Oct 2019

It’s VINCE GILL month, with two albums to review in this edition.
The legendary singer, songwriter and guitar player is one of Country music’s most esteemed entertainers :  respected for his modesty, admired for his talent. One night he can be heard jamming with The Time Jumpers at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsay Bar on a weeknight. Next stop, he’s touring around the world’s biggest stages with The Eagles.
“Okie” is his new release. It’s an album which is really close to home for Vince, an “Okie”, himself, having been born in Norman, some 20 miles from Oklahoma City.
Some of Vince’s best music has come from ballads, and this album is full of them.
He starts with “I Don’t Wanna Ride The Rails No More”, a lovely ballad about changing perspectives on life. Change features on several tracks, including “The Price Of Regret” and “What Choice Will You Make”.
"Forever Changed." Is about abuse, and he nearly didn't record it. But many years ago when he performed it live, a band member who heard it ran off the stage in tears, and told him that it was her story. She asked, "How did you know?" And he didn't, but he knows people aren't always kind or fair-minded, or right or true.
“That Old Man Of Mine” is a bit different from the rest of the album. The subject matter diverts Vince from his down home modest real life, to the story of an abusive father, and doing time for serving due justice.
Vince’s modesty comes to the fore on “An Honest Man”, with its line “Let Them Cowboys Be The Heroes, I’ll Just Be an Honest Man”. With some lovely steel guitar from Paul Franklin, it’s one of my favourite tracks on the album.
“The Red Words” is something of a spiritual religious number, which really strikes a chord.
Vince holds family close. He's sung about his father in "The Key To Life." He's sung about his brother in "Go Rest High On That Mountain". He’s sung about daughter Jenny (“Jenny Dreamed Of Trains”), and on this album, has “When My Amy Prays”, and “A Letter To My Mama”, the later co-written with Dean Dillon.
But the stand out tracks are Vince’s tributes to a couple of musical heroes. “Nothin’ Like a Guy Clark Song” speaks for itself, whilst the guy who put “Okie’s” on the map, is honoured on the instantly appealing “A World Without Haggard”. “Black & White” also honours Guy & Merle.
Some of Vince’s biggest hits have been killer ballads. This album really takes up where they left off. There’s some great songs on here, that I wont stop listening to for a long long time.
A stunning album.

From brand new Vince, Humphead take us back to the start of his Nashville career in 1984, with the release of “Oklahoma Borderline”, a 2 CD set, featuring 35 tracks.
At that time, his label RCA, were trying to make him a pop star. I recall him popping “secretly” into the press room at the Wembley Festival. The label flew him in to get him on Radio 1, they didn’t want him doing the Country Festival.
Some of the songs during that time, all featured here, included the upbeat “Victim Of Life’s Circumstances”, “Turn Me Loose”, “Lucy Dee” and “Everybody’s Sweetheart” which were more rockabilly than Country.
But Vince showed just how he could deliver a killer ballad, even back then. I fondly remember “Half A Chance”, which I still play regularly, “The Radio”, “I’ve Been Hearing Things About You” and “If It Weren’t For Him”, which was a duet with Rosanne Cash. How beautifully their voices blended together- why haven’t they done more together over the years?
I had forgotten about “Til The Best Comes Along” – superb Country, with some great steel guitar from Jaydee Maness, and “Oh Carolina”, with lovely harmonies from Emmylou Harris.
Vince’s career never really took off until he moved over to MCA in 1989, but as this collection shows, he did some wonderful stuff in his early career, which shouldn’t be forgotten.
He recorded 3 albums for RCA, and for this collection, there’s a bonus of several tracks, where Vince has added harmonies, on other people’s records.  Included is Pam Tillis’ “It Isn’t Just Raining”, Tammy Wynette’s “I Wasn’t Meant To Live My Life Along” and Sara Evans “No Place That Far”. Interestingly, when this song, which was nominated for CMA Vocal Event of The Year, was originally released in the UK, they stripped Vince’s vocals from the record. There’s also a guest spot on Brad Paisley “Bigger Fish To Fry”. I’m sure there’s a few more “guest” tracks they could’ve unearthed- Baillie & The Boys comes to mind.
As with all of Humphead’s classic collections, there’s an excellent CD booklet written by Alan Cackett.
Two great albums from one of the greatest guys in Country music, from both ends of his career. Both are superb, and both are must haves for any Country music collection!

Someone else whose career is in a reflective mood is CRYSTAL GAYLE. It’s over 40 years since she became a household name with hits like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “When I Dream”.
She has just released her first new album in 16 years, “You Don’t Know Me” (Southpaw), which includes 15 tracks, mostly covers of Country classics.  Now, I’m often critical of artists who fill their albums with such tried and tested songs, but Crystal has such a beautiful, and unique vocal style, that she has plenty to offer, even the most over recorded numbers.
The album kicks off with the bouncy Gordon Lightfoot song “Ribbon Of Darkness”, which really gets the tempo going.  But it’s the next track- Hank’s “You Win Again”, which really made its mark. I wasn’t expecting Crystal to make a song that’s been around for so long, so much her own. Then she did the same on “Please Help Me I’m Falling”.  And “There Goes My Everything”, “Crying Time” and “Walking After Midnight”.  Not to mention, the title track, an old Eddy Arnold hit.
Imagine her taking on Lefty Frizzell & Merle Haggard’s “That’s The Way Love Goes”.
One of her early albums was “We Must Believe In Magic”, and Crystal proves here that she has the magic touch on any songs she may touch.
A few of the songs aren’t as well known, but Crystal still makes her mark on George Jones’ “Just One More” and George Strait’s “I’ve Seen That Look On Me A Thousand Times”.
There’s also family connections, as she records brother, Jay Lee Webb’s “You Were Never Mind”, which is one of my favourite tracks.  She also teams up with her sisters, Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue Wright on Dolly’s “Put It Off Until Tomorrow”. This is the first record the three sisters have ever made together. It probably has more of a Loretta sound, than a Crystal one, but it’s a real event which should’ve happened long ago.
There’s a bonus track of Crystal’s first single from way back in 1970, “I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out Of My Eyes”, a song written by sister Loretta, who wrote a lot of Crystal’s early songs. The track does sound quite dated, but interesting to compare her voice and the productions.
Overall, a wonderful album. Classic Country from one of Country’s Classiest ladies.

TOBY KEITH has been at the top in Country music since he first set the charts alight back in 1993. He has sold over 40 million albums in the US alone. He has amassed a list of 32 No.1 songs, and indeed has topped the charts every year for 20 straight years. What is more surprising is that he has had his own record label, Show Dog Nashville, since 2005.
Now his “Greatest Hits- The Show Dog Years” gets a UK release later this month, featuring a string of smash hits that are instantly recognisable, like the fun, party numbers, “Red Solo Cup”, “Beers Ago”, and “Trailerhood”. I particularly liked the latter.  It’s the type of songs, Toby has made very much his own, over the years.
There are patriotic numbers like “Made In America” and “American Ride”, and other upbeat numbers like “God Love Her” and “High Maintenance Woman”.
There are ballads too, like “Cryin’ for Me (Wayman’s Song)”, “Hope On The Rocks”, “She Never Cried In Front Of Me” and “Love Me If You Can”.
The album features four new(er) songs, including the hit single from earlier this year, “That’s Country Bro”, an anthem paying tribute to the legends of Country music. The cynical side of me considers it just a list of names from a Country’s Who’s Who, but he delivers the directory well.
“Don’t Let The Old Man In”, is a softer ballad, which is featured in the Clint Eastwood movie, “The Mule”. There’s also quite a funky feel to “Back in the 405”, and an alternative remix of “American Ride”.
Toby is an individual, with an individual sound. It’s well captured on this hits collection. There’s not another performer like him.

The child of an American military family, MICHAELA ANNE was raised on the road, living in places as widespread as Washington, California & Italy. She puts her lack of roots, and the questions that raised in her mind, as the driver behind her songwriting.
She first came to the notice of Country music critics in 2014, when The Village Voice hailed her debut offering, “Ease My Mind” as “one of the year’s best Country Albums”. Now her third album, “Desert Dove” (Yep Roc) has just been released in the UK.
She was a new name to me, but one that I was really impressed with, on the strength of this album.
In the main, it is an upbeat, well produced, and a really good listen.
The album kicks off slowly, with “By Own Design”, which is quite a ballad, compared to the rest of the album. 
 “I’m Not The Fire” is a good, uptempo radio friendly number, which I really liked. Other upbeat numbers include “Run Away With Me”, and the catchy “I Wanted Your Opinion”.
“Two Fools” has a real old time Country feel to it, with some honky tonk piano mixed with steel, giving it a really classic feel to it.  “Tattered,Torn And Blue (And Crazy)” also has quite a retro feel to it.
“Child Of The Wind” is one of these “driving” songs, one that’s great to listen to, whilst tearing down a wide open road. One of the stand out tracks for me.
The title track is one of the softer ballads on the album, having quite an atmospheric feeling to it.
“One Heart” is a powerful song, delivered with a strong, soaring vocal, and driving guitar.
The closing track, “Be Easy” is the most simplistic solo ballad- very much Michaela on her own.
Recorded “on location” in San Clemente, California, the album was produced by recent UK visitor Sam Outlaw, and Delta Spirit’s Kelly Winrich.
I really enjoyed this album. A lady to listen out for.

Anyone who comes from a place called Monkey’s Eyebrow (a real place, near Paducah, Kentucky) must be interesting. And KELSEY WALDON fits the bill. After moving to Nashville, she earned a college degree, spent three years bartending at The Nashville Palace, took up touring with her music, and her persistence led her to the Grand Ole Opry stage. She’s toured with the likes of Jamey Johnson and Tyler Childers, as well as her new boss.
She is the first new artist signed to John Prine’s Oh Boy Records label, in 15 years. “White Noise, White Lines” gets it’s UK release this month.
It kick’s off with “Anyhow”, which really demonstrates her deep southern accent, mixed with a driving beat. It certainly captures the listener’s attention.
The title track is a smouldering personal number which was inspired by a pivotal weekend in August 2017, noting that she had just turned 30, fallen in love, there was a stunning solar eclipse, and she befriended members of a Chickasaw tribe (whose chants were recorded on her phone, and featured here).
“Kentucky 1988” recaptures her early childhood. It’s one of my favourite tracks on the album. It’s preceded by a voicemail from her father, just to add a personal touch.
Still in Kentucky, “Black Patch” is a real old time Country number, which recalls a historic battle there.
“Lived And Let Go” is Kelsey’s protest song, inspired by Dylan & Guthrie.
“Very Old Barton” is a rip roaring old style outlaw /hillbilly number, with a strong Waylon feeling to the arrangement. Not that her voice is anything like Waylon’s.
“Run Away” is a slower number, a traditional Country weeper, laced with steel guitar, which really worked well.
“Sunday’s Children” is quite a bluesy, which didn’t appeal to me much, whilst the closing ballad” My Epitaph” was originally written by Ola Belle Reed, but obviously very personal to Kelsey.
But overall, this is a really impressive album. Her southern drawl may not find universal appeal, but her vocal styling really suits the songs on this collection.
Well worth a listen !

DAVE GUNNING is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has amassed a ton of awards including ECMA’s & Juno’s, in a 23 year musical career, which has seen him record a dozen album’s.
His 13th album, “Up Against The Sky” (Wee House Of Music), like his previous outings, rides the line between East Coast Folk, Country and Celtic music.
I’ve enjoyed several of his earlier albums, so was pleased to get hold of this latest release.
“All That’s Yet To Come”, a co-write with Ray Stewart, one of the most positive songs on the album. It’s quite a catchy anthem of hope.
Although his main influences were Stan Rogers and John Allen Cameron, I identified a distinct Ian Tyson influence on the farming anthems, “Celebrate The Crop”, and “Horse For Sale”.
Away from the farms, he hits the seas, with the “The Loyal Fisherman”, an interesting story song, which he describes as a mini-movie in 4 ½ minutes.
“Ferris Wheel” is a song that took Dave back in time, and asked what happened to his favourite fair attraction, and other memories that raised.
“In The Time I Was Away”, is an upbeat, bouncy little number, about being away from home, and missing out. “Circle Of Boots” takes Dave back a few years, when he toured Canada with George Canyon. Apparently they had a ritual each night where the band and crew would all link arms for a prayer, and he remembers staring at the ground, seeing the circle of boots. An interesting tale from the road.
Dave’s protest song comes along in the form of “Wish I Was Wrong”. Dave is active in a group opposed to the release of treated effluent from a pulp mill, which threatens a local fishery. He certainly raised the profile for the cause on this mournful, but defiant number.
The album winds up with “Beyond The Day”, a song written with Glasgow singer songwriter Paul McKenna. It’s a really nice number.
The whole album is a really nice listen. Country, with folk and celtic influences.

