We’ve quite
a variety of new releases to tell you about this time around.
One of the
strongest albums I’ve heard for a long time has to come from Texan CURTIS
GRIMES.
He is, yet
another, “discovery” of “The Voice” TV show, but, like the title of his album,
he is “Undeniably Country”. With a feast of steel and fiddle, this is a real
gem of an album for real Country fans.
He kicks off
with “Everything Hank Did”, a superb song that really captures the Hank sound,
21st century style. And he rounds it all off with “Ten Year Town”, which tells
of arriving Nashville and its heritage. It’s a brilliant account about how the
city has changed over the years.
He is
certainly making a statement about today’s Country music scene.
On “If You
Ask Me”, a more gentle number, he even reckons that “the best of Country music
died in 1989”- controversial stuff!
He's
currently promoting his single 'Right About Now' which held the #1 spot for two
consecutive weeks on the Texas Regional Radio chart. The track - co-written by
Grimes with his producer Trent Willmon, is a good upbeat number.
It follows
the earlier single, 'From Where I'm Standing', written by fellow rising country
stars Thomas Rhett, Chris Janson, and Jaron Boyer. This track has quite a
George Strait feel to it, and namechecks Conway Twitty along the way. The
mighty Merle gets a namecheck too, on “Put My Money On That”.
Now based in
Nashville, Grimes is currently on tour across the USA, playing festivals, fairs
and sold-out headline shows, with plans to visit the UK early in 2018.
His album is
pure Country. I enjoyed it a lot. He’s the real deal !
There’s no
doubting that TOBY KEITH has been one of the most interesting characters on the
Country music scene since he first appeared on the charts back in 1993. 24 years
on, and 18 albums later, he has come out with something a bit different.
“The Bus
Songs” (Thirty Tigers) is a collection of songs that you can really imagine him
singing on the tour bus, just messing around. The subjects range from smoking
weed, big women, easy women, golfers, drunks and marines.
The language
is colourful, even in the titles.
He comes
over as a cross between Shel Silverstien on his classic comedy albums, and
Jerry Reed without his guitar. His version of “The Critic” has a “King Of The Road”
feel to it, not so much Roger Miller’s version, but rather the one that poked
fun at all the TV cops.
Yet, I
actually quite like the album. The production is stripped back, and I really
think, we’re getting to hear the real Toby Keith.
“Running
Block”, about going on a blind date, to help out his buddy, is really catchy,
if a little sexist, or should that be size-ist!
By contrast, “The Size I Wear”, “Brand New Bow” and “Get Out Of My Car”
finds him showing less than total respect to the fairer sex.
But, it’s a
fun album, and I shouldn’t read into it too deep.
Worth a
listen !
I have to
confess that I’m no fan of BIG & RICH. When they first appeared on the
scene back in 2004 with “Save A Horse (Ride a Cowboy)”, I thought it was one of
the worst records to have ever come out of Nashville. I still do.
But their
new album, “Did It For The Party” (Thirty Tigers) isn’t ALL that bad!
That’s not
to say that Big Kenny & John Rich have changed their sound. Tracks like
“Congratulations (You’re a Rock Star)” with its “Ching Ching” lines, I could
live happy never to hear again. I also didn’t care much for “Funk In The
Country”.
But there is
some good stuff. I really liked the opening track, “California”. It has the
feel of one of these driving with the top down songs. There’s a good Country
rock beat to “Wake Up Wanting You”, whilst “Smoke In Her Eyes” has a good
modern sound.
“The Long
Way Home” is a good song, which leads nicely into “Freedom Road”, which is
probably my favourite track on the album. It’s strong on harmonies.
Talking of
harmonies, the most different track on the whole album has to be “My Son”,
which features gospel group, The Isaacs. It’s a real classy piece. So different
to the ching chings earlier.
“Lie, Cheat
Or Steal”, which closes the album is also quite a pleasant ballad.
Really
pleased to discover that there’s much more to Big & Rich than the songs which
radio insist on playing from them.
