Sept 2020

We’ll start our reviews this time around with two singers from the North of Scotland.

KEITH MACLEOD’s musical fan base has stretched far and wide from his Sutherland home. He has performed, and recorded in several Highland based bands over the years, and can still occasionally be seen performing with Maggie & Tennessee Express. Keith was born into his music. His father, David, was a big music fan, as well as a songwriter. Keith realised, at an early age, that the words meant as much to him, if not more so, than the music.
A good few years ago, Keith recorded an album of his father’s songs, which proved very popular, and helped him build up his popularity, and even exposure on BBC Alba’s Ceol Country.
He has recorded a few “singles” since then, but now comes his second album, “Acoustic Originals”, which is, as the title suggests, a collection of 10 original songs recorded in a simple acoustic style.
A couple of songs get second airings from his first album, namely “Dirty Ashtrays” and “Grandma’s Pictures”. He has also recorded another of his father’s songs, “The Bottle”.  The other 7 songs are from Keith’s own pen.
Despite the acoustic approach, Keith delivers a strong “full” sound on each track.
Most of the songs are strong ballads, especially. “If Seeing Is Believing” and “Where I Did”.
“My Heart Helped My Hands” is a really strong Country song, the sort of song you can imagine a Gene Watson doing.
One of the most sensitive tracks, “Banjo” is about the family dog, a song which anyone with pets, will associate with. “Be Patient”, which closes the album, is another thoughtful, sensitive song, which really puts life into perspective.
“I Know An Angel” is a bit more upbeat, and is quite catchy. It’s certainly a bit different to the rest of the album.
It’s a really nice album, and one I’d definitely recommend.
Keith tells me “it was recorded with the intention of it being a bit raw and focusing on the words. There’s a bit of room noise etc, but I wanted it to be authentic”.
The initial CD pressing was quite modest, which makes it all the most precious to get these songs into your collection.
You can contact Keith via his Facebook page, or his website www.keith-macleod.com
 
RUBY RENDALL was making quite a name for herself thirty years ago. She was popular on the road with her own band, having come down from Orkney, was part of Colorado for a while, guesting on the Opry in Nashville with Jean Shepard, and had her own radio programmes on the BBC, both in Aberdeen, and across Scotland.
Since then, Ruby has concentrated on her music school in Aberdeenshire, but still has a loyal fan base who encourage her to do the odd gigs.
“No More Broken Promises” (Roadside Records) was a cassette only release from Ruby, way back in 1988. Now, 32 years on, the album is available on CD for the first time, thanks to Gordon Gunn, who has freshened up the sound, and remastered the album for this release.
The bright & breezy title track was written by Nashville based Mark Mosely, who has worked and encouraged many UK Country over the years. Mark produced Ruby’s next album, so must’ve been impressed with her sound.
The album kicks off with “Hard Hearted”, a fast paced bluegrass number originally done by Jim & Jesse McReynolds. That’s followed by Highway 101’s “The Bed You Made For Me”, and Nanci Griffiths’ slow anthem, “From a Distance”. From the first three songs you get an immediate idea of just how versatile a repertoire that Ruby offers.
“What You Gonna Do” is a catchy number written by Shetland based Mackie Sutherland. It’s just one of two tracks written by Mackie on the album, the other being “Please Wont You Stay”.
There’s Cajun and tex mex influences on “Our Last Night”.
Other tracks include another bluegrass cover in “Too Late To Cry”, Hoyt Axton’s “Lion In The Winter” and a haunting version of “White Rhythm And Blues”, which brings back memories of Linda Ronstadt’s version.
Closing off the album, is my favourite track on the album, ”My Heart’s In Trouble (Over You)”- a really catchy number.
It’s really good to hear this album again. One that certainly deserves to be upgraded to CD status.
Incidentally, Ruby has picked “From A Distance” for a single, which proceeds will be donated to the CLAN Cancer charity in the North East.
 
DAVE SHERIFF has been one of the British Country music mainstays over the past 50 years. And still he keeps up the momentum with regular live concert and festival appearances as well as CD & DVD releases.
His latest collection, “Angel Wings” features 15 self written tracks, covering a variety of styles, from ballads to foot tappers. Musicians include Stephen Smyth, Derek Thurlby, Wayne Golden and Adam Linsley.
The album kicks off with the title track, an emotional ballad inspired by the unfortunate situation where friends and family haven’t been allowed to be with loved ones in their final hours during the recent Coronavirus pandemic.  From another angle, “Big UP For The Trucks” honours the lorry drivers who have kept the country supplied during the lockdown.
He looks to better times on “Good Time Country Music Show”, “Have a Good Time With Me” and “Dance The Conga”. He honours Country music on “We Love Country”, which namedrops Merle, Kenny and Colin Raye. There’s also a sentimental tribute to his friend Nicky James who passed away so suddenly earlier in the year on “Speak From Your Heart”.
Other ballads include the self inspirational “The Way That I Am”, which really stood out for me.
He lifts the tempo on tracks like “Your Love”,”I Don’t Really Wanna Dance”, “Don’t Lose a Diamond” and “Uncondition My Condition”.
In recent years Dave has written quite a few songs that have been picked up by Irish artists, and I can hear “Old Friends and New Friends” being another in the future.
There’s a couple of duets on the album. “Memories In Malta” features Spotlight TV host Marisa D’Amato, whilst George Payling joins in on what can only be considered a Dave Sheriff classic, “We’ve Got Memories”.
It’s another winner from Dave Sheriff.
 
AMBER DIGBY won many fans over here from her appearances at the Northern Nashville Caithness Festival, with her traditional style. I was one of them.
With seven previous albums, the most recent being back in 2013, new music from Amber was long overdue, and here it is. “Heroes, Mentors And Friends- The Legends Project” (Heart Of Texas). The title tells it just as it is.  Whilst many singers get round to recording a collection of classics, Amber has collected a stunning set of songs, which are not the most obvious tried and tested numbers. But she has lined up an amazing list of, as the title suggests, musical heroes and mentors, and musical friends.
Mix in stunning steel guitar from Tommy Detamore and fiddle, courtesy of Hank Singer, and the best of musicians in the business, and we have a real cracker of an album, which I could listen to on repeat all day long.
The best known song on the album features the legendary Loretta Lynn on the Kitty Wells’ classic “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”. When you consider that it took a lifetime for Loretta to record a duet with her sister Crystal Gayle, this is a real big deal. And their version is the real deal. It’s just superb!
She also duets with other legendary ladies, including Jeannie Seely on “Today Is Not The Day” and Jeannie C. Riley on “The Heart He Kicks Around”.
The opening track, “Texas Dance Hall Girl” is a Heart Of Texas standard. This version of the Justin Tubb number features Jerry Naill.  Amber really sounds so at home doing the Texas swing numbers.
She joins The Whites on the bouncy “I’m Hanging Around” and Moe Bandy on “Soft Lights & Hard Country Music”.
She can also deliver traditional Country ballads, like “You Go Around”, which features Johnny Rodriguez, and the stunning “It Should Be Easier Now”, with Willie Nelson. Texas legend Johnny Bush joins in on “I’ll Warm By The Flame”, Larry Gatlin on “Take Back It’s Over”, and big fan Vince Gill rounds off the collection on “Under These Conditions”.
Vince is quoted as saying “When Amber Digby sings – people listen”. That certainly applies to me. She has a great Country voice, with some great players behind her. And that makes for one remarkable album.
You probably won’t hear a better pure COUNTRY album this year!
 
Calling Native Tennessean DARYL MOSLEY a singer/songwriter is only correct in the most basic sense. Daryl is a gifted songwriter and storyteller who paints vivid pictures of life as it could be, used to be, or might have been. The experiences of life, work, faith, and love that resonate so strongly in this community are the very foundation of his songwriting. Daryl writes about real, salt-of-the-earth people and their personal struggles and victories on life's journey.
Mosley's musical poetry has led to him being twice honoured as Songwriter of the Year, six #1 songs, and three Song of the Year awards. Other artists including Lynn Anderson, Bobby Osborne, Josh Williams, the Booth Brothers, and Carolina Blue are among the many who have recorded Daryl Mosley songs.
Throughout the 1990s, Mosley toured as the lead vocalist with the much-celebrated bluegrass group New Tradition. In 2001, he joined the legendary Osborne Brothers. In 2010, he formed the band, The Farm Hands, who quickly became one of the most awarded acts in bluegrass music. Yet, the common thread throughout his career has been the union of Mosley's picturesque songs and his easy vocal delivery.
In 2020, Mosley's talents step brighter into the spotlight with the release of his first solo album. “The Secret of Life” (Pinecastle Records) is an album of Daryl’s originals delivered pure and honest.
The title track is a gentle, mandolin infused, number, inspired by a local barber, who, like the whole album, is based on simple, family values. 
The opening track, “A Few Years Ago” is a lovely song looking back at mistakes made growing older and wiser.  “I’d Write You” is an interesting song. He questions how other less creative types express their love, whilst appreciating that his creative talent allows him to express his feelings and thoughts through writing.
I really liked “In A Country Town”, inspired by his own hometown of Waverly,TN, just west of Nashville, and how traditions and values are maintained. Similar themes run through “All The Way Home” and “It Never Gets Old”.  
Whilst the album, in the main, is a gentle stroll, the one track which stands out is “Do What The Good Book Says”, which has a real good time gospel feel to it. The closing track, “Heartache’s Moving On” is also quite catchy and upbeat.
There are a couple of old tracks from his “New Tradition” days, including “Hands In Wood” and “A Piece At A Time”. If they tell us anything, it’s that Daryl has been writing and playing this type of music for many years.
His solo debut album is long overdue. All original material, performed gently and effectively. A really nice listen.
 
Mickey Newbury is one of these guys who has quietly contributed to Country music, gaining high respect from others in the business, without too much public recognition. As a songwriter and performer, he racked up a 35 year career before his passing in 2002. His biggest hit was “American Trilogy”, later recorded by Elvis, and a staple of the Scottish Country club scene to this day. But he was much more than a one song man. Indeed, over 1500 versions of his songs have been recorded, across the musical genres from Tennessee Ernie Ford to Tom Jones and Roy Orbison to Waylon & Willie to BB King.
Now, GRETCHEN PETERS, one of today’s most respected singer songwriters pays her own homage to the legend on her new album , “The Night You Wrote That Song : The Songs Of Mickey Newbury” (Scarlet Letter Records).
The title track is one of my favourite tracks on the whole album. Originally recorded by Newbury back in 1979, it has a lovely lilting old time waltz feel to it.
Much of the music Gretchen has recorded over the past two decades has been emotional, soulful ballads, and she has captured these songs in her trademark style. “Wish I Was”, which features harmonica wizard Charlie McCoy, is a prime example of that, as is her cover of one of Newbury’s train songs “Frisco Depot” and the classic “San Francisco Mabel Joy”. Equally pleasing on the ear are “Heaven Help The Child” and “She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye”.
Her view that “Newbury was Country music’s Leonard Cohen” is echoed in the opening track “The Sailor” and “Saint Cecelia”, and takes things a generation further back with “Three Bells For Stephen”, where Gretchen tributes Newbury tributing Stephen Foster. 
“Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)”, which was one of Kenny Rogers’ early hits is a bit more jazzy, and Gretchen keeps the smokey atmosphere that the song is famous for.
“Leavin’ Kentucky” has quite a soft rock feel to it, yet starts off with some lovely Appalachian fiddle. It’s a particularly strong delivery from Gretchen. Different to most of the album, but really works for her.
The biggest difference on the album though, has to be her rollicking upbeat version of “Why’d You Been Gone So Long”, recorded by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, The Nightdrivers, Bill Anderson and Jeannie C Riley. But Gretchen’s version, which also features Kim Richey really rocks!
Gretchen says that there was only two criteria for what songs she’d consider for the album – “Did I love it? And Did I think I could bring something of myself to it?”  I think she really has captured the second. She avoided the obvious “Trilogy”, but instead went for songs that she could really put herself into.
She recorded the songs in the same studio in Madison, TN  where Newbury recorded many of his most inspiring albums in the 60’s & 70’s. And helping along the way are folks like Will Kimbrough, Buddy Miller, Barry Walsh, Nelson Hubbard  and Wayne Moss.
It’s a fine tribute from one songwriter to another.
 
