Kicking off our reviews this month is a brand new album from TRISHA YEARWOOD. Since leaving her longtime label MCA, they have repackaged several compilations, but this album, “Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love” is her brand new outing on the Big Machine label in the US. My copy is on Canada’s Open Road label.
This really is the best I’ve heard Trisha. I’ve always liked her music, but it was rather formulated. This time around, it really sounds like Trisha was given the freedom to experiment and find music that really let her voice out.
“This Is Me Your Talking To” and “Nothin’ Bout Memphis” are powerful ballads, the sort of songs she’s made her trademark. ”Sing You Back To Me”, “Let The Wind Change You”(with Keith Urban) and “Help Me” are less powerful, but nevertheless, quite pleasant.
“We Tried” has a very simple arrangement, and comes over all downhome. Matraca Berg’s “The Dreaming Fields” is quite similar. It’s one of these historic anthems. Her powerful delivery makes it.
“Cowboys Are My Weakness” has a bluesy feel, whilst remaining truly Country!. It’s the kind of song that Suzy Bogguss can make her own, but Trisha proves she has a hidden talent for this type of song too.
She has several uptempo numbers, which give the 13 track album variety.
It’s a really refreshing album. .
One of the new female singers filling Trisha’s place over at Universal is JULIANNE HOUGH. Teenager Julianne is one of these reality TV stars. She is the 2 time winner of Dancing With The Stars (America’s version of Strictly Come Dancing). She now aims to prove that her talent includes singing as well as dancing.
The first track on self titled album (released here by HumpHead) , is the catchy “That Song In My Head”. It’s a really catchy, commercial, radio friendly song, but is more pop than Country.
It sets the tone for the album. It’s a modern Nashville album. It’s not a bad album by any means, but there’s nothing that really left it’s mark on me.
The project was produced by David Malloy, a Nashville veteran, who worked with Eddie Rabbitt and Stella Parton. Writers include Jessica Andrews and Rebecca Lynn Howard, both very talented artists in their own right, but where are they now?
I suspect Julianne will either find a place in more mainstream pop music, or fade into Country music obscurity like Jessica & Rebecca Lynn. Or she may just go back to dancing!
One reality TV singer who has certainly made it in Country music is CARRIE UNDERWOOD. After a few years of award wins in America, Arista Records have just released both her albums in the UK.
The most recent is “Carnival Ride”, which features 13 modern Country songs, from the pens of writers like Ashley Monroe, Gordie Sampson, Neil Thrasher, Steve McEwan, and Aimee Mayo. Carrie has, herself contributed to the writing of 4 of the songs.
Sadly, for me, the album is mainly plain pop music. There’s very little Country music here. The token Country track is a cover of Randy Travis 1988 hit, “I Told You So”, which she does a fair job on.
One Country song doesn’t make it a Country album. Nor does it make Carrie Underwood a Country singer. There’s so many more talented singers out there just waiting for their break. They’ve not been given the chance to take the fastrack to stardom on American Idle (oops, sorry, Idol!)
JEWEL is best known as a pop singer, but she’s been working in Nashville for some years now. You may recall her duet with Merle Haggard on the CMA Awards a few years ago.
Now the young Alaskan, who looks more of a Country girl than an R&B babe, has come clean, and released her own Country album, “Perfectly Clear”, which has already topped the American Country charts!
OK, so she has a commercial modern edge to her music, but there are real signs that this just isn’t a novelty record for her.
“Anyone But You” and “Love By You (Cowboy Waltz” are beautiful traditional Country numbers, complete with wailing steel. The latter really shows off her Country vocals.
The album’s title track, which closes the album, isn’t the best vocally, but like the album generally, the arrangements are really simple, allowing her smokey voice to carry the songs.
I have to admit that I was quite sceptical, but I really did quite enjoy the album.
Another female who really impressed me is ASHTON SHEPARD. Her debut album, “Sounds So Good” really does, and I’m excited to see it released here by Humphead. Two years ago, Ashton was a housewife and mother in southern Alabama, who wrote songs, and sang them in the back shed. She won a talent contest at a local bar, and got to record a 3 song demo, which found its way to Luke Lewis, chairman of Universal Music in Nashville.
With good looks, a sound in the same mould as Gretchen Wilson, and a songwriter too, Lewis snapped her up right away. It all takes hard work and luck, but here’s an honest hard working singer who didn’t need TV to get her a record deal.
And she is pure Country – with a capital”C”.
Just listen to Track 4. It’s called “I Ain’t Dead Yet”. It should be adopted as an anthem for traditional Country music. With gals like Ashton around, Country music is here to stay – despite what they try to do to it!
After all these girls, let’s give the guys a break. CHUCK WICKS has just released his debut “Starting Now” album on RCA in the States.
The soft “Stealing Cinderella” was his first single, and it’s a really good introduction song. It really shows off his voice. I really enjoyed the title track, which is a well delivered ballad.
“When You’re Single” and “What If You Stay” are similar soft ballads which suit his voice best.
Other songs have a good driving radio friendly beat. “All I Ever Wanted” is the follow up single, and opens the album, whilst “She’s Gonna Hurt Somebody” is a really good road song.
Chuck co-wrote all but one of the songs on the album. It’s quite a modern sound. I hear a bit of Brad Paisley in his style, but also guys like Phil Vasser coming through too. I’m sure Chuck will be a favourite at American Radio, and I look foreward to hearing more of his music in the future.
Talking of PHIL VASSER, Humphead have released his latest album, “Prayer Of A Common Man” here in the UK. This is Phil’s 4th album, and 4 years since his last outing.
The 12 track album was co-produced with Mark Wright, and Vasser wrote or co-wrote all but two of the tracks. It’s a modern album. There’s lots of radio friendly pop Country on here, from the catchy “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” to power ballads title track, to the driving beat of “Why Don’t Ya”, which features the Cajun influence of The Los Lonely Boys).
My favourite track would be the soft ballad, “Let Me Love You Tonight”. Some other tracks like, “Baby Rocks” are just too loud for me.
But not a bad album, as modern Nashville sounds go.
There’s no doubt that Texan artists really have traditional Country music in their blood. That certainly applies to ZANE LEWIS, whose self titled album is just what you want in real Country music.
He’s a clever guy, having left university with an advertising degree, and launched his own magazine, “Western & English Today”, which was bought out by the national “Cowboys & Indians” magazine. He used the money to launch his musical career. His first album , “This Town” landed three Texan Country Chart hits. Now Zane is going international with this new album.
It was recorded in Nashville, but is pure Country. I especially liked “Becky Brown’s Daddy”, “Even A Leaf” and “Fly” (one of only two songs he co-wrote for the album).
My favourite, though, has to be the Haggard influenced “Off The Record”.
Zane has a pure Country style, with a Texas edge. Check it out at www.zanelewismusic.com.
Memphis born, and Austin, Texas based BOB CHEEVERS is in the middle of a lengthy UK tour to promote his album, “Fiona’s World” (Berkelin Records) , The singer songwriter was so inspired by English artist Fiona Long, who sketched a picture of him & the moon at a gig in Southampton, that the whole album was largely inspired by her.
Fiona’s own vocals appear on “Pictures Of Strangers”, a song that tells about their initial meeting.
There’s two directly influenced songs, the title track, and “Fiona’s Moon”. There’s also “New Forest Girl”, which has two versions, one slower, and the other billed as “New Forest Hoedown”.
I found this to be quite an interesting album. Cheever’s musical and vocals are in the same style as Willie Nelson, and should appeal to you, if you like Willie. Check out the gig guide, and catch him if you can when he’s in tour this month!.
Closer to home, and NORMAN BORLAND is a name that many readers, especially in the West of Scotland will recognise. Norman has just released his second album, One In A Million”, which, although recorded at Stealth Recording Studio in Glasgow, is aimed at his native Irish market.
The album features 15 songs, which only a few songs are instantly recognisable. These include John Denver’s “Back Home Again” and “Somedays Are Diamonds”, and Gail Davies’ “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”.
There’s also George Strait’s “Love Without End, Amen”, Buck Owens’ “Roll Out The Red Carpet” and the more recent Josh Turner hit “Me & God”. Norman does very good covers of each of them.
The title track closes the album. It’s a sentimental little song about babies. Norman does a good version, without being over sentimental.
With a rich vocal style like Mick Flavin, it’s no surprise that he really does a good job on “The Rarest Flowers”.
I also enjoyed “Highway Of Life” and “The Same Way You Came In “.
Norman’s in fine voice throughout the album, which is well worth a listen!
It’s available on his website www.normanborland.co.uk
ONE DAY 40 is the group that picked up where the popular Evangeline left off. The band are George Adams, John Naismith, Andy Holmes and Billy Matthews, and the album “Unfinished Business” features 12 original self penned songs.
Recorded at Park Lane studios in Glasgow, the guys have put a lot of energy into the songs. As with their Evangeline material, it’s not aimed at the Country music club or linedancer. But this will appeal to both the Country fan who appreciates the talent of songwriters and original material, and the wider audience, pop & rock fans, student venues etc.
“50 Miles” is a haunting song that’s already had a bit of airplay.
Horse joins George on a duet for the acoustic “Love Aint Always Pretty”. The song is one of the highlights on the album. Probably the most Country song on the album is “Sad Cowboy”, inspired by one of their fans, who called them that.
“Unfinished Business” is a first class album. It defies labels, so should appeal to country fans, and those who think they don’t like Country music alike.
Check it out at their Myspace : www.myspace.com/oneday40
At the end of their recent visit to The Prairie Star club, I got, not one, but two CD’s from WAYNE STEWART, who is building up quite a popular following on the local scene.
The albums, “Some Dude Singing” and “Heading For Somewhere” are similar in style, and aimed, very much, at the local club audience.
There’s 14 tracks on one and 15 on the other, and include such songs as “Mi Vida Loca”, “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”, “Dance The Night Away”, “Good Hearted Woman” and “Past The Point Of Rescue”.
You’ll can check out Wayne’s whereabout’s in the gig pages.
Moving down south, and to an album from five piece Brighton based band, The DIABLOS. These guys have quite an original sound. It kinda mixes Tex Mex with 60’s pop, and still comes out Country. There is a strong guitar influence. Their album, “Welcome To The Club” kicks off with a slow ballad, but quickly picks up tempo.
I really enjoyed “Sweet Water”, whilst “What You Do” has quite an Olde English folsky feel about it, which works for them, whilst “East Coast Run” is more akin to R&R, and “Same Old Moon”has more of a relaxed Caribbean sound.
These guys certainly offer quite a variety.
Check out their website www.thediablos.com
Europe & Scandinavia has huge Country music fan bases, and some really interesting aspiring singers. CHARLEE PORTER is a young female singer-songwriter from Sweden. The talented lass has written, or co-written all 12 tracks on her self-titled album.
The CD does have a fresh songwriter, Americana sound, but tracks like “Second Chance” with its effective banjo and harmonica, really light up the album. In fact the instrumentation is quite inspiring, from Hammond organ to double bass, mellotron, dobro, lapsteel, alongside guitars and piano.
Other tracks worthy of a mention are the old timey “Red Slick Dress”, the folksy “My Great Grandma” and the catchy “If You Don’t Catch Me Now”. They all show what versality this young lady has. She really offers a lot of variety in this album.
The album is all original, all sung in English, recorded in Stockholm, and well wiorth checking out. www.charleeporter.com
Also from Sweden, is JILL JOHNSON. The Malmo native has a very polished album released here by Humphead, titled “Music Row”. Not only has she recorded the album in Nashville, the package includes a video of the making of the album, and a 24 page booklet, with lots of pictures and a very detailed journal of her time in Nashville.
The album is made of covers, but not songs that have been done to death. There’s an obvious Judds influence, with “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Why Not Me”, and there’s also two Linda Ronstadt covers (three if you count Trio’s “To Know Him Is To Love Him”). Her cover of Dolly’s “Jolene” is quite original, much slower than the hit version. She also does an incredible job on John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery”.
Canada’s Road Hammers join her on The Eagles rocker, “Life In The Fast Lane”. How neat a collaboration is that?
Jill has a superb voice that can be raunchy or tender. The production is superb, and surpasses much of the big label projects coming out of Music Row.
And finally, I’d like to introduce you to HALLUR. He’s from our near neighbours to the north, The Faroe Islands. When we’ve been in Caithness, we always make a point of listening to a superb Saturday morning Country music programme that booms in on medium wave from the islands. They seem to like their Country music very traditional. And Hallur Joensen backs up this theory with this excellent album called “Pickin’ Time In Nashville”.
As the title suggests, Hallur recorded the album in Music City. Starstruck & Cool Tools Studios to be precise. Musicians include Glenn Worf, Paul Franklin, John Hobbs, Brent Mason,Glen Duncan and even James Burton!
The sound is very traditional throughout!
It’s mainly covers, from John Prine’s “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness”, to Johnny Cash’s “Give My Love To Rose” and Charley Pryde’s “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”. He also covers a couple of lesser known Hank Williams, one of which, “Heaven Holds All My Treasures” is a beautiful duet with Laura Lee Ray. It really is a stunning performance.
Most of the songs, like the CD booklet is in English, although he has Faroese versions of “Fraulien” and “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”. Even though I don’t understand the words, they both sound superb.
This has to be the most Country album of the year – in any language! Be sure to check out www.hallurjoensen.com
We in Britain tend to discount European Country acts (like we do our own), but check these albums out. They’re as good as the Americans any day.
There’s been a lot of praise hyped on Vancouver based JESSIE FARRELL in the past few months, so I had to make a point of getting hold of her album.
The album kicks off with the very bouncy “Lets Talk About Love”, which I can see being a favourite with pop flavoured Country radio. That was followed by “I Guess”, which is even more of a pop song. She did sound more Country by track 3. “Fell Right Into You”, and that was followed by “Best Of Me”, which was getting big licks on CMT, so had kinda grown on me anyway. “Falling Asleep” is quite a nice ballad.
But sadly I was disappointed. Jessie is a good singer, and having co-written all the tracks, is obviously a talented lady. But I don’t see Country music being her natural home, and am quite surprised at the reaction she’s had in the Canadian Country music press.The album is called “Nothing Fancy” (Universal). Says it all really!
DAVE GUNNING’s album “House For Sale” proved to be a very nice listen.
Recorded in Cape Breton, and featuring 11 songs, nine if which were co-written by Dave, the album has quite a folksy feel.
But there are some stand out Country tracks.
“Cowboy’s Dream”, co-written with George Canyon (more of later) is a modern day Cowboy song. It really works well. I also enjoyed “Hard Working Hands” and “Dust To Dust” (songs of the land). The more Celtic “Colleen Malone” also works well.
I really enjoyed this album. Check it out at www.davegunning.com
Nova Scotia’s GEORGE CANYON has had great success in Canada since being runner up in the first “Nashville Star” show a few years back. His success has been with new material, but for his most recent release, he has followed Alan Jackson & Martina McBride, in doing an album of “Classics” (EMI Canada).
Here we have 13 of the biggest classics of them all, from George Jones, “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, to Don Williams “You’re My Best Friend”, to Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin”. He also covers Ray Charles, Waylon, Johnny Cash, Charley Pryde, Merle Haggard, Ray Price and Johnny Horton.
With George’s rich vocals, he does incredibily good versions of these songs. He doesn’t do much with them, keeping them in the same tradions, but does a good job.
With British artists, I’d tend to criticise any artist doing an album of covers like this. Usually it’s because they don’t have the belief in original material, and the covers aren’t good enough. In North America, it’s different. The original material is there. Folks like George have done it, but being a modern popular name doing these old covers, they’re taking these old songs to a new younger audience. Keeping the tradition alive.
It’s a while since we’ve heard of RITA MACNEILL. Best known for her “Working Man” hit, Rita is still around, although, unlike George, already appeals to a much older audience.
Her latest album is “Songs My Mother Loved” (Luprock), so the songs on here really take you back. Songs include “You Don’t Know Me”, “North To Alaska”, “Green Green Grass Of Home”, “It’s Almost Tomorrow”, “The Wayward Wind”, “Four Walls” and “From A Jack To A King”. She also covers the “Eriskay Love Lilt”.
Rita has quite an unusual vocal style, and didn’t quite know what to expect with a few of these numbers, but she manages them in her own style.
Whilst there are Country songs on here, they are songs which have crossed boundaries a long time ago. This isn’t what I’d class as a Country album, but certainly one for the nostalgists , who’ll have the originals on old ‘78’s up in the attic.
Heading out west, it’s good to see CORI BREWSTER getting a UK release for her album, “Large Bird Leaving”, in anticipation of a forthcoming tour.
I have an old album from Cori which dates back to 1994. She’s certainly changed her style since then, from a catchy commercial style to more of an acoustic, darker sound today.
Like before, Cori has written most of the songs. The exeptions being Cheryl Wheelers, “Ghandi Buddha” and “Only You” from the pen of Edith Wallace.
Wheeler is listed as an inspiration, along with Dolly, Rosanne Cash and fellow Canadian Lynn Miles. She covers Chery’s song with passion, and is certainly one of the album’s highlights.
Other tracks of note include “What Casanova” which has quite a nice Celtic feel to it.
The album’s closing track, “She’s Still Beautiful” also stands out. The sofdt accordian really adds something to the arrangement.
The album was recorded in Edmonton, Winnipeg and at home in Camrose,Alberta. For more info on Cori, check out www.coribrewster.com and hopefully we’ll see her over here soon.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
June 2008
There’s been so many CD’s recently released that there just isn’t enough time to give a really good listen to them, and not enough space in the magazine to review them all fully. But I’ll try to give credit to as many as I can here.
My Featured Album in this issue is from KATHY MATTEA. “Coal” is a themed album devoted to the mining communities of her native West Virginia, and Kentucky. But I’m sure there’ll be plenty Country fans here, who still have the coal dust in their blood, a generation after the pits closed, that will appreciate the sentiments.
The album has been produced by Marty Stuart, and together with Kathy has come up with a real old time, down home sound, that really captures the whole effect of the dark industrial coal towns.
Kathy has avoided obvious songs like “Coal Miners Daughter” and “Working Man”, choosing songs by the likes of Hazel Dickens, Billy Edd Wheeler, Darrell Scott and Merle Travis.
The album kicks off with “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore”, which may be a train song, but a train which trundelled through the communities that breathed the black stuff. Patty Loveless adds some nice harmonies to “Blue Diamond Mine”.
“The Green Rolling Hills Of West Virginia”, is possibly the best known, and most commercial song on the album. Tim & Mollie O’Brien harmonise on this track.
The most uptempo track is “Coal Tattoo”. It has a great bluegrass feel, and effective double bass at the same time.
It did strike me that these were largely male songs, but Kathy puts in such emotion to each song. No track shows this more that “Black Lung”, which Kathy performs with no backing at all. It’s a gutsy delivery on a song that describes one of the great killers of working lives .
Whilst this may not be an album destined for the top of the charts, it really is a stunning masterpiece. It has awards written all over it.
By the time you read this, “Coal” should be available here in the UK on the Proper label.
Another themed album is “Trains And Boats And Planes” from Nashville born LAURA CANTRELL. Laura was a regular visitor to Scotland until a few years ago when she began a family. She’s missed the travelling so much, she’s chosen travel for the theme for this digital album, which you can only download from websites like I-Tunes.