CHARLEY CROCKETT is something of a legend down in Texas. Born in San Benito, he moved to Dallas, and more recently Austin, via New Orleans, California and Paris, France along the way.  He was raised in a trailer park in Los Fresnos, taught himself guitar, got in trouble with the law, and more recently health issues, which lead to him having open heart surgery earlier this year. He’s certainly done a lot of living in his 35 years.
His music style was originally the blues, but veering through American Roots music, has brought him to his sixth album, “The Valley” (Thirty Tigers), which has certainly a lot of Country music on offer. Not, today’s Country music, but real, authentic, traditional Country music, of the Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb and Webb Pierce style, following on from his 2017 release “Lil G.L.’s Honky Tonk Jubilee”.
The album opens up with the handclapping, foot tappin’ “Borrowed Time”. It’s a really catchy skiffle type number, which has the listener instantly realising that this album is going to so different to anything else out there.
The title track is the story of his life. There’s a bit of Kristofferson in there, but with a bit more of a Country arrangement, including steel, that you’d get from Kris.
Also boasting some impressive steel guitar is “10,000 Acres (of lonesome)”. From the title alone, you know this is just got to be a killer Country song, and it is!
Slowing things down, “Change Yo’ Mind”, is a traditional Country song, whilst “Motel Time Again” was written by Crockett, alongside Bobby Bare and others. It’s real Country music.
“Big Gold Mine”, “The Way I’m Livin’ (Santa Rosa)”and  “River Of Sorrow” are all good upbeat numbers, which I really enjoyed. 
“If Not The Fool”, is a classic Country crooner number, influenced by bluesy overtones.
There are a few tracks that didn’t work for me, including the bluesy skiffle song “7 Come 11”, one of the few songs not written by Crockett himself.
Another cover is the Buck Owens/Harlan Howard hit, “Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)”. I’ve got to say, that, for a song that’s had so many covers, including The Mavericks, this is a totally different version of the song. Crockett has made it his own.
Crockett doesn’t have the best voice in the world, but that just adds to the authenticity of the songs here. His music is steeped in Country & Blues, when it was much closer linked than it is today. A real fifties feel to the album, which is quite an achievement for a 35 year old.
He was over here on tour last month, and included a Glasgow gig. If you missed him, make sure you grab this album, which is released here on November 22nd.

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS have been a regular fixture on the Americana side of the Country scene for some years now. The Memphis native has released a dozen albums, which have charted in various musical charts.
This month, his 13th album, “Dragons” (Thirty Tigers) gets a UK release, and is a really catchy collection of songs, which should get airplay on a number of different radio outlets.
The album kicks off with the very commercial sounding “Family”, complete with fashionable Nashville styled chants. It certainly caught my attention.
“End Of The World”, also has quite a mainstream beat, which should fit nicely into modern Country radio formats.
The title track features Sean McConnell and Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow. I has a real Country story song feel to it, complete with spoken lines. I really liked it.
There are a couple of songs, which feature Drew’s good lady Ellie. They include the smouldering, yet infectious “But I’ll Never Forget The Way You Make Me Feel” and “See The World”, which namechecks the legendary Shel Silverstein, which got my attention. This one is quite a poppy easy listening number, but it really works.
“You Want What You Cant Have”, one of two songs co-written with the award winning Lori McKenna, also features vocals from his co-writer. It has a slight reggae beat, but is also one of the most Country feeling songs on the album.
“Maybe”, which features Highwomen singer songwriter Natalie Hemby, is a touch more rocky.
If you like the west coast Eagles sound, check out “Make It Look So Easy”. It’s another written with Lori McKenna.
On a slower note, “You Never Leave My Heart” is more of a ballad, whilst “Bittersweet” is also on the slow side.
I’ve always enjoyed Drew’s previous albums, but this one really stands out for me. Definitely worth a listen !

SILVER LAKE 66 is a duo featuring Maria Francis & Jeff Overbo. Their musical paths came together many years back in Minneapolis, before heading to Southern California, and latterly in the North Western state of Oregon.
They recorded an album in 2016 called “Let Go Or Be Dragged”, and now release the follow up “Ragged Heart” in the UK this month.
They offer a unique sound, which blends old time Country, folk & blues, together with really neat vocals which harmonise together beautifully.
The album, which was recorded in Portland, kicks off with Jeff’s “Blue Earth County”, which is a really strong Country anthem, which had me hooked in the first few seconds.
That was followed by the catchy, upbeat title track, this time lead by Maria.
“Broken” has a bit more of a bluesy feel to it, but really suits the duet vocal styling.
“Faded Tattoos”, led vocally by Maria, is a bit more contemporary in its sound.
“Tender”, as you would expect, is more of a ballad. Maria’s vocals sound much more vulnerable this time, and really Country, at the same time.  I could probably say the same about “Broken Dreams & Cigarettes”.
“Hard Thing To Do” has a stunning steel guitar intro, thanks to Brian Daste. On this one, Maria’s vocals are more aligned to the blues. But it works well.
“Check Out To Cash” and “Such A Mess” are Jeff’s turn to slow down the tempo.
He’s more uptempo again on “Like A River”.
I wasn’t familiar with Silver Lake 66”, but was really impressed with this album. Real down home Country, with some blues and a folksy feel at the same time.
It was really quite a refreshing listen!

 RYAN BROOKS is offering a bright fresh sound from the English Midlands. The 24 year old Nottingham based singer songwriter has just released his debut album, “VICE (is where the devil finds his darlings)”.
Citing The Dead South and Johnny Cash amongst his influences, he was certainly going to have an interesting sound. Ryan wrote all the songs, and produced the album in his home studio, playing all the instruments, with the exception of Dan Booth’s violin on a number of tracks.
The title track, hidden deep in the album (track 8) is a mid tempo number, which defies all genre labels.
It all kicks off with the lively foot-tappin’ “Own Sweet Way”, which is almost a HoeDown. It’s really catchy. “Arlene”, is a bouncy little number, which you can’t help liking.
“Dear Departed” is a really upbeat number which stand out for me, as does “City Lights”.
“Find A Way”, another of the album’s upbeat numbers, features Ken Bonsall & Dan Booth (from a band called Ferocious Dog).
“She” is a softer ballad, with almost a continental feel to it, whilst “Red Light Alley” has a mystical mid tempo, haunting feel to it, until it comes to the catchy chorus.
And it all closes down with “Come Over”, which allows Ryan to wear his heart on his sleeve.
It’s an interesting- not like anything else you’ll hear on the UK Country scene today!

Growing up, ED DUPAS was a well travelled child. Born in Houston, he was raised in Manitoba, before his family moved to Detroit, whilst Ed was a teenager. There’s a lot of musical influences made an impression of Dupas over the years.
His third album, “The Lonesome Side Of Town” (Road Trip Songs) get released here in late October, and is certainly worth listening out for.  I have enjoyed his previous outings, but this album really caught my attention from track 1.
The album opens with the title track. It’s a strong, upbeat, stone Country song, given a bit of a personality by Ed’s “Sean Connery” style vocals, especially when he sings about “the lone-shum side of town”. I really liked that. The album was off to a real winner!
By contrast, “Lonely” is a bit more of a ballad, as is “The Things I Miss” and “On MY Way”. “It Tears The Heart Right Out Of Me” is a real Country heartbreaker, whilst “Just For Two” is, perhaps, just a little more lighter. Both are equally pleasing on the ear.
“It All Sounds Like Leaving” is a mid tempo song, which really emphasises just how Country this record is. I’ve got to say, Justin Schipper’s steel licks really helps there.
But it’s the more upbeat tracks which really impressed me most, including “Both Hands On The Wheel”
“State Of The Nation” is a real rocker, with a bit of American patriotism included.
Whilst Ed Dupas music is directed more towards Americana fans, I consider this to be one of the strongest traditional Country music albums of the year. Highly recommended.

Our Irish album this time around comes from singer songwriter TONY McLOUGHLIN, who recently performed at the Millport Country Festival.  Tony’s career stretches back to the days of Donovan, back in the 70’s, and has also involved sharing stages with The Everly Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle, Janis Ian and Lee Roy Parnell, to name just a few.
For his latest album, “True Native”, (Fuego label), which is released later this month, Tony went back to Nashville (where he recorded his 2006 album, “Tall Black Horse”), and took with him, fellow Irishman Phillip Donnelly, as producer.
As you’ll guess from seeing who he’s worked with in the past, Tony isn’t a mainstream Irish, or even Country artist. He does have much more of a rugged Country rock / Americana influence running through the album.
Having said that, there are some really nice Country numbers standing out on the album.
“The Colour Of Spring” and “Treeline” both have a really nice bounce to them, and is quite different to anything else on the album.  “If You Were A Bluebird”, written by Butch Hancock, is another of the album’s highlights for me.
On these three tracks especially, lovely harmonies from Californian singer songwriter Jean Anne Chapman Tarleton, really adds to the sound.
“Here Come The Wind” has quite a Bobby Bare sound to it, keeping it sounding Country, but blending in with the rockier feel through the rest of the album.
The opening track is a hard drivin’ “Blood On Blood”, which was originally going to be the title track.  “True Native” is a song which takes the listener to the old west. It’s quite a haunting, atmospheric number.
“Mercury”, which closes the album is quite a slow number, but enhanced greatly by the Dylan-esque harmonica.
An interesting album. Worth a listen.

Golspie based COLORADO were, without doubt, the most successful Country music band that Scotland has ever produced, having won the BCMA Group Of The Year award right through the 1980’s. They appeared regularly at the Wembley Festival, as well as huge events across Europe and beyond.  Geordie is still going strong, despite several attempts to retire, and the fan base just keeps going, thru the generations.
For some time now, younger fans, many who weren’t around in the 80’s, have been asking for the old Colorado albums, and now several of the old vinyl albums have been digitised and made available through the usual download and streaming services.
They include, “Tennessee Inspiration”, which includes their original version of “The Green Fields Of France”, which featured legendary Nashville steelie Lloyd Green, as well as such favourites as “Tennessee Whiskey & Texas Women” (which featured Davy Duff on lead vocals), “Boogie Grass Saturday Night” and the Stewart Ross song “A Part Of Me Will Stay With You”.
Their first album, “Colorado Sing Country Music”, which featured the Cajun classic “Thibodeaux And His Cajun Band” is also available, as is the self titled album, “Colorado”, with “All My Cloudy Days Are Gone”.
“Exclusive”, which the original album cover was a mock up of a newspaper called “The Colorado Times”, featured the catchy “Crazy Celtic Music”, which featured Tommy Collins, “Makin’ Friends” with George Hamilton IV, and their stunning version of “The Dark Island”.
And “Still Rollin”, an early retrospective look back at their career at that point, with songs like “We’ve Got Something To Say”, “Stories We Could Tell” and “Saving The Best For Last” completes the list.
I’ve still got all these albums on their original vinyl, but its pure nostalgia to hear them in today’s digital glory.

These days BRANDON McPHEE is flying the musical flag for the Far North. Like Colorado, he has successfully blended his local roots with Country music. His new EP teams him up with Foster & Allen, no less, as they perform a really impressive version of the Skipinnish number, “Walking On The Waves”. The song has been covered a fair bit recently, but I have to say that Brandon, Mick & Tony have a real winner on their hands with this version. The second track is Brandon’s own version of “Old Town Road”, the recent No.1 UK Pop hit for Billy Ray Cyrus & rapper Lil Nas X. No rapping on Brandon’s version thankfully!
The EP is completed with the powerful “Take These Wings”, and the accordion tune “The Bluebird”, written by Will Starr. A good mix of Country and Scottish on one CD.