MO PITNEY made quite an impression when he released his debut album back in 2016. Here was a young guy, signed to a Nashville record label, who actually sounds Country!
It’s taken four years, but Mo has finally released his second album, “Ain’t Looking Back” (Curb), and fans wont be disappointed by the wait.
The title track is a strong, well produced number, which has echoes of a spaghetti western, blended with today’s modern sounds. The opening track is a lovely biographical number called “A Music Man”, which also features Jamey Johnson.
The other collaboration on the album, is a real old timey jamboree, alongside His All Star Band, on the stand out “Old Home Place”.
“Local Honey” is another catchy number which works really well.
“Right Now With You” and “Aint Bad For A Good Ol’ Boy”, his current single, are both catchy radio friendly numbers.
“Looks Like Rain”, “Mattress On The Floor” and “Old Stuff Better” are pleasant, but I have to say “Plain And Simple”, is the stand out ballad for me. 
The closing track is a heavy / gospel tinged ballad called “Jonas”, which was really impressive.
Welcome back Mo. We’ve been waiting four years on his second album, and it’s finally here.
 
BILL KIRCHEN is known as the Titan Of The Telecaster, but he’s much more than that.
His career stretches back to the late 60’s and over time he has covered all genres of music. He first come to mass attention as member of Commander Cody And The Lost Planet Airmen, one of the most iconic Country/Rock outfits of their time.
In 2006 he signed to Proper Records, a UK based label, where he released three albums.
Now these tracks have been put together in one package, “The Proper Years”, with a few bonus tracks along the way. Altogether, there’s 38 tracks, kicking off with a rockabilly inspired “Hammer Of The Honkytonk Gods”, with namechecks for Johnny Cash, Merle & Roy, and his famous telecaster. It’s a great start which really wets the appetite. “Heart Of Gold” is another in much in the same mould.
“Get A Little Gonner” and the breezy “Valley Of The Moon”, which features Norton Buffalo, are just two of my favourite tracks – very Country indeed. Also standing out was “Arkansas Diamond” and “Tell Me The Reason”. But I really liked everything on this album.
He even hits us with Dale Watson styled, fast driving trucking songs in “Semi-Truck” and “Truck Stop At The End Of The World”, as well as the more straight Country “Mama Hated Diesels”.
Ballads include “Skid Row In My Mind”, “If It’s Really Got To Be This Way”, “Down To Seeds And Stems”, and “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry”.
“Devil With The Blue Dress On” is a bit more bluesy with “Oh Brother” type harmonies, which makes for interesting listening. By contrast, the next track, “One More Day” is quite old timey bluegrass inspired.
Some of the covers which slipped into the album include a superb slowed down Everly’s influenced version of “Shelley’s Winter Love”, (with Paul Carrack) and Roger Miller’s “Husband & Wives”, which is a duet with Asleep At The Wheel’s Chris O’Connell.  There’s also a Jerry Reed inspired “Hot Rod Lincoln”. Maria Muldaur duets on the jazzy “Aint Got Time For The Blues”.
The UK connection is highlighted on the rockin’ “I Don’t Work That Cheap”, which starts with the line “I went over to England in a time machine”. This track reunited Bill with the Commander Cody. And throughout there’s the influence of Nick Lowe and Geraint Watkins, who shared harmonies on many of the tracks.
This is an absolute knock out of an album. I was familiar with Bill’s name, but just never realised just what brilliant music he made. This is one re-issue that was most definitely required. 
 
JAIME WYATT has lived a turbulent short life- the sort of life Music Row types would keep hidden in the closet, but not Jaime. She may not be proud of her past, but it’s hers, and she cant change it. She’s an immensely talented singer-songwriter who signed her first record label deal as a teenager, and achieved early success before losing that deal and being put through the music-industry wringer. Her life was in a mess when she released her much-lauded 2017 EP, “Felony Blues”.
For her latest album, “Neon Cross” (New West Records), she tells it like is. With the help of Waylon’s son Shooter Jennings, who produced the album, she demonstrates a powerful delivery, one that would have been quite at home in the old “Outlaw” movement. 
“I tried not to have any filter with these songs,” Wyatt says about her open-book approach to writing. “Because I’ll be honest — it feels like I’m gonna die if I don’t tell people how I feel and who I am. It sounds so dramatic, but that’s the truth. It’s been just this gnarly, gnarly process, but one that is so human. So, there’s been a lot of turmoil and drama. But this record is a lot about rebirth, too.”
The title track is an upbeat rocky type number. The 11 track album actually begins with the rather solemn ballad, “Sweet Mess”, which may be a suitable title to sum up Jaime’s life.  These two tracks, I have to be honest, didn’t quite appeal to me, but there was plenty that did on this album.
“LIVIN”, laced with some beautiful steel guitar, has the gutsy approach, and sound of a modern day Loretta, which I really liked.
By complete contrast, the much softer “By Your Side” and the more upbeat “Goodbye Queen” reminded me of Linda Ronstadt. Then it was a kd lang influence which came to fore on the anthem “Just A Woman”, which also features Jessi Colter. This has to be the stand out track on the album.
“Make Something Outta Me” and “Rattlesnake Girl” are other upbeat numbers, which I really liked.
The album’s closes out with “Demon Tied To A Chair In My Brain”, which has a real old timey arrangement. I liked it, but it might not be for everyone.
If there’s one lesson to be gleaned from “Neon Cross”, it’s that life, in all its inherent messiness, goes on. And through it all — good times and bad, triumph and trouble, dreaming and desperation — Wyatt continues, to borrow the title of one of her new songs, just “L I V I N”.
I really enjoyed this album. There are a couple of track’s which I’d consider were great for radio play, but probably wont get played because of a couple of ill chosen words, which is a real pity.
Jamie Wyatt’s Neon Cross will be available across digital platforms, on compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A limited to 500 Neon Pink Coloured Vinyl edition will be available at Independent Retailers and a limited Seafoam Green Coloured Vinyl edition is available exclusively via NEW WEST RECORDS.
 
As well as Amber Digby’s new album, Heart Of Texas Records have been busy releasing some great traditional Country music, some of it from the vaults of time.
HANK THOMPSON is certainly a Country music legend. The Texan singer was one of the big names to burst onto the scene in the post war years, releasing around 50 albums, and notching up 79 hit records, in a career which stretched right through to the 1980’s. He’s probably best known for hits like “Wild Side Of Life”, “Blackboard Of My Heart” and “Humpty Dumpty Heart”. Sadly, he died back in 2007, but boy, did he leave us some wonderful music. Heart Of Texas have re-issued four of his albums from the 60’s in two CD packages.
One CD features the albums “Where Is The Circus” and “Gold Standard Collection”, which were originally recorded for the United Artists label, who chose not to release them, so the Warner Brothers label released them. It really is a joy to listen to Country music, the way it sounded back in the 60’s. There’s a strong Ernest Tubb influence running through his music. There’s also the Western swing influence that he was famous for. “Where Is The Circus” has largely new material including a reworking of one of his biggest hits on “New Blackboard Of My Heart”.  The “Gold Standard Collection” is Thompson’s take on other’s big Country hits, and he really does a grand job on the likes of “She Thinks I Still Care”, “He’ll Have To Go”, “Together Again” and “Cold Cold Heart”, amongst others.
The second CD features the album’s “On Tap, In The Can or In The Bottle” and “Smoky The Bar”. These were Hank’s first two album for the Dot label. As his Warner’s career was short lived, several of the tracks from the “Where Is The Circus” album are also on this collection. They include “I’ll Set The Teardrops To Music”, “I’ve Got A Date With A Teardrop”, “The Big One Got Away”, and, my favourite, “Number One On The Hurt Parade” – what a great title !  (For those that don’t get it, back then the “charts” as we call them, was called “The Hit Parade”.
Also included on this collection are the really catchy “Let The Four Winds Choose”, “Let’s Get Drunk And Be Somebody”, “New Records On The Jukebox”, “Girl In The Night” and “Bright Lights And Blonde Haired Women”.
There’s also his version of Glenn Sutton’s “What Made Milwaukee Famous”, recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis and Rod Stewart, and Nat Stuckey’s “Pop A Top”.
Thompson had a great voice, mixed with some superb musicians, including Curtis Potter, Glen Campbell, Merle Travis, Johnny Gimble, Hargus Pig Robbins, Pete Wade and Bob Moore.
A great listen – Real Country music !
 
TONY BOOTH won many friends when he appeared at the Caithness Festival back in 2011 (was it really that long ago?). The Florida born, but Texan based, singer has a career stretching back to the 1970’s when he had 14 Country hits, including “The Key’s In The Mailbox”, “Irma Jackson” and “Lonesome 7-7203”, and was a member of Buck Owen’s All-American Show, and that’s where this album comes in.
These master recordings from the 70’s had been stored in the vaults in Bakersfield for half a century, before Jim Shaw at Buck Owens Enterprises contacted Tracy Pitcox at Heart Of Texas Records about them. Many of the tracks had never been released before.
The result is this 21 track collection, “Something ‘Bout You Baby I Like”, which features some great Country music. It has to be said that Tony’s style crosses into Easy listening, so appeal’s to an audience beyond Country music. That shows best in the title track, which has also been recorded by Tom Jones, Glen Campbell & Rita Coolidge, and even Status Quo!   That’s one of the few songs that you’ll recognise on the album, apart from 4 Everly Brothers numbers, recorded with his brother Larry.
“Potters Field”, which is one the real stand out tracks for me, is a mid tempo story song – the type that was once the cornerstone of Country music. Another of my favourites has to be the softer “Letting Go”. 
There are a couple of upbeat rockabilly flavoured numbers include “Watch Out For Lucy” and “John Law”. Other upbeat numbers include “Arms Of A Tennessee Woman”, “Lady Alone” and “Carmen Jones”, another of the stand out tracks for me.
Ballads include “She Spread Her Wings”, “I’ll Give Up”, “Fading Tail Lights”, “Nothing Seems To Work Anymore”   and the old Johnny Duncan/Janie Fricke hit “Atlanta Georgia Stray”.
I really enjoyed this album. More pure Country from Heart Of Texas Records.
 
MARY LOU TURNER is best known for the duet career with Bill Anderson back in the 70’s. Bill had discovered her performing on the famous Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia, and she fitted into Bill’s touring and TV shows, when Jan Howard left to pursue her solo career. Mary Lou recorded two duet albums with Anderson, and had a string of solo singles which charted, the highest reaching No.25.  
Since then Mary Lou has been relatively quiet on the recording front, but kept her involvement with the music scene.  She has re-emerged on Heart Of Texas Records with “A Sentimental Music Journey”, a collection of 12 songs from Country music’s history.
From way back, she covers the title track from the 40’s, Eddy Arnold’s “I’ll Hold You In My Heart” and “I Really Don’t Want To Know”, and Jo Stafford’s “Keep It A Secret”.
A bit more up to date are Vince Gill’s “Look At Us”, and John Anderson’s “Your Lying Blue Eyes”.
In between, she covers Don Gibson’s “I Cant Stop Loving You”, “Night Train To Memphis”, with Buck Trent, and George Jones’ “Walk Through This World With Me”, done here as a duet with Dallas Wayne.
Two songs stand out being a bit different. The Platters’ “Only You” is given a bit of a western swing treatment, which really makes the song feel fresh, whilst she’s slowed down Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone”, which is really effective.
Good to hear Mary Lou back on song after so long, and with such a nice set of songs and arrangements. A really nice listen.
 
FRANKIE MILLER – the Texan singer (as opposed to the Scottish one, famed for his Country tinged hit “Darlin’) has been flying the flag for traditional Country music since the 1950’s. His biggest hit was “Blackland Farmer” which charted twice within 2 years in 1959 & 1961.  Throughout his career, he has enjoyed a special relationship with George Jones, working honky tonks and dancehalls like they were brothers, collaborating on songs and touring together. George even arranged a record contract for Frankie.
Now, at the age of 88, Frankie brings some of The Possums’s biggest hits, and lesser known songs together on “A Friend Remembered – My Tribute To George Jones”. Frankie is in superb voice, whilst musicians like Justin Trevino, Hank Singer, Jim Loesseberg, Robyn Reinhard and Charlie Walton, just blend together to make this a superb listen.
Classic Jones songs include a slightly slower than the original version of “Why Baby Why”, as well as “I’m Ragged But I’m Right”, which opens the 14 track collection, “Accidentally On Purpose”, “Walk Through This World With Me”, the rockin’ “White Lightening” and the relatively recent “Choices”.
Some of the lesser known songs include “You’re In My Heart”, “Cup Of Loneliness” and “Old Old House”, which is one which stands out for me. The song was written by Hal Bynum, who contributes to the sleeve notes on the CD. Hal gives credit to Frankie for getting the song to George, which was on the flip side of his Top 20 hit “Wrong Number” in 1965.
Another which hits the mark for me is “Open Pit Mine” a real old time Country story song. You just don’t get songs like that anymore!
The album rounds off with a short, under a minute, recollection of “Back When George Had A Flat Top”.
The songs are done in Frankie’s style. There’s no attempt to imitate George, and it really works.
The arrangements are just so Country. Another Heart Of Texas winner!
 