Texan CASEY
DONAHEW has been making inroads on the Country scene over the last decade or
so, with six albums to his credit. The last three have all made the Top 10 on
the Country Album sales chart, and his latest, “All Night Party” peaked at
No.3, which is no mean feat.
He grew up
just outside of Fort Worth, and was active on the Texas rodeo scene for a
while.
Most of the
tracks are quite upbeat, modern Country numbers, from the opening “Kiss Me”,
through “Feel This Right” and “White Trash Bay”. The duo Love & Money guest
on “College Years”.
“What
Cowboys Do” is a strong Country number, but probably my favourite track on the
album is the Mexican flavoured “Jose Escalido”,with some lovely TexMex accordion
and horn section. It has a real modern day Marty Robbins feel to it. And it
come from his own pen too.
Now his
music is spreading over here. He’s in London for the Texas Music Takeover
Festival this month, which can only win him more fans.
It’s a
bright, fun record. I think we’ll like him over here.
TOM RUSSELL
is something of a legend in Americana music. Indeed his brand of story telling
songs was universally praised long before the genre of Americana was coined.
Originally
from LA, his musical career was born in Vancouver, before relocating to Texas.
His latest album, “Folk Hotel” (Proper Records) is his 28th studio album.
He has long
blended folk, rock and Country, alongside cowboy ballads and songs of the
American west. That blend continues on this new offering.
“Leaving El
Paso” and “I’ll Never Leave These Old Horses” recapture that old western feel,
whilst “Handsome Johnny”, about JFK, has more of a simple folk ballad. “The
Last Time I Saw Hank”, is his country stars’ drinkers anthem- come gospel
number, also mentioning George Jones, Jesus and his father and mother.
“Harlan
Clancy” begins essentially as a poem, which Tom narrates so effectively, before
developing into a story life song.
Before he
got into music, Tom was already well travelled, having worked in Nigeria,
Norway, Spain and Puerto Rico. As a
performer, he is a regular visitor to Europe, and on this album he has several
European influences, in songs like “The Sparrow Of Swansea”, “All On A Belfast
Morning”, “The Day They Dredged The Liffey” and “The Rooftops Of Copenhagen”.
He has a
couple of guests on the album, including Eliza Gikyson, who provides harmonies
on a couple of tracks, and Joe Ely, who duets on Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s
Blues”, the only song on the album not written by Tom.
The album is
finished off with some of Tom’s own artwork.
It’s an
interesting experience. One for those that love stories in their songs.
JACK
TEMPCHIN is the Eagle that never was.
He wrote
several of the bands classics including “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, “Already Gone”
and “The Girl From Yesterday”. He also wrote extensively with Glen Frey during
the Eagles hiatus period.
Tempchin has
also written dozens of hits for big names from George Jones and Emmylou Harris
to Candye Kane and Tom Rush, as well recording a number of albums in his own
right.
His latest,
“Peaceful Easy Feeling: The Songs Of Jack Tempchin” (Blue Elan Records”, is
essentially dedicated to the memory of Glenn Frey.
Every song,
bar one, was either recorded by The Eagles, or written, or co-written with
Frey. They include the iconic title track, “Already Gone” and “It’s Your World
Now”. I really like the version of this song, which features mandolin and dobro
from Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson.
The tempo is
raised on the rather rocky “Privacy” and “Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody
Tonight”.
The only
track not related to Glenn Frey is “Slow Dancing (Swaying To The Music)”, which
is Jack’s other “Greatest Hit”. Originally a huge hit for Johnny Rivers, it has
been recorded several times over, and is featured here as a duet with Rita
Coolidge. Great to hear her again.
It’s an
interesting, alternate take on some of the Eagles songs, straight from the pen
of the writer.
If The
Eagles are the greatest Country rock band ever, then Poco were never far
behind. Their “Rose Of Cimarron” is right up there with “Lying Eyes” in my
mind. So, interesting that in the same post as the Jack Tempchin CD, comes one
from RUSTY YOUNG.
Rusty was
one of the founding members, and frontman of Poco back in the day. The band
officially stopped touring in 2014, but there’s a whole lot of Poco influence
on Rusty’s “solo” album, “Waitin’ For The Sun” (Blue Elan Records).