The 9 track collection does feature three previously released tracks, including “Yonder Comes A Freight Train” and “Big Wheel”. The title cut is the old Burt Bacharach-Hal David classic. She also covers Roger Miller’s “Train Of Life”, then turns to boats with Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald”, and to planes on The Hag’s “Silver Wings”.
I really liked “Howard Hughes Blues”, a fun, uptempo version of John Hartford’s song about the famous aviator and airline owner.
Good to hear Laura on song again.
There’s been quite a few re-issues of late. The biggest promotion is certainly for TAMMY WYNETTE’s “Stand By Your Man – The Best Of Tammy Wynette” (Sony/BMG) , which was released to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of her death.
The album went straight into the UK Album charts, proving that she has still a huge following. Tammy’s heyday was in the mid 70’s when “Stand By Your Man” and “DIVORCE” were both Top 10 hits. Other songs she recorded around then, and featured on this 20 track compilation, include “I Don’t Wanna Play House”, “Take Me To Your World”, “Til I Can Make It On My Own” and “You & Me”.
Tammy recorded quite a few duets with George Jones, and this album includes, “Near You”, “Golden Ring” and “We’re Gonna Hold On”, but it’s the original David Houston duet on “My Elusive Dream” that finds it’s way onto the album.
Tammy also had a Top 3 hit in 1992 with the dreadful “Justified & Ancient” with KLF. That song is also featured here, but apart from that, it’s a good collection to remember Tammy by. Even if you have most of these tracks, they’re probably on Vinyl. Here’s your chance to put them into your CD collection.
Sony/BMG have also released “Legend- The Best Of WILLIE NELSON”. The 20 tracks here include everything from early songs like “Crazy” and “NightLife” through to “Georgia On My Mind” and “Blue Skies” from his Stardust era.
From his outlaw days, there’s “Mamma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, and “Good Hearted Woman”, and from a few years later, there’s “Highwayman”.
There’s duets with Julio Inglesias and Ray Charles, who are listed on the CD cover, and Merle Haggard, who isn’t. No mention either of Waylon Jennings, or any of his fellow Highgwaymen.
Despite that, another good sampler of Willie Nelson music, for those who don’t have a huge Willie catalogue.
TRISHA YEARWOOD has recently parted ways with MCA Records in Nashville, but the label are getting the most out of Mrs Garth’s music as they can. Only a few months ago, a Greatest Hits was released, and now we have “Love Songs”, a 14 track compilation released here on the Hump Head label.
Trisha is a lovely singer, and had a lot of success during her 15 years at the label. She had 11 No.1 hits, and had the same number of platinum albums.
Is there a market for yet another reissue of her old material?
The songs aren’t all slow ballads, although Trisha delivers these particularly well.
The album kicks off with the uptempo “That’s What I Like About You” and her career song, “She’s In Love With The Boy”. Other big hits include “Thinkin’ About You” and the swinging “If I Aint Got You”.
But it’s the big ballads like “Down On My Knees”, “I Don’t Fall In Love So Easy”,
“I‘ll Still Love You More” and the soulful “One Love” that are the album’s real selling points.
If you’re still short on Yearwood music, this could be a nice addition to your collection.
The Humphead label have continued their “2on1” series, re-issuing two albums in one package. The latest artist in the series is LEE ANN WOMACK. Although Lee Ann, the daughter of a Texas Country DJ, first hit the Country charts in 1997, it wasn’t until “I Hope You Dance” came along in 2000, that her career really took off.
This double collection features “I Hope You Dance” and the follow up, “Something Worth Leaving Behind” , which features the hits, “He’ll Be Back”, and “Mendocino County Line”. The 26 track package also includes a great version of Don Williams’ “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good”.
These 2on1 packages are great for picking up albums that you may have missed.
Humphead also have a new release from SUGARLAND. They are a duo of Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush. “Enjoy The Ride”, is their second release, and only got its official UK release in April.
The duo first hit the American charts with “Baby Girl” a few years back, and Jennifer has gone on to have her own success dueting with Jon Bon Jovi.
This is a modern album, verging on pop, but there are some interesting numbers like “These Are The Days”, “Want To”, and “April Showers” which demonstrates Jennifer’s great southern vocal style.
The duo wrote all the songs, alongside fellow writers like Bobby Pinson, Tim Owens, Jeff Cohen and Lisa Carver. “Stay”, the song with the most simple arrangement is a full Jennifer number, writing it herself, and delivering it in a powerful and sensitive style.
The album closes with their theme song, “Sugarland”. A very enjoyable album, one for the modern Country fan, which, at the same time doesn’t alienate the tradionalists.
MICHELLE WRIGHT is a longtime Canadian Country sweetheart, and a new album is always worth checking out. “Everything And More” is no exception. Michelle has always had one of the most powerful voices in Country music, and can deliver soulful ballads like she does here with “I Don’t Want To Be That Strong”, and “I’ve Forgotten You”
You may recall Michelle tugging at the heartstrings a few years back, when her “He Would Be Sixteen” tackled the subject of adoption. This time around, she has a song, “Love Me Anyway”, about thirtysomething woman having trouble having a family, She certainly will touch a few nerves with this song, which she delivers with such passion.
She can also deliver more uptempo numbers. Here, I particularly liked the radio friendly album opener, “Everything And More”, “In The Blink Of An Eye”, (both co-written with pal Patricia Conroy and Gerald O’Brien. They make a good team. I also liked “You Cant Lose Them All”, and her version of “My Give A Damn’s Busted” (Previously a hit for JoDee Messina) sure has a kick to it.
“Everything And More” has a worldwide release. Check www.michelle-wright.com for details.
Another Canadian worth watching is KATHLEEN EDWARDS who has just released “Asking For Flowers” (Zoe/ Rounder Records). Kathleen got great reviews for her “Back to Me” album in 2005. She has done a lot of touring since then, and has been working on this new record since the start of 2007.
Kathleen wrote all 11 tracks on the album, and, as with many singer songwriters, the songs display a whole range of emotions. “
The album’s opening track, “Buffallo” and title tracks “Asking For Flowers”, are particularly nice numbers. I also liked “Scared At Night”, which seemed to suit her voice best .“Goodbye California, has a 1 minute 22 second intro (and runs to over 6 minutes long).
The straightest Country song has to be “I Make The Dough,You Get The Glory”. Other uptempo tracks include “Oil Mans War” and “The Cheapest Key”.
There’s also “Oh Canada”- no, it’s not her national anthem, but a rockin’ way to put over a political point or two.
There’s no doubt that GEORGE STRAIT is one of Country’s greatest ever performers. The quiet Texan has been around since the early 80’s and is still at the top. This latest album, “Troubadour”, was released here on the Humphead label to coincide with it’s US release.
Produced with Tony Brown, George has once again got the best of Music Row writers on board, including Leslie Satcher, Buddy Cannon, Doug Johnson, Dennis Morgan,Al Anderson, Robert Earl Keen, and of course Dean Dillon.
Strait has recorded many Dean Dillon numbers throughout the years, and this time around, Dillon (one a recording artist in his own right) duets on the Texas swinging “West Texas Town”.
Patty Loveless also pops by to share her vocals on “House Of Cash”, a song about Johnny Cash’s former home burning down a few years ago.
Stand out tracks include “Brothers Of The Highway” , “Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song”,
He’ll no doubt add to his 62 million albums sold to date, with this superb new album. He just doesn’t let you down. .
TIFT MERRITT recently played Edinburgh’s Pleasance Theatre, where she promoted her new album, “Another Country”. This is the Carolina born singer-songwriter’s third album, after “Bramble Rose” and the Grammy nominated “Tambourine”.
Tift took herself away from touring for a while, and found herself in Paris. Her time there inspired the writing on this album, for which she teamed up with producer, George Drakoulias.
As with her previous albums, this is a very acoustic affair, with very simple arrangements which show Tift’s lovely voice off. The title track is one of the strongest tracks, but I also enjoyed “Keep You Happy”.
“My Heart Is Free”, “Something To Me” and “I Know What I’m Looking For Now” are a bit more uptempo, and feature a bit more instrumentation, but the lady’s voice still shines through.
There’s no doubt when it comes to GENE WATSON. He’s pure Country. Although his return to Scotland is long overdue, he has been visiting Ireland quite regularly, so hopefully we’ll get to see him someday soon.
In the meantime, his new Shanachie label release “In A Perfect World”, shows that the singer is still in great voice, and singing some great Country material. Although he’s on a label, more associated with folk music, this is 100% pure Country, recorded in Nashville with Brent Rowen, Hargus Pig Robbins, and Sonny Garrish amongst the players. Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran and Tim Mensy are amongst the writers, and Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Joe Nichols and Lee Ann Womack are amongst the guests.
He covers a couple of classics. He really does a good job on The Hag’s “Today I Started Loving You Again”, which has some nice harmonies from Lee Ann Womack.
On “Together Again”, he’s joined by Rhonda Vincent, and what a great version they do. I cant pick out any favourite tracks- they’re all great. A superb Country album.
CARLENE CARTER will be no stranger to readers. But “Stronger” (Yep Roc) is her first album of new material for 13 years! Her life in that time has been quite tough, losing her long time partner, mother, sister and step dad. She also had well reported brushes with the law herself.
But this album does find her back stronger than ever. The songs do reflect the issues that have affected her in recent years. Some are quite dark, others happy and bright.
Her style of music hasn’t changed. She’s always had a unique sound. She’s always had a twangy guitar sound to a lot of her music, a sound that blends a modern sound to her vocals. which lovingly keeps that Carter Family sound alive.
My favourite tracks are the more uptempo “Break My Little Heart In Too”, and “To Change My Heart”.
RANDY THOMPSON is heavily influenced by Steve Young, and that comes across on “Further On”. His new album on the Jackpot label is a good mix of hard driving outlaw and southern rock.
Indeed, he dedicates “Songbird” to Young.
“Goin’ Down To Lynchburg Town” sounds very Steve Young. It’s quite heavy on instrumentation, yet I feel it’s a song that could really have justified a simple bluegrass arrangement.
“Ol’ 97” is a good fast paced train song, whilst he slows things down on “Riptide”, which really shows Randy’s voice to it’s best advantage.
“Rocksalt & Nails” is quite a soft number too, with fiddles making their mark. The album’s title track, which closes the album, is the most traditional Country number on the collection. The lyrics were written by his grandfather Wesley Sober, and found on an old yellowed piece of paper after he died. He certainly done the words justice.
If you like the outlaw sound, this one’s certainly for you.
From Ireland, we’ve a new album from STEPHEN SMYTH. Stephen has a really good voice, and a music style that, like a lot of Irish acts, is great for dancing to.
His 4th album, “Somewhere Under The Rainbow” features 12 tracks, including “Should’ve Asked Her Faster”, and the catchy “Holding A Good Hand”.
He includes two Ray Price covers, ”Soft Rain” and “Take Back Your Old Love Letters”, which work really well. He also does a fair job on “Walk Through This World With Me”.
He tries a bit of western swing with “When In Texas”, and comes home again, with his own composition, “This Is My Home”, which I really enjoyed.
He also features a cover of “Halfway To Paradise”, but does it in a showband style, which certainly is different..
A good album, from one of Ireland’s current big names.
Bluegrass music certainly seems to be in popular demand these days.
From Holland, LIZ MEYER sent her album, “The Storm” (Strictly Country Records), which boasts the musicianship of the likes of Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan amongst others. She certainly has teamed up with Nashville’s elite when recording the album, but this is her album, self produced, and written (except one instrumental track) by the lady herself.
Whilst the album is 100% bluegrass, I did find “Pulled In Both Directions” a bit pop sounding, but that was the only blemish in an otherwise beautiful album.
My favourite tracks would be the banjo influenced “Someday You Will” and the breezy “The Only Wind That Blows”.
You can check Liz and her music out at www.strictlycountryrecords.com.
Liz has also released a double CD compilation of acts who have made their mark on the European Bluegrass scene. The title is “10 Years Of European World Of Bluegrass”, and available through the same website.
It features Americans like Claire Lynch, Bill Clifton, Kate McKenzie,Bob Paisley and Laurie Lewis alongside a selection from over a dozen European countries. You may recognise Rolls Boys, Relief and Monogram who have all toured here for the Scottish Bluegrass Music Association.
The music is all first class, features some multinational collaborations, and certainly proves that Bluegrass isn’t an American domain, and that the Czech and Slovak Republic’s can certainly give Kentucky a run for their money.
Sticking with bluegrass, CORINNE WEST recently played concerts in Dunfermline & Rutherglen as part of a lengthy UK tour to promote her “Second Sight” CD.
Radio 2’s Bob Harris admitted to being “a massive fan” of this lady.
Her album certainly made for a refreshing listen.
Although essentially a fast moving bluegrass album, Corinne slows up for the softer “Hand Full Of Gold”, “Roses To Rust”, “Writing On The Wall” and beautifully celtic flavoured “All Good Things”.
But it’s the uptempo traditional bluegrass tunes like “ Diamonds In The Wind” , “Lost & Found” and the title track which really works best for me!.
BECKY SCHLEGEL grew up in South Dakota, but now lives in Minnesota. Her new album, “For All The World To See” gets it’s national US release on June 17th, but we have a copy. It’s a lovely blend of old time and bluegrass.
Some of the songs like “Lonely” and “Spotlight” have very simple arrangements, and suit Becky’s vocal style, not unlike Alison Krauss.
There are some fast paced bluegrass, especially tracks like “99%”, “Best Time Of The Day”, and the banjo flavoured “I Need Your Love”.
In between, there’s songs like “Sound Of Your Voice”, “Jenny” and “Hills Of South Dakota”, where her voice comes over slightly stronger, and really works. I also enjoyed “Bound For Tennessee”.
Becky is a new name to me, but I’m sure this album will impress many purists. You can check her out at www.beckyschlegel.com or on her Myspace www.MySpace.com/beckyschlegelcom .
Of you like western music, then a couple of new releases will be of interest.
I had heard of BRENN HILL before. This is the sixth album from the Utah Cowboy, whose music is certainly from the same stable as Chris Ledoux..
“What’s A Man Got To Do” features 15 songs, all written by Brenn, who also produced the whole project. Whilst his music is more modern than the old western song, the music still conjours up images of the old west and wide open spaces.
He has ballads of local heroes in Pogue and Elms, and Buffalo Brogan and Jeremiah. Whether they were real, or Brenn has used his imagination, he certainly does it well.
My favourites have to include “Oakbrush” , with it’s effective banjo, “The Onyx Mine”, “Sweetwater Beach” and the fiddle inspired “Jeremiah’s Last Stand”.
Western music is a rare art these days. It’s great to hear the like of Brenn Hill still keeping Country AND Western alive, and doing it so well.
Given more of a push over here, I think British audiences would really enjoy his music.
Now if real traditional cowboy music is your forte. Then RW HAMPTON is the guy for you. I recently received 4 of the 8 albums he’s released over the past 11 years. The latest release is “Oklahoma… Where The West Remains”, which is billed as a Centennial journey in story and song between 1907-2007.
It seems hard to believe that America was still being formed just a hundred years ago. Oklahoma was the 46th state, entering the Union as recently as 1907. This album is a beautiful soundtrack to the state, from it’s Indian and Cherokee background to it’s unique part of American life today. The project was produced by Edna McHolden and Richard E.O’Brien, who, between them, came up with most of the songs, with such titles as “Keeper Of The Plains” and “A Cowboy I Will Stay”. There are a couple of well known numbers like Cindy Walker’s “Dusty Skies” and Jack Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills”. All songs are well performed by RW, and really recapture the old western movie sound.
What really makes this album special is the short spoken links between the numbers. A great soundtrack to the wide open state of Oklahoma.
Closer to home, and a CD from south of the border to close our reviews this time.
MCKENZIE are Zoe Caryl and Kenny Plenderleith, from Epping. Their album, “Walking On Steel” has been getting good reviews especially up here.
Zoe does have a great voice, whether on the pop sounding “Lovestuck”, the bluesy “Are You Coming Out To Play” , or the slower “Step Into The Light”.
Their current single (via Rush Released CD) is “Goldrush”. It’s a really catchy number, which really shows Zoe’s voice. “Chelsea Day”, is a close second.
“My Little One” is a really catchy, if sentimental number.
Kenny also leads the vocals on “I’ve Got A Fender Guitar”.
The album closes with a Scots selection. An instrumental “Dark Isle” is followed by Zoe’s stunning version of “My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose”.
This has to be one of the best UK albums, I’ve heard in a long time, and, apart from the Scottish track, all original, and sounding it!.
www.mckenziecountry.co.uk
My Featured Album in this issue is from KATHY MATTEA. “Coal” is a themed album devoted to the mining communities of her native West Virginia, and Kentucky. But I’m sure there’ll be plenty Country fans here, who still have the coal dust in their blood, a generation after the pits closed, that will appreciate the sentiments.
The album has been produced by Marty Stuart, and together with Kathy has come up with a real old time, down home sound, that really captures the whole effect of the dark industrial coal towns.
Kathy has avoided obvious songs like “Coal Miners Daughter” and “Working Man”, choosing songs by the likes of Hazel Dickens, Billy Edd Wheeler, Darrell Scott and Merle Travis.
The album kicks off with “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore”, which may be a train song, but a train which trundelled through the communities that breathed the black stuff. Patty Loveless adds some nice harmonies to “Blue Diamond Mine”.
“The Green Rolling Hills Of West Virginia”, is possibly the best known, and most commercial song on the album. Tim & Mollie O’Brien harmonise on this track.
The most uptempo track is “Coal Tattoo”. It has a great bluegrass feel, and effective double bass at the same time.
It did strike me that these were largely male songs, but Kathy puts in such emotion to each song. No track shows this more that “Black Lung”, which Kathy performs with no backing at all. It’s a gutsy delivery on a song that describes one of the great killers of working lives .
Whilst this may not be an album destined for the top of the charts, it really is a stunning masterpiece. It has awards written all over it.
By the time you read this, “Coal” should be available here in the UK on the Proper label.
Another themed album is “Trains And Boats And Planes” from Nashville born LAURA CANTRELL. Laura was a regular visitor to Scotland until a few years ago when she began a family. She’s missed the travelling so much, she’s chosen travel for the theme for this digital album, which you can only download from websites like I-Tunes.
The 9 track collection does feature three previously released tracks, including “Yonder Comes A Freight Train” and “Big Wheel”. The title cut is the old Burt Bacharach-Hal David classic. She also covers Roger Miller’s “Train Of Life”, then turns to boats with Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald”, and to planes on The Hag’s “Silver Wings”.
I really liked “Howard Hughes Blues”, a fun, uptempo version of John Hartford’s song about the famous aviator and airline owner.
Good to hear Laura on song again.
There’s been quite a few re-issues of late. The biggest promotion is certainly for TAMMY WYNETTE’s “Stand By Your Man – The Best Of Tammy Wynette” (Sony/BMG) , which was released to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of her death.
The album went straight into the UK Album charts, proving that she has still a huge following. Tammy’s heyday was in the mid 70’s when “Stand By Your Man” and “DIVORCE” were both Top 10 hits. Other songs she recorded around then, and featured on this 20 track compilation, include “I Don’t Wanna Play House”, “Take Me To Your World”, “Til I Can Make It On My Own” and “You & Me”.
Tammy recorded quite a few duets with George Jones, and this album includes, “Near You”, “Golden Ring” and “We’re Gonna Hold On”, but it’s the original David Houston duet on “My Elusive Dream” that finds it’s way onto the album.