Our final Heart Of Texas release is from DENNIS STROUGHMATT. Known today as a master French Creole fiddler, Dennis was raised with a love for the music of Bob Wills, Ray Price, Tony Booth, Johnny Bush, and Darrell McCall by his father Jack Stroughmatt.  When Dennis began to recognize the music that surrounded him, it was the sound of twin fiddle and steel guitar that got him excited, and bopping in the middle of the living room floor.  With time and different moves, Dennis eventually became enamoured with the French Creole music that was local to southern Illinois and southeast Missouri...but that Honky Tonk sound was every present, always in the back of his mind and his heart. 
“The Same Old Me” marks his second homage to Ray Price And The Cherokee  Cowboys”. His previously released tracks recorded between 2013-2016 are joined by 9 newly recorded tracks, to make this a wonderful 22 track collection.
Ray Price was a major influence on Country music, but many readers may not realise just how influential, until you just look at the tracklist on this album- “City Lights”, “Make The World Go Away”, “Night Life”, “Release Me”, “San Antone Rose”, “Bubbles In My Beer”, “I’ll Be There” and “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me” – just to name a few. The magic ingredient is the twin Texas fiddles, which gave Price a unique sound. Dennis recreates that with the help of the legendary Buddy Spicher.
There are a few guests popping up throughout the album , including Mel Tillis Jr on “Heart Over Mind”, Leona Williams on “You Wouldn’t Know Love” and Tony Booth on “Under Your Spell Again”.
Dennis has a fine voice which works well on these songs. It’s a fine homage to The Cherokee Cowboy, but a superb album in its own right.
Heart Of Texas Records are available direct from Brady, Texas online @ www.hillbillyhits.com/heart-of-texas-records/heart-of-texas2, or in the UK from www.smartchoicemusic.com & Amazon.
 
Next up, a new album from Northern Ireland’s CLANNA, who has quite a musical pedigree. The Armagh lass toured extensively with her family band, The Hanna Sisters, and Dominic Kirwan. She was named Best New Act by the Irish World newspaper, and wrote a song for the Irish Olympic team in 2012.
She released her first album in 2017, and now comes “Surprisingly Grounded”, her latest release.
The album has very simple acoustic arrangements, which really show off Clanna’s crystal clear Irish accent. There’s a definite celtic/folk feel throughout the album, blended beautifully with Country and bluegrass leanings.  Clanna’s voice is certainly more folksy than Country, but she does an exquisite job on the songs included here.
The album kicks off with Alan Jackson’s “The Older I Get”, done in a rather different style to the original. There’s also very different versions of Ags Connolly’s songs “Get Out Of My Mind” and “That’s The Last Time”. She also does a beautiful job on Nanci Griffith’s “Once In A Very Blue Moon”.
Irish writers are well represented with a lovely version of the late Christie Hennessy’s “Remember Me”, and fellow Northern Irish songwriter Maurice Dickson’s beautiful love song “Wine and Roses” in which she adds her own contemporary stamp to each one. 
Also worthy of a mention are Clanna’s own compositions, particularly the song “Mayada” dedicated to her late friend, and also the closing track “You Stood By My Side”, which was inspired after hearing a corona virus survivor describe their fight against the disease and the ensuing depression that followed along with their admiration for those who stood by their side and saved their life. It’s probably the stand out track on the album.
It’s a lovely album. I really enjoyed the listen!
 
Galway born ULTAN CONLAN is a well travelled singer songwriter, who defies musical boundaries, but should certainly appeal to Country music listeners on his 4th album “There’s A Waltz” (Dark Sideout Records). The album was recorded in LA, produced by acclaimed bluegrass and Grammy winning producer Sean Watkins, best known for his work with Nickelcreek. The Californian connection came after several trips there, and on one occasion sharing a stage with Jackson Browne and Shelby Lynne on a rendition of Neil Young’s “Long May You Run”.
All ten tracks on the album were written by Conlan (two co-writes).
The title track is a slow song with simple instrumentation, and slow fiddles and steel guitar on the lengthy instrumental end to the track. The album opens with “The Long Mile”, a slow and melodic number which is really gentle and relaxing. A lovely start to the album. And the project closes in similar vein with “A Landslide”.
In between, “Moments In Time” is another strong, melodic number which caught my attention. Other tracks that I was particularly taken with include “In The Blink Of An Eye”. Its fiddle gives it quite a folksy feel.
“A Long Way Back”, appropriately, opens in a real old time fiddle style, leading into a sensitive jazz styled number. “Don’t Let Her Slip Away” is a guitar driven ballad, which works well. There’s some nice harmony from Sara Watkins on this track. “World From a Window” has quite a rocky intro but quickly slows down into another ballad. “Sparks Of The Divine” has a more midtempo sway to it, which was quite pleasant.
He has been likened to Roy Orbison. I hadn’t heard it myself, until “Where The Shadows Outgrow The Light”. There is certainly a lot of the Big O’s influence on this track, whilst not sounding too like him.
This was a pleasant album. As I say, Ultan defies musical boundaries. It’s not Country, but should appeal to Country listeners. It’s not folk, pop, rock or jazz. It’s just Ultan Conlan. Give him a listen!
 
THE CORB LUND BAND have been Canada’s leading roots band over the past quarter of a century. The Albertan released his first album back in 1995, and has since racked up a cabinet full of Juno, CCMA, Canadian Folk and Indie awards. He’s even won awards in France, and toured the UK several times.
Now, after 5 years away from the studio, Corb is back, better than ever, with a new album, “Agricultural Tragic” (New West).
The album’s title is also the name of Lund’s self-applied subgenre. While examining his own body of work, he noticed and wryly named this larger narrative string of rural adversities. So-called “Ag-Trag” themes continue to feature prominently in Lund’s latest songwriting, thus leading him to choose “Agricultural Tragic” for the name of his 10th full-length studio album.
We begin the trail ride with the slightly dangerous sort of fun, exemplified by its first track and single, “90 Seconds of Your Time.”
His music cant be boxed into any particular genre. He’s certainly got that old western/rodeo influence, but mixed in with the Indie Rock scene, and everything inbetween.
There’s a cute duet with fellow Canadian singer songwriter Jaida Dreyer on “I Think You Oughta Try Whiskey”. It’s a really catchy number, and totally Country. If you can imagine Johnny Cash dueting with Loretta Lynn, you’ll get an idea of how this track sounds. A farmer, when not playing music, it’s not surprising to find some down home Country good time sounds coming through. “Dance With Your Spurs On” and “Ranchin’ Ridin’ Romance (Two Out Of Three Aint Bad)” are good example of this. If you want to take it a big further into Cowboy Poetry, don’t miss “Tattoos Blues”. It’s so different.
There is a hi energy rocky sound on some of the tracks, notably “Oklahomans”.
Not quite as rocky, but still fast paced, is “Grizzly Bear Blues” and “Rat Patrol”.
Although he has a Hi energy feel to his music, he can calm things down, notably on “Raining Horses”, “Louis L’Amour” and “Never Not Had Horses”.
It’s an interesting, and really enjoyable album, featuring the sound of the Albertan heartland.
 
Raised in New York state, RUTHIE COLLINS quickly found way to Nashville. Signed to Curb Records back in 2011, her songs straddle the line between Americana, Bluegrass, and modern Country, upheld by buoyant and agile vocals reminiscent of her musical icons, Patty Griffin and Emmylou Harris.
Her new album “Cold Comfort” (Curb) was released here back in April, and has been receiving some great reaction and airplay.
At home in nature, as well as in Nashville’s honky tonk bars, Collins considers the Joshua Tree National Park in California the place that holds the deepest meaning for her and her music; The first single from her new album, a song called “Joshua Tree”, was inspired by the love-story-turned-tragedy between Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. For Collins, the song feels “like a lucky charm," infused with the special energy of a place she’s returned to many times for inspiration, recharging, and peace. “This song means many things to me now. It’s not only a snapshot of a great love story that almost was, but it’s the idea that love is never truly gone, because love cannot die. No matter where you are in the world or in time, love always exists.”
It’s a gentle number which really emphasises the vulnerability in her voice, at the same time as her strengths. It’s quite a powerful number.
That’s followed by a much more mainstream sounding “Cheater”. The instrumentation is quite light, allowing Ruthie’s vocals to shine through. “Hey Little Girl” is also quite mainstream, coming over a bit more pop to my ears.
“Dang Dallas”, “Untold” and “Wish You Were Here” are soft, tender ballads. “You Cant Remember” and the closing “Beg Steal Borrow” are two of the most powerful ballads, again demonstrating Ruthie’s tender vocals.
“Bad Woman” has a bit heavier backing in parts, a bit bluesy in parts, and quite repetitive. It wasn’t one of my favourite tracks.
The album’s title track is quite a heavy ballad which work’s quite well for her.
Collins’ music features some upright bass and traditional bluegrass instrumentation in a style that’s both old-fashioned and completely modern.
Well worth checking out.

The following reviews didn't make the September printed issue of CMDS, but are included here,
 
Back in the days, an old LP record sleeve had space for lots of pictures and sleevenotes. In the early days of the CD, they came in long boxes, which fitted into the LP shelves in stores. These days if you download an album on mp3, you get a set of files, and maybe a pointless jpeg intending to be an album cover.
Completely bucking the trend is Canadian DIY troubadour SCOTT COOK. He’s been making his home on the road since 2007, touring across North America, Europe, Oceania, South Africa and even Taiwan. When not touring, and even when he is, he has recorded seven studio albums, the latest of which has quite a spectacular CD cover.
The 12 track CD, entitled “Tangle Of Souls” is tucked into the back page of a 240 page cloth bound – hard back book, which includes stories and inspirations behind the songs, together with the lyrics, and even the chords, so readers can play his music. Sized just a bit bigger than the CD, it looks like a bible.
The music on the CD is just as impressive.
The title track is quite an upbeat number, inspired by the thought that “the more I’ve travelled around this world, the bigger it’s gotten”.
The collection opens with the catchy old timey “Put Your Good Foot In The Road”, which sets us into gear for this musical travelogue, which really got me interested. The Old time bluegrass stringband sound also features on “Rollin’ To You”, a real foot tappin’ song. The inspiration for this track actually came from an act he saw perform in Australia.
“Passing Thru”, one of only two songs he didn’t write, is quite a gentle upbeat “movement” song, previously recorded by Leonard Cohen, The Highwaymen, Earl Scruggs and Pete Seeger. It works well for him.
The other cover he includes here is Scotty Dunbar’s “Why Am I Leaving My Home Again”, a lovely melodic homesick song inspired by a quote by A.A.Milne. It’s a natural fit for a natural rambler.
“Leave A Light On” is a softer, gentler number which he introduces as a “low-budget love song”. Other slower numbers include “Just Enough Empties”, “Tulsa” and “Say Can You See”, which gently steps into the American political scene.
The closing track, “Right To Roam” is a lovely instrumental, which bridges the old time sound he captured earlier, with a romantic celtic feel. He wrote the tune in the Great Smokey Mountains, on an escape from Nashville, but the title comes from over here, as he notes in the lavish book, “I first heard of the right to roam in Scotland, when I wanted to cross a farmers field”.
It’s a really nice listen. Hopefully this travelling troubadour makes it back over here to roam again one day soon.
 