Poco were
never a band that you’d call Country. But some of their music certainly
appealed to our genre. This album does much the same.
The title
track has quite a Country rock (Poco) feel to it, with some neat harmonies,
which is followed by the reflective “My Friend”, which features former Poco
pals Jim Messina and Ritchie Furey. It’s quite a catchy number, with some nice
instrumentation.
Other ex
Poco members making contributions include Jack Sundrud, Michael Webb and George
Grantham.
“Innocent
Man” takes you back to the authentic Poco sound, I recall from the late
70’s.
“Heaven
Tonight” is the album’s love song, while “Hey There” takes a few steps back in
the storyline. For straight Country fans, “Down Home” is probably the stand out
track. It’s catchy, quirky, and features some really neat fiddle.
“Sara’s
Song” is a sentimental little song, written as a first dance at his daughter’s
wedding. There’s also a musical interlude with the instrumental, “Seasons”.
And it all
rounds off with something of an anthem in “Gonna Let The Rain”.
Talk about
reliving your youth!
There’s been
an abundance of bluegrass music arrived lately.
Around 2004,
a six piece band hit Nashville that was to forever change the perception of
bluegrass music. THE GRASCALS quickly won over Dolly Parton, who took them on
tour, which led to widespread accolades and popularity for their music. They,
notably, took bluegrass to new audiences, without sacrificing the genres’ pure
sound.
Their tenth
album, “Before Breakfast” (Mountain Home) continues the trend.
There are a
few upbeat toe tappers, like the opening “Sleepin’ With The Reaper”, “Delia”
and the fun filled “Beer Tree”, written by the late Harley Allen and Robert
Ellis Orrall. Paul Overstreet and Billy Smith wrote “Lost And Lonesome”, which
really impressed me, and the closing track “Clear Corn Liquor” is a real old
timey bluegrass song.
There’s also
an original instrumental reel, titled “Lynchburg Chicken Run”.
But the
strength of this album is the harmonies most evident in ballads like
“Lonesome”, co-written by bass player Terry Smith, and the old Osborne Brothers
number “Pathway Of Teardrops”. In a similar vein is an old Flatt & Scruggs
gospel classic, “He Took Your Place”, and “There Is You”, written by Kelsi
Harrigill from fellow bluegrass band Flatt Lonesome.
The least
bluegrass/most straight, Country track is “Demons”, a darker ballad from the
pens of whispering Bill Anderson and Jon Randell.
The Grascals
are brilliant musicians, with the emphasis on bluegrass instruments like banjo,
mandolin and fiddle. Together with their strong melodic harmonies, they have a
sound that is such a pleasure to listen to.
I’m loving listening to this “Before Breakfast”, or at any time of the
day!
Another,
equally as good album comes from DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER. The 73 year old mandolin player has been part
of the bluegrass scene for over 50 years, as members of Jimmy Martin’s Sunny
Mountain Boys, JD Crowe’s New South and The Country Gentleman, before founding
Quicksilver in the late 70’s.
Fellow
musicians in the band include Josh Swift, Joe Dean, Dustin Pyrtle, Eli Johnson
and Stephen Burwell.
With 40
albums under their belt, “Life Is A Story” (Mountain Home) is their latest
release.
It all kicks
off with the reflective “Kids These Days”, which looks back at days gone by,
and what today’s kids will be looking back at, in 20 years time. It’s a nice
song. “Little Girl” is another by Harley Allen. This time it’s a bit of a
social statement, dealing with the problems of kids growing up in troubled
situations.
The ones
that really stood out for me, included “Life To My Days” and the old George
Jones song “Love Lives Again” (written by George Richey, Carmol Taylor and
Norro Wilson)
Another nice
ballad is the Donna Ulisse written “Guitar Case”.
Many of the
numbers here veer towards ballads, but there are upbeat traditional bluegrass
beats shining through, especially on “Life Of A Hard Working Man”, “I See A
Heartbreak Comin’”, “Derailled” and “What Am I Living For”. I also enjoyed “Cry
Across Kansas” and the break speed finale, “Drivin’ It Home”.
