese version of a Charley Pryde song
But there’s also original songs by local North Atlantic writers. The album’s title track, has quite a poppy, almost Eurovision, (don’t think The Faroes take part, maybe they should!) feel to it, but sounds really catchy . There’s two versions of the song, in English, like most of the album, and in the local tongue.
“Window Shopping” really impressed me. It has a good traditional feel to it, and “My Sweetest Hello” is a duet with Nashville songstress Dawn Sears.
Throughout, Hallur’s Country credentials, and strong vocal style shines through.
It’s another winner from The Faroes!
One of the most talked about films recently is “CRAZY HEART” which stars Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell in a tale about a hard living Country singer.
There’s plenty of good music in the film , both old & new, featured on the soundtrack, which is available in two versions. You can get a version with 16 tracks, or a deluxe version offering 23 tracks.(New West )
Whilst Colin Farrell does a fairly decent job on “Gone,Gone,Gone”, I was less than impressed with the contributions from Bridges and Ryan Bingham. Bingham’s “The Weary Kind”, which is the film’s theme, is indeed, rather weary.
Most of the new material is rather heavy and rocky, in direct contrast to the older songs from Buck Owens, The Louvin Brothers, Waylon and Townes Van Zante that get a new airing. It was great to hear “Hello Trouble”, and “If You Needed Me” again, and they blew through the album like a breath of fresh air.
If you enjoy the film, then you’ll enjoy the CD as a momento, but, as a musical offering, I wasn’t persuaded to head out to see the film.
There is no doubting that BETH NEILSEN CHAPMAN is one of Country music’s most prolific female songwriters. Her work extends well beyond Nashville, with Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Neil Diamond and Roberta Flack having recorded her songs, alongside Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill and Willie Nelson.
She is no stranger to the studio, having released several albums, including a Warner Brothers Greatest Hits collection.
Her new album, “Back To Love” (BNC) released here to coincide with her recent lengthy UK tour, is one of her strongest to date.
The album is labelled as a “mainstream pop album”, but, to me it’s a songwriter’s album. BNC has always had that Middle Of The Road feel to her songs, where she can sell these songs to a Country audience, and beyond, into a bigger pop market.
OK, so the instrumentation on this album, may be just a shade more contemporary, but the songs adapt well to the arrangements.
I particularly enjoyed the opening two songs, “Hallelujah” and “I Can See Me Loving You”, which are both quite uptempo for Beth. The rest of the album are ballads, ranging from the powerful “How We Love”, to the delicate “Shadows” and “Path Of Love”.
“Happiness” is probably the most obvious Country flavoured number,
But , throughout, Beth displays a beautiful delivery. At times, there’s a hint of laughter, which gives you the feeling of listening to this album in an intimate songwriting club.
I really enjoyed listening to this album from Beth Neilsen Chapman, and was left wishing I had caught one of her recent concerts here.
JOHNNY CASH has become such an icon since he died. His later recordings are, to the long term fan, by no means his best. But there’s no doubt that these latter day recordings did capture a whole new generation of fans.
“American VI : Aint No Grave”, released in February to mark, what would’ve been his 78th birthday, is the final recordings in a long career that stretched back ti the 50’s. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, who produced the previous five albums in the series.
Throughout, John sounds frail, and the choice of songs do come from a dying man.
He covers a few Country classics, like Hank Snow’s “It Don’t Hurt Anymore”, and Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” (with it’s opening line “The Party’s Over”).
There’s Tom Paxton’s “Cant Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound”, and Sheryl Crow’s “Redemption Day”. Cash’s delivery on these songs are all farewell songs.
Even Bob Nolan’s “Cool Water”, which I’m sure Cash has recorded before, looks towards the afterlife.
The album also features his last written composition. “First Corinthians” in which he tells of his journey to his redeemer.
Some may feel that this is quite a morbid album, but I’m sure Cash recorded it, with the view to his life and music carrying on after he died. It’s certainly one to complete that Cash collection.
From Arkansas, Cash’s home state, our next album comes from AMY CLAWSON. “The Woman In Me” (BSW) is a modern album with some good traditional stamps on it. David Frizzell produced half of the tracks on the 15 track selection, wrote four of the songs, and duets on “Why Wasn’t It Me”, one of the strongest songs on the whole CD.
Amy, herself, had a hand in writing the fast paced “Another Clown”.
Several of the numbers are quite poppy, with “Cowboy Up”, which closes, verging close to rapping in parts.
But there are plenty of songs of interest for Country fans.