BRANT MILLER may be a new name to us, but he has been honing his craft for the past 30 years. Growing up in New York, his early influences were Pete Seeger and Don McLean. He worked as a forester, but music was never far from his ambitions. He got several cuts on Nashville records, recorded 2 CD’s with a trio called 2^nd Nature, playing twice at the Ryman, and won the Chris Austin Songwriting Festival at Merlefest.
Now comes a wonderful album, Roots, Rhymes and Branches” (Miller Woods Records) which blends music and nature with a Country-Bluegrass-folk sound, which I certainly enjoyed.
The album kicks off with “No Interest In That”, with an appealing harmonica intro, which lead into a self centred song, which I think a lot of us would relate to, even if we wont admit it.
“Highway Of My Dreams” is one of those catchy bluegrass flavoured numbers. Others include “Genesis Road” and “It’s Never Too Late”. They really shine on the album.
He can slow the tempo right down on “Everything You Need” and the closing track, “Love Is A Living Thing”, whilst adding an old time western swing feel to “We’re Vintage”, and a celtic influence on “Dublin Or Nothin’”.
The influence of his forestry career comes through in tracks like “Trees Got You Covered”, “Listen To This Guitar Sing” and “Our Love Is Always In Season”.
For “Roots, Rhymes, and Branches,” Brant gathered some of his friends, who are among Nashville’s finest musicians, to play and sing harmony. These include Musicians Hall of Fame member Chris Leuzinger, Grammy-winning fiddler Glen Duncan, and Catherine Marx, long-time pianist for Reba McEntire.  Brant was also very fortunate to have his sister, Danish singing icon Tamra Rosanes, to sing harmonies.  In addition to all lead vocals, Brant is featured on harmonica, mandolin, and acoustic guitar. 
I really enjoyed this album.  Refreshing !
 
BEN BEDFORD is a songwriter from Illinois, who has made his mark, primarily, on the US folk scene, since his first album was released in 2007. Since then he has made inroads into Europe, but his first three albums were never released on this side of the Atlantic.
Now his latest release, “Portraits” (Cavalier Recordings) encompasses the best of his first three albums on a 12 track compilation of all original material, recorded at two Nashville studios between 2007 & 2012.
The CD starts off with some authentic old time banjo, which leads into an eight minute story about “Lincoln’s Man”. There’s also a jaunty little number about “John The Baptist”, and “Amelia”, inspired by flying pioneer Amelia Earhart, which has a real celtic feel to it.
“Guinevere Is Sleeping”, is another with quite a celtic influence. 
But there are some songs which were Country enough to appeal to me. Examples include “Migrant Mother”, and “Goodbye Jack”, which closes the album. “The Only Story” is the one that really caught my attention though. A good upbeat number, which I really enjoyed.
Ben has the sort of a John Denver / James Taylor / Michael Martin Murphy sound- easy listening.
I really enjoyed this CD.
 
CHARLEY CROCKETT, a distant relation to Davy Crockett, has been building up a following over his 8 album career, mostly in the Blues musical genre, but there’s a fair bit of Country in his sound as well. In fact, these days he is labelled as a Country Break Out Artist.
His latest album, “Welcome To The Hard Times” (Thirty Tigers) could sum up his life of late.
In January 2019, he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a congenial heart condition, as well as Aortic Valve disease, and had to undergo life saving heart surgery. He feels the experience inspired this album. But his experiences run a lot deeper than recent events. Charley grew up in poverty, and busked his way from New Orleans to the subways of New York City. He lost his sister to addiction, and has had run in’s with the law, even being incriminated for his brothers’ crimes.
The title track kicks off the album, and is followed by “Run Horse Run”, a galloping spaghetti western beat, which has an accompanied video shot in the Sierra Nevadas. Later on, “Paint It Blue” has a bit of the same sound.
“Don’t Cry” is a slower, bluesy number. Other bluesy numbers include “Fool Somebody”, “Wreck Me” and “Raining In My Heart”
The steel intro into “Tennessee Special” certainly got me interested.  “Lily My Dear” is a catchy old timey Country number, whilst “Blackjack County Chain” is a much slower, smouldering number.
“The Man That Time Forget” is another slow, old time Country number, which, for me is one of the stand out tracks on the whole album.
Crocket has quite a “lived in” voice – he certainly sounding more life experienced than his 36 years of life.
An interesting listen!
 
JUSTIN WELLS grew up in Louisiana & Kentucky. Being raised in the south, he rebelled against commercial Country music, placing his allegiance with bands like Pink Floyd & Guns’n’Roses. At college he launched a Southern Rock band, Fifth On The Floor, which built up quite a cult following.  By their third album, Justin was veering back towards Country Music. They teamed up with Shooter Jennings, and the album charted on the Billboard Country charts, and the picked up bookings supporting Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell.
After the band split, Wells continued to pursue music and writing. His solo album, “Dawn In The Distance” clocked up a top 3 position on Amazons Alt Country /Americana chart.
Now he’s back with “The United State” (Singular Recordings), a journey through life, which he describes as “starting in the womb, and ends after death”.  Inbetween he covers a full range of life’s emotions, in differing styles and genres of music.
There are definitive Country influences running throughout the album.
Amongst the tracks of particular, are “The Screaming Song” and “The Bridge”, which both have quite a Chris Stapleton sound to them, whilst “Walls Fall Down” has a Steve Earle/Shooter Jennings feel to it. It worked particularly well.
“Temporary Blues” is one of the more commercial Country tracks on the album, but for my money, “No Time For A Broken Heart” is my favourite track. It’s quite uptempo, with an edgy Country feel.
Certainly worth a listen.
 
Back to Canada, and to the West Coast. PHARIS AND JASON ROMERO have a classic story. Some scratchy old records and a custom banjo led to their meeting in 2007, and they quickly knew they were in for the long haul. They've since released six records, toured all over, and garnered two Juno awards, multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, and performances on A Prairie Home Companion and CBC's The Vinyl Cafe.  They also have a thriving boutique banjo business, so it’s no surprise to find the banjo featuring so widely in their music.
Throughout their new album, “Bet On Love” (Lula Records), recorded in Horsefly BC, the couple share the writing and vocal duties. Pharis does most of the vocals, although Jason does make vocal collaborations.
The opening track, “Hometown Blues” is a bright & breezy introduction to the album, which certainly kept me listening on.
The title track displays some breath-takingly beautiful vocals from Pharis. 
“New Day”, the lead single from the album is a gentle melodic number, with a message that offers so much hope in these troubled times- a new day- new beginning! “Right In The Garden” is much in the same style.
“We All Fall” has quite a reflective story to it, about meeting someone who gives you the world, and is gone the next. It’s quite a catchy little number which really stood out for me. “Kind Girl” is also quite a catchy, perhaps more folksy than the other tracks.
“Roll On My Friend” is one of the few tracks where Jason leads the vocals. He also features on the albums closing track “World Stop Turning”, which is quite a slow number.
There is quite a celtic flavour on the instrumental called “New Caledonia”.
This was an extremely pleasant listen. I really liked the way Pharis self-harmonises with herself, and whilst featuring the banjo predominately, the sound on each track was so different.
 
A totally new name to me is G.F.PATRICK, although he’s certainly not new to the music, as he was a member of an award winning bluegrass inspired folk band called Black Horse Motel. For his debut solo album, “One Town Over” (Need To Know Records) he crosses over to the Country rock sound, which works for me.
I like the introduction on his bio, which states “Philadephia- based guitarist and songwriter uses a Georgia-born post-Country voice to examine the lives of everyday people”.
It certainly has that southern rootsy sound, with influences of Mellencamp and Steve Earle amongst others.
The title track is one of slower tracks on the album. “Like Father” is another which stands out.
The 14 track (15 if you include the hidden track) begins with “Mud”, a mid tempo number inspired by the weight of our dreams, which can eventually bring us down. It really sets the tone for the album. That’s followed by the slower “Truckers Song”, one of the more mainstream Country tracks on the album. Yet it has the emotion of living far from home, as he grew up travelling between his native Georgia and his adopted Philadelphia.
“Tennessee” really struck a chord with me. It’s bright and breezy and real radio friendly. Inspired by the musicians mecca, it expresses where we stop short of our goals.
“Anger Of Magdalene” is a strong, guitar influenced “Guitar Town” meets “I’ve Been Everywhere” number. It’s actually a murder ballad.
A few of the songs veer towards a dark side, including the human cost of mining on “James McGovern”, and “Til The Day We Die”, both good rocky numbers, and the Country influenced “Blood On The Bottle”.  “Beauty Fades”, which talks of changing relationships, follows the same theme.
The hidden track, “Weep” is a gentle ballad to close the album.
If you like your Country a little edgy, a bit more Country-rock, then this will worth checking out.
 
Alabama born JASON ISBELL has been making quite a mark on the Country & Americana music scene in the last few years. As well as being a former member of the Drive By Truckers, Isbell has built up a following as a solo act with 6 solo studio albums, and 4 live albums to his credit.
His latest effort is “Reunions” (Thirty Tigers), which sees him give equal billing to his band The 400 Units.
The album kicks off with the hi-energy, if rather repetitive, “What Have I Done To Help”.
That’s followed by the much more melodic “Dreamsicle” and “Only Children”.
Other laid back tracks include “River”, which is probably my favourite track on the album, purely for its simplicity, “St Peters Autograph” and the closing track “Letting You Go”, which is probably the most Country track on the album.
Other more upbeat guitar driven numbers include “Overseas”, “Running With Our Eyes Closed”  and “It Gets Easier”.
“Be Afraid” is the lead single from the album, described as a melody-packed, anthemic number.
‘Reunions’ was produced by celebrated producer and long time collaborator Dave Cobb. Isbell is widely acclaimed as one of the best songwriters and possesses a devoted audience who have pushed his last two albums into the Top 20 Country chart here in the UK.
 
We usually concentrate our CD review space to full albums, but there seems to be more & more EP’s being released these days.
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE are Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish, who both had individual careers before launching the duo a decade ago. Although influenced by the great married duets of Johnny & June, and George & Tammy, their music is much more modern, yet doesn’t lose that traditional touch. The Birmingham based duo have a number of acclaimed albums to their credit, but their latest project is “Country Darkness”, two EP’s featuring songs from the pen of Elvis Costello. Volume 1 was released last year, and Volume 2 was released in May. They have recreated the songs for duet vocals, and with vocals that work so well together, this makes for a really good listen.
The project is a reincarnation of one of Lou’s earlier projects – she wrote and appeared in a play, "They Call Her Natasha", based around a series of Elvis Costello songs, which was first performed at the Edinburgh Festival.
The 4 tracks on Vol 2 are led off with “Either Side Of The Same Town”, a slow, powerful ballad, heavily featuring Steve Nieve, Costello’s long time keyboard player, who gets equal billing on the whole project. The version here is quite an anthem. 
“I Lost You” is quite breezy & upbeat number which Costello co-wrote with Jim Lauderdale. There’s a lot of Lauderdale’s influence in the version here.
“Different Finger” has a lovely tex mex accordion intro, courtesy of Piero Tucci, before turning into classic Country song which could have come right from Marty Robbins. There’s also some neat Spanish guitar playing from Shez Sheridan. It’s the single released from the collection, and a really good radio song.
The collection is rounded off with the smouldering and soulful ballad “Too Soon To Know”. I feel this track really shows off the couple’s vocals best, against the haunting instrumentation.
There’s a bit of everything in these tracks from My Darling Clementine-  it works, whatever way they turn.
 
Glasgow born, Donegal based JACQUI SHARKEY has made a name for herself in recent years for her warm, smooth vocal style and lovely ballads. Her new EP, “Home” is her first release since her 2017 cover of The Waterboys’ “Whole Of The Moon”. This 4 track collection shows Jacqui to the best of her vocal ability.
The title track is quite a powerful celtic version of the Karla Bonoff song, whilst “Just An Illusion” is a cover of the Dutch pop group BZN’s hit. Jacqui’s version fits well with her style of music, although you can pick up a little “80’s Eurovision” influence.
“Back To Earth”, a sensitive lament for the broken hearted, is one of these hidden gems from Willie Nelson’s pen. Jacqui’s version is quite spine chilling. It’s a superb.
And the EP is rounded out by one of Jacqui’s own songs, “Until Then”, a sensitive, piano led emotional ballad, written after the tragic death of her friend, Dawn Croke, in a road accident last year.
Jacqui’s voice is as beautiful as ever. When she first appeared on the scene, she was thought of, as having an Anne Murray sound, but, over the years has matured her own style, which, as this collection shows, can adapt to a number of writers styles.
 