This album
really is a masterclass in bluegrass music. Brilliant musicianship, great
songs, fast and slow, all well delivered.
Super stuff.
THE EARLY
MAYS are a wonderful, three part harmony, Bluegrass / old time trio featuring
Emily Pinkerton, Ellen Gozion and newest member Rachel Eddy. Their self titled
debut album got to No.2 in the US Folk charts a few years back, and their new
collection, “Chase The Sun” (Bird On The Wing Records) is even better. Their harmonies really shine through, and the
instrumentation is so authentic. There is no lead vocalist amongst them. Each
can stand out on their own, and together, their voices truly bond.
Recorded in
Pittsburgh, the 13 track album features mainly original material composed by
the trio individually. They range from the catchy opening track, “Say-O”, to
the beautiful ballads like “Amelia”, and the winter hymn “Narrow Of The Year”.
The
non-original numbers, include Elizabeth Cotton’s catchy “Oh Babe, It Aint No
Lie”, and the gorgeous “Adieu False Heart” which I recall Linda Ronstadt
recording many moons ago.
There’s also
a couple of instrumental fiddle & banjo numbers.
But the one
that will catch most attention is “I Am A Girl Of Constant Sorrow”. The song
(in a male sense) was popularised in the “Oh Brother Where Are Thou” movie. But
the girls have went back to 1930’s social activist Sarah Ogan-Gunning’s
arrangement, to come up with a much slower, sweet version of the song. It certainly
worked for me.
Throughout, the
album features simple arrangements, which lets the vocals stand out.
It’s a
beautiful album.
The name BIG
SADIE conjures up all sorts of images. A Chicago based acoustic/bluegrass band
isn’t the most obvious thought, but that’s exactly what we have here.
The band is
fronted by Windy City native Elise Bergman, and Appalachian Collin Moore.
Together they have blended their influences together. They have been thrilling
audience over the past decade, yet “Keep Me Waiting” (Spindle Tree Records) is
their debut album.
Well, the
wait is over, and it was well worth the wait.
Here, we’ve
got a lovely album of old timey bluegrass songs and tunes, which I, for one,
really warmed to.
The 12 track
all original album kicks off with a couple, which feature lead vocals from
Elise. “Only You” has a really strong Country kick to it, which I really liked.
Collin takes
over the vocals on “Before Morning”, a good modern bluegrass ballad, with
stunning harmonies from Elise. “Need Your Love” is a strong banjo infused
bluegrass track, lead by Collin, whilst “Same For Me” is quite a mainstream
ballad.
Collin also
leads the vocals on the title track, an old timey, almost ragtime feeling fun
number.
Elsewhere
Elise fronts on the softer “Like A Fool”, the bluesy “Baby It Aint You”, “Next
Train Home” and the folksy “Good Woman”.
Quite a contrast in styles, but she shines on them all.
There also a
quirky instrumental, “Anni’s Orchard”.
I really
enjoyed this album. Let’s hope we get a visit from Big Sadie soon!
Keeping in
the bluegrass vein, Michigan’s MARK LAVENGOOD has been stirring up a lot of
interest with his third album, “We’ve Come Along”. The multi-instrumentalist is
renowned for his dobro playing, which is evident throughout the album.
On the epic
7 minute title track, which opens the CD, Mark plays guitar, dobro, congas,
bongos, tom tom and claves, as well as delivering the vocals.
He does have
original self written numbers, including “America”, an alternative patriotic
song, which may stir a few thoughts along the way.
But he also
features some well-established covers, like a rip roaring version of “Ol’ Slew
Foot”, a bluegrass version of Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart”, and an authentic
old timey cover of Arthur Smith’s “Bound To Ride”.
Throughout,
Mark is supported by Kyle Rhodes and Jason Dennie on guitars & mandolins ,
Spencer Cain on Upright bass, and the influential Keith Billik on banjo.
It’s an
interesting album.