Tammy also had a Top 3 hit in 1992 with the dreadful “Justified & Ancient” with KLF. That song is also featured here, but apart from that, it’s a good collection to remember Tammy by. Even if you have most of these tracks, they’re probably on Vinyl. Here’s your chance to put them into your CD collection.
Sony/BMG have also released “Legend- The Best Of WILLIE NELSON”. The 20 tracks here include everything from early songs like “Crazy” and “NightLife” through to “Georgia On My Mind” and “Blue Skies” from his Stardust era.
From his outlaw days, there’s “Mamma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, and “Good Hearted Woman”, and from a few years later, there’s “Highwayman”.
There’s duets with Julio Inglesias and Ray Charles, who are listed on the CD cover, and Merle Haggard, who isn’t. No mention either of Waylon Jennings, or any of his fellow Highgwaymen.
Despite that, another good sampler of Willie Nelson music, for those who don’t have a huge Willie catalogue.
TRISHA YEARWOOD has recently parted ways with MCA Records in Nashville, but the label are getting the most out of Mrs Garth’s music as they can. Only a few months ago, a Greatest Hits was released, and now we have “Love Songs”, a 14 track compilation released here on the Hump Head label.
Trisha is a lovely singer, and had a lot of success during her 15 years at the label. She had 11 No.1 hits, and had the same number of platinum albums.
Is there a market for yet another reissue of her old material?
The songs aren’t all slow ballads, although Trisha delivers these particularly well.
The album kicks off with the uptempo “That’s What I Like About You” and her career song, “She’s In Love With The Boy”. Other big hits include “Thinkin’ About You” and the swinging “If I Aint Got You”.
But it’s the big ballads like “Down On My Knees”, “I Don’t Fall In Love So Easy”,
“I‘ll Still Love You More” and the soulful “One Love” that are the album’s real selling points.
If you’re still short on Yearwood music, this could be a nice addition to your collection.
The Humphead label have continued their “2on1” series, re-issuing two albums in one package. The latest artist in the series is LEE ANN WOMACK. Although Lee Ann, the daughter of a Texas Country DJ, first hit the Country charts in 1997, it wasn’t until “I Hope You Dance” came along in 2000, that her career really took off.
This double collection features “I Hope You Dance” and the follow up, “Something Worth Leaving Behind” , which features the hits, “He’ll Be Back”, and “Mendocino County Line”. The 26 track package also includes a great version of Don Williams’ “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good”.
These 2on1 packages are great for picking up albums that you may have missed.
Humphead also have a new release from SUGARLAND. They are a duo of Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush. “Enjoy The Ride”, is their second release, and only got its official UK release in April.
The duo first hit the American charts with “Baby Girl” a few years back, and Jennifer has gone on to have her own success dueting with Jon Bon Jovi.
This is a modern album, verging on pop, but there are some interesting numbers like “These Are The Days”, “Want To”, and “April Showers” which demonstrates Jennifer’s great southern vocal style.
The duo wrote all the songs, alongside fellow writers like Bobby Pinson, Tim Owens, Jeff Cohen and Lisa Carver. “Stay”, the song with the most simple arrangement is a full Jennifer number, writing it herself, and delivering it in a powerful and sensitive style.
The album closes with their theme song, “Sugarland”. A very enjoyable album, one for the modern Country fan, which, at the same time doesn’t alienate the tradionalists.
MICHELLE WRIGHT is a longtime Canadian Country sweetheart, and a new album is always worth checking out. “Everything And More” is no exception. Michelle has always had one of the most powerful voices in Country music, and can deliver soulful ballads like she does here with “I Don’t Want To Be That Strong”, and “I’ve Forgotten You”
You may recall Michelle tugging at the heartstrings a few years back, when her “He Would Be Sixteen” tackled the subject of adoption. This time around, she has a song, “Love Me Anyway”, about thirtysomething woman having trouble having a family, She certainly will touch a few nerves with this song, which she delivers with such passion.
She can also deliver more uptempo numbers. Here, I particularly liked the radio friendly album opener, “Everything And More”, “In The Blink Of An Eye”, (both co-written with pal Patricia Conroy and Gerald O’Brien. They make a good team. I also liked “You Cant Lose Them All”, and her version of “My Give A Damn’s Busted” (Previously a hit for JoDee Messina) sure has a kick to it.
“Everything And More” has a worldwide release. Check www.michelle-wright.com for details.
Another Canadian worth watching is KATHLEEN EDWARDS who has just released “Asking For Flowers” (Zoe/ Rounder Records). Kathleen got great reviews for her “Back to Me” album in 2005. She has done a lot of touring since then, and has been working on this new record since the start of 2007.
Kathleen wrote all 11 tracks on the album, and, as with many singer songwriters, the songs display a whole range of emotions. “
The album’s opening track, “Buffallo” and title tracks “Asking For Flowers”, are particularly nice numbers. I also liked “Scared At Night”, which seemed to suit her voice best .“Goodbye California, has a 1 minute 22 second intro (and runs to over 6 minutes long).
The straightest Country song has to be “I Make The Dough,You Get The Glory”. Other uptempo tracks include “Oil Mans War” and “The Cheapest Key”.
There’s also “Oh Canada”- no, it’s not her national anthem, but a rockin’ way to put over a political point or two.
There’s no doubt that GEORGE STRAIT is one of Country’s greatest ever performers. The quiet Texan has been around since the early 80’s and is still at the top. This latest album, “Troubadour”, was released here on the Humphead label to coincide with it’s US release.
Produced with Tony Brown, George has once again got the best of Music Row writers on board, including Leslie Satcher, Buddy Cannon, Doug Johnson, Dennis Morgan,Al Anderson, Robert Earl Keen, and of course Dean Dillon.
Strait has recorded many Dean Dillon numbers throughout the years, and this time around, Dillon (one a recording artist in his own right) duets on the Texas swinging “West Texas Town”.
Patty Loveless also pops by to share her vocals on “House Of Cash”, a song about Johnny Cash’s former home burning down a few years ago.
Stand out tracks include “Brothers Of The Highway” , “Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song”,
He’ll no doubt add to his 62 million albums sold to date, with this superb new album. He just doesn’t let you down. .
TIFT MERRITT recently played Edinburgh’s Pleasance Theatre, where she promoted her new album, “Another Country”. This is the Carolina born singer-songwriter’s third album, after “Bramble Rose” and the Grammy nominated “Tambourine”.
Tift took herself away from touring for a while, and found herself in Paris. Her time there inspired the writing on this album, for which she teamed up with producer, George Drakoulias.
As with her previous albums, this is a very acoustic affair, with very simple arrangements which show Tift’s lovely voice off. The title track is one of the strongest tracks, but I also enjoyed “Keep You Happy”.
“My Heart Is Free”, “Something To Me” and “I Know What I’m Looking For Now” are a bit more uptempo, and feature a bit more instrumentation, but the lady’s voice still shines through.
There’s no doubt when it comes to GENE WATSON. He’s pure Country. Although his return to Scotland is long overdue, he has been visiting Ireland quite regularly, so hopefully we’ll get to see him someday soon.
In the meantime, his new Shanachie label release “In A Perfect World”, shows that the singer is still in great voice, and singing some great Country material. Although he’s on a label, more associated with folk music, this is 100% pure Country, recorded in Nashville with Brent Rowen, Hargus Pig Robbins, and Sonny Garrish amongst the players. Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran and Tim Mensy are amongst the writers, and Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Joe Nichols and Lee Ann Womack are amongst the guests.
He covers a couple of classics. He really does a good job on The Hag’s “Today I Started Loving You Again”, which has some nice harmonies from Lee Ann Womack.
On “Together Again”, he’s joined by Rhonda Vincent, and what a great version they do. I cant pick out any favourite tracks- they’re all great. A superb Country album.
CARLENE CARTER will be no stranger to readers. But “Stronger” (Yep Roc) is her first album of new material for 13 years! Her life in that time has been quite tough, losing her long time partner, mother, sister and step dad. She also had well reported brushes with the law herself.
But this album does find her back stronger than ever. The songs do reflect the issues that have affected her in recent years. Some are quite dark, others happy and bright.
Her style of music hasn’t changed. She’s always had a unique sound. She’s always had a twangy guitar sound to a lot of her music, a sound that blends a modern sound to her vocals. which lovingly keeps that Carter Family sound alive.
My favourite tracks are the more uptempo “Break My Little Heart In Too”, and “To Change My Heart”.
RANDY THOMPSON is heavily influenced by Steve Young, and that comes across on “Further On”. His new album on the Jackpot label is a good mix of hard driving outlaw and southern rock.
Indeed, he dedicates “Songbird” to Young.
“Goin’ Down To Lynchburg Town” sounds very Steve Young. It’s quite heavy on instrumentation, yet I feel it’s a song that could really have justified a simple bluegrass arrangement.
“Ol’ 97” is a good fast paced train song, whilst he slows things down on “Riptide”, which really shows Randy’s voice to it’s best advantage.
“Rocksalt & Nails” is quite a soft number too, with fiddles making their mark. The album’s title track, which closes the album, is the most traditional Country number on the collection. The lyrics were written by his grandfather Wesley Sober, and found on an old yellowed piece of paper after he died. He certainly done the words justice.
If you like the outlaw sound, this one’s certainly for you.
From Ireland, we’ve a new album from STEPHEN SMYTH. Stephen has a really good voice, and a music style that, like a lot of Irish acts, is great for dancing to.
His 4th album, “Somewhere Under The Rainbow” features 12 tracks, including “Should’ve Asked Her Faster”, and the catchy “Holding A Good Hand”.
He includes two Ray Price covers, ”Soft Rain” and “Take Back Your Old Love Letters”, which work really well. He also does a fair job on “Walk Through This World With Me”.
He tries a bit of western swing with “When In Texas”, and comes home again, with his own composition, “This Is My Home”, which I really enjoyed.
He also features a cover of “Halfway To Paradise”, but does it in a showband style, which certainly is different..
A good album, from one of Ireland’s current big names.
Bluegrass music certainly seems to be in popular demand these days.
From Holland, LIZ MEYER sent her album, “The Storm” (Strictly Country Records), which boasts the musicianship of the likes of Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan amongst others. She certainly has teamed up with Nashville’s elite when recording the album, but this is her album, self produced, and written (except one instrumental track) by the lady herself.
Whilst the album is 100% bluegrass, I did find “Pulled In Both Directions” a bit pop sounding, but that was the only blemish in an otherwise beautiful album.
My favourite tracks would be the banjo influenced “Someday You Will” and the breezy “The Only Wind That Blows”.
You can check Liz and her music out at www.strictlycountryrecords.com.
Liz has also released a double CD compilation of acts who have made their mark on the European Bluegrass scene. The title is “10 Years Of European World Of Bluegrass”, and available through the same website.
It features Americans like Claire Lynch, Bill Clifton, Kate McKenzie,Bob Paisley and Laurie Lewis alongside a selection from over a dozen European countries. You may recognise Rolls Boys, Relief and Monogram who have all toured here for the Scottish Bluegrass Music Association.
The music is all first class, features some multinational collaborations, and certainly proves that Bluegrass isn’t an American domain, and that the Czech and Slovak Republic’s can certainly give Kentucky a run for their money.
Sticking with bluegrass, CORINNE WEST recently played concerts in Dunfermline & Rutherglen as part of a lengthy UK tour to promote her “Second Sight” CD.
Radio 2’s Bob Harris admitted to being “a massive fan” of this lady.
Her album certainly made for a refreshing listen.
Although essentially a fast moving bluegrass album, Corinne slows up for the softer “Hand Full Of Gold”, “Roses To Rust”, “Writing On The Wall” and beautifully celtic flavoured “All Good Things”.
But it’s the uptempo traditional bluegrass tunes like “ Diamonds In The Wind” , “Lost & Found” and the title track which really works best for me!.
BECKY SCHLEGEL grew up in South Dakota, but now lives in Minnesota. Her new album, “For All The World To See” gets it’s national US release on June 17th, but we have a copy. It’s a lovely blend of old time and bluegrass.
Some of the songs like “Lonely” and “Spotlight” have very simple arrangements, and suit Becky’s vocal style, not unlike Alison Krauss.
There are some fast paced bluegrass, especially tracks like “99%”, “Best Time Of The Day”, and the banjo flavoured “I Need Your Love”.
In between, there’s songs like “Sound Of Your Voice”, “Jenny” and “Hills Of South Dakota”, where her voice comes over slightly stronger, and really works. I also enjoyed “Bound For Tennessee”.
Becky is a new name to me, but I’m sure this album will impress many purists. You can check her out at www.beckyschlegel.com or on her Myspace www.MySpace.com/beckyschlegelcom .
Of you like western music, then a couple of new releases will be of interest.
I had heard of BRENN HILL before. This is the sixth album from the Utah Cowboy, whose music is certainly from the same stable as Chris Ledoux..
“What’s A Man Got To Do” features 15 songs, all written by Brenn, who also produced the whole project. Whilst his music is more modern than the old western song, the music still conjours up images of the old west and wide open spaces.
He has ballads of local heroes in Pogue and Elms, and Buffalo Brogan and Jeremiah. Whether they were real, or Brenn has used his imagination, he certainly does it well.
My favourites have to include “Oakbrush” , with it’s effective banjo, “The Onyx Mine”, “Sweetwater Beach” and the fiddle inspired “Jeremiah’s Last Stand”.
Western music is a rare art these days. It’s great to hear the like of Brenn Hill still keeping Country AND Western alive, and doing it so well.
Given more of a push over here, I think British audiences would really enjoy his music.
Now if real traditional cowboy music is your forte. Then RW HAMPTON is the guy for you. I recently received 4 of the 8 albums he’s released over the past 11 years. The latest release is “Oklahoma… Where The West Remains”, which is billed as a Centennial journey in story and song between 1907-2007.
It seems hard to believe that America was still being formed just a hundred years ago. Oklahoma was the 46th state, entering the Union as recently as 1907. This album is a beautiful soundtrack to the state, from it’s Indian and Cherokee background to it’s unique part of American life today. The project was produced by Edna McHolden and Richard E.O’Brien, who, between them, came up with most of the songs, with such titles as “Keeper Of The Plains” and “A Cowboy I Will Stay”. There are a couple of well known numbers like Cindy Walker’s “Dusty Skies” and Jack Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills”. All songs are well performed by RW, and really recapture the old western movie sound.
What really makes this album special is the short spoken links between the numbers. A great soundtrack to the wide open state of Oklahoma.
Closer to home, and a CD from south of the border to close our reviews this time.
MCKENZIE are Zoe Caryl and Kenny Plenderleith, from Epping. Their album, “Walking On Steel” has been getting good reviews especially up here.
Zoe does have a great voice, whether on the pop sounding “Lovestuck”, the bluesy “Are You Coming Out To Play” , or the slower “Step Into The Light”.
Their current single (via Rush Released CD) is “Goldrush”. It’s a really catchy number, which really shows Zoe’s voice. “Chelsea Day”, is a close second.
“My Little One” is a really catchy, if sentimental number.
Kenny also leads the vocals on “I’ve Got A Fender Guitar”.
The album closes with a Scots selection. An instrumental “Dark Isle” is followed by Zoe’s stunning version of “My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose”.
This has to be one of the best UK albums, I’ve heard in a long time, and, apart from the Scottish track, all original, and sounding it!.
www.mckenziecountry.co.uk
April 2008
CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH
Under Blue Skies – Rosette
Charlie has established himself as one of Britain’s premier songwriters, with classics like “What Colour Is The Wind” and “My Forever Friend” to his credit. A British singer singing his own songs is such a rarity in Country circles, that Charlie has established such a niche for himself.
On this album, and during his recent tour, Charlie has strayed from his own pen however, and is paying homage to his heroes- the songwriters who inspired him.
Among them, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, and , of course Lennon & McCartney.
But don’t fear. Charlie has still contributed 10 of the 17 tracks on this new release.
The covers include two classics, “You Don’t Know Me” and “Moon River”, which Charlie does a superb laid back job on. He also gives credit to to Gordon Lightfoot numbers, “Early Morning Rain” and “Cotton Jenny”.
Sharing a Merseyside heritage with The Beatles, he has to include one of their numbers, and has selected “Here,There & Everywhere”. Also worth a listen is his version of the much covered John Prine penned “Speed Of The Sound Of Lonelines”.
Charlie’s own songs are consistently of a high quality. Stand out tracks include the opening two numbers. “Speak To Me Darling”, which has already had a fair bit of airplay. That’s followed by the truly gorgeous “Beautiful To Me”, which shows the gentle giant’s romantic side.
He gets a little bit rockier on “Long Way Down”, “Long Way To Go” and the catchy “Bullet In Your Gun”, which adds some variety to the album. I also enjoyed “Some Mothers Son”, and “Good For My Heart”, both of which I can hear featuring on radio.
It’s a good solid album from Charlie, which can only enhance his fan base.
Not only that, but the CD comes with a 10 track bonus CD of live cuts from the man’s concerts, include “Innisfree”, a Beatles medley, and his first single “I Will Love You All My Life”.
Great Value For Money!
THOMAS MAGUIRE & FHIONA ENNIS
We’re Still Together – Nell Records
Ireland consistently provides us with excellent easy listening Country, and this couple do nothing to change the popular format. What they do have to offer is a unique blend of vocal duets, which, apart from Daniel & Mary, don’t happen too often.
This duo have been around since 2005, when both had separate bands and careers, but the success of “Promised To John”, led them to further their collaborations.
Like many Irish acts, this is essentially a Middle of The Road album, with a blend of Country tunes like “Tennessee Waltz” and David Ball’s “Please Feed The Jukebox”, to classic pop, like Dylan’s “End Of The Line” and The Dooleys’ “A Rose Has To Die”. There’s a couple of Irish tunes about the “Little Homestead Cottage” and a cover of Johnny McEvoy’s “Long Before Your Time”. Isla Grant also contributes “Love Me Tonight”.
Musicians include Gay Brazil, Clive Cuthbertson and Charlie Arkins.
The sound is superb. The voices blend beautifully. And the song choice, whilst not 100% Country by any means, works well.
Altogether, a first class Irish MoR Country album!
TERRI CLARK
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
This Canadian sweetheart first hit the charts in 1995 with “Better Things To Do”, and quickly became recognised as a new generation Loretta Lynn, by voicing the woman’s side of things. Times move on, and newcomers like Gretchen Wilson have kinda put Terri into the background, but she has still has had time to establish herself as a pioneer for the modern woman in Country music.
She has a gutsy sound, best evident in tracks like “Better Things To Do” , “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, ”Emotional Girl” , “A Little Gasoline”, “I Just Wanna Be Mad” , “I Wanna Do It All” and “Girls Lie Too”.
They were all sizable hits both in America, and her native Canada. However, when you find such a winning formula, it creates a problem when it comes to marketing a greatest hits collection like this.
I love Terri’s music, but hearing all her hits together here on one album, I had a sense of déjà vu. So many of the hits here sound very similar.
There are powerful ballads here too, including “If I Were You”, “Just The Same”,”No Fear”, and my favourite, “Now That I Found You”, but they are rather shadowed by the more uptempo tracks.
Nevertheless, with no less than 21 tracks, it’s a great value package to add to your collection. There’s also a 16 page booklet with all the song lyrics, and sleeve notes from Alan Cackett.