Next up, a 6 track album, called “State Of Heartbreak” from the stone Country traditionalist JOEY ALLCORN. It’s his first release in five years and it is well worth the wait for all Honkytonk and traditional country lovers alike.
He is also the web content creator for the Hank Williams museum which supports the traditional sound of his music.
As well as his own writing on this record, there’s a co-write with Rick Edwards and a cover of Faron Young’s ‘Your Time’s Comin’ and of Lead Belly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”.
The title track opens the album. It’s a good traditional Country honky tonk number, which instantly got me interested in his music. “Same Old Blues” is a real old time Hank Williams sound, and “Lefty Was Right”, is, as you would expect, a reincarnation of the great Lefty Frizzell.
The album was produced by Joey Allcorn and Tom Vrem and features musicians such as Kenny Vaughan, Hank Singer & Eddy Dunlap to name a few.
I love the authentic, real, Country sound which Joey has created here. Only complaint would be that 6 tracks is not enough.
 
CHASE RICE has been making his mark on Country music over the past seven years, with his 2014 album “Ignite The Night” selling over 300,000 copies and topping the US Country album chart. In 2018 “Eyes On You” topped the Country Airplay chart, and hit the Top 40 on the pop chart.
Earlier this year, he released an EP, “The Album Vol 1” and has now followed up with “Vol 2” (BMG/BBR), featuring 4 tracks, three of them written by Rice himself.  He does have a modern sound, which is typical of what’s making the charts in Nashville these days. I have to say that I really enjoyed “Break Up Drunk”, although the other tracks didn’t appeal too much to me. In fact, I’d consider “Belong” to be almost a rap number.
But Chase has plenty of fans, who will no doubt enjoy this short collection.
 
Finally, a new collection from JIMMIE ALLEN who hails from Delaware, but headed for Nashville at the age of 21 to pursue his musical career. He auditioned for a couple of network TV talent shows, but never made it past the first hurdle. But Jimmie kept pushing ahead and in 2017 got himself a record deal. His first two singles topped the Country airplay charts, and were both Top 10’s on the Billboard Country Songs chart. His debut album, “Mercury Lane” just missed a Top 10 placing (there’s still time to make it).
Now he has released an EP of collaborations under the title of “Bettie James”.  It’s modern Nashville pop, but that’s what American “Country” radio plays these days. The lead single from the project is a soft ballad, “This Is Us”, with Noah Cyrus. There are duets with Tim McGraw and Brad Paisley, as well rapper Nelly, actress Rita Wilson and gospel singer Tauren Wells.
Worthy of a mention is a duet with the highly under rated Texan Country singer Mickey Guyton on “Drunk And I Miss You”, which is a bit like “Need You Now”, whilst “Why Things Happen”, features Charley Pride and Darius Rucker. It’s not the sort of sound you’d expect to hear from Charley. I can only imagine that he’s there to try to appeal to traditional Country fans. If that’s the plan, it doesn’t work for me.
It’s a pleasant listen though.

June 2020

The following reviews would normally appear in the printed pages of the bi monthly Country Music & Dance In Scotland magazine. However, due to the current Covid-19 situation, with all live entertainment venues currently closed, the June issue of the magazine has not been published.  
These reviews will all be included in the next issue, hopefully August, but I wanted to get them out there in a timely fashion, in the meantime. 


AMBER DIGBY won many fans over here from her appearances at the Northern Nashville Caithness Festival, with her traditional style. I was one of them.
With seven previous albums, the most recent being back in 2013, new music from Amber was long overdue, and here it is. “Heroes, Mentors And Friends- The Legends Project” (Heart Of Texas). The title tells it just as it is.  Whilst many singers get round to recording a collection of classics, Amber has collected a stunning set of songs, which are not the most obvious tried and tested numbers. But she has lined up an amazing list of, as the title suggests, musical heroes and mentors, and musical friends.
Mix in stunning steel guitar from Tommy Detamore and fiddle, courtesy of Hank Singer, and the best of musicians in the business, and we have a real cracker of an album, which I could listen to on repeat all day long.
The best known song on the album features the legendary Loretta Lynn on the Kitty Wells’ classic “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”. When you consider that it took a lifetime for Loretta to record a duet with her sister Crystal Gayle, this is a real big deal. And their version is the real deal. It’s just superb!
She also duets with other legendary ladies, including Jeannie Seely on “Today Is Not The Day” and Jeannie C. Riley on “The Heart He Kicks Around”.
The opening track, “Texas Dance Hall Girl” is a Heart Of Texas standard. This version of the Justin Tubb number features Jerry Naill.  Amber really sounds so at home doing the Texas swing numbers.
She joins The Whites on the bouncy “I’m Hanging Around” and Moe Bandy on “Soft Lights & Hard Country Music”.
She can also deliver traditional Country ballads, like “You Go Around”, which features Johnny Rodriguez, and the stunning “It Should Be Easier Now”, with Willie Nelson. Texas legend Johnny Bush joins in on “I’ll Warm By The Flame”, Larry Gatlin on “Take Back It’s Over”, and big fan Vince Gill rounds off the collection on “Under These Conditions”.
Vince is quoted as saying “When Amber Digby sings – people listen”. That certainly applies to me. She has a great Country voice, with some great players behind her. And that makes for one remarkable album.
You probably won’t hear a better pure COUNTRY album this year!

Calling Native Tennessean DARYL MOSLEY a singer/songwriter is only correct in the most basic sense. Daryl is a gifted songwriter and storyteller who paints vivid pictures of life as it could be, used to be, or might have been. The experiences of life, work, faith, and love that resonate so strongly in this community are the very foundation of his songwriting. Daryl writes about real, salt-of-the-earth people and their personal struggles and victories on life's journey.
Mosley's musical poetry has led to him being twice honoured as Songwriter of the Year, six #1 songs, and three Song of the Year awards. Other artists including Lynn Anderson, Bobby Osborne, Josh Williams, the Booth Brothers, and Carolina Blue are among the many who have recorded Daryl Mosley songs.
Throughout the 1990s, Mosley toured as the lead vocalist with the much-celebrated bluegrass group New Tradition. In 2001, he joined the legendary Osborne Brothers. In 2010, he formed the band, The Farm Hands, who quickly became one of the most awarded acts in bluegrass music. Yet, the common thread throughout his career has been the union of Mosley's picturesque songs and his easy vocal delivery.
In 2020, Mosley's talents step brighter into the spotlight with the release of his first solo album. “The Secret of Life” (Pinecastle Records) is an album of Daryl’s originals delivered pure and honest.
The title track is a gentle, mandolin infused, number, inspired by a local barber, who, like the whole album, is based on simple, family values. 
The opening track, “A Few Years Ago” is a lovely song looking back at mistakes made growing older and wiser.  “I’d Write You” is an interesting song. He questions how other less creative types express their love, whilst appreciating that his creative talent allows him to express his feelings and thoughts through writing.
I really liked “In A Country Town”, inspired by his own hometown of Waverly,TN, just west of Nashville, and how traditions and values are maintained. Similar themes run through “All The Way Home” and “It Never Gets Old”. 
Whilst the album, in the main, is a gentle stroll, the one track which stands out is “Do What The Good Book Says”, which has a real good time gospel feel to it. The closing track, “Heartache’s Moving On” is also quite catchy and upbeat.
There are a couple of old tracks from his “New Tradition” days, including “Hands In Wood” and “A Piece At A Time”. If they tell us anything, it’s that Daryl has been writing and playing this type of music for many years.
His solo debut album is long overdue. All original material, performed gently and effectively. A really nice listen.

Mickey Newbury is one of these guys who has quietly contributed to Country music, gaining high respect from others in the business, without too much public recognition. As a songwriter and performer, he racked up a 35 year career before his passing in 2002. His biggest hit was “American Trilogy”, later recorded by Elvis, and a staple of the Scottish Country club scene to this day. But he was much more than a one song man. Indeed, over 1500 versions of his songs have been recorded, across the musical genres from Tennessee Ernie Ford to Tom Jones and Roy Orbison to Waylon & Willie to BB King.
Now, GRETCHEN PETERS, one of today’s most respected singer songwriters pays her own homage to the legend on her new album , “The Night You Wrote That Song : The Songs Of Mickey Newbury” (Scarlet Letter Records).
The title track is one of my favourite tracks on the whole album. Originally recorded by Newbury back in 1979, it has a lovely lilting old time waltz feel to it.
Much of the music Gretchen has recorded over the past two decades has been emotional, soulful ballads, and she has captured these songs in her trademark style. “Wish I Was”, which features harmonica wizard Charlie McCoy, is a prime example of that, as is her covers of one of Newbury’s train songs “Frisco Depot” and the classic “San Francisco Mabel Joy”. Equally pleasing on the ear are “Heaven Help The Child” and “She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye”.
Her view that “Newbury was Country music’s Leonard Cohen” is echoed in the opening track “The Sailor” and “Saint Cecelia”, and takes things a generation further back with “Three Bells For Stephen”, where Gretchen tributes Newbury tributing Stephen Foster. 
“Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)”, which was one of Kenny Rogers’ early hits is a bit more jazzy, and Gretchen keeps the smokey atmosphere that the song is famous for.
“Leavin’ Kentucky” has quite a soft rock feel to it, yet starts off with some lovely Appalachian fiddle. It’s a particularly strong delivery from Gretchen. Different to most of the album, but really works for her.
The biggest difference on the album though, has to be her rollicking upbeat version of “Why’d You Been Gone So Long”, recorded by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, The Nightdrivers, Bill Anderson and Jeannie C Riley. But Gretchen’s version, which also features Kim Richey really rocks!
Gretchen says that there was only two criteria for what songs she’d consider for the album – “Did I love it? And Did I think I could bring something of myself to it?”  I think she really has captured the second. She avoided the obvious “Trilogy”, but instead went for songs that she could really put herself into.
She recorded the songs in the same studio in Madison, TN  where Newbury recorded many of his most inspiring albums in the 60’s & 70’s. And helping along the way are folks like Will Kimbrough, Buddy Miller, Barry Walsh, Nelson Hubbard  and Wayne Moss.
It’s a fine tribute from one songwriter to another.

Raised in New York state, RUTHIE COLLINS quickly found way to Nashville. Signed to Curb Records back in 2011,  her songs straddle the line between Americana, Bluegrass, and modern Country, upheld by buoyant and agile vocals reminiscent of her musical icons, Patty Griffin and Emmylou Harris.
Her new album “Cold Comfort” (Curb) was released here back in April, and has been receiving some great reaction and airplay.
At home in nature, as well as in Nashville’s honky tonk bars, Collins considers the Joshua Tree National Park in California the place that holds the deepest meaning for her and her music; The first single from her new album, a song called “Joshua Tree”, was inspired by the love-story-turned-tragedy between Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. For Collins, the song feels “like a lucky charm," infused with the special energy of a place she’s returned to many times for inspiration, recharging, and peace. “This song means many things to me now. It’s not only a snapshot of a great love story that almost was, but it’s the idea that love is never truly gone, because love cannot die. No matter where you are in the world or in time, love always exists.”
It’s a gentle number which really emphasises the vulnerability in her voice, at the same time as her strengths. It’s quite a powerful number.
That’s followed by a much more mainstream sounding “Cheater”. The instrumentation is quite light, allowing Ruthie’s vocals to shine through. “Hey Little Girl” is also quite mainstream, coming over a bit more pop to my ears.
“Dang Dallas”, “Untold” and “Wish You Were Here” are soft, tender ballads. “You Cant Remember” and the closing “Beg Steal Borrow” are two of the most powerful ballads, again demonstrating Ruthie’s tender vocals.
“Bad Woman” has a bit heavier backing in parts, a bit bluesy in parts, and quite repetitive. It wasn’t one of my favourite tracks.
The album’s title track is quite a heavy ballad which work’s quite well for her.
Collins’ music features some upright bass and traditional bluegrass instrumentation in a style that’s both old-fashioned and completely modern.
Well worth checking out.

Throughout the years, as musical fads come and go, Appalachian music has remained intact with its old timey feel. THOMAS AARON GARLOW got the support of his hometown, Hickory NC, United Arts Council through an Innovative Artist Grant, to record his second album, “Waterfalls” (Windsong Management).
The title track was recorded in the old chapel at Church Of The Ascension in his hometown. It sets the tone for a lovely laid back album, of old time traditional values and memories. Some are sad, like “Only One Survived”, which relives the relatively recent (2006) Sago Mine disaster in West Virginia, followed by “Gloria”, immortalising a mountain destroyed by coal strip mining.
“There’s A Hole In His Pocket” is written and performed by the artist’s brother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
But there are some happier memories captured on the album. “REBO” is a fond memorial to his grandfather and the cabin he built for his wife Reba, whilst “Appalachian Lady” and “Wont You” are quite upbeat foot tappers.
The haunting “Cold Mountain Wind” was also recorded in the chapel, given some effective harmonies and fiddle from Molly Barrett.
And it all rounds off with “Katie’s Lullaby”, a personal little number written on the night Thomas was asked by his best friend to be godfather to his unborn baby girl. His friend played the song nightly for the baby to send her to sleep. A lovely sentiment.
This is a lovely, laid back album, where the music just gently sweeps over you.
The old time Appalachian sound remains strong to this day.