Aug 2019

DOMINIC KIRWAN celebrates his 30 years as a recording artist, with “Time Of My Life” (Rosette), a 12 track collection of easy listening, generally Country tracks, which is just the sort of music he has been so successful with, over the years.
There are covers from the likes of Kenny Rogers (Lady), Glen Campbell (Southern Nights & Wichita Lineman) and George Strait (The Chair).
He covers Alan Jackson’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”, and “The Older I Get”, a lovely ballad, which stands out on the album for me.  He even takes on Aaron Tippin’s “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” and The Hag’s “That’s The Way Love Goes”.
Veering away from the Country, “Once In A Lifetime” has quite a soulful feel to it, as does the duet with son Barry, on “The Long Goodbye”, a song written by Paul Brady, Ronan Keating and Kix Brooks.
He also offers an interesting arrangement to Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now”. 
The title track, the old Green Day hit, is given a vibrant celtic feel, and it really works well.
After 30 years Dominic really knows his audience, and knows just what songs will work. This collection continues the trend. A good mix of known, and slightly lesser known numbers, some strong ballads, together with more upbeat numbers.
It’s another winner from Dominic.

Philomena Begley’s son AIDAN QUINN was well received when he released his album “Overworked & Underpaid”, which instantly established him as part of the Irish Country scene.
It seems incredible that it’s taken Aidan 6 years to follow up with new music.
But it’s certainly been worth the wait. “Home Away From Home” (H & H Music) is a superb album in every way. I really like Aidan’s voice. He can sound so Country one minute, and then his Irish side really comes through on the more Celtic influenced numbers. The production is first class throughout, with no less than three producers, Brian Kerrigan, Dave Arkins and Stephen Smyth being involved in the album.
The album kicks off with “Friend Of Mine”, which was originally featured on the Nashville TV series, although is well suited to the Irish audiences. The next two tracks are Country classics. Firstly, there’s the catchy “Life Of A Poor Boy”, which takes us back to Stonewall Jackson days. That’s followed by the Merle Haggard ballad “What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana”, which has been a popular song for Irish artists to record of late.  Other Country covers include Kristofferson’s “Why Me Lord”, Waylon & Willie’s “Good Hearted Woman”, Gene Watson’s “Circus That You Call The Rodeo” and “May The Wind Be Always At Your Back”, which takes us back to Miki & Griff days.
The Irish side is covered by The Murphy’s “Tallulah”, “Josie’s Country Tavern” and the Sean Keane written title track.
He does really spirited versions of “Grace”, “Flying Home From Aherlow” and “Lovely Leitrim” too. There’s a seven song “Country & Irish medley, and it’s all rounded off with a duet with mum Philomena, on Tom Paxton’s classic “Last Thing On My Mind”,
This is a really strong album. Aidan has a great voice, suiting both stone Country and traditional Irish songs.

Not to be outdone, mum PHILOMENA BEGLEY has a “new” release in the form of a double CD, which has a bit of history attached to it.
“Jive Time”, (H & H Music) is on CD1, which is a collection of 10 fast paced medley’s, is a project which has been in the making for 20 years. Recording began on the CD, but changes in record label resulted in the recordings been lost, and forgotten about until now. Recently discovered and completed, the recordings are all fresh, and newly recorded for the project.
There’s a mix of Country & pop songs in the mix, where you have Buddy, Hank & The Beatles in one set, and Shakin Stevens, Johnny Cash and John Fogerty in another. Medley number 2 features “Blanket On The Ground”, “Queen Of The Silver Dollar”, “Ramblin Man” and “Truck Drivin’ Woman”, four of Philomena’s biggest hits, rolled into one recording.
CD 2 is even more of a historic memory. It’s a live set, recorded at The Whitehall Theatre, Dundee, back in 1990 (were you there?). It was originally a TV show, and later made available on DVD, and is now included in the CD package.
Included are songs like the afore mentioned “Queen Of The Silver Dollar” and “Truck Driving Woman”, alongside “Sentimental Ol’ You”, “Route 65 To Nashville” , “One Drink Is One Too Many” and even “The Dark Island”.
And the package is completed by the addition of four more Philomena classics including “Red Is The Rose” and “The Way Old Friends Do”.
It’s testament to Philomena’s longevity, that recordings she made years ago, can be repackaged these days, and still sounds so great. There’s a lot of great music on this double CD collection.
 
Staying in Ireland, and an Anglo-Irish quartet who call themselves KEYWEST.
Their publicity cites them as being a fusion of rock, pop & folk, but there are certainly tracks on their album, “Ordinary Superhero” (Marshall Records) which will appeal.
All songs were written by lead vocalist Andy Glover and Andrew Kavanagh, and the album was produced by the pair too.
Their story began busking on the cold Irish streets, just to eat and pay the rent, but were soon blocking streets as crowds gathered to hear them play. On the back of these humble beginnings the band sold 150,000 physical CD’s.
They’ve now grown, and play venues all over the UK and Europe, as well as Ireland.
Their new album is certainly going to gain them even more exposure, I’m sure.
The album kicks off with the upbeat “Somebody To Love”, which is really difficult to label. It may well appeal to Country fans, who like their music a bit more edgy. The same could be said of “C’est La Vie”.
“What Are You Waiting For”, a song about young love, could’ve come right out of today’s Nashville scene. Indeed, it’s more Country than a lot of what’s coming out of Nashville these days. The most obvious Country sounding track is “I’m Not Me Without You”
“Wear Your Love” and “Blood Sweat And Tears” are more of a ballad.
“Ordinary Superhero”, the title track, starts off slow, but builds up to be a bit of a repetitive pop number.
“How Did We Get Here?” is a radio friendly pop-rock number, which could really be a chart hit for them.
It’s an interesting album. I could see Keywest appealing to the Country2Country crowd.

RUNAWAY JUNE is an American All-girl trio country music group consisting of vocalists Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland, and Jennifer Wayne (John Wayne’s grand daughter). Two of the girls are from California, the other from Florida, and they met in Nashville a few years back where they wrote their debut single.
Three years down the road, and their debut album, “Blue Roses” (Wheelhouse Records) has been released. It follows on from their Country2Country appearance in London this past March (they didn’t get to Glasgow), and touring the US dates of Carrie Underwood’s tour.
The album features the radio friendly hit “Buy My Own Drinks”, which has really got a good share of radio airplay, giving the girls some precious exposure.
The girls’ biggest selling point is their flawless harmonies, which stands them apart from many of the pop flavoured female vocalists and bands coming out of Nashville these days.
Whilst album opener, “Head Over Heels” is quite poppy, as is “I Knew The Way” and “Trouble With This Town”, I do quite like their sound.
“Got Me Where You Want Me” is a beautiful ballad. It’s one of the songs on the record, which wasn’t written by any of the girls. “We Were Rich” is another, which has a lot of traditional Country values in its lyrics, and has a catchy arrangement, which I really liked. “I Am Too” is a lovely mid tempo number which really appealed to me.
One track which will be recognised is a cover of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”. Having female harmonies deliver the song is an interesting listen. It really works!
But it’s the title track, and album closure, which stands out for me though. It’s a lovely, haunting ballad, and well worthy of its status as a title track.
These girls have a good modern sound, but as I say, their harmonies place them above many of the other female vocals coming out of Nashville these days. Well worth a listen.

Although ALICE HOWE hails from Boston, she headed west to Bakersfield, California to pursue her musical career, and to record her debut album, “Visions” (Know Howe Music), where she teamed up with FREEBO, whose credits include Bonnie Raitt, Maria Muldaur and Crosby,Stills & Nash.
She’s been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, but to my ears, she’s got her own, fresh vocal style, which I really liked from the first listen.
The album features five originals, and five iconic covers.
The covers include Taj Mahal’s “Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes”, Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice,It’s Alright” and  Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me”, which are given her own style, not radically changed, but definitely not a straight cover either.
Most of the originals are collaborations with her producer, although “What We Got Is Gold” is a solo write. It’s a simple, homely ballad, which I really quite liked.
The album kicks off with “Twilight”, a gentle, lilting ballad, which has quite a folksy-country feel to it.  It really captures the listener’s attention for what is to follow. In much the same style, “You Just Never Know”, stood out for me. It has a really strong Country appeal.
“Still On My Mind” is a much slower, delicate number, whilst “Getaway Car” is different to anything else on the album, capturing a more upbeat bluesy style.
Throughout, Alice demonstrates a really pleasant vocal styling, which I really liked.
A superb album. One of my favourites of the year so far!

One of the most interesting collaborations of the year, has to be “Hawks With Good Intentions” (Western Seeds Record Company), which sees the Anglo-American union of US duo I SEE HAWKS IN LA and Liverpool’s “THE GOOD INTENTIONS.
They first met a number of years ago at a house party in the chaparral foothills in Sierra Madre, California, and have shared gigs on both sides of the Atlantic regularly since.
The two outfits began some long distance writing, and the result is this new album, which boasts some really neat harmonies and playing.
Peter Davies from the Merseyside end, leads the vocals on five of the ten tracks. They include the opening track, “Blue Heaven”, a breezy mid tempo number which is a nice welcome to the album. Also lead by Peter is the slower “Rambling Girl”, “Flying Now” and “Epiphany On Town Hal Square”.
Rob Waller from The Hawks, also leads vocals on five tracks, one ,“Rolling The Boxcars”, shared with Peter.
Many of Rob’s tracks, like “Things Like This” and “Steel Rails” have a modern, yet, western feel. I also liked “Will You Watch Over Me From Above”, which is a bit slower.
Victoria Jacobs from LA leads the vocals on the haunting “Hills On Fire”, one of only two tracks which were written from the LA side.
This album was a really nice listen. I really enjoyed listening, and can highly recommend both bands.

Once upon a time RACHEL HARRINGTON was touted as the hardest working girl in Americana music, due to her endless touring schedule. But over the last decade, music has given way to horses, health and family life back home in Washington State. That said, she has made touring visits back to the UK a few times over the past couple of years.
And now comes a new album, “Hush The Wild Horses” (Skinny Dennis), her first solo studio album since 2011.
And with the new album, comes a variety of styles, from slow, atmospheric singer-songwriter ballads to upbeat numbers.
Horses feature in both the opening title track, and the closing “If Wishes Were Horses”, which is a beautiful melodic ballad, which I really enjoyed.
Rachel is something of an open book. Last year, after her UK tour, she posted on Facebook, in great detail, the finances of her tour, and quite an eye opener it was. At the same time, she hasn’t hid her battle with the bottle, and is very proud to share her “Dry since March 2018” status.  One of the stand out tracks, and most Country, is “Drinking About You”.
Other vices are covered in the album, from the haunting “Child Of God”, which deals with child abuse, and “Save Yourself” about her brothers woes.
“Mekong Delta” covers the effects of war on individuals, in this case Rachel’s grandparents, and “The Barn”, influenced by her mother’s school sweetheart, who was killed in Vietnam.
“Drop Zone” is pure rock’n’roll, again influenced by war times.
Other tracks include the soulful “I Meant To Go To Memphis”, “Susannah” (inspired by Guy Clark’s wife) and “Get Out While You Can”.
Rachel’s songs are very personal, and even more so on this album.
Release date is September 6th.

TIM GRIMM is an accomplished folk singer-songwriter from Indiana, who has shared his music with a love of travel, farming and acting. Having moved to Chicago and California, he’s back in rural Indiana, which is reflected in his music.
20 years ago he recorded an album called “Heartland” which tracked his move from Hollywood back to Southern Indiana.
His 12th solo studio album, “Heartland Again” (Vault Records) revisits that original theme. His sons, Jackson & Connor were 5 & 7 years old when the first album came out. Now they’re in the band, and Jackson helped Dad produce the effort.
In an album of mainly original songs, two traditional numbers find their way into the mix, The Carter Family’s “Carter Blues”, and the soulful “Sowin’ On The Mountain” which he learned from Rambling Jack Elliott.
The album kicks off with the atmospheric love song, “Staying In Love”. Other ballads include “Better Days” and “Pumpkin The Cat”.
But it’s the bluegrass inspired upbeat tracks which really appealed to me. “This Old Man” is a tribute to his 86 year old grandad, “She Remembers” is all about a farmers widow, and
I love driving songs, so “Too Hard Drivin’” was right up my street, as was “Down The Road”.
“80 Acres” is his nod to Johnny Cash. A song originally a ballad, is given a fresh upbeat tempo this time around. It really works. It may be in Cash’s style, but Tim has his own sound.
Although billed as a folk singer, there’s plenty on this album, which will appeal to Country fans.
Tim also tours with his music, taking fans with him. Last year, he brought a party of 14 fans on a trip around Scotland, from Edinburgh to Skye and Inverness, and he’s planning to do it again in 2020.