WILLIE NELSON
Moment Of Forever = Lost Highway
Whilst he’s on the upper side of 70, Willie Nelson shows no signs of slowing down. Of course he’s back here in May, and is still releasing albums more regularly than many of today’s top acts.
He never follows a safe route. His albums are always diverse, and this new collection is no different.
He features songs written by Kris Kristofferson, Randy Newman, Paul Craft, Guy Clark, Dean Dillon and Bob Dylan. There’s also two of his own songs.
“Always Now” is a polished ballad, which is rather commercial by Willie’s standards. Very enjoyable though! He also wrote “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore”. This is quite a catchy number, and even has a punchline at the end, which he fails to deliver because “You Dont Think I’m Funny Anymore”. That was funny!
He teams up with Kenny Chesney for a duet on the bluesy “Worry B Gone”. His cover of Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” is fairly heavy, but this album covers quite a variety of styles.
Kristofferson’s “Moment of Forever” (the title track) features some nice harmonica, which makes the track stand out.
The Randy Newman penned “Louisiana” is a beautiful tribute to the floods that devastated New Orleans. As you’d expect there’s a tasteful Cajun feel in the backing.
My favourite track, and the stand out Country song is the down home “When I Was Young And Grandma Wasn’t Old”. What a great title!
It must be quite expensive to be a Willie Nelson fan, but this is certainly one that you’ll want to add to your collection.
MERLE HAGGARD
From The King To The Barrooms – Humphead
This 24 track collection from The Hag has an interesting concept, that sadly doesn’t quite work. Essentially, it’s a collection put together from his short time on MCA between 1977-1981. Despite only charting a dozen or so hit singles during this time (his lifetime tally is over 100), he did record some really superb honky tonk material, and many of the tracks are featured here, including “Misery & Gin”, “Back To The Barrooms Again”, “Leonard”, “Footlights”, “Red Bandana”, “If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday”, and “Rambling Fever”.
Shortly after joining the label, Elvis died, and Merle was quick out of the studio with the Top 5 hit “From Graceland To The Promised Land”, which was a very credible tribute.
But this album tries to build on that. As well as the tribute song, we have Merle covering several Elvis songs, like “Love Me Tender”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, “Blue Suede Shoes” , “Don’t Be Cruel” and “That’s All Right”.
Merle is a great singer, and Elvis had some great songs, but Merle does nothing for these songs, and the songs do nothing for Merle.
For the Country and Honky tonk songs, this album is a great memory of a short period in Haggard’s career. But skip the Elvis songs.
Like the Terri Clark release, Alan Cackett has written a detailed introduction in the 16 page booklet that supports the CD.
ELIZABETH COOK
Balls – 31 Tigers Records
This young lady, from Florida, has wowed Grand Ole Opry crowds in Tennessee for the last couple of years, and hit Scotland with a bang when she supported Suzy Bogguss during her recent Celtic Connections gig in Glasgow.
She possesses a wonderful southern drawl, and a wicked sense of humour. Her vocal style, combined with excellent musicians like Tim Carroll, Richard Bennett, and Rodney Crowell, who produced this album, blend together for the most Country album to emerge out of Nashville for many years.
She has fun filled uptempo numbers like the title track, “Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman”, (stating her claim as the modern day Loretta Lynn), the man-bashing “He Got No Heart”, and the music business bashing “Times Are Tough In Rock’n’roll”.
She can also deliver a mean ballad, as she shows on tracks like “Always Tomorrow”, written by Tim Carroll, “Sunday Morning” and “Rest Your Weary Mind”, on which she duets with Bobby Bare Jr.
She has a real vintage sound on “Don’t Go Borrowing Trouble” and “What Do I Do”, and is real apple pie flavoured downhome on “Mama’s Prayers”.
Elizabeth had a lot of fun on stage, and it comes over on the album. She has quite a unique voice, a mix of Dolly, Loretta, Iris Dement and Nanci Griffith, who joins her on “Down Girl”.
She has promised to come back in the summer. In the meantime, check out this album. Simply the most Country album you’ll find around. Already my album of the year!
ANNE MURRAY
Duets,Friends & Legends – EMI
Anne Murray is a Canadian & International superstar. Her easy listening, Country flavoured hit catalogue has won her many fans over the years.
Now the lady from Springhill, Nova Scotia, who will be 63 years old in June, takes a retrospective look back at her own career, with the help of friends she’s made in the business over the years.
All her duet partners are fellow songbirds, from fellow Canadians like kd lang, Shania Twain and Jann Arden to international names like Olivia Newton John , Martina McBride & Amy Grant., and even some from the world of music, beyond Country, like Nelly Furtado, Dusty Springfield and Sarah Brightman.
The songs are all Murray classics.
The star attraction is still in superb voice, and blends beautifully with her guests.
Most interesting selections for me included the duet with Shania on “You Needed Me”. Shania was only 15 when Anne first recorded the song, but she really adds a nice note to it. Shania sounds so much at home doing classic Country numbers (as she proved on the Willie Nelson & Dolly tributes), I wish she’d do more.
Listening to this version, you realise how suitable it is for a love duet, although two female voices maybe isn’t quite the way I would’ve imagined it.
The same applies to “Could I Have This Dance”, which she shares with Amy Grant.
The collaboration with Celtic Women stood out for me. I’ve always loved “Song For The Mira”, and this version just adds that vital ingredient to make it so special.
The Dusty Springfield duet on “I Just Fall In Love Again”, uses the original vocals Dusty laid down in 1979. Apparently, both women recorded the song around the same time, but Anne’s became the bigger hit, so this is a belated “thanks for letting me have the hit” project.
The Indigo Girls add to “A Little Good News”, another of my favourites, and notable is the change of location. The original talked of the troubles in Ireland, now replaced by Gaza. Proves that someone was listening.
I even enjoyed Nelly Furtado dueting on the old Monkees hit “Daydream Believer”.
It’s good to hear these classic songs again, done slightly differently.
If you’re a Murray fan, you’ll want to add it to your collection.
SAMMY KERSHAW
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
I’ve always enjoyed Sammy Kershaw’s music, since he first charted with “Cadillac Style” back in 1991. But when this collection arrived, I realised that his music has been so overlooked.
He only had one number one, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful”, and a few others, like “Third Rate Romance”, “Love Of My Life” and “Yard Sale” got lots of radio play. But most of the 22 tracks on this collection didn’t instantly strike a chord with me.
That’s not to say that they shouldn’t have. He’s a superb vocalist, and has some great songs here, which really deserve to be heard again. So many of these songs just didn’t get enough attention when they were first released in the 1990’s.
“Honky Tonk America”, “Meant To Be”, “If You’re Gonna Walk” and “Haunted Heart” are probably best examples. If, like me, you’ve forgotten about just how good this guy is, check out this album.
DIERDRE BONNER
Remember When
Dierdre Bonner is from Donegal, the eldest of six children. She’s been involved in music since the age of six, but it’s only in the past year that she’s been getting noticed by more and more impressive fans.
I first heard this lady’s music on a couple of Irish stations a few months back, and was instantly impressed. She has the most beautiful angelic crystal clear vocal style I’ve ever heard. She’s like a young Dolly Parton, with a dash of Iris Dement, and a cute light warble that gives her a style of her own.
With backings which feature fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dobro & accordian, you start to get a feel for the acoustic sound that this album oozes.
This is the follow up to Dierdre’s acclaimed “Atlantic Bridges” album, and features 12 beautiful songs, from Country classics like “Silver Threads & Golden Needles” and “Some Days Are Diamonds”, which are done very much in her own style, and a certainly not covers.
The closest to direct covers would be Dolly’s “Wild Flowers” and “Just A Few Old Memories”, but even her version of Iris Dement’s “Infamous Angel” has it’s own fresh identity.
My favourite tracks include Shawn Colvin’s ”These Four Walls”, which features Rod McVey’s piano, and the simple arrangement of “Who Will Watch The Homeplace”, a truly beautiful song that highlights her voice.
She also covers Alan Jackson’s “Remember When”, again in her own laid back style.
This girl hasn’t yet received the attention that her voice deserves, but I’m sure it will come.
This album, and her previous CD “Atlantic Bridges” and a 5 track EP, “Get Me Through December” are available through her website www.dierdrebonner.com
ALLISON MOORER
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
Mrs Steve Earle has recently moved on from the MCA label in Nashville, so this collection features the best of the material she recorded with them.
Here’s 18 tracks, packaged with a booklet of sleevenotes by Alan Cackett and lyrics to all the songs.
The singer, also known as Shelby Lynne’s sister, first came to our attention with “A Soft Place To Fall” from Robert Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer” movie. That superb ballad is featured here, as are follow up songs such as “Send Down An Angel”, “The Hardest Part” and “Alabama Song”.
I’m glad to see the fast paced “The One That Got Away” is featured. It’s rather different than her usual material, but stands out as the best Country swing number she’s done.
Other songs featured, include “Ruby Jewell Was Here”, “ Dying Breed” , “Feeling That Feeling Again” and “Cold Cold Earth”, billed as a hidden track.
A good collection, and worth picking up if you don’t have an of Allison’s material in your collection
ALAN JACKSON
Good Time – Arista
Alan Jackson is probably the most popular modern American Country singer amongst Scottish fans. His recent album’s, one gospel, and one with Alison Krauss, may have seen him stray from his traditional footprint, but now he’s stepped back into the fold with this new 17 track collection of all self written material.
The opening title track didn’t do much for me, I have to be honest. But then “Small Town Southern Man” is trademark Alan. The other downhome southern song that stands out is “I Still Like Bologna”.
He goes on with a selection of laid back songs, like “I Wish I Could Back Up”, “When The Love Factors High” and “Listen To Your Senses”. Through these songs, I could hear an influence, I hadn’t heard with Alan before. He’s the new Don Williams !
I really liked “1976” a more uptempo autobiographical song, as the singer remembers his early loves. The strongest Country song has to be “If You Want To Make Me Happy”, with it’s Conway Twitty style talkie intro, and solid honky tonk jukebox theme to follow. The song works really well, even if you don’t appreciate the sentiments.
He really lets rip, with a good fun, pacey number on “Long Long Way” , and with Martina McBride on the pop-ish “Never Loved Before”. Their voices work well together, making a rather lightweight song sound really catchy.
He also has a little Jimmy Buffett influence evident in “Laid Back In Low Key”.
Alan Jackson proves he has the magic touch throughout this album. So many different styles, and so many good self penned songs on one album.
This one’s a must!
MARTY STUART
Whiskey & Rhinestones – The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
Another collection of tracks from the MCA vaults of the 1990’s finds 20 tracks from Marty Stuart. A few of these tracks, like “ Hillbilly Rock” and “Tempted” have become favourites on the linedance floors, but Marty Stuart is much more than these numbers.
“High On A Mountain Top”, “This One’s Gonna Hurt You”, “That’s What Loves About” and “Whiskey Aint Working Anymore” really show Marty’s 100% Country credentials. Not to mention the album finale, a live version of “Orange Blossom Special”.
You’ll also find gospel on “Come Into The House Of The Lord” , and native Americana with a 9 minute track, “Three Chiefs”.
There really is a lot to Marty Stuart. Much more than this album shows.
But it’s a good starting point!
Under Blue Skies – Rosette
Charlie has established himself as one of Britain’s premier songwriters, with classics like “What Colour Is The Wind” and “My Forever Friend” to his credit. A British singer singing his own songs is such a rarity in Country circles, that Charlie has established such a niche for himself.
On this album, and during his recent tour, Charlie has strayed from his own pen however, and is paying homage to his heroes- the songwriters who inspired him.
Among them, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, and , of course Lennon & McCartney.
But don’t fear. Charlie has still contributed 10 of the 17 tracks on this new release.
The covers include two classics, “You Don’t Know Me” and “Moon River”, which Charlie does a superb laid back job on. He also gives credit to to Gordon Lightfoot numbers, “Early Morning Rain” and “Cotton Jenny”.
Sharing a Merseyside heritage with The Beatles, he has to include one of their numbers, and has selected “Here,There & Everywhere”. Also worth a listen is his version of the much covered John Prine penned “Speed Of The Sound Of Lonelines”.
Charlie’s own songs are consistently of a high quality. Stand out tracks include the opening two numbers. “Speak To Me Darling”, which has already had a fair bit of airplay. That’s followed by the truly gorgeous “Beautiful To Me”, which shows the gentle giant’s romantic side.
He gets a little bit rockier on “Long Way Down”, “Long Way To Go” and the catchy “Bullet In Your Gun”, which adds some variety to the album. I also enjoyed “Some Mothers Son”, and “Good For My Heart”, both of which I can hear featuring on radio.
It’s a good solid album from Charlie, which can only enhance his fan base.
Not only that, but the CD comes with a 10 track bonus CD of live cuts from the man’s concerts, include “Innisfree”, a Beatles medley, and his first single “I Will Love You All My Life”.
Great Value For Money!
THOMAS MAGUIRE & FHIONA ENNIS
We’re Still Together – Nell Records
Ireland consistently provides us with excellent easy listening Country, and this couple do nothing to change the popular format. What they do have to offer is a unique blend of vocal duets, which, apart from Daniel & Mary, don’t happen too often.
This duo have been around since 2005, when both had separate bands and careers, but the success of “Promised To John”, led them to further their collaborations.
Like many Irish acts, this is essentially a Middle of The Road album, with a blend of Country tunes like “Tennessee Waltz” and David Ball’s “Please Feed The Jukebox”, to classic pop, like Dylan’s “End Of The Line” and The Dooleys’ “A Rose Has To Die”. There’s a couple of Irish tunes about the “Little Homestead Cottage” and a cover of Johnny McEvoy’s “Long Before Your Time”. Isla Grant also contributes “Love Me Tonight”.
Musicians include Gay Brazil, Clive Cuthbertson and Charlie Arkins.
The sound is superb. The voices blend beautifully. And the song choice, whilst not 100% Country by any means, works well.
Altogether, a first class Irish MoR Country album!
TERRI CLARK
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
This Canadian sweetheart first hit the charts in 1995 with “Better Things To Do”, and quickly became recognised as a new generation Loretta Lynn, by voicing the woman’s side of things. Times move on, and newcomers like Gretchen Wilson have kinda put Terri into the background, but she has still has had time to establish herself as a pioneer for the modern woman in Country music.
She has a gutsy sound, best evident in tracks like “Better Things To Do” , “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, ”Emotional Girl” , “A Little Gasoline”, “I Just Wanna Be Mad” , “I Wanna Do It All” and “Girls Lie Too”.
They were all sizable hits both in America, and her native Canada. However, when you find such a winning formula, it creates a problem when it comes to marketing a greatest hits collection like this.
I love Terri’s music, but hearing all her hits together here on one album, I had a sense of déjà vu. So many of the hits here sound very similar.
There are powerful ballads here too, including “If I Were You”, “Just The Same”,”No Fear”, and my favourite, “Now That I Found You”, but they are rather shadowed by the more uptempo tracks.
Nevertheless, with no less than 21 tracks, it’s a great value package to add to your collection. There’s also a 16 page booklet with all the song lyrics, and sleeve notes from Alan Cackett.
WILLIE NELSON
Moment Of Forever = Lost Highway
Whilst he’s on the upper side of 70, Willie Nelson shows no signs of slowing down. Of course he’s back here in May, and is still releasing albums more regularly than many of today’s top acts.
He never follows a safe route. His albums are always diverse, and this new collection is no different.
He features songs written by Kris Kristofferson, Randy Newman, Paul Craft, Guy Clark, Dean Dillon and Bob Dylan. There’s also two of his own songs.
“Always Now” is a polished ballad, which is rather commercial by Willie’s standards. Very enjoyable though! He also wrote “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore”. This is quite a catchy number, and even has a punchline at the end, which he fails to deliver because “You Dont Think I’m Funny Anymore”. That was funny!
He teams up with Kenny Chesney for a duet on the bluesy “Worry B Gone”. His cover of Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” is fairly heavy, but this album covers quite a variety of styles.
Kristofferson’s “Moment of Forever” (the title track) features some nice harmonica, which makes the track stand out.
The Randy Newman penned “Louisiana” is a beautiful tribute to the floods that devastated New Orleans. As you’d expect there’s a tasteful Cajun feel in the backing.
My favourite track, and the stand out Country song is the down home “When I Was Young And Grandma Wasn’t Old”. What a great title!
It must be quite expensive to be a Willie Nelson fan, but this is certainly one that you’ll want to add to your collection.
MERLE HAGGARD
From The King To The Barrooms – Humphead
This 24 track collection from The Hag has an interesting concept, that sadly doesn’t quite work. Essentially, it’s a collection put together from his short time on MCA between 1977-1981. Despite only charting a dozen or so hit singles during this time (his lifetime tally is over 100), he did record some really superb honky tonk material, and many of the tracks are featured here, including “Misery & Gin”, “Back To The Barrooms Again”, “Leonard”, “Footlights”, “Red Bandana”, “If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday”, and “Rambling Fever”.
Shortly after joining the label, Elvis died, and Merle was quick out of the studio with the Top 5 hit “From Graceland To The Promised Land”, which was a very credible tribute.
But this album tries to build on that. As well as the tribute song, we have Merle covering several Elvis songs, like “Love Me Tender”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, “Blue Suede Shoes” , “Don’t Be Cruel” and “That’s All Right”.
Merle is a great singer, and Elvis had some great songs, but Merle does nothing for these songs, and the songs do nothing for Merle.
For the Country and Honky tonk songs, this album is a great memory of a short period in Haggard’s career. But skip the Elvis songs.
Like the Terri Clark release, Alan Cackett has written a detailed introduction in the 16 page booklet that supports the CD.
ELIZABETH COOK
Balls – 31 Tigers Records
This young lady, from Florida, has wowed Grand Ole Opry crowds in Tennessee for the last couple of years, and hit Scotland with a bang when she supported Suzy Bogguss during her recent Celtic Connections gig in Glasgow.
She possesses a wonderful southern drawl, and a wicked sense of humour. Her vocal style, combined with excellent musicians like Tim Carroll, Richard Bennett, and Rodney Crowell, who produced this album, blend together for the most Country album to emerge out of Nashville for many years.
She has fun filled uptempo numbers like the title track, “Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman”, (stating her claim as the modern day Loretta Lynn), the man-bashing “He Got No Heart”, and the music business bashing “Times Are Tough In Rock’n’roll”.
She can also deliver a mean ballad, as she shows on tracks like “Always Tomorrow”, written by Tim Carroll, “Sunday Morning” and “Rest Your Weary Mind”, on which she duets with Bobby Bare Jr.
She has a real vintage sound on “Don’t Go Borrowing Trouble” and “What Do I Do”, and is real apple pie flavoured downhome on “Mama’s Prayers”.
Elizabeth had a lot of fun on stage, and it comes over on the album. She has quite a unique voice, a mix of Dolly, Loretta, Iris Dement and Nanci Griffith, who joins her on “Down Girl”.
She has promised to come back in the summer. In the meantime, check out this album. Simply the most Country album you’ll find around. Already my album of the year!
ANNE MURRAY
Duets,Friends & Legends – EMI
Anne Murray is a Canadian & International superstar. Her easy listening, Country flavoured hit catalogue has won her many fans over the years.
Now the lady from Springhill, Nova Scotia, who will be 63 years old in June, takes a retrospective look back at her own career, with the help of friends she’s made in the business over the years.