DARLIN’ BRANDO is the catchy new name used by Virginia born singer, songwriter & drummer Brandon Goldstien. He has travelled around the US, from LA, Brooklyn, Indiana and Nashville, where he found gigs at the American Legion Post 82 and The Nashville Palace, where he learned that dance ability (particularly the two-step) became one of his most important goals.
That lead to this first collection of songs for the 8 track album, “Also Too”.
The album is a throwback to the days of Gram Parsons. The musicianship, courtesy of The Streise Bar Band is superb, with Adam Kurtz adding some real magic on pedal steel. He even has his own Emmylou, in the form of his new wife, Edith Freni.  The two sing a duet together on the first song, “When You Don’t Fight” and their voices are perfectly suited.  It’s a really catchy opener to the album that really got me hooked. Edith also features on “Those old Demons”
“Therapy” is more of a driving Country beat that a dance tune, whilst “Weed & Flowers” is more a gentle ballad. “Last Call”, which features AJ Croce, is a real rockabilly belter.
“Crumbling Marraiges” is back to the Bakersfield honky tonk sound, whilst the album rounds off with the acoustic, “The Old Man And The Kid”.
As Darlin’ Brando states “I really enjoy two-stepping and wanted an album that people could two-step to and that would play well in any honky-tonk bar.”
And we really enjoyed it to.
Do check it out.

AMERICAN AQUARIUM are a Alt-Country band formed in Raleigh NC back in 2006. A lot has happened in that time, a lot of band changes, and a string of acclaimed album releases stacked up, but it wasn’t until they signed for the New West label, and the release of “Things Change” in 2018 that people outwith of America’s South East really started to notice them.
Even then the current line up of the six piece band have only been together since last year. BJ Barham has been there from the start though. They have an edgy, Country rock sound, which has been produced over the years, and has been brought to the fore by producer Shooter Jennings on their new album, “Lamentations” (New West). 
“Country music was the voice of the people. It wasn’t always the prettiest voice, but it was an honest voice,” says BJ Barham. “I think that’s where country music has lost its way.” He pauses, then adds “I operate in the dark shadows of what we don’t want to talk about in the South.”
It all kicks off with “Me & Mine”, a quiet song which looks back at a family history of troubles, a timely view on what’s went wrong in America, and the greater world.  “The Day I Learned To Lie To You” and “How Wicked Was I” are also slow ballads on the album, full of emotion, laced with a slither of steel guitar, which just adds to the emotion.
“Before The Dogwood Blooms” is a one of those “Elusive Dream” type stories, about leaving loved ones for work elsewhere, and promising to return. Along the same lines is “Six Years Come September”, about a lost love, and how that has become a lost life.
“Starts With You”, “Bright Leaf And Burley”, “The Luckier You Get” are good, catchy, upbeat number with more than a little Springsteen and Mellencamp influence.
With its steel intro, “A Better South” is the stand out Country number. And the closing number, “Long Haul” is probably the most important song for Barham, as he deals with three steadfast commitments that he stands by. It’s a real powerful number to close the album.
It may be a shade on the rocky side, but you can certainly feel the Country emotion and roots coming through. I really did enjoy the listen.

We’ve a very different album to finish off with. The NELL & JIM BAND are a Californian old time band led by Nell Robinson and Jim Nunally. “Western Sun” is their third album together, and was released ahead of a planned tour of the UK around now, which has, of course, now been cancelled.
They are actually 5 piece band featuring an array of instruments like banjo, fiddle, accordion, flute, piccolo and glockenspiel, as well as guitar, bass and percussion. It certainly makes for an interesting sound.
The opening track, “By Stars And Sunrise”, opens with a 45 second instrumental intro, which could be the theme to a film or TV show. The vocals on this track demonstrate strong harmonies. It sets the tone for the album nicely. It’s not a sound which will fit into any particular musical genre- there’s elements of folk, jazz, western swing and Country.
I wont go through all 15 tracks, but the most notable include “The Fire”, whose minute long intro is really quite solemn, but blends into a nice Country sounding song.  “Hurricane” and “Sequola Gold” both have quite an old time bluegrass/folky feel to them. “Handsome Medley” is more folky, but then “Woe Is Me” is more bluesy.
“My Beautiful Dream”, is a catchy little number, which stood out for me, as did “Travellin’the Road West”, a good upbeat bluegrass number lead vocally by Jim.
What you would expect to have been an obvious bluegrass number – Ralph Stanley’s “Clinch Mountain Backstep” begins with a nearly 90 second drum intro, before Nell’s flute comes in giving it a different sound. It’s not until 2 ½ minutes into the instrumental track that the banjo comes to the fore. It’s certainly a different take on a standard old time bluegrass number.
“Poland” and “Isaac In Kolomej” are different again. With the flute as the main instrument, they’re more like Eastern European polka dance tunes.
If you’re looking for something different, Nell & Jim could be worth a listen. 

April 2020

Young Bishopbriggs based singer songwriter KATEE KROSS has been making a name for herself over the past few years, with some notable support gigs and festival appearances.
Now comes her 4th album, “Show Your Hand”, which I think is her strongest yet. The variety of styles which Katee shows here, really is quite impressive.
With a whole album of original material, Katee has produced a 10 track offering, which will appeal to Country fans, but will find equal appeal to wider audiences too.
The title track kicks off the album. It was also the track selected as a single to promote the album. It is a particularly strong song, having quite a haunting “old west” feel to it. A really good, upbeat number to get the party started.  Do check out the video for this track.
That’s followed by “Two Outlaws”, which is much slower ballad, which really works for me.
The tempo lifts again, on “Diamonds In The Dust”, quite a catchy number.
“Dancing With My Past” is a strong ballad, which really showcases Katee’s sensitive side. It has to be one of my favourite tracks on the album.
By contrast, “Bumblebee” has a bright and breezy feel to it. It’s equally as effective, but completely different to the preceding number.
“Still The People Talk” has more of an edgy, rockier feel to it, but, again works for her. It’s a powerful song, well delivered.
“Please Stay” has quite a vintage feel to it, especially with the self harmonies, which I really liked.
“Never Meant To Be Forever” is another quite upbeat, catchy numbers, which I’m sure will get radio plays. Another of my favourite tracks.
“What Will Be” has quite a Country vibe to it, despite the instrumentation being a bit on the rocky side. It just emphasises how Katee can cover different styles, even within the same song. 
The album rounds off with “Keep On Keepin’On”, which is another of the more upbeat rockier numbers, but whether it’s upbeat or slow and sensitive, Katee Kross delivers.
She puts on a very strong performance throughout the album, covering different styles, which defy genre boundaries – if you need to label the music, let’s just say it’s “Katee Kross”.
Say No more!

DEAN OWENS has been a leading light on the Scottish & Americana scene for the past 20 years, and before that, as part of The Felsons.
“The Man From Leith (The Best Of Dean Owens)” (Eel Pie Records) has just been released, which is a great catch up on his career, if you’ve missed any of it. It features 17 self penned original tracks, scanned from seven different albums from 2001’s “The Droma Tapes” through to “Southern Wind”, released in 2018.
Dean’s appeal to me has centred around the inspiration that his homeland has played in his music. That’s evident from the biographical “Man From Leith” (about his dad) , which opens the album, through “Dora”,  ”My Town” and “Closer To Home”, to “Raining In Glasgow”, an appreciative tribute from a songwriter from Edinburgh.
But he isn’t afraid to tell of other places too, whether it be “New Mexico”, or on “Southern Wind” (one of two co-writes with Will Kimbrough, which feature on the album – the other being “The Last Song”).
Some of the stand out songs for me include “Whisky Hearts” and “Strangers Again”, which features Scottish folk singer Karine Polwart.
“Elvis Was My Brother” has always been one of my favourite tracks, and is featured here, as Dean recalls his childhood, and one of his main influences.  Johnny Cash was also an important influence, leading to his involvement in the “Cashback In Fife” Festival last month. Dean recorded “Cash Back – The Songs I Learned From Johnny” back in 2012, and features “The Night Johnny Cash Played San Quentin” here.
Dean has been involved in several other projects in recent years, including Buffalo Blood, Redwood Mountain, and a Hank Williams tribute, which don’t feature in this collection. But it does cover a good selection of songs from his 7 solo albums. The album is complimented by sleeve notes by author Irvine Welsh.
As well as CD and digital versions of the album, there’s also a 10 track LP version available.
This is a great catch up collection of one of Scotland’s Americana troubadours”!

BRANDON McPHEE has really established himself on the Scottish & Country music scene in recent years. The accordion champion has really came on leaps and bounds singing Country music, as well appealing to traditional Scottish dance band fans.
His latest album, “The Brandon McPhee Experience” (Pan Records) encompasses both sides of Brandon. Alongside a number of traditional ceilidh tunes (which he really does well), there is a good mix of Country songs. His latest single “I’m Gonna Find A Way” is a really catchy number, which was first recorded by an American Country band, The Remingtons, who had a handful of chart hits in the early 90’s. This wasn’t one of them, so well done to Brandon for unearthing a hidden gem and quickly making his own.
The album also includes “Walking On The Waves” the catchy Skippinish number which features Foster & Allen.
“Good Ole Boy” is one of the other highlights on the album, another that I wasn’t familiar with, and there’s also “Ties That Bind” an old Don Williams/Brook Benton song, which Brandon does his own way, and certainly not copying the previous versions.
Better recognised will be Highway 101’s “Barely Beating Broken Heart” and a couple of big ballads “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Hallelujah”.
A big Billy Ray Cyrus fan, Brandon has included his version of “Old Town Road”, the hit Billy Ray had last year with rapper Lil Nas X.
With the exception of “Waves”, which was recorded in Co.Westmeath, the album was recorded in Wick at Studio-D, with addition recording from Phil Anderson, steelie Steve Hinson and fiddler Aubrey Heaney in Nashville.
A superb album giving the listener the complete Brandon McPhee Experience!

From the far north of Scotland to the south of England - From down Brighton way, come a band called THE DIABLOS. They have been a lively part of the UK Country scene for the past fifteen years or so, playing original Country music. They’ve even had a song featured in a BAFTA winning movie “Beast”.
Now their fifth album has arrived, “Leaving Santa Rosa” (Wrong Guy Records) and it’s a real winner.
Although billed as Country rock, I think it’s more Country than rock, with a bit more of a tex mex feel to it.
The band’s current line up features lead vocalist Chris Nieto, Danny and Terry O’Loughlin, Adrian Marshall and Geoff Ansall.
The 13 track collection kicks off and closes with the catchy “The Ballad Of Johnny & Mary”. It opens with Part 2 and closes with a shorter Reprise. Both versions are superb. The title track has quite an Eagles feel to it, albeit, with a bit more energy on offer here.
“I Love This Band”, “Blonde Ambition” and “I Aint Too Old” are a bit more on the rocky side, “Don’t Ask Why” is perhaps a bit vintage pop, but still have a Country edge to it.  “Doing Alright” has a real old time rock’n’roll feel to it, and “Boogie Town Blues” speaks for itself.
There’s also a bit of rock’n’roll on “When I’m Gone”, which features duet vocals from Cat McKenna.
“Nature Of The Beast” is a softer ballad which stood out on an otherwise hi energy album.
“Still My Girl” is also a bit different, starting out with some sounds of Brighton’s seafront before launching into a mid tempo number, which is quite catchy.
This is a very enjoyable album – a little bit different, but not so that it wont appeal to Country fans.
I really liked it.