ALICE WALLACE is a Californian Country singer-songwriter, who started playing guitar at the age of 10, and by the time she reached her final year in High school, was performing her own songs at the local Borders bookstore. 
In 2017, she won the Female Vocalist Of the Year Award at the California Country Awards, and after four albums, her talent is about to be appreciated on this side of the Atlantic.
“Into The Blue” (JTM Music) was recently released, ahead of a UK wide tour in October, which includes a date in Edinburgh.
The album starts off with “The Lonely Talking”, a slow, soulful ballad, which, I have to admit didn’t appeal to me, but the album certainly grew on me as I listened on. The title track, “The Blue” is one which certainly caught my attention. With its simple arrangement, Alice is able to demonstrate her vocals, which can sound vulnerable at points, and powerful at the same time. There’s also some neat harmonies from her family, including her father, mother & brother.
There’s a haunting western feel to a couple of tracks, including “Desert Rose”, “Echo Canyon” and “Santa Ana Winds”. “Top Of The World” and “For Califia” both shine through as the most Country tracks on the album.
“When She Cries” has a bluesy, soulful feel to it, but it really works well for her. One of the album’s stand out tracks. “The Same Old Song” is another soulful number. But both have enough Country in them to appeal to Country fans.
“Motorcycle Ride” is a bright and breezy number which I really liked.
The album certainly grew on me over time. I’m sure it will on you too.

BROOKSIE WELLS grew up in the Deep South with parents who fought for Civil Rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. She moved to New York City in the 1970s, where the thriving folk music scene heavily influenced her music. 
Bobby Darin discovered Brooksie at the age of 19, and she wrote for years for Chappell Music, with several of her songs used in recordings and movie soundtracks.
She later recorded with John Lennon's band Elephant's Memory and as a singer with Kid Creole and The Coconuts. 
Over her last couple of albums, Brooksie has returned to her southern roots and her new album, “In My Pocket” (Down Home Diva Records) brings us a fresh, downhome, country influenced collection of songs, all but one self penned.
The exception is Jackson Browne’s “Rock Me on The Water”, sung from a woman’s perspective.
The album kicks off with “Love On”, a mid tempo, song inspired by the fight for civil rights, whilst “Elijay” celebrates the strong community of women in the Georgia mountains.
“Maybe Not” is a gentle lilting song about drowning our sorrows. Other down home ballads include  “Willow Rose” and “Honeysuckle”.
“Rappahannock County”, has a quaint, old English folksy feel to it, which really worked for me.
“Bell Buckle” stood out for me. It has a real old timey, fun, bluegrassy feel, as it tells the feelings of a hungover bride to be on the way to the church.
“Captain John” is the story of a sailor’s life, and a woman considering his life.
The title track, which closes the album is another simple down home ballad.
I really enjoyed this album. Simple arrangements, lovely melodies, and a really nice voice.
Recorded in Falls Church, Virginia and Sparta, Illinois, this album is certainly worth a listen.

SI KAHN is a very recognisable name in the folk music world, especially with regards to civil rights and protest songs. He has been recording since the 70’s, and in 1994 recorded the first of several albums for Strictly Country Records, a bluegrass label based in The Netherlands.
This year, as he celebrates his 75th Birthday, he releases a new album for the label, “It’s a Dog’s Life” with a top notch German bluegrass band called The Lapping Brothers.
The album features 13 tracks, all written by Kahn, with three of the songs lead vocally by the writer. The musicianship of the band is superb. Together, they blend into something that is pure magic.
The album kicks off with “Government On Horseback”, a song that goes back to Ronald Reagan’s era, but is just as relevant today. It’s a fast paced banjo led bluegrass number, which really sets the album off & running. “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” is another one that points it’s lyrics towards the White House. There’s also a political point being made on “Hard Times”.
The album title track is another upbeat fun number, as is “Old Country Store”.
 “Gulf Of Mexico” is a medium paced number telling the story of Vietnamese montagnards, who sided with the US during the war there, ending up fishing for shrimp in the Gulf.
Poverty is covered in a couple of numbers, “Baltimore Blues” and “One Dollar Bill”, whilst “Hudson River New York Upstate Waltz”, talks of working class life and factories closing.
Slower still is “Rats In A Maze”, a song about health and safety in working places. 
There’s also a love song, a mid tempo, soft ballad, that’s a bit different to other tracks on the album.
“44 Years” was a song written for a reunion of the band which played on Si’s first album, but now serves to mark the timespan of his career to date.
I really enjoyed the album, as a listen- great songs, with a great band, and all the more amazing that the album blends life & politics across cultures.

Finally this time around, CHRIS RAWLINS is a folk and roots influenced singer-songwriter based in Chicago, IL distinguished by vivid lyrics, rich vocals and unique finger-style guitar playing. After years spent honing his craft in Chicago’s folk and singer-songwriter circles, his debut album, "Bring on the Rain", has just been released here.
It’s an easy listening album of original self penned songs, mostly performed in a gentle James Taylor fashion.
The album kicks off with “Gravity Or Something”, which is one of the more upbeat numbers on the album. It works as a welcoming introduction to what is still to come. Other upbeat numbers include “Almost Anytime”
“Bring On The Rain”, by contrast, is much more of a dark ballad, and the weather theme continues on “Leaves”, and “Cold Night”, which is a shade more mid tempo. 
“Don’t Forget” is the song which makes best use of his finger style picking. It’s quite catchy, whilst sounding like a real lazy summer day sound.
By contrast, “You & Your Heart”, makes good use of Brian Wilkie’s steel guitar, which totally transformed his sound.
It’s a pleasant, nice easy listening album. Worth a listen.

25 Years ago, George Jones produced one of the most iconic songs in Country music history. “Whose Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” paid tribute to the real legendary pioneers of Country music, and pondered the question just which stars would tomorrow’s Country performers look up as their heroes.

On hearing Mo Pitney’s more recent version of the song, Canadian Country singer LISA BROKOP realised that there weren't any females mentioned in the song!! So Lisa, got to thinking that it would be fun to rewrite it with the legendary ladies in it. And then came up with a feminine twist to the title – “Who’s Gonna Fill Their HEELS!!"

“I was getting ready to head to Calgary the next day to do a Legendary Ladies of Country Show at the Bow Valley Music Club,” Lisa recalled, “and this idea kept turning in my mind. So I came up with the chorus in the car on the way to the airport and then I wrote the rest of it on the plane. Writing a song on the plane was a rare thing in itself! I never do that!! I usually take a nap or read a book or something. But by the time I landed in Calgary I had it done. And then I decided I would sing it for the folks at the show. Me and the band did a quick little rehearsal of it and we did it for an encore at the end of the night. Everybody loved it”!

“Then two days later I made a recording of it on my phone..back in the kitchen”, Lisa laughs, “posted it on my FB page and before I knew it I had 1000's of views and people really seemed to be connecting with it! So now I'm thinking, well maybe I should record it for real in the studio..? By the end of the week I had a completed full band track of the song and it was ready to go. So I sent it out to radio, posted it on FB and there you have it”.

Next stop was the video, which Lisa shot on her iPhone, featuring some of Nashville’s most iconic buildings and inside The Country Music Hall Of Fame.

It could be argued that the woman of Country, like Loretta, Patsy, Tammy, Dolly and Mother Maybelle Carter, who are all mentioned in the song, faced bigger challenges than their male counterparts in breaking into the business.  But what really makes the song stand out, is Lisa herself.

Whilst everyone that heard George Jones original, considered him to be one of the legends himself, Lisa has more conviction when looking up to her i

dols. She’s been in the business for almost 30 years, with 8 albums to her credit, including releases for several of Nashville’s big record labels. In recent years, Lisa has been touring in a “Legendary Ladies Of Country Music” show. It seems so fitting that Lisa is the one to deliver such a stunning tribute to the pioneering women of Country.
Be sure to check out the video on You Tube. 

June 2019

We’ll start off with North Lanarkshire based HAZEL CUMMING, who recently launched her second album at the Fenwick Hotel in Ayrshire.

“Best Friends” was recorded at Hillside studio in Co.Down, and features acclaimed musicians such as Gerard Dornan, Stephen Smyth, Stevie Kirk and Charlie Arkins, with Carrie Benn, adding some backing vocals.

There are twelve tracks on the album, including three self penned originals.

The title track is a lovely lilting ballad, which honours the bond between mother and daughter. It’s a song that I’m sure will become a Mothers Day favourite in the future.  If “My Best Friend” was about her mum, “Here’s to Happy Years” is directed at her husband. It’s a good upbeat happy song, as is “Fake It With A Smile”. 

Of the covers, Dolly’s “Cracker Jack” stands out. It’s a song which was hidden away on a 1974 album. Dolly’s got a number of covers which get covered regularly, but good to see one of her lesser known songs getting some recognition.

Other covers include “Suds In The Bucket”, “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”, “How Blue” and “Home To Aherlow”

And there’s a strong ballad performance on Derek Ryan’s “Gods Plan”.

Hazel is certainly influenced by the Country’n’Irish sound, and this album will no doubt get the recognition it deserves in Ireland. I hope the Scottish audiences pick up on this album too.

It’s a happy, upbeat album, which is certainly worth a listen.

DALE WATSON is a real troubadour for traditional Country music, and the founder of the Ameripolitan movement, which supports original music in the honky tonk, western swing, outlaw and rockabilly genres.

Born in Alabama, Dale is now, very much part of the Austin, Texas scene, having travelled via North Carolina, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville and Baltimore on the way.

He has been regular visitor to the UK, even recording an album, “Live in London” back in 2002, and is back for a date in Glasgow this month.

His latest album, “Call My Lucky” is a superb collection of stone Country, recorded at Sam Phillips studio in Memphis.

The album kicks off with the bouncy title track, which really sets the tone for the album. It’s also his latest single release.

One of the stand out tracks for me, is the simple ballad “Johnny & June”, a duet with Celine Lee.

There’s also a Cash influence on “The Dumb Song”, “You Weren’t Supposed To Feel This Good” and “Run Away”. Dale certainly suits the Cash style, quite naturally.

“Mamma’s Smile” is a lovely old style Country ballad, which really stood out for me.

“Restless” is a good upbeat number, as is “Inside View” and “Who Needs This Man”.

Trucking songs have become something of a trademark for Dale, and this album continues the trend, with “David Buxkemper”, with a steady driving beat.  Still on the road, “Tupelo Mississippi and a 57 Fairlane” captures his love of vintage cars.

This album is just so Country. A brilliant album of real Country music!

If there’s any tickets left for his Saint Lukes gig, grab them now!

JIM LAUDERDALE is one of the most respected musicians and writers in Nashville these days. He has collaborated with a vast array of names, from Ralph Stanley, Buddy Miller, Nick Lowe,  and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. As a writer, his songs have been recorded by George Strait, Mark Chesnut, Vince Gill and The Dixie Chicks.

The North Carolinian has been making records since 1986, and releases his 32nd album, “In Another World” (Yep Roc) on June 23rd.

Co-produced by Jay Weaver and David Leonard, the 12 track record is a mix of solo tracks and collaborations with co-writers such as the legendary Melba Montgomery, Buddy Cannon, and emerging Americana star Logan Ledger.

Lauderdale is considered something of a free spirit, when it comes to music. He doesn’t record music to fit any particular genres (although he did a “Bluegrass” offering a few years ago). That philosophy continues throughout this album.

The opening track “Some Horses Run Free”, is a good upbeat number to get you interested. Horses get a second mention in “The Graceland Horses”, which has more of a cantor pace to it.

“The Secrets Of The Pyramids”, the first single from the album, features harmonies from Third Man Country singer songwriter Lillie Mae and her brother Frank Rische. Check out the video, which also features Elizabeth Cook.