All her duet partners are fellow songbirds, from fellow Canadians like kd lang, Shania Twain and Jann Arden to international names like Olivia Newton John , Martina McBride & Amy Grant., and even some from the world of music, beyond Country, like Nelly Furtado, Dusty Springfield and Sarah Brightman.
The songs are all Murray classics.
The star attraction is still in superb voice, and blends beautifully with her guests.
Most interesting selections for me included the duet with Shania on “You Needed Me”. Shania was only 15 when Anne first recorded the song, but she really adds a nice note to it. Shania sounds so much at home doing classic Country numbers (as she proved on the Willie Nelson & Dolly tributes), I wish she’d do more.
Listening to this version, you realise how suitable it is for a love duet, although two female voices maybe isn’t quite the way I would’ve imagined it.
The same applies to “Could I Have This Dance”, which she shares with Amy Grant.
The collaboration with Celtic Women stood out for me. I’ve always loved “Song For The Mira”, and this version just adds that vital ingredient to make it so special.
The Dusty Springfield duet on “I Just Fall In Love Again”, uses the original vocals Dusty laid down in 1979. Apparently, both women recorded the song around the same time, but Anne’s became the bigger hit, so this is a belated “thanks for letting me have the hit” project.
The Indigo Girls add to “A Little Good News”, another of my favourites, and notable is the change of location. The original talked of the troubles in Ireland, now replaced by Gaza. Proves that someone was listening.
I even enjoyed Nelly Furtado dueting on the old Monkees hit “Daydream Believer”.
It’s good to hear these classic songs again, done slightly differently.
If you’re a Murray fan, you’ll want to add it to your collection.
SAMMY KERSHAW
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
I’ve always enjoyed Sammy Kershaw’s music, since he first charted with “Cadillac Style” back in 1991. But when this collection arrived, I realised that his music has been so overlooked.
He only had one number one, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful”, and a few others, like “Third Rate Romance”, “Love Of My Life” and “Yard Sale” got lots of radio play. But most of the 22 tracks on this collection didn’t instantly strike a chord with me.
That’s not to say that they shouldn’t have. He’s a superb vocalist, and has some great songs here, which really deserve to be heard again. So many of these songs just didn’t get enough attention when they were first released in the 1990’s.
“Honky Tonk America”, “Meant To Be”, “If You’re Gonna Walk” and “Haunted Heart” are probably best examples. If, like me, you’ve forgotten about just how good this guy is, check out this album.
DIERDRE BONNER
Remember When
Dierdre Bonner is from Donegal, the eldest of six children. She’s been involved in music since the age of six, but it’s only in the past year that she’s been getting noticed by more and more impressive fans.
I first heard this lady’s music on a couple of Irish stations a few months back, and was instantly impressed. She has the most beautiful angelic crystal clear vocal style I’ve ever heard. She’s like a young Dolly Parton, with a dash of Iris Dement, and a cute light warble that gives her a style of her own.
With backings which feature fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dobro & accordian, you start to get a feel for the acoustic sound that this album oozes.
This is the follow up to Dierdre’s acclaimed “Atlantic Bridges” album, and features 12 beautiful songs, from Country classics like “Silver Threads & Golden Needles” and “Some Days Are Diamonds”, which are done very much in her own style, and a certainly not covers.
The closest to direct covers would be Dolly’s “Wild Flowers” and “Just A Few Old Memories”, but even her version of Iris Dement’s “Infamous Angel” has it’s own fresh identity.
My favourite tracks include Shawn Colvin’s ”These Four Walls”, which features Rod McVey’s piano, and the simple arrangement of “Who Will Watch The Homeplace”, a truly beautiful song that highlights her voice.
She also covers Alan Jackson’s “Remember When”, again in her own laid back style.
This girl hasn’t yet received the attention that her voice deserves, but I’m sure it will come.
This album, and her previous CD “Atlantic Bridges” and a 5 track EP, “Get Me Through December” are available through her website www.dierdrebonner.com
ALLISON MOORER
The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
Mrs Steve Earle has recently moved on from the MCA label in Nashville, so this collection features the best of the material she recorded with them.
Here’s 18 tracks, packaged with a booklet of sleevenotes by Alan Cackett and lyrics to all the songs.
The singer, also known as Shelby Lynne’s sister, first came to our attention with “A Soft Place To Fall” from Robert Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer” movie. That superb ballad is featured here, as are follow up songs such as “Send Down An Angel”, “The Hardest Part” and “Alabama Song”.
I’m glad to see the fast paced “The One That Got Away” is featured. It’s rather different than her usual material, but stands out as the best Country swing number she’s done.
Other songs featured, include “Ruby Jewell Was Here”, “ Dying Breed” , “Feeling That Feeling Again” and “Cold Cold Earth”, billed as a hidden track.
A good collection, and worth picking up if you don’t have an of Allison’s material in your collection
ALAN JACKSON
Good Time – Arista
Alan Jackson is probably the most popular modern American Country singer amongst Scottish fans. His recent album’s, one gospel, and one with Alison Krauss, may have seen him stray from his traditional footprint, but now he’s stepped back into the fold with this new 17 track collection of all self written material.
The opening title track didn’t do much for me, I have to be honest. But then “Small Town Southern Man” is trademark Alan. The other downhome southern song that stands out is “I Still Like Bologna”.
He goes on with a selection of laid back songs, like “I Wish I Could Back Up”, “When The Love Factors High” and “Listen To Your Senses”. Through these songs, I could hear an influence, I hadn’t heard with Alan before. He’s the new Don Williams !
I really liked “1976” a more uptempo autobiographical song, as the singer remembers his early loves. The strongest Country song has to be “If You Want To Make Me Happy”, with it’s Conway Twitty style talkie intro, and solid honky tonk jukebox theme to follow. The song works really well, even if you don’t appreciate the sentiments.
He really lets rip, with a good fun, pacey number on “Long Long Way” , and with Martina McBride on the pop-ish “Never Loved Before”. Their voices work well together, making a rather lightweight song sound really catchy.
He also has a little Jimmy Buffett influence evident in “Laid Back In Low Key”.
Alan Jackson proves he has the magic touch throughout this album. So many different styles, and so many good self penned songs on one album.
This one’s a must!
MARTY STUART
Whiskey & Rhinestones – The Ultimate Collection – Humphead
Another collection of tracks from the MCA vaults of the 1990’s finds 20 tracks from Marty Stuart. A few of these tracks, like “ Hillbilly Rock” and “Tempted” have become favourites on the linedance floors, but Marty Stuart is much more than these numbers.
“High On A Mountain Top”, “This One’s Gonna Hurt You”, “That’s What Loves About” and “Whiskey Aint Working Anymore” really show Marty’s 100% Country credentials. Not to mention the album finale, a live version of “Orange Blossom Special”.
You’ll also find gospel on “Come Into The House Of The Lord” , and native Americana with a 9 minute track, “Three Chiefs”.
There really is a lot to Marty Stuart. Much more than this album shows.
But it’s a good starting point!
Feb 2008
THE WRECKERS
Way Back Home – Live From New York City (CD & DVD) – WB
The Wreckers are female duo, Michelle Branch & Jessica Harp, who have been building up quite a reputation since their 2004 debut, performing on the WB teen drama One Tree Hill. Until then Michelle had been an aspiring solo act, and Jess was a much in demand backing singer.
Whether their success merits a live album at this stage in their careers is perhaps debatable. But as they explain on the introduction to the title track, the concert was played very close to where they made their first recording.
Female groups, by default, are always going to be likened to The Dixie Chicks, and here, I fear that this duo are just a shade too similar to the Texan rebels. Their music has the same Chicks edgy style, which should take them to audiences beyond Country music. Gretchen Wilson has also been a strong influence on the pair, so you can expect a Country rock with attitude approach from The Wreckers.
The most outstanding Country tracks are “Crazy People”, which for me, stands out as the albums best track. It really shows off their harmonies, and is full of southern charm.
“Lay Me Down” is a particularly strong strong for The Wreckers. It’sung in a very commercial modern style, although the girls apparently used to sing it bluegrass style. That would’ve been worth hearing.
The duo share the writing on most of the album. The exceptions being “Damn That Radio”, written by Gretchen Wilson, and, is certainly in a Redneck Woman style, which also fits well into The Wreckers style. The catchy “Different Truck,Same Loser”, written by Tim Nichols & Connie Rae Harrington is another imported song. It sounds a bit lighter than the other tracks, but is certainly a foot tappin’ radio friendly little number that stands out.
The final song not written by either of the duo, is “LeaveThe Pieces”, the duo’s first No.1 hit single,from the pens of Jennifer Hanson and Billy Austin. They do a particular strong vocal on this midtempo number.
Getting a CD and a DVD covering the same concert is quite novel. The DVD actually captures more of the girls’ appeal, and includes a behind the scenes interview with the brunettes.. The CD kinda left me wondering what the fuss was all about, but I really quite enjoyed the DVD. The certainly are a good live act, but whether they really appeal to the mass of Country fans will be up to individual tastes.
GARTH BROOKS
The Ultimate Hits (2CD & DVD) – Sony
Now here’s a package that is true Value For Money. There’s 2 CD’s featuring no less than 30 of his hits, plus 3 new tracks, and a bonus track. Not only that, but the package comes with a DVD featuring 33 video’s from concert footage and actual music videos.
Now, it has to be said that, if you have been a Garth fan, you’ll have most of these tracks already, but to have all this in one package will be an irresistable buy.
The CD’s feature hits like “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, “Aint Goin Down Til The Sun Comes Up”, “Shameless”, “The Dance”, “Two Pina Coladas”, “American Honky Tonk Bar Association” and “Unanswered Prayers”. There’s duets with Trisha Yearwood, George Jones and Steve Wariner. One of the new tracks is a duet with Huey Lewis. The rousing new song “Midnight Sun” really worked well for me.
The video’s include footage from his historic concert in New York’s Central Park, an early TV performance of “Much Too Young To Feel This Danm Old”, and top class video’s for songs like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (putting the context of the song into a father-daughter relationship), “Standing Outside The Fire” and the anti-prejudice theme of “We Shall Be Free”.
You certainly get a better insight into an artist and their music from video (proving what we here in Europe miss from CMT).
The CD sleeve contains words to all the songs (just incase you didn’t already know them).
All in all, a great value package from Garth, and an invaluable showcase into one of Country music’s greatest ever performers.
CHANGE OF KEY
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Holland has given us some great Country acts over the years. There’s been a Dutch presence at The Northern Nashville Festival over the years, and they never fail to impress.
This new trio continues the Dutch reputation.
Danielle, Maijke and Joop got together at a benefit concert 6 years ago, and have built up a neat close knit sound since then. All 14 tracks on the album are written by the group, and performed in perfect English.
The opening track, “Choose Me Or Loose Me” is quite a catchy commercial number.
The album’s title track is a pleasant ballad, as is “Fly On My Emotions”.
The instrumentation is really quite impressive. The mandolin intro on “Step On Your Mind” is a beautiful start to a lovely ballad, whilst the banjo on the more uptempo “In The Mood For Food”, and “She Can Hardly Wait” gives it a fresh bluegrass sound.
“I’ll Regret It In The Morning” and “Frozen Tears” are strong traditional Country songs with fiddles & steel. “Sweet Green Eyes” and “Head Over Heels” both have a western swing/light jazzy sound , which works well.
The album ends with a simple but catchy train song, which demonstrates more instrumentation. “Music Train In Motion” picks up more speed as it travels along, and features all three vocalists.
You can check out www.changeofkey.com for more info, and to buy the CD.
T.JAE CHRISTIAN
The Vanishing Breed – Universal Sound
This is a well titled album, for T.Jae is one of the vanishing breed of real traditional Country singers coming out of Nashville. He has been promoting his music towards European fans since the release of his first album back in 1993, and has toured Scandinavia in the past. These days he’s also a hard working producer.
Recorded at Mark Moseley’s Sound Control studio, this is a superb mix of new material and covers. T.Jae, himself, wrote the autobiographical title cut, and the honky tonk styled “Yes, There Is Life After Beth”.
You’ll recognise “The Grand Tour”, and “Picture Of You (Without Me)”, both old George Jones classics, and Sammy Kershaw’s “Yard Sale”. All three are given true Country treatments, not too removed from the original.
Other tracks of note include the ballads “I’ve Been Down Home Again” and “I’m Tired Of Being Something”.
With musicians like Mike Severs, Larry Paxton, Danny Parks and no less than 4 steel guitarists featured throughout the albums’ 11 tracks, it’s a superb pure Country album.
Check it out at www.ricksharpcountry.com/usrecindex.htm
DANIEL McPHEE
Sings Country – Pan Records
Daniel is the newest member of Manson Grant’s Dynamos, and has really added a lot of variety to the highland showband. He has featured on Manson’s last couple of albums with stunning versions of Marty Robbins classics.
With that in mind, I was disappointed that there were none of Marty’s hits featured among the 12 covers on this solo outing from Daniel.
Old time Country fans wont be too disappointed though, for he does superb versions of Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home”, Bob Wills’ “Faded Love”, Don Williams “You’re My Best Friends”, and Freddie Hart’s “The Wall” (which I had to check back, because Daniel makes it sound like a Marty Robbins song).
He goes a bit more mainstream, with versions of “Snowbird”, “Country Roads”, “18 Yellow Roses” and “Cottonfields”. His version of “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” is pure showband magic.
As well as Manson and fellow Dynamo, Robert Cameron, Phil Anderson , steelie Robbie Turner and fiddler Aubrey Haynie feature on the album, alongside Fiona Sutherland on harmony vocals.
The album was recorded between studios in Wick & Nashville. Manson produced the album, which it has to be said, has a true Manson Grant sound. It’s a sound that works well in the markets they play. It’s a good sounding party album.
Daniel also demonstrates his accordian skills on “Caithness Music Man”, a new 16 track of traditional Scottish sounds.
Both albums can be ordered online from www.panrecords.co.uk
JUDY KANYO
Not What I Had In Mind
This Canadian songbird kicks off with a rather poppy title track, and Lisa Brokop’s “Stop The Clock” but she does settle down to a more Country sound as the album progresses.
She covers a couple of Paul Overstreet songs, the ballad, “You Wouldn’t Lie To An Angel Would Ya” , and the more poppy “Your Loves Got A Hold Of Me”.
I really enjoyed the melodic “You Win Some, You Learn Some”, which Judy does a really good vocal on. I also liked “Walking On The Blue Side”, which has a swinging cabaret feel to it.
Judy whoops up a storm with the fast foot- tapping “100% Pure Texan”, and turns on the style on the quick stepping “West Texas Wind”, which has to be my favourite.
The album closes with Judy’s self penned Yuletide track. “Mistletoe, My Cowboy & Me”, a foot-tapping fun number.
Recorded in both Ontario and Tennessee, Judy has tried hard, and devoted a lot of energy to this project. She comes over as a real fun person, who really enjoys her music, and makes the listener feel good too. That’s what music’s all about.
www.judykanyo.com
RICK SHARP
Rick & Ol’Waylon Still Play On – Universal Sound
Another good solid Country album recorded in Mark Moseley’s Sound Control Studio’s just south of Nashville.
Rick, whilst 100% Country, has an honky tonk edge to his music. Best example of this is the second track in, “One Shot At A Time” Several other tracks, such as “No Place To Go”, “Countrified” and “Love At First Sight Kinda Girl” also touch on the rockin’ honky tonk theme.
He slows the tempo for the first of his tributes to Waylon Jennings. He does a very credible version of “Storms Never Last”. On “Waylon Still Plays On” is a great tribute to the legend. Rick delivers it, as only a true fan could.
On “Wish You Were Hear”and “Last Broken Heart”, he delivers a cleaner traditional Country sound, a bit different to what’s elsewhere on the album. It’s quite pleasant though.
“Let’s Get Even” comes over as the most traditional Country sounding number. Again, he’s in the bar room, but with a really strong Country sound.
You’ll need to really enjoy your Country with an edge to really appreciate this album, but it will grow on you.
www.ricksharpcountry.com
FOSTER & ALLEN
Songs Of Love and Laughter – Demon
Foster & Allen are an institution. Their music has never changed over the years, yet they still find songs, and more importantly, themes for new albums, which still sell in their millions.
This double CD set features songs of Love & Laughter, which are evenly spread across both CD’s.
There’s an endless stream of love songs, and this time out the boys choose country classics like “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, “I Guess I’m Crazy”, “Blue Side Of Lonesome”, “Crying Me Heart Out Over You”, “Ring Of Fire”, “Let It Be Me”, “A Fool Such As I” , “Gypsy Woman”, and “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.
They’re mixed with pop classics including “True Love Ways”, “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, “And I Love You So”, and Elvis’s “I Just Cant Help Believing”
There’s a touch of Celtic love on The Furey’s “Sweet Sixteen” , “Love Is Pleasing”, and even “Lassie Come & Dance With Me”.
On the fun side, there’s “The Sermon”, “Mary Mack”, Delaney’s Donkey”, “The Oldest Swinger In Town”, “Seven Old Ladies” and one all about “Daniel O’Connell (not a misprint).
Foster & Allen are not everyone’s cup of tea, but their longevity proves their popularity, and they certainly offer value for money. The mix on this double CD is well thought out, and I really enjoyed it.
The CD has their 2008 concert dates listed, and they’re at the Glasgow Pavilion on Sunday 9th September. Many of the tickets will be sold out already.
GEORGE STRAIT
22 More Hits – HumpHead
Texan George Strait has been around since the early eighties, and has notched up dozen’s of hits. There’s been quite a few hit collections, to which this one can be added to the pile.
These are tracks which may, or may not, have not quite made earlier hit collections, but the quiet singer has had so many, that MCA in the States included them on this collection.
There is a lot of familiar material here.
You’ll find “The Fireman”, “The Cowboy Rides Away”, “Lovebug”, “Drinking Champagne” and “Adalida”, alongside “Marina Del Ray”,”If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger”, “Unwound” and “Amarillo By Morning” from his earlier albums.
The songs featured here do go back to the very start of his career, and could be a great way of picking up on some of his earlier material.
I don’t need to describe George’s music to you. He’s been consist for the last 27 years. Nobody does Texan Country music any better than George Strait!
Way Back Home – Live From New York City (CD & DVD) – WB
The Wreckers are female duo, Michelle Branch & Jessica Harp, who have been building up quite a reputation since their 2004 debut, performing on the WB teen drama One Tree Hill. Until then Michelle had been an aspiring solo act, and Jess was a much in demand backing singer.
Whether their success merits a live album at this stage in their careers is perhaps debatable. But as they explain on the introduction to the title track, the concert was played very close to where they made their first recording.
Female groups, by default, are always going to be likened to The Dixie Chicks, and here, I fear that this duo are just a shade too similar to the Texan rebels. Their music has the same Chicks edgy style, which should take them to audiences beyond Country music. Gretchen Wilson has also been a strong influence on the pair, so you can expect a Country rock with attitude approach from The Wreckers.
The most outstanding Country tracks are “Crazy People”, which for me, stands out as the albums best track. It really shows off their harmonies, and is full of southern charm.
“Lay Me Down” is a particularly strong strong for The Wreckers. It’sung in a very commercial modern style, although the girls apparently used to sing it bluegrass style. That would’ve been worth hearing.