THE 19TH
STREET BAND is an adventurous band, crossing genres from bluegrass to rock, led
by Caolaidhe Davis, from Hollywood, Northern Ireland, who emigrated to
America’s East Coast back in 2005. He recently brought his music home to
Belfast and Bangor, and brought a six track CD, “The Things That Matter” with
him.
Joining
Cally in the band is his wife Meghan, a trained violinist, whom he met when she
was working in a Washington DC Irish Bar. Fast forward a few years, and the
couple found themselves living on 19th Street in Arlington,
Virginia, and the band name was born.
The CD
features a wide mix of styles, a few just a bit too rocky for me, but I did
enjoy the catchy bluegrass flavoured opening track “Jump In The Water”.
“Trouble” is
also an upbeat number, with lead vocals from Meghan, which I really liked.
The title
track is starts off as an emotional ballad, but picks up the tempo nicely.
Doing an
internet search for them, brings up Johnny Cash & Dixie Chicks covers, so
Country music certainly features in their repertoire.
They have a
good sound, and hopefully their next trip over, will see them spread the word
further afield.
Irish
Country music can be a rather typecast genre. So it’s refreshing when an Irish
songwriter appears who does not fit the usual picture.
CIARA
SIDINE’s songs lend themselves more to Americana, Roots and Country Blues. Her
vocal style has been likened to Maria McKee, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris
and Mary Black. To my ears, she’s her
own singer. “Unbroken Line” is her second album, following on from 2011’s
“Shadow Road Shining”.
Her songs
are modern day songs of social justice, with a style stretching back into the
past.
The opening
track, “Finest Flower” reclaims the voices of women from Ireland’s Mother And
Baby Homes, whilst “Watching The Dark” has a smokin’ bluesy feel to it.
“Wooden
Bridge” is a fast paced number that bridges the folk revival sound of the 60’s
with a Johnny Cash beat. I just loved the acoustic feel to “Little Bird Song”,
which closes the album. It has a really nice old timey feel to it.
“River Road”
is a pleasant ballad, and I did also enjoy “Take Me With You”. The title track
is a nice ballad, although quite mainstream.
Other tracks
do lead towards a more bluesy jazz sound.
The songs
were all written by Ciara (one with Conor Brady). One that caught my attention
was “Woman Of Constant Sorrow”. She has written new lyrics, and has a completely
different arrangement to The Early Mays version mentioned earlier.
The album
was recorded in Dublin, and proof that not everything out of Ireland is aimed
at the dance scene.
Coming home,
and Tayside’s Joe Ogilvie & Alex Mills are best known on the local Country
club scene as duo, Tin Star. But Joe & Alex have been around for many
years, and have written a good number of songs between them. Now they’ve put
them down on CD for the first time under the name MILLS OGILVIE.
“Yesterday
And Today” is a collection of self penned songs, some of which are many years
in the process. Some were, perhaps, not written as Country songs at the time,
but they all come together in a modern Country sound in 2017.
Recorded in
Dundee, the CD features 12 tracks.
Some of the
tracks have quite a pop/rock beat, notably “Someone You Don’t Know” and “Lady
Of The North”. Others like “Woman’s Eyes” have a big ballad feel to them.
Other tracks
are quite melodic, like “Crazy” and “Losing You”, whilst “Good Old Honky Tonk”
is just what’s on the label – a good old honky tonk song. I also liked the beat
of “How Lucky”, one that’ll keep the feet tappin’ and dancers on the floor.
One of the
tracks, “Good Ol’ Memories” was written by fellow Dundonian Les Barr. It’s a
stone Country number, as you would expect.
These songs
have been kept under wraps for too long. It’s time for them to be heard. The CD
is available at Tin Star’s gigs across the country or through Joe on 07924
490194.
PETER
McCLELLAND is quite a busy musician down on the Sussex scene. He plays in two
folk music bands (The Blackthorn Band and ThingumaJig), as well as Country
band, Montana Rain. And he has his own
solo projects, like his new CD, “Carolina Sky”, (Hobgoblin Records) which is a collection
of Pete’s original songs recorded in Sussex and Nashville.