 “Listen” is one of the prettiest songs on the album. It has a really simple, laid back feel, which really appealed to me, as did “For Keeps”, and “I’ll Forgive You If You Don’t”, which are probably the most Country tracks on the album. I also liked the title track, which has a gentle lilt.

There’s a nice steel guitar intro to “One Away”, one of the slower numbers on the album. “When You Cant Have What Your Heart Wants” is a bit more mid tempo.

Despite some lavish steel, “One Away” has a rather dated 60’s Beatles-esque feel to it. And the closing song, “Are You Trying To Make A Song Out Of Us”, has a sound that has come straight out of the soul-funk era. 

But, as I say, Jim Lauderdale is not someone you can box into a genre. He has his own style, and for his fans, this will be another winner!

Humphead Records have a knack of coming up with really imaginative compilations. The first of two this month comes from The Southern Gentleman, SONNY JAMES. “The Capitol Hits 1963-1972” features 50 tracks across 2 CD’s, and includes some magical music. My collection was extremely limited of Sonny’s material, so this was most welcome.

The period covered by this collection features music from his second stint at Capitol, which explains why his biggest hit, “Young Love” is not included. But you will find another 20 No.1 Country hits, 16 of which were consecutive chart toppers for him.

Fans from the 60’s & 70’s will recall his hits like “You’re The Only World I Know”, “Take Good Care Of Her” and “Born To Be With You”. He also had Country hits with covers of pop songs like “Only The Lonely” and “It’s Just Matter Of Time” and two Seekers numbers, “I’ll Never Find Another You” and an uptempo “A World Of Our Own”.

I really enjoyed listening to old forgotten hits like “Ask Marie”, “Behind The Tear” and “I’m Getting Gray From Being Blue”, not to mention “On The Fingers Of One Hand”, which was the B’side on “Take Good Care Of Her”.

It’s music from another era. But it’s from an era, when the music was made to last, and this package is testament to that.

A real pleasure to listen to.

Humphead’s other new release is from BOBBY GOLDSBORO, best known for his UK hits “Honey” and “Hello Summertime”, which was used for a Coca Cola TV ad.  “With Pen In Hand- The Definitive Hits Collection” has 50 tracks across 2CD’s. The material stretches from his first US pop hit, “See The Funny Little Clown” from 1964, (although the version here is a 1991 re-recording), through to “I’m A Drifter”, “Muddy Mississippi Line” and “Watching Scotty Grow”, which were Country hits around the late 60’s/early 70’s.

But a lot of Bobby’s hits were more pop orientated, and that’s reflected throughout this album. The happy easy listening pop sound was popular during this era, and it’s easy to see how Bobby was such a successful part of it.

The title of this collection also serves to point out that Goldsboro was an accomplished songwriter, as well as a singer. No less than 36 of the tracks here were self penned. But Bobby also wrote for others, including Vikki Carr, Brenda Lee, John Denver and Della Reese.  

Whilst I realise that Goldsboro was probably one of these singer-songwriters whose Country music credentials were achieved by accident less than ambition. His main market would have been Top 40 pop, but with a crossover appeal across genres.

It’s all just a bit too pop for me though!

MARY DUFF has established herself on the Irish & International Country music scene over the past 32 years, having recorded her first album back in 1987. She is recognised for her continual touring with Daniel O’Donnell over that time, but has also developed her own solo career, both as a recording and touring artist.

I reckon her new album is her 16th studio solo album, not counting a number of duet albums with Daniel, compilations and live collections.

“Turn Back The Years” (Rosette) is a collection of newly recorded Country classics. Whilst Mary has recorded her fair share of original material in the past, the live audiences, especially with Daniel, appreciate more of the easy listening evergreens, and that’s just what Mary offers on this new collection.

Included are instantly recognisable numbers like “Silver Threads And Golden Needles”, “What I’ve Got In Mind”, “Blue Bayou” and “Snowbird”, alongside Emmylou’s “Beneath Still Waters” and Mary Chapin’s “Down At The Twist & Shout”. As you can tell she’s covering the spectrum with the material here. The title track is an old Hank Williams number, and she also includes Patsy’s “A Poor Man’s Roses”. Leo Sayers’ “When I Need You” also gets the Mary Duff treatment, and Daniel joins Mary on “Crying Time”.

The most interesting cover, to my ears, is her version of The Hag’s “Sing Me Back Home”. It’s a song which has been recorded so many times in recent years, but Mary has stripped it right back, with a beautiful slowed down version led by Steve Milne’s piano, and enhanced by some really effective strings.

It’s an extremely well produced set of easy listening Country songs, performed in a style, which Mary has excelled at over the years.

Another winner!

Since appearing as a contestant on TG4’s Glor Tire TV series back in 2016, OLIVIA DOUGLAS has quickly found recognition as one of Ireland’s brightest new stars. Her popularity has spread across the Irish Sea, with a string of festivals and weekends, as well as the recent Nathan Carter tour, as part of her schedule.

Her second album, “Forever Country” was released last year, and gave her two Irish Country chart topping hits, with her cover of Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice” and Brian Warfield’s  foot tappin’ “Leaving Tipperary”.

The Co. Offaly lass has quite a mixed bag on the album, ranging from Bill Anderson’s “Bright Lights And Country Music” and Ronnie Milsap’s “Back On My Mnd”, to Lacy J Dalton’s “Hillbilly Girl With The Blues” and Tammy’s “Stand By Your Man”.

There’s a couple of real old time classics, in “Jambalaya” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky”, as well as a couple of Rhonda Vincent covers in “What Else Could I Do” and  “Teardrops Over You”, which are my favourite tracks on the whole album.

When Olivia plays live she plays accordion, so it’s no surprise to hear a couple of celtic/Scottish numbers, “Will You Go Lassie Go” and “The Mason’s Apron”.

Throughout the album, Olivia has a fresh, well produced sound which should appeal to the Country as well as Irish fans.

I really enjoyed the album, which was produced by Des Sheerin, and the The Sheerin Family are heavily involved on the musician’s side of the album.

Since the release of the album, Olivia has also released two upbeat happy singles in “A Hug Or Two” and “I’m Off To Lisdoonvarna In The Morning”, which, perhaps, have a bit more Irish influence, than the album has generally. But a good listen all the same. 

A couple of years ago, we reviewed an album by SPOOK HANDY, a New Jersey singer songwriter, who has been heavily influenced by American folk music legends Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Following on from his 2016 album with the similar title, “Songs of Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II” was released last month to coincide with, what would’ve been Seeger’s 100^th birthday. The album is subtitled “Dedicated To The Proposition” (Akashic Records).

Like the original release, Spook covers not only Pete & Woody covers, but songs that he has written himself, very much in the style his heroes would’ve done.

In case you’re not familiar with Pete & Woody. Seeger was popular on American radio, as far back at the 1940’s but is best known for his part in the protest song movement in the 60’s, with songs like “Where Have All The Flowers Gone”, “Turn, Turn, Turn”, “If I Had A Hammer” and “We Shall Overcome”.  Guthrie is best known for songs like “This Land Is Our Land”, “Worried Man Blues”, “Jesse James” and “Cumberland Gap”.

As you see, both had an immense influence on American Folk Culture, and Spook is keeping it going through these albums, and tours across the US & Canada.

This album kicks off with the bluesy “Pete Seeger’s Life”, and includes covers like Woody’s “Mister Charlie Lindbergh” and Pete’s “If I Had A Hammer”, “Letter To Eve” and “Old Devil Time”.  Spook added a verse and chorus to Pete’s “The Farmer Is The Man (The Farmer is the One)”, which delivers the same message, we hear from our own farmers today. I guess across the years and different cultures. The message hasn’t got through.

Pete’s own songs include “Better Way”, “Do It In The Name Of Love” and the catchy “Always Have A Song To Sing”, which stood out for me. 

And the whole project rounds of with a live version of “Michael Row The Boat Ashore”.

Purely as a listener, it’s a very enjoyable album. But it’s a lot more than that. There has been several albums of late of American Folk Songs, some by Country singers, but Spook, with his connections to Pete & Woody, just makes this album sound a lot more real and authentic.

Getting noticed in the ever growing music scene is important to success. Having a catchy name certainly helps. Next up, we have a five piece band from Nova Scotia, who took their name from a local street musician, who inspired them.

With the release of “Hanging On”, PRETTY ARCHIE showcase a genre-bending mix of folk, bluegrass, country, gospel, rock and vintage soul, all underpinning the band’s East Coast roots, that’s absolutely impossible to pigeonhole.

It all kicks off with a superb Country gospel number, “Aint No Saving Me”, which had me hooked right from the acapella intro.

Most of the tracks are upbeat energy fuelled numbers, from the Country flavoured “Stay The Same” and “This Old Town” to the haunting “You Better Run”, there’s plenty to enjoy on this album.

There’s soul-drenched tracks like “Summer Love” and “Sometimes”, a cautionary tale cleverly disguised as a rip it up party tune like “Night Life”, or the breezy “Holding Out” – a song that’s essentially the band’s mission statement.

The band are: Brian Cathcart (lead vocals, guitar), Matt McNeil (mandolin/guitar), Colin Gillis (harmonica, bass, vocals), Redmond MacDougall, (banjo/percussion/vocals) and Scott MacLean (guitar/mandolin).

The album was recorded in Sydney, Nova Scotia at Soundpark Studios and co-produced by Pretty Archie and Jamie Foulds.

Since their 2013 debut, “Steel City”, the band have built an ever-larger following on the East Coast and across Canada and landed a gig last Summer at Denmark's Tonder Festival, and in support of the new album, the band will be touring the UK and European this year. They’ll be worth catching.

When moving away from Canada to pursue a musical career, Cardiff wouldn’t automatically top the destination list, but that’s exactly the journey taken by our next act. He got a few guys together, and DAREN EEDENS AND THE SLIM PICKIN’S was born.

Their music is hi-energy bluegrass and banjo playing, and it all comes together on this self titled album.

The 10 track album, recorded in Cardiff, kicks off with “31”, the slowest song on the album, with soft instrumentation, and harmonies, where the pace really picks up half way through.

That pace continues to gain momentum as the record goes on. “Forget Me Nots” is a catchy, fiddle led, little number, which stood out for me. It shows echoes of the rockabilly era, with introduction of the telecaster.

Then by the third track, “Don’t Trust”, we’re into full force, with Dave Grubb’s fiddle challenging for a part in Charlie Daniels’ Devil Went Down To Georgia. That fiddle is Hot!

We certainly needed a “Rye Whiskey” after that, although the pace doesn’t slow down much, until we get to “Well Well Well”, one of the songs which Daren relates to the pain of a personal struggle. “Whiskey And Bars” is another of the more haunting numbers, which shows a darker side.

The album concludes with “Hit The Ground Running”, which probably has the most traditional Country influence of all. It’s a ballad, which builds up to a rousing chorus finale with The J Birds.

An interesting album. Another which doesn’t mark the cross in any particular genre.

Finally, THE MOUNTAIN FIREWORK COMPANY are an Anglo-Irish outfit, whose music has been described as “Alternative Bluegrass with a dark treacle folk centre”!   Their fourth album, “The Beggar’s Prayer”, released at the end of April has 14 tracks.

The five piece band are made up by Gareth McGahan, who is the songwriter of the band, Grant Allardyce, Brian Powell, Simon Russell and Mike Simmonds.

They certainly have an interesting sound, which has folk and bluegrass overtones on one hand, but with a contemporary sound on the other. I’ve often asked what the difference is between a violinist and a fiddle player (the answer is usually “the fee” ! ), but you can certainly detect Mike’s violin sound here, more distinguished than a fiddle sound.

The title track sounds like it’s from an old movie soundtrack, but with some neat harmonies, sung round the one microphone. It’s quite atmospheric.

“Like A Fire” kicks off the album in a progressive folksy style. It’s upbeat and gets the album off to a good start.

The tempo slows for an interesting little instrumental, “The Fish & The Crow”, before feeding straight into the more upbeat “Refugee” and mid tempo “Ready To Run”.

“The Gravedigger’s Lament” starts off with chants, which sound like it’s right out of “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”.

Robin Williamson contributes the lyrics to the melodic “At The Golden Gate”. “A Long Time Ago” is quite a jaunty folky number.