“Long Story Short” (Mole Lodge Records) is the new album from 77 year old Cornish born, Welsh based ANDREW HAWKEY.
As with many musicians and songwriters, Andrew has called many places home, from the metropolis of London, to the romance of Brittany, but has settled now in Powys. His involvement in music is just as varied as his movements.
Whilst working in a range of careers, from suit & tie, to agriculture, sales, catering and estate agency, he also found time to open for the then pop chart toppers Racing Cars (They Shoot Horses Don’t They- I even remember that one! ) to co-running a small recording studio where he produced everything from punk, to Welsh choirs. He also composed a body of incidental music for the launch of Welsh TV station S4C.  He’s worked with a range of blues artists, Texan Jerry DecCicca, zydeco star Cory Ledet, and Nashville singer songwriter Gail Davies.
This new album, a mainly acoustic affair, is the follow up to the acclaimed 2015 release, “What Did I Come Up Here For”.
His musical heritage is steeped in the blues, which comes over on tracks like “Jones On Me”
But there is more than enough elsewhere on the album to interest Country fans.
The opening track, “Dear Friend” is a pleasant opener, which invited me into the album.
That’s followed by the “Country-rock bar room nugget”, “Golden Heart (on A Rusty Chair)”, which is certainly the stand out track for me. Certainly David Trothon’s pedal steel added to the songs appeal.
“A Little More” is also a pleasant number, with some nice harmonies from Bel Merriman & Penny Jounert.
Most of the album is soft folksy ballads, like “The Painter” and “The Spirit” and there’s also the almost narrated “Stony Land” 6 minute epic tale.
All but two of the tracks were self penned. The exceptions include the folksy “You Knew”, and the slow “The Believer”.
It’s a nice listen. And has been a long time in the making.

Heading Stateside now, and one of my favourite duo’s at present is DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE. The couple from the Appalachian areas of North Carolina have been making beautiful music together since 2005, both previously having been building separate musical careers. 
Their latest album, “Inner Journey” (Rounder) is something of a masterpiece. It’s such a beautiful album, featuring some brilliant banjo, mandolin and stunning vocals from Brooke. The songs are mainly covers, although not obvious one’s, and the duo give them a fresh original overhaul.
The exception is “Someone’s Everything”, which is one of my favourite tracks. It was written by Brooke as a meditation about preserving your home in your heart. Her mother’s inspiring words, “Always remember, you’re someone’s everything,” echo in the singer’s ears along life’s journey.
The album kicks off with “I Found Love”, a song written by Earl and Randy Scruggs and Vince Gill. It’s a superb bluegrass number fusing the traditional with a modern bluegrass sound.
“Tear Stained Letter” was written by Fairport Convention’s Richard Thompson, and covered Cajun style by Joel Sonnier. Now it gets a fresh bluegrass treatment, and it really works well.
“When You Love Someone” is a gorgeous ballad, which was written by Gretchen Peters and Bryan Adams. Peters also contributed “End Of A Long Hard Day”, with its echoes of Dolly’s “Wild Flowers”, is another of my favourite tracks.
“This Flower”, written by Australian Kasey Chambers, has a really neat homespun bluegrass feel to it, which I really liked. “Sweet Companion” really lets the couple’s harmonies come to the fore on a song written by Jon Randell, Jessi Alexander and Sally Barris.
Most readers will be familiar with the next two songs, Nanci Griffiths’ “Trouble In The Fields” and the much recorded “Teach Your Children”. The latter again highlight the couple’s close harmonies, as does “Everytime You Leave”, which takes us back to another legendary bluegrass duo, The Louvins.
Their international search for songs took them to Sweden for Scandinavian duo First Aid Kit’s “Emmylou”, before closing out with Doc Watson’s “Your Long Journey”.
This album takes us on quite a musical journey. Every song offers a different side to Darin & Brooke. It’s the kind of album, I’ll just keep playing over and over again.
Highly recommended .

Chapel Hill, NC based GLENN JONES comes up with an interesting collection on his third album, “Ready For The Good Times” (Good Guys Music). His early musical influence couldn’t be farther from where he is now. His older brother was playing in punk bands like The Hickoids, The Ideals and Big Foot Chester, when Glenn was only 6 years old. Not surprisingly, young Glenn followed his brother into the music scene, playing his first playing gig when he was just 13 years old and it never left him. In between times, he supported his family by earning a law degree at 40, working up from the mailroom to Senior VP/General Counsel.
But now he’s doing what he loves – music! Acoustic music, which covers everything from folk and pop across to Country and soul. This album has a gentle James Taylor/ Dan Seals feel to it- relaxing and heartfelt.
The 11 track, totally self penned, album starts with the fiddle infused “Ripples In The Pond”, a mid tempo number which really sets the scene, with some lovely harmonies.
That’s followed by the fun filled “My Baby Makes Pie”, which is a bit different. Joe McPhail’s keyboard skills really add something to this track, reminding me a bit of Mary Chapin’s “I Feel Lucky”. Really catchy.
But it’s “I’ve Got A Voice” which really won me over. I was really impressed with the female vocal by Rebecca Newton. The Goodloves add their vocals to the more bluesy “Lets Make Some Good Old Days”. “A Great New Pyriamid” also features some stunning harmony vocals from Rebecca. There’s some stunning instrumentation on this track too, worthy of note.
“Wish You Could See Me Now” is a very personal song, about fighting demons, and Glenn has fought more than his share.
“Heartland” is a particularly appealing ballad. Other ballads include “I’m Not Francesca”.
“No Fool Like An Old Fool” is a bouncy fun number, which kinda reminded me of Dr Hook in their prime.
If you need a Country justification for this album’s inclusion in these pages, then it has to be “Bury My Heart On Music Row”. There’s some lovely steel intro, and references to Nashville’s business area, and the hard task it is to make the break there. I just loved this track. The title track of the album, which closes the album, covers a lot of the same territory, the long hard struggle to make the break.
This could be album which really does it for Glenn Jones. It’s a really strong album, and one that I’m really enjoying playing.

I remember the name CLAUDIA NYGAARD from an album she released in the UK on Round Tower Records way back in 2001. That album got great reviews, and was even named one of the Top 12 Albums of the year by Country Music Round Up.
Her last album, “Let The Storm Roll In” was a No.1 record on the Cashbox Roots Country Chart, and a Top 10 on the Folk charts.
But her latest album, “Lucky Girl” (Bet The Ranch Records) will really get Claudia noticed, I’m sure of that.
Featuring 13 self written songs, she has teamed up with Neilson Hubbard on production, to bring us one outstanding album.
The title track, which opens the album, is a quirky number with rockabilly overtones, which looks back at the trials which were faced by her ancestors, compared to her own life today. The song won the Tumbleweed Music Festival Song competition, and deserved to.
By contrast, “Oklahoma” is a powerful ballad, which relates the great drives of the American west to life’s stages of grief. Claudia really delivers on this song. One of my favourite songs on the album.
A similar comparison of roadlife with personal life is found in the upbeat “Ol’ Buick”, which is really catchy.
“Me Too” also makes its mark. The title takes its name from the campaign to raise the issue of sexual exploitation within the workplace. She calls this her “Payback” song. The language is a little risqué, but I think realistic, however there is a “clean” version for radio play. 
“The Codependents National Anthem” is another song with a statement. It has a great honky tonk feel to it, and could’ve been called “It’s not your drinkin’ problem, it’s mine”, until she decides to turn it around. 
Other gutsy, upbeat numbers include “Like A Moth”, “Stitches” and “Or Not”.
“A Little Bit Embarrassed”, is a lovely ballad, which features some lovely ukulele.
Some of the other softer ballads include “The Hero”, “I Wonder” and “What I Don’t Like About You”.
There’s not much I don’t like about this album. In fact, I’m really impressed by it. I find myself listening to it a fair bit.
You should too.

STEEP CANYON RANGERS are an American bluegrass band based in Asheville North Carolina. Though formed in 2000, the band has become widely known since 2009 for collaborating with actor/banjoist Steve Martin (who they played in Glasgow with last month). In 2013, the Steep Canyon Rangers' solo album “Nobody Knows You” won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. Altogether, they have recorded 9 solo albums plus two collaborative albums with Steve Martin.
Their latest offering, “Be Still Moses” is certainly different.  They have blended their unique bluegrass style with the classical instrumentation of The Ashville Symphony. And to add more to the mix, one of the tracks features soulful R&B trio Boys II Men !
The album kicks off in a very orchestral tone on “Easy To Love”, and continues on to a lesser extent on “Radio”. But the bluegrass kicks in, gently at first on “Be Still Moses” (the Boys II Men track) and “Call The Captain”.
The banjo and fiddles really come into their own, by the time we get to “Let Me Out Of This Town”.
“Between Midnight And The Dawn” stretches the boundaries farther, by sounding more soulful and bluesy. They do offer some wonderful harmonies on this track, it has to be said.
Toward the end of the album, they get a bit more downhome, with “Farmers & Pharoahs” and “The Mountain’s Gonna Sing”, the stand out track in my eyes.
And it’s a real rip-roaring “Orange Blossom Special” style finale with “Auden’s Train”.
A truly fascinating album. It certainly is different!

LETITIA VANSANT certainly made her mark with her debut album, “Gut It To The Studs”, which got great reviews and saw her tour the UK. And she’s back in support of her new album, “Circadian” this month.
“My last album introduced me to the world of songwriters” she says, “I gained a greater respect for the craft, but more importantly I learned a reverence for the creative force that moves through art. I stopped trying to ‘steer’ and rather tried to do greater justice to the songs that force their way out of me.”
With a few such compositions in hand, VanSant approached Nashville-based producer Neilson Hubbard whose production work struck her as lush, inviting soundscapes that never lose their intimate, down-to-earth nature and rock-solid grooves.
“I fussed a lot about making my last recordings painstakingly perfect, but this time I just wanted the songs to speak for themselves. My motto for this recording process was ‘if the groove is good, you can’t go wrong.’” 
This approach was a perfect fit for Hubbard, who encourages his artists to trust their first instincts. He assembled an all-star cast of session players including Will Kimbrough, Michael Rinne and Juan Solorzano. Hubbard sat in on drums. They holed up with engineer Dylan Alldredge at Skinny Elephant, the studio that Hubbard created out of an old garage. Harmony vocals were later added by her friends Mia Rose Lynn and long-time collaborator David McKindley-Ward. 
The 9 track album is made up of mainly deep, sensitive ballads.
The title track was inspired by light pollution, but the message, is that by keeping things simple, man of our problems could be resolved. 
“Most Of Our Dreams Don’t Come True” deals with the disappointments in life, from pregnancies, to careers.
“Tin Man”, may be a familiar title to Miranda Lambert, but it’s a completely different song. Letitia’s song here is a self written song inspired by an NPR podcast, and puts herself in the position of a lonely man, and his vulnerability. It’s certainly one of the album’s stand out tracks for me.
One of the tracks which really appealed to me was “Something Real”, a song inspired by fans mourning Jimmy La Fave at the Kerryville Folk Festival. It has a really catchy melody, which strong harmonies.
Letitia has a really nice vocal style which suits her songs here

Boston born EILEEN ROSE is a singer-songwriter who is known for her eclectic Americana music. She has released five solo studio albums and toured Europe and the US extensively with her band The Holy Wreck. She is also a member of the band The Silver Threads.
Her latest album, “Muscle Shoals” (Holy Wreckords) is released this month, and she’s also here to promote it. It is certainly an eclectic mix, recorded, in the famous studios in the Alabama town which the album is titled after.
In a throwback to the era of vinyl, there is an A side and a B side to this collection, on separate CD’s.
Side A is the “new” 9 track album, which kicks off with “She’s Gone”. Eileen’s vocals are certainly an acquired taste. Some tracks really suit her style, whilst she comes across rather strained on other tracks. This opening track falls into the latter category.
However, “He’s So Red” is more uptempo and more suited to her voice. Other upbeat songs include “Get Up”, which is quite poppy, the really fun sounding “On Shady Hill” and “A Little Too Loud”.
The tempo is slowed down on “Matte Kudasai”, which is one the tracks she didn’t write. Originally a King Crimson number, it’s a portrayal of the personification of the Japanese people who were taken from their homes and placed in internment camps during World War II. The other one she didn’t write fully is “The Auld Triangle”, although she did write an additional verse. It’s an old Irish folk number, which Eileen delivers a capella, and certainly stops the album in its tracks. 
Other slow numbers include the appealing “Am I Really So Bad” and “Hush, Shhh”.
Side B features 10 of her most beloved tracks over her 20 year recording career, re-recorded in the deep south studio.  Of the stand out tracks “Good Man” features some neat harmonica, which really caught my attention.  “Stagger Home” and “Sad Ride Home” are quite likeable ballads.
By contrast, “Walk The Jetty”, “Trying to Lose You” and “Queen Of The Fake Smile” both come over a bit rocky, yet at the same time, are quite commercial. To that end, stand out track on the package for me is “Old Time Reckoning”. This one features the fabulous Joshua Hedley on harmonies, and is really radio friendly.
I haven’t heard the original recordings to compare, but these re recorded tracks certainly sound fresh and worth checking out if you have her earlier material.