“Can’t Call It Love” is a particularly strong Country song
“I’m Gonna Fly”, co-written by Karen Taylor Good is one of the more sensitive offerings, with “Where In The World Am I” also standing out.
There’s a classic in the form of Hank Cochran’s “Don’t Touch Me”, which Amy does a really strong version on.
Amy Clawson certainly covers a lot of ground on this album.
Well worth checking her out at www.myspace.com /amyclawsoncountry
Moving up to Nebraska, we find Omaha native HANNAH McNEIL, from whom we received a package including her self titled album, and a DVD of her current single, “What Am I Getting Up For”. (Red)
Hannah worked her way through the honky tonks and Country fairs across the Midwest, before heading to Tennessee. With her husband, she now lives on a farm in Franklin, an easy commute to Music City.
For her album, she teamed up with Ron Higgins, and they co-wrote the whole album of 13 songs.
They’re all quite catchy radio friendly modern Country songs, and well produced and performed by Hannah.
My favourite cuts would be “Doesn’t Have To Be This Way” , “Walking Away A Winner” and “I Am Strong”. They’re up to the Nashville standard, equal to anything you’ll hear from a bigger label.
I’m sure well hear more from Hannah.
It doesn’t feel like 23 years since MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER burst onto the scene with the wonderfully under acclaimed “Hometown Girl” album. These days, a new album from Chapin is something of a rarity, so it’s always worth checking out.
Her new CD, “The Age Of Miracles” is on the Rounder label, and is released towards the end of April.
We have an advance copy, without the usual writing and production credits, but I can confirm that it is a very enjoyable listen. She’s in fine voice throughout.
Vince Gill joins her on “I Put My Ring Back On”, but only in a very background vocal capacity. It is, however, one of the stronger songs on the album.
She recalls the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 on “4 June 1989” from a\17 year old’s point of view. She continues the global theme on the soft and gentle, “Iceland”.
The album’s title track is quite midtempo and folksy. It works really well.
As with any MCC album, many of the songs are quite dark and serious, with the odd flicker of light and joy.
This album has the usual Mary Chapin Carpenter formula. It’ll be another winner!
GARY ALLAN has been around since the mid-90’s, being a consistent Country chartmaker in America, without quite making the superstar status. His sound is of a modern day outlaw, a bit rockier than Waylon or Willie ever was, although he has given us a few lovely ballads over the years.
His music has never made much of an impression on me, and his new album , “Get Off On The Pain” (Humphead) wont change that.
It’s OK, as it goes, but having listened several times to the album, there’s nothing that caught my attention.
Allan had a hand in writing half of the tracks. If you get the “Deluxe Edition”, you get three extra “live” tracks recorded at The House Of Blues in Chicago last October.
If Gary Allan has made an impression on you during the past 15 years, then this album will be worth checking out. If you’re not familiar with Gary already, I doubt if this album would change that.
When you’re a superstar like WILLIE NELSON, you can call your album anything you like. To call it “Country Music”, is simple and effective.
There’s 15 tracks, with a very traditional feel, especially on tracks like “Seaman’s Blues” You Done Me Wrong” and “Gotta Walk Alone”.He does a few standards too, like “Satisfied Mind”, “My Baby’s Gone”, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” and “Drinking Champagne”.
This new album is released at the end of April on Rounder.
BARNEY BENTALL has been part of the Canadian music scene for many years, in various bands. This is the Toronto born singer songwriter’s second solo album for True North Records.
“The Inside Passage” features 10 self penned songs, recorded in British Columbia.
They range from the uptempo opening track “Hold My Heart” to ballads like “I Never Meant To Make You Cry” and “She Ran Away”.
The title track is a soft ballad, as is “Face To Face”. The slow songs are nice, but don’t deliver as strong a message as some of the other tracks on the album.
Uptempo tracks like “Catch That Train” and the bluegrassy “Papa Henry’s Boy” are the album’s stand out tracks.
BUCHANAN are a Manchester based five piece band, who have a solid based Country sound. “Suit Of Lights” (Goldrush Records) is their third release, and it continues from where they left off.
It’s all original material, and is delivered with such strong conviction. Their influences are cited as Merle Haggard, Gram Parsons and Robert Earl Keen.
The twelve tracks offer some quite distinctive sounds.
The album kicks off quite quietly with “She Rides With The Wind”, but the album has some superb uptempo numbers too. “The Girl From Your Hometown” is particularly catchy.
It’s 100% Country throughout, but “House On The Hill” has a particularly strong Country feel to it. “Jim Todd’s Blues” also stands out.