The more traditional fayre, includes the banjo led “If Only”, an upbeat bluegrass belter, which stood out for me.

“Hello Stranger” is also quite a fresh upbeat number, as is “How Long”.

Another interesting album, which denies all genre boundary walls, which is always good to hear.

April 2019

The Country2Country Festival has certainly made its impact on Country music’s popularity in the UK and Europe, and this year heads down under to conquer Australia. To the more traditional Country fan, much of the c2c sound is just too pop, but the promoters do try to spread the musical styles around.
Humphead Records have been big supporters of the festival, which was held in Glasgow, Dublin & London last month. The label released “Country To Country Vol 4” just in time for the festival. A 2CD package, offering 40 tracks, is a good collector’s item for festival goers, and a good introduction to the modern Country scene for those not quite convinced yet.
Not only does the collection include artists who were appearing at this year’s event, like Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Dustin Lynch and Ashley McBryde, but also previous visitors like Marty Stuart, Sugarland, Lukas Nelson and Maren Morris.
The album features some brand new music, like Cam’s “Diane”, Old Dominion’s “Make It Sweet”, new trio Runaway June’s “Buy My Own Drinks” and “I Believe In You” from Ward Thomas.
It’s an interesting selection. There’s a lot of different tracks on here, although Mo Pitney’s “I Met Merle Haggard Today” is my favourite track.

One of the names who appeared at this year’s Country2Country was CARLY PEARCE, a Kentucky native, who took the Dollywood route into Country music. She got a deal with Sony Music in 2012, which didn’t produce anything at the time. Featuring on a song by Texan Dirt band, The Josh Abbott Band, led to her debut single, and album, “Every Little Thing” being picked up by Big Machine Records.
Her early exposure to music was in bluegrass bands, before she even hit her teens, and she also worked on bluegrass compilations whilst in Dollywood.
But there’s very little of that early bluegrass influence on this album (although, I believe did feature in her set at c2c), which includes 8 songs co-written by the 28 year old singer, many with her producer busbee, who has also worked with Maren Morris and Lady Antebellum, as well as Pink, Gwen Stefanni and Kelly Clarkson. Other writers featured include Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey and Allison Veltz.
It is a Country pop album, but I do actually quite like her voice, which shines through above.
The hit singles from the album including the opening track, “Hide The Wine”, which does have a very Maren Morris “My Church” sound, and the softer title track which is a smouldering ballad. The latter hit No.1 of the US Airplay chart.
It is the ballads which I preferred, notably “If My Name was Whiskey”, “You Know Where To Find Me” and “I Need A Ride Home”, which was the stand out track for me.
Having said, I really liked the mid tempo “Catch Fire”. Not particularly Country, but quite catchy and infectious.
The whole album is quite pop Country, as I said, but there was just enough to keep this Country boy interested.

MARTY STUART has built up a career of respect amongst his Country music peers, having “done his time” working and learning from Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash. HumpHead Records latest classic release is Marty’s “The Definitive Collection Vol 2”, a 3CD collection featuring no less than 65 tracks, stretching back to “One More Ride”, a duet with Cash from 1993, and “The Whiskey Aint Workin’ (with Travis Tritt) from 1991, as well as a couple of cuts from the Hillbilly Rock album in the late eighties.
It has to be pointed out that you wont find “Hillbilly Rock”, “Tempted”, “Western Girls” or “Honky Tonk Crowd” on this collection- they were all included on the 44 track Volume 1.
But you will find a wide variety of Stuart’s classic album cuts, from “Sundown In Nashville”, “A Satisfied Mind”, “I’m Blue I’m Lonesome”, “Hey Porter”, “Tear The Woodpile Down” and “Half A Heart”.
There are collaborations with The Old Crow Medicine Show, Loretta Lynn, BB King, Mavis Staples and Del McCoury, which really shows the versatility of the guy.
There are some newly released archive material, such as a 15 year old Marty doing mandolin on a live version of “Rawhide”. The track originally came from a “Live From Vanderbilt” recording in 1974. From the same era comes “Mystery Train/ Tiger Man”. The playing is superb, but Marty’s vocals have thankfully improved over time.
Another instrumental is “Marty Stuart Visits The Moon”, first heard on his “Loves & Luck” album in 1994.
There are some genuinely new 2019 recordings, the highlight being the old timey “Homesick”.
To top it all, the package comes in a small CD sized hardback booklet, which includes some amazing pictures, mainly black & white from a great career. Marty personally put this album together, both musically and photographically.
It includes some incredible moments from Country music history.
A must have!

The phrase “Too Country”, to describe a singer who sticks to their traditional roots, is not a new term. Back in the 90’s, a guy from Kentucky called MARTY BROWN got high acclaim from the traditional Country music fans.  I loved his music, and have continued to play his him over the years. His label, MCA, stuck by him for 3 albums, and released 6 singles, but only 1 charted, reaching a high of just No.74!
But Marty wasn’t a quitter!
He has kept going over the years, with the odd recorded project. He also wrote hit songs for the likes of Tracy Byrd and Trace Adkins. He even entered America’s Got Talent back in 2013, and got to the top 10, with his version of Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love” getting 11 Million You Tube hits!
Now, Marty’s been back in the studio, and his latest album, “American Highway” (Plowboy Records), is released in May, marking his welcome return to the recording scene, and hopefully, radio.
I have to say that Marty’s traditional roots, have given way a little. There is definitely a bit more blues in his music, notably on “When The Blues Come Around” and “Casino Winnebago”.
The album kicks off with the drivin’ “American Highway”, followed by “Better Than It’s Ever Been”, which is a rather Country rock number. Again, it has a good driving beat to it.
There’s quite a soul feeling to “Umbrella Lovers”, the lead single from the album. It kinda reminded me of Ronnie Milsap in his heyday! It’s soulful, country, and has enough crossover potential to really get him on the charts.
“Shakin’ All Over The World” is quite different to anything else on the album. It’s quite upbeat and quite poppy, whilst “Right Out Of Left Field” has a bit of a rockabilly feel to it. It works really well.
“Kentucky Blues” is one of the stand out tracks for me. Inspired by Elvis’ “Kentucky Rain”, it conjures up memories of Milsap again, with a dash of Kristofferson and Tom T Hall, all rolled into one.
“Velvet Chains” is another really strong song, written about his daughter growing up, and not being his little girl anymore.
Great to hear Marty Brown back on the scene. Let’s give him some attention this time around!

I often consider TOM RUSSELL to be one of music’s real storytellers. As well as having recorded 35 albums, he has published six books, including a detective novel, and collection of songwriter quotes. His art is on display in several major galleries worldwide.
As a songwriter, he has written for Johnny Cash, Nanci Griffith, kd lang, Tom Paxton and Ian Tyson, amongst others.
His music covers a range of genres. Sounding quite rocky at times, he also creates an image of the wild west, or a tex-mex tavern, or of places around the world.
His latest album, “October In The Railroad Earth” has 10 originals, and one cover. The different styles are still evident, with the common link, being observant stories. The title track opens the album. The lively train song reminds me of just how much his style is like that of Johnny Cash.
His stories range from performing a small gig in “T Bone Steak and Spanish Wine”, and appreciating the poetry of Robert Graves in “Red Oak Texas”.
The album also includes “Small Engine Repair”, an older song he had never recorded. The song was originally written about the man who fixed his lawn mower in El Paso, but was picked up for the 2006 Irish film of the same name, about an aspiring Country singer, played by Scottish actor Iain Glen.
“Isadore Gonzalez”, has a strong Mexican feel to it, yet he talks of playing for the folks of “old England”, and drinking “strong English beer”. Gonzalez was a Mexican vaquero who was touring England in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, back in the 1880’s. He died in a horse accident, and is buried in an unmarked grave in Bristol. And now immortalised in song here.
“When The Road Gets Tough” is another inspired after being stuck in English traffic, somewhere north of London.
The Bakersfield Sound of the 50’s & 60’s, inspired “Highway 46”, a lovely number which recalls some of the areas big names, like Buck, Merle & Spade Cooley.
“Back Streets Of Love” is a nice ballad. It’s also his Anti- GPS song, believing his heart is a better guide than a satellite system.
He rocks it up a bit on “Hand Raised Wolverines”, a song inspired after touring in Canada.
“Pass Me The Gun, Billy” is a cowboy song. His own Wild West adventure, chasing poachers who were shooting at his brothers cattle.
He rounds off the collection with another train song. The first song he learned to play on guitar was “Wreck Of The Old ‘97”, and is included here.
It’s another classic Tom Russell collection of stories put to music, and really enjoyable it was.

NORMAN BORLAND has been a popular name on both sides of the Irish Sea for many years. Originally from Donegal, Norman headed for Scottish shores way back in the 70’s seeking work. His musical journey developed here, through working with Steve James and Toe The Line, whilst developing a name for himself at the same time.  He is now back on the Emerald Isle, and finally making inroads into his native land’s rich musical scene.
His latest album (his 5th, if my sums are right), “Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying” was recorded in Letterkenny, with respected Irish musicians like Jonathan Owens, Brian Kerrigan, Declan O’Hare, Al McQuilken, Mike Cleveland, Richard Nelson, James Blennerhassett and Danny Sheerin.
One thing that makes Norman really stand out from the Irish crowd, is that his music is 100% traditional Country. A huge Haggard fan, the album includes “Working Man Blues” and “The Fugitive”.
The title track is a cover of a Mark Collie song from the 90’s. It was Collie’s biggest hit, and Norman does it real justice. He also does a good cover of Lee Greenwood’s “Dixie Road”.
He does Dolly’s “Gypsy Joe & Me”, although probably owing more to Ray Lynam’s version rather than the original. His version of “If Hollywood Don’t Need You”, is a bit more upbeat than Don Williams’ original. On the ballads side, his cover of the Glen Campbell/Steve Wariner song “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” is superb, as is Collin Raye’s “Angel Of No Mercy”.
The more unusual songs for Norman to record include the popular line dance number , “My Veronica”, which has  been a really successful song for him, and The Derailers’ “The Right Place”.
Country through and through. It’s a superb album.
Available through www.sharpemusic.com

DAVE SHERIFF is one of the UK’s most regular recording acts, and one of the most accomplished performers in the country. Over the years he has embraced the traditional Country scene, the line dance network, and has set his sights on Ireland over the past couple of albums. Many Irish acts have recorded Dave’s songs, and, for his new album, “Donegal Time”, he went to Ireland’s 4th biggest county, to record his latest album (Stomp Records).
Dave has developed a happy beat, which suits the dancers of all persuasions. The album’s title track kicks off the album in that way. There’s also “Yur Never Too Old To Jive”, Fordson Major”, “Play It Again”, and the celtic influenced “Galway Boy”.
But Dave also gives us sentimental ballads, like “Come What May”, “The Next Dance With You”, the really traditional “Don’t Be A Stranger”, which is the stand out track for me.
There’s also a fitting tribute to Gary Perkins on “We’ll Always Have Our Memories”.
Dave has been recording and performing for longer than many of us care to imagine. He knows his audience, and knows just how to deliver his music to the audience.

JASON RINGENBERG is one of the most individual characters in the music business. He found success back in the 80’s with Jason & The Scorchers, a band which mixed Punk rock and Country, has had a chain of solo albums, and more recently developed Farmer Jason, a character aimed at children through music & TV.
His last solo album was released 15 years ago, and the last Scorchers album in 2010. Jason had resigned himself to working on his farm, and do the occasional Farmer Jason gig.
Then, out of the blue, he was commissioned to be Artist in Residence at Sequoia National Park in Southern California. He spend a month there, in a mountain cabin, exploring the park and performing for visitors, and writing.
The result is “Standing Tall”   (Courageous Chicken Music), an eclectic mix of music, and he’s still mixing high energy rock music alongside gentler Country overtones. Included are 7 self written numbers and four inspiring covers.
Although the album kicks off with the title track,   I’ll start with “Here In The Sequoias”, a gentle ballad, with some neat mandolin, and harmonies from Kathy Livingston and Beth Koehler, which really sets the tone for the album.
He captures several heroes throughout the album, including John The Baptist, (John The Baptist Was a Real Humdinger) and John Muir (John Muir Stood Here). Both recapture Jason’s earlier punk roots, as does “God Bless The Ramones”.
“I’m Walking Home”, is a song from the perspective of a disillusioned Conferderate soldier. Completely different to anything else on the album, it has a good lively beat, which lends itself well to the topic.
The covers are just as diverse. “Hobo Bills Last Ride”, an old Jimmie Rodgers song, is given a delicate arrangement, so different to the punk flavoured numbers. Even more diverse is a cover of Jean Shepard’s “Many Happy Hangovers To You”. I can’t imagine what Jean would think of it. The punk overtones are there, but the song remains Country based. A really interesting selection.
And to round it off, he does a gentle version of Dylan’s “Farewell Angelina”.
This is an interesting album. One that you certainly have to listen with an open mind, I certainly enjoyed it.