The album
takes its inspiration from a number of coast to coast North American road
trips. The collection kicks off with the aptly titled “The Appalachian Way”. It
really captures the anticipation of a trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The title
track is a light and catchy little number, whilst “The Willow Tree” is Peter’s
take on an old English Folk song, but has a really nice Country feel to it,
none the less. “Walk This Road” has a
bit more of a contemporary sound, but still has a Country air about it. Pat
Severs steel guitar delivers that.
“Thinking Of
a Song” is apparently influenced by Don Williams, and I have to say that “A
Kind Of Kindness” also has quite a lazy Don sound to it too.
Just a
couple of tracks seemed to veer off course, notably “War Of Love”, which has
more of a continental aura to it, having been inspired following a stay in
Germany , whilst “Marie” has a bit more of a Southern blues influence.
Peter plays
acoustic, classical and electric guitar, ukulele, banjo and mandolin, and is
joined by a number of musicians including Pat Severs (ex Pirates of The
Mississippi).
It’s a
really pleasant listen.
MATT
PATERSHUK is a singer songwriter from Canada’s western provinces, born in BC
and living now in Alberta. “Same As I Ever Have Been” (Black Hen Music) is his
third album, recorded at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio in Vancouver.
The album
had me in two minds. It opens with a rather rocky “Sometimes You’ve Got To Bad
Things to Do Good”, which didn’t appeal much to me.
But then he
slowed things down with “Gypsy”, and then got into my groove with the catchy
“Hot Knuckle Blues”. He came across as a Kris Kristofferson character on this
one.
“Blank Pages
And Lost Wages” was one of the real Country tracks that appealed to me.
Throughout
several tracks, Saskatchewan born folk singer Ana Egge added some really neat
harmonies, which is what really won me over. Steve Dawson’s pedal steel just
added the icing to the cake.
The title
track is a slow Country ballad that really impressed. “Atlas” is quite a story song. The delivery is
quite impressive. And “Sparrows” is quite an effective number too, with some
added saxophone, which worked well.
In closing,
he delivers an extremely simple 6 ½ minute folky ballad, which was quite
infectious.
There were a
few of the other tracks that were a bit bluesy, or rocky for me, but, all
things considered, there was more than enough for me to say it’s worth checking
him out.
AMELIA WHITE
is a singer songwriter described as an “East Nashville soothsayer and
rock/Americana poet”, who has built up quite a following in Europe.
Her latest
album, “Rhythm Of The Rain” (White-Wolf Records) gets its UK release on October 27th .
She wrote or
co-wrote all 9 tracks. He co-writes include the upbeat “Sinking Sun” with Anne
McCue and Rich McCully, and the slower “Yuma” with songwriter Ben Glover. This
one is a really nice ballad, which, for me, is one of the highlights of the
album.
There’s also
collaborations with Lori McKenna, John Hadley and Liverpool’s Worry Dolls (Zoe
Nicol & Rosie Jones).
The title
track is a smokin’ slow burning haunting ballad, as is “Sugar Baby”.
It’s a
pleasant listen. A little more rocky than your average Americana singer
songwriter album.
RAY WYLIE
HUBBARD is something of a legend down in Texas singer songwriting circles.
Although born in Oklahoma, he moved to the Lone Star State, when he was seven
years old.
His early
success as a writer was down to writing “Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother”,
recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1973.
Ray Wylie
has recorded 16 albums prior to his latest release “Tell The Devil I’m Getting’
There As Fast As I Can” (Bordello Records), which gets it’s UK release this
month.
Now at the
age of 70, his voice is raw and lived in. That helps in the delivery of the
songs. He tells a story in his songs, most notable on tracks like “House Of The
White Rose Boquet” and “Old Wolf”,
and “Lucifer
And The Fallen Angels”.
“Open G” is
a guitar master class. It may go above the heads of folks like me, but to
musicians, I’m sure it’ll appeal.
He has a
number of guests popping up on the album. You’ll find Eric Church and Lucinda
Williams on the title track, which is one of the strongest tracks on the album.
Then Patty Griffin joins in on “In Times Of Cold”, where the harmonies work
well together.
This album
really has a raw authentic Texan Country sound.