“The Longest Night”, which closes the album has a real old Western story feel to it.
The album was recorded in Manchester, and guest vocalists include Cathryn Craig and Monica Nordli.
It’s a first class UK Country recording. Superb stuff.
ALAN WEST has been part of the UK Country scene, primarily down south, for many years. He was half of the BCMA award winning West & Elliott duo, before setting out on a solo career.
His first solo album was recorded in Nashville, whilst his new release, “The Way Of The World” (Rido Records) was made in England.
This album features songs written by Steve Black , hailed as one of Britain’s unsung songwriters. Well, his work is sung now, and given a really good hearing by Alan.
The opening track , “The Big Freeze”, is a particularly good, strong commercial number, whilst “Wasilla” is much more of a story song.. “I’m Not Over You” has quite a simple ballad that works really well.
“The World That’s Lost Your Name” is back to the catchy beat, with a bit more of a folksy influence. “Devil Or An Angel” is quite fast too, with a good linedance beat to it.
“How Much Time” is has a nice Country feel to it, with some nice harmonies. Sarah Jory and Albert Lee are amongst the background vocalists.
I really enjoyed this album. It was quite different.
SOCIETY are a trio from West Sussex, who have just released their CD, “Songs From The Brickhouse” on their own label.
They have a good Country Rock sound, with good measures of harmonica and Mandolin, which offers much more than effect. They have been likened to CSNY, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Band. Certainly they have that popular West Coast sound.
The band’s Matt Wise wrote all 11 songs, including the cracker of an opening track, “Fools End”.
I also enjoyed “Blown On The Breeze” and “Back In The Woods”, but, I have to say, the whole album brought back memories of the 70’s Country Rock sounds of Poco and The Eagles.
Check them out at www.myspace.com/societymusic
Kent born GRAHAM LANDI has spent years honing his album, “Halfway Home” (Little Onion Records via Frontier). It’s taken years from scribbling down ideas in a little notebook, to putting them into his first album. He doesn’t have a particular style, with bits of folk, rock & country all featuring on the CD.
The whole album, produced by Sean Kenny, is very listenable.
“Yes Days & Yesterdays” is a particularly strong driving song, which features some nice harmony from Hayley Oliver, whose own album, we reviewed last time.
I also enjoyed the catchy “Where Did You Go”, and the slightly rockier, (although not far away from today’s Nashville sound”) “Ashamed”.
“Corduroy Pillow” and “ Four” are a little softer, but the very melodic “I Can’t” really caught my attention, perhaps more of a ballad than a Country song, but it works well.
“Water” and “What If I’m Right” have more of a folksy feel to them, but, again, they work well.
This is his life story in 12 songs (“Mother” has two different versions). I hope he has more to tell.
www.grahamlandi.com
Finally, over to Ireland for a couple of new releases. One from one of the longest running bands, and one of the newest names on the scene,
THE INDIANS, a colourful group of guys who have been entertaining for close on 40 years,
As the title suggests, “From The Beginning”, takes us back to the start, and traces The Indians long career since they first came along in 1971.
Although the line up never changed much in that time, they did have five “Big Chief’s” throughout the years. Three tracks are featured from each era, with songs that have been mainstays of any Indians show.
As with any showband, it’s not all Country, but good dance numbers. Here you’ll find a good few Elvis numbers, like “She Thinks I Still Care” and “Cant Help Falling In Love”. “Love Is All Around” (the Wet Wet Wet hit) is also credited as having been written by The King. There’s The Eagles, “Girl From Yesterday”, and The Statlers’ “Flowers On The Wall”.
Stand out song, is their single hit from a few years back. “Galway To Graceland” is such a great song..
There’s not too many showbands still around these days. The Indians are something of an Irish treasure. Here’s a superb album to remember those great showband nights with.
20 year old NATHAN CARTER is certainly making a name for himself. The winner of the Best Newcomer at the recent Sunday World All Ireland Country Music Awards, has just released his debut album, “The Way That You Love Me”.
The album features a good selections of covers, including Joe South’s “Games People Play”, Vince Gill’s “I Still Believe In You”, John D Loudermilk’s “Break My Mind” and a bouncing Buck Owen’s Medley.
The adds a bit of Irish with Foster & Allen’s “After All These Years”, an Irish medley, and two songs, including the title track, penned by John Farry.
He does a good job throughout the album. It’s your typical Irish Country album, good songs, well produced, and great to dance along to. He doesn’t quite offer anything that stands him out from the crowd, but he has a future, of that I’ve no doubt.
www.nathancartermusic.co.uk
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