The duo share the writing on most of the album. The exceptions being “Damn That Radio”, written by Gretchen Wilson, and, is certainly in a Redneck Woman style, which also fits well into The Wreckers style. The catchy “Different Truck,Same Loser”, written by Tim Nichols & Connie Rae Harrington is another imported song. It sounds a bit lighter than the other tracks, but is certainly a foot tappin’ radio friendly little number that stands out.
The final song not written by either of the duo, is “LeaveThe Pieces”, the duo’s first No.1 hit single,from the pens of Jennifer Hanson and Billy Austin. They do a particular strong vocal on this midtempo number.
Getting a CD and a DVD covering the same concert is quite novel. The DVD actually captures more of the girls’ appeal, and includes a behind the scenes interview with the brunettes.. The CD kinda left me wondering what the fuss was all about, but I really quite enjoyed the DVD. The certainly are a good live act, but whether they really appeal to the mass of Country fans will be up to individual tastes.
GARTH BROOKS
The Ultimate Hits (2CD & DVD) – Sony
Now here’s a package that is true Value For Money. There’s 2 CD’s featuring no less than 30 of his hits, plus 3 new tracks, and a bonus track. Not only that, but the package comes with a DVD featuring 33 video’s from concert footage and actual music videos.
Now, it has to be said that, if you have been a Garth fan, you’ll have most of these tracks already, but to have all this in one package will be an irresistable buy.
The CD’s feature hits like “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, “Aint Goin Down Til The Sun Comes Up”, “Shameless”, “The Dance”, “Two Pina Coladas”, “American Honky Tonk Bar Association” and “Unanswered Prayers”. There’s duets with Trisha Yearwood, George Jones and Steve Wariner. One of the new tracks is a duet with Huey Lewis. The rousing new song “Midnight Sun” really worked well for me.
The video’s include footage from his historic concert in New York’s Central Park, an early TV performance of “Much Too Young To Feel This Danm Old”, and top class video’s for songs like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (putting the context of the song into a father-daughter relationship), “Standing Outside The Fire” and the anti-prejudice theme of “We Shall Be Free”.
You certainly get a better insight into an artist and their music from video (proving what we here in Europe miss from CMT).
The CD sleeve contains words to all the songs (just incase you didn’t already know them).
All in all, a great value package from Garth, and an invaluable showcase into one of Country music’s greatest ever performers.
CHANGE OF KEY
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Holland has given us some great Country acts over the years. There’s been a Dutch presence at The Northern Nashville Festival over the years, and they never fail to impress.
This new trio continues the Dutch reputation.
Danielle, Maijke and Joop got together at a benefit concert 6 years ago, and have built up a neat close knit sound since then. All 14 tracks on the album are written by the group, and performed in perfect English.
The opening track, “Choose Me Or Loose Me” is quite a catchy commercial number.
The album’s title track is a pleasant ballad, as is “Fly On My Emotions”.
The instrumentation is really quite impressive. The mandolin intro on “Step On Your Mind” is a beautiful start to a lovely ballad, whilst the banjo on the more uptempo “In The Mood For Food”, and “She Can Hardly Wait” gives it a fresh bluegrass sound.
“I’ll Regret It In The Morning” and “Frozen Tears” are strong traditional Country songs with fiddles & steel. “Sweet Green Eyes” and “Head Over Heels” both have a western swing/light jazzy sound , which works well.
The album ends with a simple but catchy train song, which demonstrates more instrumentation. “Music Train In Motion” picks up more speed as it travels along, and features all three vocalists.
You can check out www.changeofkey.com for more info, and to buy the CD.
T.JAE CHRISTIAN
The Vanishing Breed – Universal Sound
This is a well titled album, for T.Jae is one of the vanishing breed of real traditional Country singers coming out of Nashville. He has been promoting his music towards European fans since the release of his first album back in 1993, and has toured Scandinavia in the past. These days he’s also a hard working producer.
Recorded at Mark Moseley’s Sound Control studio, this is a superb mix of new material and covers. T.Jae, himself, wrote the autobiographical title cut, and the honky tonk styled “Yes, There Is Life After Beth”.
You’ll recognise “The Grand Tour”, and “Picture Of You (Without Me)”, both old George Jones classics, and Sammy Kershaw’s “Yard Sale”. All three are given true Country treatments, not too removed from the original.
Other tracks of note include the ballads “I’ve Been Down Home Again” and “I’m Tired Of Being Something”.
With musicians like Mike Severs, Larry Paxton, Danny Parks and no less than 4 steel guitarists featured throughout the albums’ 11 tracks, it’s a superb pure Country album.
Check it out at www.ricksharpcountry.com/usrecindex.htm
DANIEL McPHEE
Sings Country – Pan Records
Daniel is the newest member of Manson Grant’s Dynamos, and has really added a lot of variety to the highland showband. He has featured on Manson’s last couple of albums with stunning versions of Marty Robbins classics.
With that in mind, I was disappointed that there were none of Marty’s hits featured among the 12 covers on this solo outing from Daniel.
Old time Country fans wont be too disappointed though, for he does superb versions of Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home”, Bob Wills’ “Faded Love”, Don Williams “You’re My Best Friends”, and Freddie Hart’s “The Wall” (which I had to check back, because Daniel makes it sound like a Marty Robbins song).
He goes a bit more mainstream, with versions of “Snowbird”, “Country Roads”, “18 Yellow Roses” and “Cottonfields”. His version of “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” is pure showband magic.
As well as Manson and fellow Dynamo, Robert Cameron, Phil Anderson , steelie Robbie Turner and fiddler Aubrey Haynie feature on the album, alongside Fiona Sutherland on harmony vocals.
The album was recorded between studios in Wick & Nashville. Manson produced the album, which it has to be said, has a true Manson Grant sound. It’s a sound that works well in the markets they play. It’s a good sounding party album.
Daniel also demonstrates his accordian skills on “Caithness Music Man”, a new 16 track of traditional Scottish sounds.
Both albums can be ordered online from www.panrecords.co.uk
JUDY KANYO
Not What I Had In Mind
This Canadian songbird kicks off with a rather poppy title track, and Lisa Brokop’s “Stop The Clock” but she does settle down to a more Country sound as the album progresses.
She covers a couple of Paul Overstreet songs, the ballad, “You Wouldn’t Lie To An Angel Would Ya” , and the more poppy “Your Loves Got A Hold Of Me”.
I really enjoyed the melodic “You Win Some, You Learn Some”, which Judy does a really good vocal on. I also liked “Walking On The Blue Side”, which has a swinging cabaret feel to it.
Judy whoops up a storm with the fast foot- tapping “100% Pure Texan”, and turns on the style on the quick stepping “West Texas Wind”, which has to be my favourite.
The album closes with Judy’s self penned Yuletide track. “Mistletoe, My Cowboy & Me”, a foot-tapping fun number.
Recorded in both Ontario and Tennessee, Judy has tried hard, and devoted a lot of energy to this project. She comes over as a real fun person, who really enjoys her music, and makes the listener feel good too. That’s what music’s all about.
www.judykanyo.com
RICK SHARP
Rick & Ol’Waylon Still Play On – Universal Sound
Another good solid Country album recorded in Mark Moseley’s Sound Control Studio’s just south of Nashville.
Rick, whilst 100% Country, has an honky tonk edge to his music. Best example of this is the second track in, “One Shot At A Time” Several other tracks, such as “No Place To Go”, “Countrified” and “Love At First Sight Kinda Girl” also touch on the rockin’ honky tonk theme.
He slows the tempo for the first of his tributes to Waylon Jennings. He does a very credible version of “Storms Never Last”. On “Waylon Still Plays On” is a great tribute to the legend. Rick delivers it, as only a true fan could.
On “Wish You Were Hear”and “Last Broken Heart”, he delivers a cleaner traditional Country sound, a bit different to what’s elsewhere on the album. It’s quite pleasant though.
“Let’s Get Even” comes over as the most traditional Country sounding number. Again, he’s in the bar room, but with a really strong Country sound.
You’ll need to really enjoy your Country with an edge to really appreciate this album, but it will grow on you.
www.ricksharpcountry.com
FOSTER & ALLEN
Songs Of Love and Laughter – Demon
Foster & Allen are an institution. Their music has never changed over the years, yet they still find songs, and more importantly, themes for new albums, which still sell in their millions.
This double CD set features songs of Love & Laughter, which are evenly spread across both CD’s.
There’s an endless stream of love songs, and this time out the boys choose country classics like “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, “I Guess I’m Crazy”, “Blue Side Of Lonesome”, “Crying Me Heart Out Over You”, “Ring Of Fire”, “Let It Be Me”, “A Fool Such As I” , “Gypsy Woman”, and “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.
They’re mixed with pop classics including “True Love Ways”, “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, “And I Love You So”, and Elvis’s “I Just Cant Help Believing”
There’s a touch of Celtic love on The Furey’s “Sweet Sixteen” , “Love Is Pleasing”, and even “Lassie Come & Dance With Me”.
On the fun side, there’s “The Sermon”, “Mary Mack”, Delaney’s Donkey”, “The Oldest Swinger In Town”, “Seven Old Ladies” and one all about “Daniel O’Connell (not a misprint).
Foster & Allen are not everyone’s cup of tea, but their longevity proves their popularity, and they certainly offer value for money. The mix on this double CD is well thought out, and I really enjoyed it.
The CD has their 2008 concert dates listed, and they’re at the Glasgow Pavilion on Sunday 9th September. Many of the tickets will be sold out already.
GEORGE STRAIT
22 More Hits – HumpHead
Texan George Strait has been around since the early eighties, and has notched up dozen’s of hits. There’s been quite a few hit collections, to which this one can be added to the pile.
These are tracks which may, or may not, have not quite made earlier hit collections, but the quiet singer has had so many, that MCA in the States included them on this collection.
There is a lot of familiar material here.
You’ll find “The Fireman”, “The Cowboy Rides Away”, “Lovebug”, “Drinking Champagne” and “Adalida”, alongside “Marina Del Ray”,”If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger”, “Unwound” and “Amarillo By Morning” from his earlier albums.
The songs featured here do go back to the very start of his career, and could be a great way of picking up on some of his earlier material.
I don’t need to describe George’s music to you. He’s been consist for the last 27 years. Nobody does Texan Country music any better than George Strait!
Dec 2007
JOE NICHOLS
Real Things- Humphead
Joe has come a long way since “Brokenheartsville” launched his career 5 years ago.
This is his third album, and on it, he proves to be the “Real Thing”. Indeed “Real Things” kick off the album. It’s a very solid Country number, in an Alan Jackson style. In fact, this album shows quite a few similarities between Joe & Jackson, even on the more uptemo numbers like “Comin’ Back In A Cadillac”.
He’s not a Jackson clone though. “Another Side of You” is another with a solid Country beat, with impressive fiddles and vocals., and “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” and “Aint Nobody Goin’ To Take That From Me”, have more of a classic George Strait feel. Then on “My Whiskey Years”, it’s Merle Haggard that comes to mind.
There’s more of a honky tonk theme in “Lets Get Drunk And Fight”, with some neat harmonies from Morgane Hayes and The Universal South Family Singers” (his US record label). It’s a real feel good party number, which is so rare to hear these days.
One of my favourite tracks has to be the Jamey Johnson/Dallas Davidson composition, “She’s A Lady”. It’s all about the temptation of a groupie, when he has a lady waiting at home. Like a good living Country boy with family values, he goes home.
The album concludes with “If I Could Only Fly”, a duet with Lee Ann Womack. Again, there’s Hag influences, but John Hughey’s steel guitar really makes this track.
The songs have come from the creme of Nashville songwriters like Scotty Emerick, Rivers Rutherford, Billy Dean, Dean Dillon, Jamey Johnson and John Scott Sherrill. Nichols, himself only had a hand in co-writing one of the tracks. “The Difference Is Night & Day”, a song dealing with a rocky relationship.
The musicians include MacMcAnally, Brent Rowan and Paul Franklin, and they really have produced a great solid sound for Joe throughout this album. There’s few modern day artists that you can realy call “Country”. Strait & Jackson have held the torch for so long. You can add Joe Nichols to the list.
MANSON GRANT & THE DYNAMOS
The Greatest Gift Of All – Pan Records
This album came in just too late to be reviewed last year, but no doubt still available this year.
Wick’s long running Country showband come up with a good festive party album, with no less than 21 Christmas classics. They’re all here- “Winter Wonderland”, “An Old Christmas Card”, “Silver Bells”, “White Christmas”, “Jingle Bells” and many more.
Manson’s trumpet is much more to the fore than ever before, most notably on “Silent Night”.
Perhaps the most interesting tracks are the lesser known covers. Loretta Lynn’s “Country Christmas” is quite refeshing, but I’d pick “Christmas Long Ago” as my favourite.
Manson and the lads do a good party job on the album. Most of the tracks have been done to death, but if you’re having a Christmas party, then everything you need is here on one album.
Available through the www.panrecords.co.uk website.
REBA
Duets – Humphead
Reba McEntire has been Country music’s leading lady for a couple of decades now, and has spread her talents to Broadway and TV sitcom. Her music, though, has remained rooted in Country, despite having a very AOR feel to it.
Perhaps this is why Reba (now only known by her first name), has teamed up with pop singers like Kelly Clarkson, Carole King and Justin Timberlake, and other Country singers who have crossed over, like Leann Rimes, Faith Hill and Kenny Chesney. Perhaps Reba needs to be noticed as a singer outside of the Country genre.
Of course, she’s not going to alienate her huge fanbase. She’s got Country stalwarts like Vince Gill , Ronnie Dunn and Trisha Yearwood on this album too.
Most of the tracks are quite heavy ballads, including the Kelly Clarkson duet “Beacause Of You”, which has already been a huge US hit.
The voices throughout the album really do blend beautifully, especially on “She Cant Save Him” with Trisha, and with Faith Hill on “ Sleeping With The Telephone”.
The opening duet with Leann Rimes is quite a stunning combination, that will surely be a future single.
The Vince Gill duet on “ These Broken Hearts” works well, thanks in part to Paul Franklin’s wailling steel guitar. Of course, this isn’t the first time Reba & Vince have sung together.
I loved Reba’s early material. It sounded so much more Country than the heavy ballad that became her trademark. There’s no competition when choosing my favourite track from this album then. She teams up with Ronnie Dunn (from Brooks & Dunn) on “Does The Wind Stil Blow In Oklahoma”. It’s a beautiful song about missing home, and the most Country song I’ve heard Reba sing since her Mercury label days!
It’s also written by the pair, and is the only track which Reba had a hand in writing.
I also quite liked “The Only Promise That Remains”, which is billed as featuring Justin Timberlake. His inclusion may alarm some Country fans, but in fact, Justin had very little input, providing harmonies, and coming in with a solo line right at the end. It’s a good wholesome Reba number.
In fact, despite all the guests, this is still very much a Reba album.
If you’re a Reba fan, you wont be disappointed. It’s one for the Christmas wish list.
KENNY CHESNEY
Just Who I Am : Poets & Pirates (BNA)
Kenny Chesney has been one of Country music’s big crossover artists of recent times. This is his 4th consecutive album which has topped the all-genre Billboard album charts.
From his less than inspiring chart debut in 1993 (his first 2 hits failed to hit the Top 50), the Luttrell,Tennessee native, who marks his 40th birthday next year, has really come a long way.
Recent albums have seen him in a relaxed Jimmy Buffett mood, and whilst there’s still traces of the Carribbean here, it’s a much more mainland album this time out.
He has a couple of guests. George Strait joins him for the catchy “Shiftwork”, which has already had lots of airplay, and Eagle Joe Walsh on the rather strange sounding “Wild Ride”, written by Dwight Yoakam. I have to say the scary dalek voice repeating the song title is a real put off.
Elsewhere, it’s a really enjoyable album. “Got A Little Crazy” is a bit of a party number, but it’s the ballads which sell this album.
The Bill Anderson/Jon Randell written “Demons”, which closes the album, is one of the album’s highlights. I also liked “Dancing For The Groceries”, which adds a sense of realism into a fantasy lifestyle.
The opening track, “Never Wanting Nothing More” has already been a smash hit single stateside, and captures that moment of sheer happiness when life could never be better, whilst the next track, “Dont Blink” kinda stays on the same theme, but advising us not to miss the moment.
The same theme extends through “Wife And Kids” and “Scare Me”. It’s an album about life’s important moments.
As you’d expect, the album features some top notch musicians, like Larry Paxton, Sonny Garish, Vince Gill,Rob Hajacos,and background vocalists like The Cannons, Jon Randell, Bekka Bramlett,Tim Hensley, Jonell Moser and Andrea Zonn.
Kenny has never had the same recognition in Europe as he enjoys back home. Whilst this album is quite enjoyable, I dont see this British release changing the situation much.
LEANN RIMES
Family – Curb
There’s no doubt that Leann Rimes has one of the most powerful voices in popular music today. There’s also no doubt that she can deliver a mean Country song. She did it with “Blue” and the album of classics that she did a few years ago.
This album sees Ms Rimes music still evolving, and directed at more than the Country music fan.
She has developed a southern drawl on several of the tracks that we’ve not heard before. I’m not sure if this is simply to remind us of her Country credentials.
“Nothin’ BetterTo Do” is the best example of the accent. The song, which was also released here as a single, sounds so much like “Ode To Billie Jo”. It’s growing on me, but is certainly one of these songs that you’ll either love or hate.
Tracks that I did enjoy were “I Want You With Me”, a solid modern Country ballad, and the simply acoustic “Pretty Things” and “What I Cant Change”.
The album closes with two duets from other projects. The duet featured on Reba’s Duets album is also featured here. There’s also, for me, is the best song on the album, and certainly the most Country friendly. “Till We Aint Strangers Anymore” is a duet with Bon Jovi.
“One Day Too Long” is a great song, but , like several of the tracks on this album, is delivered in a soulful bluesy kinda style, that really suits Leann’s vocals. They’re just not Country.
She’s certainly aiming at the crossover market with this release, but there are a few songs, Country fans will enjoy.
TRISHA YEARWOOD
Greatest Hits – Humphead
We first discovered Ms.Yearwood in 1991, when she shot to No.1 on the Country charts with her debut single, “She’s In Love With The Boy”. Since then, she has recorded dozens of hit singles, and no less than 10 albums. She was twice voted the CMA’s Female Vocalist Of The Year.
She has just left the MCA label, so they’ve released a Greatest Hits package, which Humphead are distributing here.
Many of her hits, such as “Like We Never Had A Broken Heart”, “XXX’s and OOO’s”, “Believe Me Baby I Lied”, “There Goes My Baby” and “Wrong Side Of Memphis” are included here. I especially enjoyed hearing some of her earlier songs again.
The album also has two “unreleased” tracks, which, as she’s now left the label, are more likely to be older “lost” tracks, rather than new recordings.
“Just A Cup Of Coffee” is a very pleasant Country arrangement, that worked quite well, whilst “Nothin’ To Lose” is a bit more bluesy, and not really Trisha’s style.
This album is a superb reminder of the great music that Trisha has given us over the past 16 years. If she’s not already part of your record collection, then this album will fill the void nicely.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package on Trisha, featuring the albums “Jasper County” and “Inside Out”. Included in the 24 tracks are “Georgia Rain” and her duet with Rosanne Cash on “Seven Year Ache”. It’s a great way to catch up on these albums if you’ve missed them first time out.