AMBER CROSS is a well travelled young woman. Born in Maine, studied in New Mexico, lived all over California (where she still resides), and recorded this album in Austin. She first caught the attention of music critics six years ago with the release of her first album. Now, her third album, “Savage On The Downhill”, has arrived, just in time for a short UK tour, which includes dates in Aberdeen and Edinburgh this month.
Amber had attended a Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada in 2015, and it made such an impression on her, she wondered if her music would fit into the western music scene. Through Chuck Hawthorne, and Ray Bonneville, who ended up producing the album, Amber found herself immersed in the music, and the result is the 10 tracks here.
It’s not a typical western album of the Roy Rogers, or even Chris LeDoux style. Amber has created a modern take on the old, or perhaps I should say New, west.
The album kicks off with the upbeat “Pack Of Lies”, which neatly sets the tone for the album. Other upbeat numbers include “One Last Look”.
The title track is more of a smouldering, haunting number, which features Gurf Morlix playing guitar.
“Eagle & Blue” and “Storms Of Scarcity” are softer melodic numbers, the latter enhanced by some lovely Tim O’Brien fiddle.
Loneliness is covered in several songs, notably the simple “Trinity Gold Mine”, and “Echoes” which captures homelife, and explains why things aren’t as rosy as they seem. This one kind of reminded me of early Loretta songs, although a bit more controlled, and it does feature some lovely steel from Mike Hardwick.
I really liked the simplicity of “Leaving Again”. It’s quite a bouncy little number.
The album closes with “Lone Freighter’s Wail”, an old timey train song, written by producer Ray Bonneville, the only track not penned by Cross, herself.
I love Amber’s voice. It’s accented, and really suits these songs, which bridge old style Country, with a touch of western, folk and even rock in there. I really liked her sound, and loved this album.

TYLOR & THE TRAIN ROBBERS are a band of characters, hailing originally from Helix, Oregon, who really capture a nation of travels on “Best Of The Worst Kind”. The band is led by Tylor Ketchum, who has created a sound which brings forward a passion for the America West.
And from the American West enters “Black Jack” Ketchum, the centrepiece of the album. A Texas cowboy turned outlaw, he was a member of the Hole-In-The-Wall Gang, which operated out of the same New Mexico hideout as the famous Wild Bunch led by Butch Cassidy. “Black Jack” is also a distant relative of Tylor Ketchum and the inspiration for the band’s name. Set for release on the anniversary of Black Jack’s hanging, the album is a bit of roots, country and Americana with influences from Texas and Red Dirt country music.
The CD kicks off with the mid tempo “Lost And Lonely Miles”, which sets the tone for the whole album.
“Good At Bad News” is a hard luck story song, telling how sure plans never turn out. “Pay Your Way” has a number of catchy clichés on the “all your eggs in one basket” phrase.
“Fumblin’ For Rhymes” is an upbeat “chasin’ your dreams” song. “Hide Your Goat”, is a driving upbeat number
“Storyteller”, “Before It’s Too Late” and “Few and Far Between” are a bit on the slower side, as is the album’s closer “Place Like This”.
I loved this album. Not for its western overtones, but for the simple fact that Country music used to sound like this. Good to hear Country music, like this, is still getting recorded.

Bluegrass bands are really all round entertainers. Whilst the image of a bluegrass band, may conjure up images of old timey banjo music, and a similarly old timey dress code, today’s bluegrass bands are much more creative in their musical arrangements. Hayseed Dixie, and our own The Daddy Naggins come to mind, as best examples of that.
There’s also CHATHAM COUNTY LINE, who describe themselves as “Newgrass”, a four piece, suited, outfit from Raleigh NC. The quartet have been together for 20 years, and have eight previous albums, and their new album, “Sharing The Covers” (Yep Roc) has just been released.
Yes, it’s an album of covers, but done in a unique bluegrass style. And, indeed, the “covers” aren’t a set of tried and tested numbers. The song choice comes from all genres of music.
The album kicks off with Wilco’s “I Got You (At The End Of The Century)”
They also honour Tom Petty , John Lennon and The Rolling Stones, as well as more Country offerings like “My Baby’s Gone” (The Louvin Brothers) , “Girl On The Billboard” (Del Reeves), “Think Of What You’ve Done” (Carter Family) and “I’m Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar” (Delmore Brothers). There’s an interesting take on John Hartford’s “Tear Down The Grand Ole Opry”, which may have something to say about the wider Nashville redevelopment going on at present. There’s also a superb instrumental, “Walk Don’t Run”, which was one of the biggest hits for The Ventures (America’s version of The Shadows).
The Petty cover, “You Don’t Know How It Feels”, sounds very Country, although Leo Kottle’s “Bumblebee” and The Stone’s “The Last Time” do come over a shady rocky.
Altogether though, a really first class offering. Interesting, fresh arrangements. I really liked this album.

Another bluegrass album comes from JACKSON GRIMM, a multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter from Asheville NC. “The Bull Moose Party” (Vault Records) covers insights into the heartache and desolation felt on a young man’s exodus from home. His bio states that the album doesn’t fit easily into one genre. I’d say that the album fits very nicely into a number of genres.
The nine track collection kicks off with “Appalachia Calling”, an upbeat driving number, which starts with some strong acapella vocals.
“I’d Hold You (But I Don’t Wanna Hold You)” and “Mid America Blues” are a bit less bluegrass. The latter certainly has a subtle bluesy feel, but the three part harmonies really make it an interesting number.
The fiddle intro, from producer Josh Goforth, really adds to “If Not For You”, one of the most straight Country tracks on the album. Described as a waltz, the song also features some neat “high lonesome harmonies”.
“Last Train Home” is something a centrepiece of the album. It’s a “party-grass” number, in the style of the Old Crow Medicine Show.
“Runnin’ Ragged” is a fast foot tappin’ number which really worked well for me.
“Evangelina” and “Paper Airplane” are both much slower numbers. The latter, notably, features some nice harmonies, which reminded me of early Nitty Gritty Dirt Band records
All the tracks were written by Jackson, and made for a really nice listen.

MARK MANDEVILLE & RAIANNE RICHARDS are an old timey, bluegrass influenced duo from Maine, whose music is popular in Canada, as well as their native New England. They have been performing together, and have a string of albums behind them, and their latest, “Live In Manitoba” (Nobody’s Favourite Records), was recorded during a 13 date House Concert tour. The album recreates the atmosphere of the small intimate session, with short introductions and chats popping up in between songs. The quality of the song recordings are, however, so clear, that they could’ve been in a studio.
All but two of the songs were written by the pair. The exceptions being covers of Tom Petty’s “Walls” and Neil Young’s “Unknown Legend”. Both covers really stand out on the album, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the album.
Most of the vocals are lead by Mark, although it’s Raianne who leads on “Don’t Ever Stop Believing”, ”That Old Machine” and “One More Mile”, although the harmonies together are superb.
“It Wont Be Written On My Grave” is a catchy number which stands out. But, the harmonies are so beautiful, and the instrumentation so simple, that there’s not a bad track on the album.
A lovely listen.

Closer to home are a London based duo of Duncan Menzies and Robin Joe Sangster, who perform under the name of COPPER VIPER. They played their first public show at the Filey Folk Festival in April 2017, and now have their album, “Cut It Down,Count The Rings” released this month.
Their bio suggests that are an acoustic folk group, but there is certainly Country and bluegrass influences evident throughout the 11 self penned tracks, which were recorded in Washington State in America’s Northwest.
Menzies is originally from the North East of Scotland, and developed his fiddle and mandolin skills playing Scottish traditional music.
The music varies from the old timey opener, “Bad Desires”, the breezy “All In One”, to the double bass driven “Fly”,
to slow moody ballads like “Howl” and “Doors”. “Slow Down”, which closes the album features some nice mandolin.
“Hung Up Alone” is a stand out bluegrass number, and they do a really crackin’ job of it.
There’s certainly a lot of variety across the album, covering a range of genres.
Interesting CD cover too, with no artist or title prominent. It’s what’s inside that counts, and I enjoyed it. A nice, if different, listen.

Finally, DANNY SCHMIDT is an Austin, TX based singer songwriter, who has been named in the “50 most significant songwriters in the past 50 years” in the Chicago Tribune. He is up there with Leonard Cohen, Harry Chapin and Townes Van Zante.
“Standard Deviation” (Live Once Records) is his 10th studio album, recorded in Atlanta, and features 10 self penned numbers.
It’s all simple songwriter fayre, largely Danny and his acoustic guitar, with some additional Bass, Piano, steel, strings, banjo, mandolin and harmonica when required. All the songs are pleasant, and Danny’s vocals are really nice and listenable.
The tracks which impressed me most, included “Bones Of Emotion”, a really catchy Country feeling number, and “Newport ‘65”, with some impressive harmonies, from several singers, including his wife Carrie Elkin. “Agents Of Change” is another which worked well for me.
“Last Man Standing” is one of the more upbeat numbers, with a bit more instrumentation, and a catchy chorus lines.
A really pleasant album, released to promote his forthcoming tour, which calls at Glasgow’s Glad Café on May 8th.

Feb 2019

We’ll start off our reviews this time with a superb album from Canada. “Then And Now Vol 1” is a project by the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame, which is in Merritt BC , and produced by Tom and Carly McKillip.
The idea of the album is to team up the Hall of Fame legends with some of Canada’s younger (and not so young) talent, performing some of the legend’s biggest hits.
So you have Ian Tyson, teaming up with Aaron Pritchett and One More Girl on a rockin’ version of “Summer Wages” to kick things off. It’s certainly a bit different to Tyson’s original.
Some of the songs included aren’t really that different to the originals. They include Michelle Wright’s “Take It Like a Man”, where she’s joined by Jess Moskaluke, and “Fox On The Run”, featuring The Good Brothers and current CCMA Group of The Year, The Washboard Union.
But some of the songs are given totally new arrangements, like Sylvia Tyson’s “You Were On My Mind”, which is led by George Canyon, and Gary Fjellgaard’s “Dance With This Old Cowboy”, which features Brett Kissell.
Russell De Carle (ex Prairie Oyster) teams up with Patricia Conroy on the old Oyster classic “Such A Lonely One”. This one is given quite an Everly’s feel, with lovely harmonies.
The stand out track for me is the rockin’ version of “Down By The Henry Moore”, a hit for Murray McLauchlan back in 1975. He’s joined on this version by Belfast born Beverly Mahood, who was only months old when the song was originally released.
There are also collaborations featuring The Family Brown & Kelly Prescott, and Wendell Ferguson & Gord Bamford, before all the “Now” artists join together on a Gordon Lightfoot medley.
Watching the CCMA Awards show recently, it looks like the Country scene there has went the same way as Nashville- down the pop road - but there is some seriously good Canadian Country music on this collection, which should be savoured.
I found it a real feel good album musically, and a treasure to listen to.
The album can be downloaded, and the full physical CD package includes a glossy 24 page booklet and a DVD looking at the making the album.
 www.ccmhalloffame.com

The UK Country scene has developed its own brand in recent years, led by the likes of The Shires and Ward Thomas. It’s good to see Scottish acts getting recognised too. Glasgow based ASHTON LANE, who took their name from the city’s West End entertainment district, went right to No. 1 in the Official UK Country Album Chart with the release of their new album, “The In Between” (OC Records), holding onto the position for a second week.
Esther & Tim O’Connor, who make up the duo have released five previous albums (and another under Esther’s name), but this album raises their profile.
Much of the background to the album can be traced to the duo’s online “Kitchen Sessions” which has 8.7k subscribers. Many of the songs were written alongside fans, including the lead single, “Marilyn Curls”, which is based on the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be publicly executed in Britain.  It offers quite a different sound for them. It’s quite haunting and bluesy.
The title track, which sits nicely half way through the album, is a lovely simple ballad, which really highlights Esther’s pure vocals.
The album kicks off with the bright & breezy “By The Field”, and followed by the mid/up tempo “People In The Valley”, which really caught my attention on my first listen.
I really liked the driving “Growing Up Together”, which has quite a Rickie Lee Jones influence to it (albeit with a less scratchy vocal style).
Esther proves she can perform a mean ballad too, shown to best effect on the haunting “Primrose Hill”, which also offers some really neat harmonies. “Desert Sky” which closes the album has many of the same attributes.  “Under The Wonder” is another which excels in their harmonies.
“I’ll Pray” is another which has a really haunting sound to it. It conjures up images of an old church, without sounding like a gospel number. For me, another of the album’s highlights.
Over time, Ashton Lane have developed a sound that is theirs. In a world where so many groups and singers all sound the same, here is an album, which sounds original. That’s because it is!