SARA EVANS
Greatest Hits – Sony/BMG
Ever since “Three Chords And The Truth” broke this Missouri girl into the Country Top 50 back in 1997, she has consistently been on Country radio with a string of hit records.
That debut album was perhaps not too big a hit commercially, but still ranks as one of the best debuts of the past ten years. Yet, no tracks from her debut merit a place on this hits collection.
Those that do, include the uptempo “Suds In The Bucket” and “Born To Fly” , together with ballads like “I Could Not Ask For More”, “No Place That Far” and “Cheatin’”.
There’s 10 “hits” and four new songs.
The CD opens with the new uptempo “As If”, and closes with two softer ballads, and another uptempo number “Some Things Never Change”.
Sara has one of these great Country voices, kinda like Terri Clark and Gretchen Wilson, that can handle ballads and uptempo numbers, with equal ease.
Her material has perhaps not been too readily available here, so this album will be a useful addition to your collection.
ISLA GRANT
Down Memory Lane – CMR/Rosette
Scots born Isla has made a lot of friends in the business over the years, both as a songwriter and as a performer. On this new album, she gets together with a bunch of her true friends and produces 16 duets, some of her most popular numbers, and some country classics.
The title track, which opens the album teams her up with Daniel O’Donnell, and DOD also features on the ever popular “Partners In Rhyme”. Daniel’s sister Margo is also featured on two tracks, “It’s Good To See You” and “An Old Friend Like You”.
We find perfect harmonies with husband Al joining Isla on “My Happiness” and “Jackson”.
Foster & Allen are featured on Isla’s composition, “Over The Years” and she returns the favour by joining in on their classic “After All These Years”.
Jimmy Buckley & Isla do a couple of classics proud, on “Makin’ Believe” and especially “Today I Started Loving You Again”. It’s clear to see that both have such an affection for The Hag.
Everybody’s friend George Hamilton IV pops up on “Spending Time With You”, and Australian Judy Stone shares the vocals on “What’s A Girl To Do”.
But my own favourites have to include Gail Davies “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”, which Isla duets with Louise Morrissey and her own “Will You Walk Down This Road With Me” which she shares with new Irish sensation Mike Denver.
Robert Mizzell & Isla take on George & Tammy, and do an exceptionally good job on “One”, and her teaming up with Mick Flavin on “Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine” is just superb.
This isn’t just an album of duets. You can tell from the chemistry that Isla is with friends here, and you’re welcome to join the party.
A superb collection.
EAGLES
Long Road Out Of Eden – ERC/Polydor
There’s do doubt that The Eagles were the greatest Rock band ever. Their string of hit songs like “Lying Eyes” and “Take It To The Limit” are classics that have stood the test of time. Their Greatest Hits collection has sold nearly 30 million copies in the past 30 years, and still sells today. Despite their Country feel, they only ever notched up one Top 40 Country single, yet are certainly respected years later by the Country music community.
This new double CD features The Eagles today – Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B.Schmidt. Frey and Henley have been there since day one. Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in 1976, and Schmidt replaced Randy Meisner two years later.
This quartet format has been around since 2001.
Here we have a completely new 2CD set featuring 21 tracks, covering quite a variety of styles, but all unmistakably The Eagles. They still have great harmonies, and that superb West Coast easy sound, which is their trademark.
CD1 is quite laid back. The single, “How Long”, beiong one of the exceptions. It has quite a driving beat, but still enjoying that unique sound. “Fast Company” does break the mould somewhat. Elsewhere it’s easy listening relaxing songs from the band’s own pens, and those of JD Souther, Paul Carrack and Steuart Smith.
CD2 starts off somewhat differently. A rather haunting intro into the album’s title cut, which is something of a masterpiece at over 10 minutes long. That’s followed by the shortest track on the collection. “I Dreamed There Was No War” is a nice little instrumental that runs for under 90 seconds.
They do some different things on the second CD. It’s a bit more pop & r&b, but I did like the more folksy “I Love To Watch A Woman Dance”, complete with Michael Thompson’s accordion, which gives it a nice touch.
The other track which stood out for me was the Raul Malo flavoured “It’s Your World Now”. Complete with horn section , and the accordion again, the Eagles flew south to capture the Mexican atmosphere on this soft romantic number.
If you like The Eagles, then this double CD wont disappoint. If you’ve never got into The Eagles before, then I still suggest giving this a listen. It really is quite an album.
Mr D
Wings & Wheels – OneInchPunch Records
Mr D is Paul McLinden on guitar & vocals with Larry Primrose on Bass & drums.
The album has a real full Country rock sound throughout.
Track 2, “Island Girl” is exceptional. It has a real West Coast (I mean USA) flavour to it.
“Late September”, likewise has a nice Eagles sound to it.
Malcolm McMaster adds some superb Steel guitar on “Somebody,Somewhere”, whilst “Ode To Geraldine” is an instrumental guitar piece, running in at just over two minutes.
“New Day” is a bit more lively than most of the other tracks, although it’s just a bit more poppy.
The album closes with “Whenever You Get The Feeling”, another softly sung Country rock number.
It’s all original material, 100% Scottish, and well worth a listen.
Work on the writing of this album began in September’ 2006, and recorded over 20 days last December at Glasgow’s Q-10 studios, and a band has now been formed, and publicity photos already taken at Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry.
Check out MrD at www.myspace.com/misterdreadmusic
JOSH TURNER
Everything Is Fine – Humphead
Josh Turner, the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry, is one of the few new names to arrive in Nashville in recent years, who are actually Country ! His deep rich vocals just ooze Country.
With banjo, fiddles and steel prominent in the musical arrangements, and Turner’s Country vocals, this is one of the best albums of the year.
The title track, which opens up the album has quite a lazy summer sound to it, and works well. The mood is kinda the same on “So Not My Baby”.
“Baby I Go Crazy” has quite a commercial feel to it. It’s a real radio friendly song that I’m sure we’ll hear a lot of.
“Firecracker” is a good foot tapping uptempo number, which I’m sure there’ll be a linedance to before long. “Trailhood” also has quite a driving beat. But it’s the cover of George Jones “One Woman Man” which really gets the feet tapping. It’s a really good version.
Slowing the tempo, he ties up with Trisha Yearwood on “Another Try”, a lovely song wishing that he can get another shot at love. He also features on another duet ,“Nowhere Fast”, this time with Anthony Hamilton.
But the stand out track for me has to be “The Longer The Waiting (The Sweeter The Kiss), written by Pat McLaughlin and English born Roger Cook. It has a beautiful folksy Celtic feel, and ends with an all too short bagpipe break courtesy of Jay Dawson.
Towards the end of the album, Josh gets quite reflective, firstly on “Soulmate”, then “The Way He Was Raised”, both quite pleasant ballads, before the album finishes with the autobiographical “South Carolina Low Country”.
A superb album well worth checking out.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package to give UK Country fans the chance to pick up two of his albums for the price of one. That’s 22 tracks in total, and they offer quite a bit of variety.
Together “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” features 22 tracks, with guest appearances from John Anderson, Diamond Rio and Ralph Stanley.
I really like Josh Turner. Here’s a great way to add him into your collection.
HUGO DUNCAN
Song & Dance Man – CMR
The Wee Man From Strabane is back with another 16 easy listening songs which will go down well with his legion of fans who listen to his daily Radio Ulster programme (1.30-3pm Mon-Fri on 1341 AM, Sky 0118 and via the internet).
Whilst this isn’t a totally Country album, they songs should certainly appeal to readers.
The song choice is quite diverse from Kristofferson’s “Jody & The Kid”, Bill Anderson’s “I Love You Drops” and Isla Grant’s “Love’s A Blessing”, to classics like “Edelweiss”, “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way” and “What A Wonderful World”.
He does a good version of Lobo’s “Me And You And A Dog Named Boo”, and I really liked “Wrong Side Of Forty” and “I’ve Got Five Dollars & It’s Saturday Night” (He’s a real big spender!)
Recorded in Tyrone, Hugo is joined by musicians like Eugene Smith, Paddy Cole, John McHugh, Martin Cleary and Charlie Arkins, a vocalists The Clinton Sisters.
A good easy listening party album.
BROOKS & DUNN
Cowboy Town – Sony/BMG
Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn were both aspiring solo performers twenty years ago, but neither really made an impression. Whoever suggested they got together must have the midas touch. I just hope they recognise him.
For since Brooks & Dunn first charted with “Brand New Man” back in 1991, they have consistently produced hit after hit.
This new 12 song album continues the journey. As you’ve come to expect, it’s hi-energy radio friendly modern edged Country music.
Several tracks stand out, especially “The Ballad Of Jerry Jeff Walker”, a fun tribute, which not only features Walker himself, but the track is much more a Jerry Jeff tune than a B&D song.
“Johnny Cash Junkie” is a general anthem for Country music, rather than a Cash tribute. The song also praises Waylon, Willie, The Hag and Buck Owens. It’s a great Country theme, and one we can all appreciate.
The album’s title cut opens the album, with a rather strange intro, but quickly gets into the song, telling of the hard working, hard playing rural towns across America.
In similar vein, we find “Proud Of The House We Built”, which has a really catchy chorus.
“Tequila” is a fast paced fun song, whilst “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” is more of a modern ballad. Both work in their own ways.The album closes with the rather thought provoking “God Must Be Busy”, which is one of my favourites on the whole album.
I never find much to say about a Brooks & Dunn album. We know what to expect, and they consistently come up to expectations.
SHOOTER JENNINGS
The Wolf – Humphead
Shooter Jennings is the son of the legendary Waylon. As with anyone following their fathers’ footsteps into the music business, it’s hard to create your own identity, without being compared . When your dad was an outlaw like Waylon, it must be even harder. One of his father’s albums back in the late 80’s was called “Will The Wolf Survive”, so the title of this album certainly suggests that Shooter isn’t hiding his background.
There are no immediate parental influences in the first couple of tracks. We’re then treated to a cover of Mark Knopler’s “Walk Of Life”, before we hear Waylon’s style coming to the fore.
“Old Friend” has a distinct Waylon sound, but also influences of Marty Robbins, especially with the horns. It’s certainly one of my favourite tracks on the 13 track album.
The Oakridge Boys join Shooter for “Slow Train”, another one that could’ve been his dad. The collaboration works really well.
“A Little More Time On You” is a slick uptempo rocker, which is followed by the slower, reflective, “Concrete Cowboys”. Shooter shows his command of a song of both styles.
“The Wolf” is a bit rockier than the rest of the album, whilst “”Higher” and “Blood From A Stone” sound rather poppy, and lack the integrity that comes over on the rest of the album.
The album closes with a real belter. ”A Matter Of Time” has all the hallmark’s of a Country classic in years to come. There’s honky tonk, as well as outlaw influences. There’s a neat change of tempo half way through, which is quite quirky. Certainly one Ol’Waylon would have been proud of.
Indeed, I’m sure Shooter would’ve pleased his dad throughout the album.
JEFF GRIFFITH
If It Aint One Thing It’s Another – Arrowhead
Now this is Country !
Texan Jeff has teamed up with Joe Stampley (of Moe Bandy & Joe fame) for this superb debut album. Jeff has been playing guitar since childhood, and was packing out the Santa Fe clubs at age 15.
The pure Country music runs right from the first note of “It Ain’t The Clothes That Make The Man”.
The deep soulful ballads like “She Reminds Him Of You”, and the really classy sounding “It Was Always So Easy” certainly have George Jones influences. Other ballads like “Tonight Was Made For The Both Of Us” doesn’t sound like Jones, but Griffith delivers it well, in his own way.
I really liked the strong John Conlee type delivery on “I’m Your Radio”, the pure Country swing of “Lets Make Love Tonight” and the softer “Drinkin’ Thing”
The livelier honky tonk side of Jeff comes in the form of “Whiskey Talkin’”, and it’s a different kind of uptempo on “Fishin’ Forever”, in a kinda Chattahoochie style.
With writers like Tony Stampley, Wayne Carson, Dean Dillon, Blake Mevis, Carmol Taylor, Whitey Shaffer and Kevin Denney, you can tell that the songs come with quite a pedigree.
Jeff Griffith does himself proud on this debut album.
One not to be missed by readers who like their Country music pure & traditional.
Check him out at www.myspace.com/Jeffgriffith
GARY ALLAN
Living Hard – Humphead
Whilst his music is probably not too well known on this side of the Atlantic, California born Gary Allan is one of the biggest selling Country artists in recent years. He has notched up 5 million album sales and a million concert tickets in the last year.
This album teams Gary, the songwriter with folks like Jim Lauderdale, Jon Randell, Bob Dipero and Odie Blackman on six of the tracks , and the likes of Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick and Radney Foster contributing to the other tracks.
Gary Allan is a driving Country rock singer.
Tracks like “She’s So California” work really well, although I found “Living Hard” just too rocky for me.
He does turn the tempo down for “Learning How To Bend” and “As Long As You’re Looking Back”, in a sort of Eagles kinda way.
“Yesterday’s Rain” is much more of a Country ballad, and is my favourite from the album. Also worth a mention is “Half Of My Mistakes”, which Jace Everett fans will recognise from his first album.
Gary Allen isn’t traditional Country. If you like an edge to your Country, then he’s worth checking out.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package on Gary Allan, featuring his two platinum albums “ Tough All Over” and “See If I Care”. The package includes 23 tracks including the sentimental “Tough Little Boys”.
Various Artists
LINE DANCE FEVER 18 – Curb
The Line Dance Fever series has went through as many phases as the music.
Listening to this collection in isolation would give the idea that linedancers are back dancing only to modern Country hits. Whereas in the past the series featured some really dance orientated tracks that would not appeal to Country listeners, the last couple of volumes has concentrated on modern Country tracks.
Cynics may even suggest that the compilation was more to do with promoting Curb’s recent CD releases here. That may be so, but when they are the only major label constantly supporting the British Country music scene, then I see nothing wrong in that.
There are 16 tracks on this collection, and the sleeve suggests dances that can done to each track, and the CD booklet includes steps to six of the dances.
The album kicks off with Leann Rime’ “Nothin’ Better To Do” (with steps). Leann is back with the beautiful “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way”, one of the most Country tracks she’s recorded since “Blue”.
There’s also Tim McGraw’s “Last Dollar (Fly Away)”, the catchy stand out track from his “Let It Go Album”. Hal Ketchum has two tracks- “One More Midnight” and “One Of Those Things”, and there’s a double from The Bellamy Brothers. Howard & David offer “Dancing Cowboys” and the stunning “You’re My World”.
Rodney Atkins catchy “Watching You” is also featured alongside his danceable “About The South”.
There’s also Wynonna, Clay Walker, Steve Holy, Hank Jr , Cowboy Crush, and Bomshel with the superbly titled “It was An Absolutely Finger Lickin’ Grits & Chicken Country Music Love Song”.
A great collection for dancers and sit’n’listen fans alike.
Real Things- Humphead
Joe has come a long way since “Brokenheartsville” launched his career 5 years ago.
This is his third album, and on it, he proves to be the “Real Thing”. Indeed “Real Things” kick off the album. It’s a very solid Country number, in an Alan Jackson style. In fact, this album shows quite a few similarities between Joe & Jackson, even on the more uptemo numbers like “Comin’ Back In A Cadillac”.
He’s not a Jackson clone though. “Another Side of You” is another with a solid Country beat, with impressive fiddles and vocals., and “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” and “Aint Nobody Goin’ To Take That From Me”, have more of a classic George Strait feel. Then on “My Whiskey Years”, it’s Merle Haggard that comes to mind.
There’s more of a honky tonk theme in “Lets Get Drunk And Fight”, with some neat harmonies from Morgane Hayes and The Universal South Family Singers” (his US record label). It’s a real feel good party number, which is so rare to hear these days.
One of my favourite tracks has to be the Jamey Johnson/Dallas Davidson composition, “She’s A Lady”. It’s all about the temptation of a groupie, when he has a lady waiting at home. Like a good living Country boy with family values, he goes home.
The album concludes with “If I Could Only Fly”, a duet with Lee Ann Womack. Again, there’s Hag influences, but John Hughey’s steel guitar really makes this track.
The songs have come from the creme of Nashville songwriters like Scotty Emerick, Rivers Rutherford, Billy Dean, Dean Dillon, Jamey Johnson and John Scott Sherrill. Nichols, himself only had a hand in co-writing one of the tracks. “The Difference Is Night & Day”, a song dealing with a rocky relationship.
The musicians include MacMcAnally, Brent Rowan and Paul Franklin, and they really have produced a great solid sound for Joe throughout this album. There’s few modern day artists that you can realy call “Country”. Strait & Jackson have held the torch for so long. You can add Joe Nichols to the list.
MANSON GRANT & THE DYNAMOS
The Greatest Gift Of All – Pan Records
This album came in just too late to be reviewed last year, but no doubt still available this year.
Wick’s long running Country showband come up with a good festive party album, with no less than 21 Christmas classics. They’re all here- “Winter Wonderland”, “An Old Christmas Card”, “Silver Bells”, “White Christmas”, “Jingle Bells” and many more.
Manson’s trumpet is much more to the fore than ever before, most notably on “Silent Night”.
Perhaps the most interesting tracks are the lesser known covers. Loretta Lynn’s “Country Christmas” is quite refeshing, but I’d pick “Christmas Long Ago” as my favourite.
Manson and the lads do a good party job on the album. Most of the tracks have been done to death, but if you’re having a Christmas party, then everything you need is here on one album.
Available through the www.panrecords.co.uk website.
REBA
Duets – Humphead
Reba McEntire has been Country music’s leading lady for a couple of decades now, and has spread her talents to Broadway and TV sitcom. Her music, though, has remained rooted in Country, despite having a very AOR feel to it.
Perhaps this is why Reba (now only known by her first name), has teamed up with pop singers like Kelly Clarkson, Carole King and Justin Timberlake, and other Country singers who have crossed over, like Leann Rimes, Faith Hill and Kenny Chesney. Perhaps Reba needs to be noticed as a singer outside of the Country genre.
Of course, she’s not going to alienate her huge fanbase. She’s got Country stalwarts like Vince Gill , Ronnie Dunn and Trisha Yearwood on this album too.
Most of the tracks are quite heavy ballads, including the Kelly Clarkson duet “Beacause Of You”, which has already been a huge US hit.
The voices throughout the album really do blend beautifully, especially on “She Cant Save Him” with Trisha, and with Faith Hill on “ Sleeping With The Telephone”.
The opening duet with Leann Rimes is quite a stunning combination, that will surely be a future single.
The Vince Gill duet on “ These Broken Hearts” works well, thanks in part to Paul Franklin’s wailling steel guitar. Of course, this isn’t the first time Reba & Vince have sung together.
I loved Reba’s early material. It sounded so much more Country than the heavy ballad that became her trademark. There’s no competition when choosing my favourite track from this album then. She teams up with Ronnie Dunn (from Brooks & Dunn) on “Does The Wind Stil Blow In Oklahoma”. It’s a beautiful song about missing home, and the most Country song I’ve heard Reba sing since her Mercury label days!
It’s also written by the pair, and is the only track which Reba had a hand in writing.
I also quite liked “The Only Promise That Remains”, which is billed as featuring Justin Timberlake. His inclusion may alarm some Country fans, but in fact, Justin had very little input, providing harmonies, and coming in with a solo line right at the end. It’s a good wholesome Reba number.
In fact, despite all the guests, this is still very much a Reba album.
If you’re a Reba fan, you wont be disappointed. It’s one for the Christmas wish list.
KENNY CHESNEY
Just Who I Am : Poets & Pirates (BNA)
Kenny Chesney has been one of Country music’s big crossover artists of recent times. This is his 4th consecutive album which has topped the all-genre Billboard album charts.
From his less than inspiring chart debut in 1993 (his first 2 hits failed to hit the Top 50), the Luttrell,Tennessee native, who marks his 40th birthday next year, has really come a long way.
Recent albums have seen him in a relaxed Jimmy Buffett mood, and whilst there’s still traces of the Carribbean here, it’s a much more mainland album this time out.
He has a couple of guests. George Strait joins him for the catchy “Shiftwork”, which has already had lots of airplay, and Eagle Joe Walsh on the rather strange sounding “Wild Ride”, written by Dwight Yoakam. I have to say the scary dalek voice repeating the song title is a real put off.
Elsewhere, it’s a really enjoyable album. “Got A Little Crazy” is a bit of a party number, but it’s the ballads which sell this album.
The Bill Anderson/Jon Randell written “Demons”, which closes the album, is one of the album’s highlights. I also liked “Dancing For The Groceries”, which adds a sense of realism into a fantasy lifestyle.
The opening track, “Never Wanting Nothing More” has already been a smash hit single stateside, and captures that moment of sheer happiness when life could never be better, whilst the next track, “Dont Blink” kinda stays on the same theme, but advising us not to miss the moment.
The same theme extends through “Wife And Kids” and “Scare Me”. It’s an album about life’s important moments.
As you’d expect, the album features some top notch musicians, like Larry Paxton, Sonny Garish, Vince Gill,Rob Hajacos,and background vocalists like The Cannons, Jon Randell, Bekka Bramlett,Tim Hensley, Jonell Moser and Andrea Zonn.
Kenny has never had the same recognition in Europe as he enjoys back home. Whilst this album is quite enjoyable, I dont see this British release changing the situation much.
LEANN RIMES
Family – Curb
There’s no doubt that Leann Rimes has one of the most powerful voices in popular music today. There’s also no doubt that she can deliver a mean Country song. She did it with “Blue” and the album of classics that she did a few years ago.
This album sees Ms Rimes music still evolving, and directed at more than the Country music fan.
She has developed a southern drawl on several of the tracks that we’ve not heard before. I’m not sure if this is simply to remind us of her Country credentials.
“Nothin’ BetterTo Do” is the best example of the accent. The song, which was also released here as a single, sounds so much like “Ode To Billie Jo”. It’s growing on me, but is certainly one of these songs that you’ll either love or hate.
Tracks that I did enjoy were “I Want You With Me”, a solid modern Country ballad, and the simply acoustic “Pretty Things” and “What I Cant Change”.
The album closes with two duets from other projects. The duet featured on Reba’s Duets album is also featured here. There’s also, for me, is the best song on the album, and certainly the most Country friendly. “Till We Aint Strangers Anymore” is a duet with Bon Jovi.
“One Day Too Long” is a great song, but , like several of the tracks on this album, is delivered in a soulful bluesy kinda style, that really suits Leann’s vocals. They’re just not Country.
She’s certainly aiming at the crossover market with this release, but there are a few songs, Country fans will enjoy.
TRISHA YEARWOOD
Greatest Hits – Humphead
We first discovered Ms.Yearwood in 1991, when she shot to No.1 on the Country charts with her debut single, “She’s In Love With The Boy”. Since then, she has recorded dozens of hit singles, and no less than 10 albums. She was twice voted the CMA’s Female Vocalist Of The Year.
She has just left the MCA label, so they’ve released a Greatest Hits package, which Humphead are distributing here.
Many of her hits, such as “Like We Never Had A Broken Heart”, “XXX’s and OOO’s”, “Believe Me Baby I Lied”, “There Goes My Baby” and “Wrong Side Of Memphis” are included here. I especially enjoyed hearing some of her earlier songs again.
The album also has two “unreleased” tracks, which, as she’s now left the label, are more likely to be older “lost” tracks, rather than new recordings.
“Just A Cup Of Coffee” is a very pleasant Country arrangement, that worked quite well, whilst “Nothin’ To Lose” is a bit more bluesy, and not really Trisha’s style.
This album is a superb reminder of the great music that Trisha has given us over the past 16 years. If she’s not already part of your record collection, then this album will fill the void nicely.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package on Trisha, featuring the albums “Jasper County” and “Inside Out”. Included in the 24 tracks are “Georgia Rain” and her duet with Rosanne Cash on “Seven Year Ache”. It’s a great way to catch up on these albums if you’ve missed them first time out.
SARA EVANS
Greatest Hits – Sony/BMG
Ever since “Three Chords And The Truth” broke this Missouri girl into the Country Top 50 back in 1997, she has consistently been on Country radio with a string of hit records.
That debut album was perhaps not too big a hit commercially, but still ranks as one of the best debuts of the past ten years. Yet, no tracks from her debut merit a place on this hits collection.
Those that do, include the uptempo “Suds In The Bucket” and “Born To Fly” , together with ballads like “I Could Not Ask For More”, “No Place That Far” and “Cheatin’”.
There’s 10 “hits” and four new songs.
The CD opens with the new uptempo “As If”, and closes with two softer ballads, and another uptempo number “Some Things Never Change”.
Sara has one of these great Country voices, kinda like Terri Clark and Gretchen Wilson, that can handle ballads and uptempo numbers, with equal ease.
Her material has perhaps not been too readily available here, so this album will be a useful addition to your collection.
ISLA GRANT
Down Memory Lane – CMR/Rosette
Scots born Isla has made a lot of friends in the business over the years, both as a songwriter and as a performer. On this new album, she gets together with a bunch of her true friends and produces 16 duets, some of her most popular numbers, and some country classics.
The title track, which opens the album teams her up with Daniel O’Donnell, and DOD also features on the ever popular “Partners In Rhyme”. Daniel’s sister Margo is also featured on two tracks, “It’s Good To See You” and “An Old Friend Like You”.
We find perfect harmonies with husband Al joining Isla on “My Happiness” and “Jackson”.
Foster & Allen are featured on Isla’s composition, “Over The Years” and she returns the favour by joining in on their classic “After All These Years”.
Jimmy Buckley & Isla do a couple of classics proud, on “Makin’ Believe” and especially “Today I Started Loving You Again”. It’s clear to see that both have such an affection for The Hag.
Everybody’s friend George Hamilton IV pops up on “Spending Time With You”, and Australian Judy Stone shares the vocals on “What’s A Girl To Do”.
But my own favourites have to include Gail Davies “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”, which Isla duets with Louise Morrissey and her own “Will You Walk Down This Road With Me” which she shares with new Irish sensation Mike Denver.
Robert Mizzell & Isla take on George & Tammy, and do an exceptionally good job on “One”, and her teaming up with Mick Flavin on “Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine” is just superb.
This isn’t just an album of duets. You can tell from the chemistry that Isla is with friends here, and you’re welcome to join the party.
A superb collection.
EAGLES
Long Road Out Of Eden – ERC/Polydor
There’s do doubt that The Eagles were the greatest Rock band ever. Their string of hit songs like “Lying Eyes” and “Take It To The Limit” are classics that have stood the test of time. Their Greatest Hits collection has sold nearly 30 million copies in the past 30 years, and still sells today. Despite their Country feel, they only ever notched up one Top 40 Country single, yet are certainly respected years later by the Country music community.
This new double CD features The Eagles today – Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B.Schmidt. Frey and Henley have been there since day one. Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in 1976, and Schmidt replaced Randy Meisner two years later.
This quartet format has been around since 2001.
Here we have a completely new 2CD set featuring 21 tracks, covering quite a variety of styles, but all unmistakably The Eagles. They still have great harmonies, and that superb West Coast easy sound, which is their trademark.
CD1 is quite laid back. The single, “How Long”, beiong one of the exceptions. It has quite a driving beat, but still enjoying that unique sound. “Fast Company” does break the mould somewhat. Elsewhere it’s easy listening relaxing songs from the band’s own pens, and those of JD Souther, Paul Carrack and Steuart Smith.
CD2 starts off somewhat differently. A rather haunting intro into the album’s title cut, which is something of a masterpiece at over 10 minutes long. That’s followed by the shortest track on the collection. “I Dreamed There Was No War” is a nice little instrumental that runs for under 90 seconds.
They do some different things on the second CD. It’s a bit more pop & r&b, but I did like the more folksy “I Love To Watch A Woman Dance”, complete with Michael Thompson’s accordion, which gives it a nice touch.
The other track which stood out for me was the Raul Malo flavoured “It’s Your World Now”. Complete with horn section , and the accordion again, the Eagles flew south to capture the Mexican atmosphere on this soft romantic number.
If you like The Eagles, then this double CD wont disappoint. If you’ve never got into The Eagles before, then I still suggest giving this a listen. It really is quite an album.
Mr D
Wings & Wheels – OneInchPunch Records
Mr D is Paul McLinden on guitar & vocals with Larry Primrose on Bass & drums.
The album has a real full Country rock sound throughout.
Track 2, “Island Girl” is exceptional. It has a real West Coast (I mean USA) flavour to it.
“Late September”, likewise has a nice Eagles sound to it.
Malcolm McMaster adds some superb Steel guitar on “Somebody,Somewhere”, whilst “Ode To Geraldine” is an instrumental guitar piece, running in at just over two minutes.
“New Day” is a bit more lively than most of the other tracks, although it’s just a bit more poppy.
The album closes with “Whenever You Get The Feeling”, another softly sung Country rock number.
It’s all original material, 100% Scottish, and well worth a listen.
Work on the writing of this album began in September’ 2006, and recorded over 20 days last December at Glasgow’s Q-10 studios, and a band has now been formed, and publicity photos already taken at Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry.
Check out MrD at www.myspace.com/misterdreadmusic
JOSH TURNER
Everything Is Fine – Humphead
Josh Turner, the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry, is one of the few new names to arrive in Nashville in recent years, who are actually Country ! His deep rich vocals just ooze Country.
With banjo, fiddles and steel prominent in the musical arrangements, and Turner’s Country vocals, this is one of the best albums of the year.
The title track, which opens up the album has quite a lazy summer sound to it, and works well. The mood is kinda the same on “So Not My Baby”.
“Baby I Go Crazy” has quite a commercial feel to it. It’s a real radio friendly song that I’m sure we’ll hear a lot of.
“Firecracker” is a good foot tapping uptempo number, which I’m sure there’ll be a linedance to before long. “Trailhood” also has quite a driving beat. But it’s the cover of George Jones “One Woman Man” which really gets the feet tapping. It’s a really good version.
Slowing the tempo, he ties up with Trisha Yearwood on “Another Try”, a lovely song wishing that he can get another shot at love. He also features on another duet ,“Nowhere Fast”, this time with Anthony Hamilton.
But the stand out track for me has to be “The Longer The Waiting (The Sweeter The Kiss), written by Pat McLaughlin and English born Roger Cook. It has a beautiful folksy Celtic feel, and ends with an all too short bagpipe break courtesy of Jay Dawson.
Towards the end of the album, Josh gets quite reflective, firstly on “Soulmate”, then “The Way He Was Raised”, both quite pleasant ballads, before the album finishes with the autobiographical “South Carolina Low Country”.
A superb album well worth checking out.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package to give UK Country fans the chance to pick up two of his albums for the price of one. That’s 22 tracks in total, and they offer quite a bit of variety.
Together “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” features 22 tracks, with guest appearances from John Anderson, Diamond Rio and Ralph Stanley.
I really like Josh Turner. Here’s a great way to add him into your collection.
HUGO DUNCAN
Song & Dance Man – CMR
The Wee Man From Strabane is back with another 16 easy listening songs which will go down well with his legion of fans who listen to his daily Radio Ulster programme (1.30-3pm Mon-Fri on 1341 AM, Sky 0118 and via the internet).
Whilst this isn’t a totally Country album, they songs should certainly appeal to readers.
The song choice is quite diverse from Kristofferson’s “Jody & The Kid”, Bill Anderson’s “I Love You Drops” and Isla Grant’s “Love’s A Blessing”, to classics like “Edelweiss”, “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way” and “What A Wonderful World”.
He does a good version of Lobo’s “Me And You And A Dog Named Boo”, and I really liked “Wrong Side Of Forty” and “I’ve Got Five Dollars & It’s Saturday Night” (He’s a real big spender!)
Recorded in Tyrone, Hugo is joined by musicians like Eugene Smith, Paddy Cole, John McHugh, Martin Cleary and Charlie Arkins, a vocalists The Clinton Sisters.
A good easy listening party album.
BROOKS & DUNN
Cowboy Town – Sony/BMG
Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn were both aspiring solo performers twenty years ago, but neither really made an impression. Whoever suggested they got together must have the midas touch. I just hope they recognise him.
For since Brooks & Dunn first charted with “Brand New Man” back in 1991, they have consistently produced hit after hit.
This new 12 song album continues the journey. As you’ve come to expect, it’s hi-energy radio friendly modern edged Country music.
Several tracks stand out, especially “The Ballad Of Jerry Jeff Walker”, a fun tribute, which not only features Walker himself, but the track is much more a Jerry Jeff tune than a B&D song.
“Johnny Cash Junkie” is a general anthem for Country music, rather than a Cash tribute. The song also praises Waylon, Willie, The Hag and Buck Owens. It’s a great Country theme, and one we can all appreciate.
The album’s title cut opens the album, with a rather strange intro, but quickly gets into the song, telling of the hard working, hard playing rural towns across America.
In similar vein, we find “Proud Of The House We Built”, which has a really catchy chorus.
“Tequila” is a fast paced fun song, whilst “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” is more of a modern ballad. Both work in their own ways.The album closes with the rather thought provoking “God Must Be Busy”, which is one of my favourites on the whole album.
I never find much to say about a Brooks & Dunn album. We know what to expect, and they consistently come up to expectations.
SHOOTER JENNINGS
The Wolf – Humphead
Shooter Jennings is the son of the legendary Waylon. As with anyone following their fathers’ footsteps into the music business, it’s hard to create your own identity, without being compared . When your dad was an outlaw like Waylon, it must be even harder. One of his father’s albums back in the late 80’s was called “Will The Wolf Survive”, so the title of this album certainly suggests that Shooter isn’t hiding his background.
There are no immediate parental influences in the first couple of tracks. We’re then treated to a cover of Mark Knopler’s “Walk Of Life”, before we hear Waylon’s style coming to the fore.
“Old Friend” has a distinct Waylon sound, but also influences of Marty Robbins, especially with the horns. It’s certainly one of my favourite tracks on the 13 track album.
The Oakridge Boys join Shooter for “Slow Train”, another one that could’ve been his dad. The collaboration works really well.
“A Little More Time On You” is a slick uptempo rocker, which is followed by the slower, reflective, “Concrete Cowboys”. Shooter shows his command of a song of both styles.
“The Wolf” is a bit rockier than the rest of the album, whilst “”Higher” and “Blood From A Stone” sound rather poppy, and lack the integrity that comes over on the rest of the album.
The album closes with a real belter. ”A Matter Of Time” has all the hallmark’s of a Country classic in years to come. There’s honky tonk, as well as outlaw influences. There’s a neat change of tempo half way through, which is quite quirky. Certainly one Ol’Waylon would have been proud of.
Indeed, I’m sure Shooter would’ve pleased his dad throughout the album.
JEFF GRIFFITH
If It Aint One Thing It’s Another – Arrowhead
Now this is Country !
Texan Jeff has teamed up with Joe Stampley (of Moe Bandy & Joe fame) for this superb debut album. Jeff has been playing guitar since childhood, and was packing out the Santa Fe clubs at age 15.
The pure Country music runs right from the first note of “It Ain’t The Clothes That Make The Man”.
The deep soulful ballads like “She Reminds Him Of You”, and the really classy sounding “It Was Always So Easy” certainly have George Jones influences. Other ballads like “Tonight Was Made For The Both Of Us” doesn’t sound like Jones, but Griffith delivers it well, in his own way.
I really liked the strong John Conlee type delivery on “I’m Your Radio”, the pure Country swing of “Lets Make Love Tonight” and the softer “Drinkin’ Thing”
The livelier honky tonk side of Jeff comes in the form of “Whiskey Talkin’”, and it’s a different kind of uptempo on “Fishin’ Forever”, in a kinda Chattahoochie style.
With writers like Tony Stampley, Wayne Carson, Dean Dillon, Blake Mevis, Carmol Taylor, Whitey Shaffer and Kevin Denney, you can tell that the songs come with quite a pedigree.
Jeff Griffith does himself proud on this debut album.
One not to be missed by readers who like their Country music pure & traditional.
Check him out at www.myspace.com/Jeffgriffith
GARY ALLAN
Living Hard – Humphead
Whilst his music is probably not too well known on this side of the Atlantic, California born Gary Allan is one of the biggest selling Country artists in recent years. He has notched up 5 million album sales and a million concert tickets in the last year.
This album teams Gary, the songwriter with folks like Jim Lauderdale, Jon Randell, Bob Dipero and Odie Blackman on six of the tracks , and the likes of Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick and Radney Foster contributing to the other tracks.
Gary Allan is a driving Country rock singer.
Tracks like “She’s So California” work really well, although I found “Living Hard” just too rocky for me.
He does turn the tempo down for “Learning How To Bend” and “As Long As You’re Looking Back”, in a sort of Eagles kinda way.
“Yesterday’s Rain” is much more of a Country ballad, and is my favourite from the album. Also worth a mention is “Half Of My Mistakes”, which Jace Everett fans will recognise from his first album.
Gary Allen isn’t traditional Country. If you like an edge to your Country, then he’s worth checking out.
*Humphead have also released a 2 on 1 package on Gary Allan, featuring his two platinum albums “ Tough All Over” and “See If I Care”. The package includes 23 tracks including the sentimental “Tough Little Boys”.
Various Artists
LINE DANCE FEVER 18 – Curb
The Line Dance Fever series has went through as many phases as the music.
Listening to this collection in isolation would give the idea that linedancers are back dancing only to modern Country hits. Whereas in the past the series featured some really dance orientated tracks that would not appeal to Country listeners, the last couple of volumes has concentrated on modern Country tracks.
Cynics may even suggest that the compilation was more to do with promoting Curb’s recent CD releases here. That may be so, but when they are the only major label constantly supporting the British Country music scene, then I see nothing wrong in that.
There are 16 tracks on this collection, and the sleeve suggests dances that can done to each track, and the CD booklet includes steps to six of the dances.
The album kicks off with Leann Rime’ “Nothin’ Better To Do” (with steps). Leann is back with the beautiful “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way”, one of the most Country tracks she’s recorded since “Blue”.
There’s also Tim McGraw’s “Last Dollar (Fly Away)”, the catchy stand out track from his “Let It Go Album”. Hal Ketchum has two tracks- “One More Midnight” and “One Of Those Things”, and there’s a double from The Bellamy Brothers. Howard & David offer “Dancing Cowboys” and the stunning “You’re My World”.
Rodney Atkins catchy “Watching You” is also featured alongside his danceable “About The South”.
There’s also Wynonna, Clay Walker, Steve Holy, Hank Jr , Cowboy Crush, and Bomshel with the superbly titled “It was An Absolutely Finger Lickin’ Grits & Chicken Country Music Love Song”.
A great collection for dancers and sit’n’listen fans alike.
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