Back in 2010, a young Glasgow girl called LISA McHUGH released her first commercial album called “Old Fashioned Girl” (She did record an earlier album of covers before this). It was the start of a career which has seen her move to Ireland to become one of the biggest Country stars there.
After seven highly popular albums, Lisa has taken time out to reflect on the past nine years and look back at the songs which have been “The Best So Far” and released them in one new package (Sharpe Music).
The 20 tracks take us from “I’m A Little Bit Lonely”, which was on her first album (but taken from her Live album here), right up to recent singles “Y’All Come” and “Honey Honey”, her duet with Derek Ryan. 
In between there are a number of Dolly covers, like “Applejack”, “Blue Smoke” and “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That”. Other hits included are Kasey Chambers’ catchy “Hillbilly Girl” and the title track to her last album, “Who I Am” (the theme to TV detective series Sue Thomas F.B.Eye).
This album proves that Lisa’s popularity, with her busy schedule on the Irish dance scene, is thanks to her happy upbeat numbers. But Lisa has had a few notable ballads of note. One example would be the lovely version she does of “Play Me The Waltz of The Angels”.  There are also duets with Nathan Carter on “You Cant Make Old Friends” and Malachi Cush on “Peggy Gordon”. There’s also “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “26 Cents”.
But the track which really stands out for me, and has done since her first album, is “There Were Roses”. Although originally on “Old Fashioned Girl”, the 5 ½ minute version here is from “Lisa Live” and is filled with so much emotion. If you’re not familiar with the song, it was written by folk singer Tommy Sands, and tells of the troubles in Northern Ireland, and the killing of two good friends across the religious divide. The song really strikes a chord, and Lisa delivers it so well.
The whole album is a good catch up on her career to date. 

ROBBIE PETRIE is, without doubt, one of Scotland’s longest established Country performers, especially in the North East.
Robbie has come up with a real traditional mix of songs for his latest album, “Nashville On My Mind”, which was produced by Ryan Turner, alongside musicians like Danny Sheerin and Charlie Arkins from Ireland, and Max T Barnes, Johnny Lee Carpenter and Rusty Manmyer from Nashville, He’s even got The Benn Sisters on backing vocals.
Songs include The Hag’s “Big City”, “Lonesome Fugitive” and “Mama’s Hungry Eyes”, Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning”, and Paycheck’s “A-11”. There are some other gems, like the Confederate Railroad ballad “When You Leave That Way” and “This Is My Year For Mexico”, which I remember Crystal Gayle doing early in her career. Robbie also does his take on Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses”.
It’s a well produced album, featuring some real traditional Country music. They’re all covers, but Robbie does them so well.
Good job Robbie!

MICK FLAVIN has been at the top of the Irish music scene for over 30 years now, and celebrates with a new CD/DVD package, “30 Years Travellin’ To Flavin” (Rosette Records).  He has consistently been recognised as one of Ireland’s “most Country of performers”.
The CD was recorded live at the Backstage Theatre in his native Co.Longford, and features 15 songs from that have been signature songs for him, like “Someday You’ll Love Me”, “I’m Gonna Make It After All” and “Lights of Home” to George Jones covers like “Choices”, “A Few Old Country Boys” and “He Started Loving Her Today”,  to a Hank Williams set.
Stand out track for me has to be “Legend and the Man”, originally done by Conway Twitty, and later by Keith Whitley. Mick’s version is up there with both.
The DVD features all of the CD tracks, as performed live in Longford, with a number of additional songs, such as “Size 7 Round” (a duet with Mary Duff), “Back Home To Mayo” and “Old Log Cabin”.
There’s also video of Mick visiting some old stomping grounds from his childhood, and rekindling some great memories.
As I say. Mick is one of Ireland’s real Country singers, and this is a fitting marker for his 30th Anniversary in the business. Here’s to the next 30 !

Country music is sung all over the world, not only in the large English speaking countries, but also in smaller places. Our next album comes from the Mediterranean island of Malta.
MARTY RIVER’s first public performance was at the age of 13, singing Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” in a local talent competition.
His first three albums got significant attention and radio play from the international Country music community. Now, Marty releases his fourth album, “Maltese Falcon” (Amberstar), recorded in Nashville, with Gary Carter as producer. Gary also produced his “Midnight Sky” album seven years ago.
The album features 14 self penned songs (with Joseph Spiteri), all given a really polished Country sound. The title track, a lovely ballad, with some affectionate harmonies from Mica Roberts, tells of flying free without a care in the world.
The style of songs on the album is really varied, from the upbeat “Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool” , “If Only These Walls Could Talk” and “Tonight Mr DJ”, to the more mellow “You’re What Keeps Me Going On”, “He’s Walking By My Side”, “Love Is A Wonder” and midtempo numbers like “Texas Lady”.
Jay Jennings adds some trumpets to the Marty Robbins influenced “Magnifico Mexico”. It’s actually a bit more upbeat than anything Robbins done, but still has his feel. In a similar vein is “Sweet Lorena”, this time highlighting Jeff Taylor on accordion.
The Cajun flavoured “Why Don’t You” is another upbeat number, which is the current radio single. It should certainly get some airplay. Again Mica’s harmonies are just spot on.
One particularly interesting number is “February of ‘59”, which of course, remembers the legendary Buddy Holly. A very timely number indeed.
I really enjoyed this album from Marty. A good mix of real Country music, and all original at that.
www.martyrivers.com

JIMMY CHARLES is a new name to me, but maybe not to the viewers of “American Idol”, where he got as far as “Hollywood Week”. That was back in 2009. Now he’s in Nashville, and has just recorded a 7 track EP, “Hard Way To Go”.
All but one of the songs was co written by Delaware born, Charles alongside an array of Nashville writers, whose credits read like a who’s who of Country music.
They start off with the beach life influenced “Blue Spaces”, although Jimmy’s blue space is a bit farther north in the Ocean Bay area of Maryland, and bit more rocky than a Jimmy Buffett/ Kenny Chesney beach song. It’s a good lively start to the CD.
That’s followed by his big ballad love song, “She’s Where I Belong” before a smoldering inspirational number in “Rollin’ On”, telling of the trials of life and the ambitions to go after your dreams.
“God And A Woman” is one of the simpliest arrangements on the record. A nice ballad, it really shows off Jimmy’s vocals to best effect.
Cancer features in the songs, with the lead single from the collection, “I Am Not Alone”, which is quite an anthem, and the powerful and emotional ballad “Superman”, both highlighting the suffering of victims and loved one’s affected by the illness.
The one song he didn’t write, “Hard Way To Go” also has a serious message, as it deals with addictions. It’s another powerful ballad which really shows a lot of emotion.
An interesting collection of songs from a guy, I’m sure we’ll hear more off before too long.

JESS KLEIN is a Rochester, NY born singer songwriter who has released 11 albums over the past couple of decades, mainly labelled as folk or blues. Her songs have contained grassroots social activism, with alt-Country rock overtones.
She found herself in Austin Texas, considered by many to be the live musical centre of the universe, but Jess outgrew the city limits there, and ended up in rural North Carolina, after marrying fellow songwriter Mike June.
It took time for Jess to acclimatise herself to the North Carolina scene, but teaming up with producer Mark Simonson, resulted in this new collection of original material, “Back To My Green” (Blue Rose Records).
The title track is a quite catchy mid tempo song about feeling free in the great outdoors.
It all opens with a radio friendly “In Dreams”, which has quite a subtle pop beat, especially on the chorus which I actually quite liked. “Tougher Than I Seem”, is much more of a ballad, showing a vulnerability in her vocal style. Again the chorus really made the song stand out. In both of these songs, especially in the chorus, she reminded me of a young Olivia Newton John, whose early stuff was quite folky in parts.
The songs include the social statements of “Blair Mountain” (about the 1921 Coal War in Logan County, W Va) and “New Thanksgiving Feast”, dedicated to the Native American pipeline protestors.
Elsewhere, “4 The Girlz” and “I Hear Love” are especially delicate numbers, which really highlights her vocals, whilst “Mammal” was quite a poppy number.
But, for my first listen to Jess Klein, I really enjoyed this album, and I’ll be checking back on her earlier material.
She’s here in April/May. Check out her dates on the gig guide page.

You may think that you’re not too familiar with SEAN McCONNELL’s music, but you may well be. He’s written songs recorded by everyone from Tim McGraw and Brad Paisley to Martina McBride, Rascall Flatts and even Meat Loaf. Last year, he secured his first No.1 song with “Mercy”, recorded by Brett Young, who was on the cover of the last CMDS.
Sean recorded his first album at the age of 15, and has built up a catalogue of no less than 15 titles to date.
Recently performing at Celtic Connections, as support for Ashley Monroe, Sean released “Second Hand Smoke”, a 13 track album, with three co-writes and ten self penned originals.
Growing up in Boston, his family moved to Georgia when he was 10, and now calls Nashville home, where he produced this personal album. With the exception of strings and synths, he played all the instruments you hear on the record.
Sean’s bio points out that he has taken familiar stories, often with biblical roots, and added his own perspective.
The collection starts off with the title track, a soft story ballad, which sets the scene for what is to come. It’s a gentle introduction, which crosses his folk/country roots. By contrast, that’s followed by the more commercial “Here We Go”, which has a dated Paul Simon feel to it.
“Shaky Bridges” has some nice harmonica intro, leading into a gospel favoured number, which relates to the subject of compromises, which really just cover the cracks.
“I Could Have Been an Angel” delves into the relationship between Jesus and The Devil. An interesting take on why we don’t all turn out the same way. Quite deep. “The Devil’s Ball”, on the other hand is about longing for love.
“Greetings From Niagara Falls” is a ballad talking about the loneliness in chasing your dreams. It doesn’t only pick on the Falls, but on musician dreams like Austin. 
“Wrong Side Of Town”, which closes the album, is a very simple, piano led number, which I particularly enjoyed.
“Alien” has quite a pop feel to it, and “Rest My Head” is quite a slow, moody, haunting number. “Another Song About A Breaking Heart” and “I Don’t Want To Know” have more of a modern Nashville influence.
An interesting album, which should finally get Sean some recognition on a wider stage.

Finally, DEVIN DAWSON is one of Nashville’s new breed of male singers, who has been making a name for himself since his album, “Dark Horse” (WB) was released last year. He recently toured here as support to Dan & Shay.
The Californian native sold 223,000 units of his first single, “All On Me”, which reached No.2 on the Country charts. It’s a pleasant mid tempo number, with a catchy hook. A style that is popular in Nashville these days.
Unfortunately, the other two singles released from the album, “Asking For A Friend” and the title track, have failed to make an impact on the chart, although the album itself reached No.5.
The album starts off with “Dip”, a rather loud r&b number, which would’ve been a quick switch off for me, if I hadn’t the job of reviewing the whole album. Thankfully, there are some really nice, if poppy, numbers on the album.
“Asking For A Friend”, “Second Hand Heart” and “Dark Horse” all stand out for me. They all demonstrate vocals above simpler arrangements.
Other tracks, including “Second To Last”, “I Don’t Care Who Sees” and “War Paint” are all quite a poppy numbers.