THE DANBERRYS are the husband & wife duo of Dorothy Daniel and Ben DeBerry, who were high school sweethearts. They went their separate ways but their paths crossed at a gig in Cookeville,TN in 2006, and they were married a few months later.
Now, their third full length album, “Shine” (Singular Recordings) is out here on May 8th. The album marks a change from their previous acoustic sound to a much fuller sound ecompassing modern Country, alongside rock and blues influences. Recorded in Boston over a three day period, the album features 12 self penned songs, three of them alongside bluegrass writer Jon Weisberger.
The first single from the album, “The Mountain” which features Nashville singer songwriter Darrell Scott, is quite a bluesy number. 
The title track opens up the album. It’s quite a soft rock number, but with a distinct southern influence.
Similar numbers include “The Road” and “Maddie’s Glow”.
I really liked “Never Gone” and ”The Coal’s Glow”. Dorothy’s vocals come over as quite Country on both tracks.
“Rain”, which closes the album, is probably one of the closest tracks to their acoustic sound. It has quite a haunting folksy feel to it.
Other softer ballads include “Holding The Bag”, “The River Is Wide” and “Francis”.
All the fusions come together on “Loves Conquers War”. There’s a bit of blues, folk and Country, and it comes out sounding gospel. And it was incredibly catchy at the same time.
This is an incredibly diverse collection of material – The Danberrys are impossible to pigeon hole, but I think Country fans should enjoy their sound. Worth checking them out!

NORMA MACDONALD may be a new name to you and me, but she will release her fifth album, “Old Future” (Noyse Records)  here later this month. The Cape Breton born singer songwriter is a staple of the Halifax music scene, but, on this album, she takes the trip south, musically, through Appalachia towards Tennessee.
As the title suggests, there’s an air of nostalgia running through the album, with titles like “Golden Age” and “Some Days”. 
The album kicks off with the catchy mid tempo “Temperamental Year”, which serves as a welcoming introduction to the album. It certainly had me staying tuned for more.
“Trick of Light” inspiration is steeped in the insomniac hours of early morning , whilst on the lead single, “One Man Band”, one of the slower tracks on the album, she promises: “I’m here to tell you / Everything’s gonna be alright”. From “Wonder Of The Summer”, she conjures up images of sun-drenched beach days.
The Country influence runs through “Your Wedding Day” and “Some Days” especially. She really shines on these numbers.
As a song-writer, Norma manages to avoid cliché while still making every song feel familiar. MacDonald co-produced the album with Dale Murray; their musical kinship sounds effortless here, with no distance between MacDonald’s unmistakable vocals and Murray’s signature pedal steel and guitar chops.

Finally this time around, a charity single from Glasgow singer songwriter RAYMIE WILSON. “Gone” was inspired by Raymie’s mother in her last few months, when she was suffering from dementia. Although she played piano much of her life, she hadn’t in years, but one night, seeing Raymie working on his MacBook with a plug in keyboard, she asked if she could have a play. At that point. Raymie saw the power of music in front of his eyes.
The single is available on all the digital stores and streaming sites and at www.raymiewilson.com/music/
All royalties from the single will be donated to a Scottish dementia charity.

Feb 2020

We’ve a load of Irish Country CD’s to get through this time, which were all released in the run up to the busy Christmas period.
Leading the way was the sadly missed JOHNNY LOUGHREY, who built up a solid career between 1990 and 2005, before passing away at the young age of 59. His memory lived on when his son Shaun picked up where Johnny left off, building up his own career, but now fans can really recall Johnny’s career with the re-issue of ALL ten of his albums.
“The Johnny Loughrey Story” (Irish Music) is split into four packages, each with 3 CD’s (or in one case a DVD). As I say, this is the entire Johnny Loughrey collection, from his first album, “The Black Sheep” through to “Altogether Now”, which was recorded in the months before he died, and released after his death.
Johnny’s music stretched from Country standards like “Lonesome Number One”, “Welcome To My World”, “Long Black Veil” and “Rambling Fever”, to Irish favourites like “My County Tyrone”, “My Donegal Shore” and “Going Back To Ireland Again” – too many to mention. The Country songs greatly outnumber the Irish tracks.
One set also includes “The World Of Johnny Loughrey”, a compilation of his earlier material, all included on other discs in the collection, and another includes a DVD featuring the same tracks as the compilation, plus a few bonus tracks.
The complete package features 4 sets (which can be bought separately), 10 original CD’s, 1 compilation CD, 1 DVD, and a total of 172 tracks. Now this is what you call a box set !

Despite being Liverpool born, NATHAN CARTER is one of Ireland’s biggest stars at present, and has always included Irish material in his popular live concerts.  His latest album, “Irish Heartland” develops his love for his adopted homeland even further.
“Irish Heartland” (Sharpe Music) is summed up in the title. 18 tracks of pure Irish magic.
There are a few tracks from earlier in his career – songs which he’s released as singles, like “Temple Bar”, “Winnie O’Neill” and “On The Boat To Liverpool”, and there’s covers from other Country stars like Garth Brooks’ “Ireland”, and Nanci Griffiths’ “Trouble In The Fields”.
There’s also Pete St John’s “The Rare Old Times” and Sean O’Mears “Grace” alongside more traditional fayre like “On The Banks Of The Roses”, “The Mountains Of Mourne” and “Nancy Spain”. 
A few guests from the traditional folk scene have also added to the mix. Finbar Furey duets on “Donnybrook Fair”, “Heart Of The Home” features American celtic band Cherish The Ladies, and The High Kings join Nathan on the singer’s haunting self penned finale “May The Road Rise”, which is also his latest single.
It is a bit more of a folky album than Nathan’s fans will be used to, but I’m sure it’ll still be a huge hit. Nathan’s back in Scotland in next month with his own weekend in Glasgow, and tour dates in April.

Another of Ireland’s biggest male Country singers in recent years has been DEREK RYAN.  But Country wasn’t Derek’s first musical career. He was a member of boy band D-Side, which had three UK Top Ten hits, before embarking on a Country music career in 2010, with the release of “A Mothers Son”.
Ten years down the road, and Derek has released “The Hits” (Sharpe Music), featuring his biggest and most popular songs during the past decade. What makes Derek stand out from the pack is his knack for writing. He has written 16 of the 21 tracks on this album.
Probably his biggest song was “God’s Plan”, a gentle ballad which has been copied by many other artists.  Other ballads include “Life Is A River”, “To Waltz With My Mother Again” and “Made Of Gold”.
But Derek can also write fun, radio friendly songs too, like “Down On Your Uppers”, “Bendigo”, “Kiss Me Mary”, “Ya Cant Stay Here” and “100 Numbers”.
Of the few songs that Derek didn’t write, he really gives a good Irish feel to Canadian Dean Brody’s “It’s Friday”, and a strong delivery on Pete St John’s “Dreamers And Believers”, one of my favourite songs.
There’s a few guests who have helped Derek out along the way, like Sharon Shannon on “Hold Onto Your Heart”, Roly Daniels on “The Wrong Side Of Sober”, Lisa McHugh on “Honey,Honey”, and Cliona Hagan on his recent single, “Only Getting Started”.
Ten years of hit records, and you just know that Derek is just getting started. There’s a lot more to come from him in the years to come.

Back home, and SYDNEY DEVINE has had a long and colourful career, having started out as part of The White Heather Group in 1953. He has sold records by the millions and sold out theatres all over. And Country music has always been a main part of his music, and without a doubt, responsible for its popularity here in Scotland.
Despite well reported health problems, Sydney keeps busy. He toured Scottish theatres earlier this year, and, in between concerts, spent time in Scotty’s Sound Studios in Kilsyth recording this new album, “I’m Back”.
The title track is one that Sydney has recorded before, and has been something of a signature song for him.  Some of the other songs have also been recorded before, but these are all new recordings.
The album kicks off with Bruce Springsteen’s “Hello Sunshine”. I have to say that Sydney really handles the song really well, and the song stands out on the album.
There are Country favourites like “A Fool Such As I”, “Funny How Time Slips Away”, “Paper Roses”, “57 Chevrolet” and “Half As Much”, alongside pop covers like “Beautiful Dreamer”, “Wedding Bells”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight”  and “Always On My Mind”.
I liked his version of “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight”, an old song that goes all the way back to The Carter Family, and the gospel classic, “In The Garden”.
“Makes Me Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye”, an old Johnny Rodriguez song, really stood out for me. It could also sum up Sydney’s career. He’s definitely here for the long haul.  But in the meantime, in the words of the title track, he’s back and the fans know just what to expect- “bring me my usual”!

If you’ve ever caught the eclectic UK- American alt-bluegrass band, The Coal Porters, you’ll have seen the amazing talent that is Scots born NEIL BOB HERD. The Coal Porters were a formidable force on the Americana music scene for 17 years, releasing 6 highly acclaimed albums.
After the band’s demise in 2018, Neil formed a new band, The Dirty Little Acoustic Band, as a vehicle for continuing his writing and performing career. And now the recorded result is “Every Soul A Story” (Cattlecall Music) which is released on Vinyl LP & CD on Valentines Day.
For a guy who has lived for many years down in Kent, he has never lost his Scottish twang, which really comes over on this album.  Neil says the album is an extension of the Coal Porters, but with a bit more electric sound and a bit more rockabilly influenced.
It’s certainly a sound that defies any categorisation. But there’s enough Country/Bluegrass influence to interest readers.
The 10 track album, which was recorded in Folkestone, kicks off with a the catchy “Badlands”, which mixes a pop beat with rockabilly rhythms, followed by “As Much As I Need To”, which had a distinct Country feel, again with a rockabilly beat.
Andrew Stafford’s  double bass keeps the rockabilly flavour going on the catchy “Book Inside Them”, which also features fellow ex Coal Porter Gemma White on fiddle. I really liked this track. 
“Leave Only Love (Old Dog)” has bluegrass echoes of his Coal Porters days, but with his Caledonian vocal style shining through, making for a really nice listen.
“The Colour Of Spring” has quite a folksy feel to it, and features some lovely accordion, courtesy of Lucy Edwards, who some may recall as one of The Well Oiled Sisters, an Scottish Alt-Country band of years gone by. This track really stood out for me. 
I also liked the soft ballad, ”Coming Back As Jason”, with some really nice steel licks.
To close the album, “Best Song” isn’t! (in my opinion). It’s just too pop/rock, but, I had enjoyed the album immensely by then.
Well worth checking out this exiled Scotsman.

Next we have a new girl singer to introduce you to. KAILEY NICOLE was Vegas-born and California-raised, but now calls Nashville home, close to the family’s southern roots, which inspire her music.
She got her professional start singing and acting in theatre when she was just nine years old. She’s worked in film, TV, voice-over, and commercials, which has helped set the stage for her recording career. She made her first mark on the music scene in 2015 when she was just 16 years old, with her first EP, “Nashville Stick-up”. Now she’s back with a bold new self titled EP. With this new record, Kailey Nicole has found her harmonious sweet spot –the place where old and new meet.
The opening track, “Brand New Day” is a great introduction to her music. The song was originally a demo for Kenny Chesney. It has a haunting feel to it, yet quirky and upbeat, which really works for the 21 year old. I can’t quite hear Chesney singing it, I have to say. It’s much more suited to Kailey Nicole.
“Diamonds and Coal” is a real uptempo number filled with such energy. It was written after a breakup and leaves you with the sense that Kailey isn’t going to let anything get her down.
Slowing the tempo, “Save Me For A Rainy Day” is a song that Nicole said, “just fell out of me” and was inspired by Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight”. It proves that she can deliver a strong ballad as well as upbeat numbers.
“Country Love Song” starts off softly, but develops into a modern radio friendly upbeat number, which has “hit” written all over it. It was one of the first songs she wrote, when she was just 15.  “Tennessee” was, apparently, also going to be a heartfelt ballad, but somehow ended up being another break speed, fast, driving number. 
“Change My Way” is a bit different to the other tracks. Still a good song, but has more of a pop/retro feel to it. I don’t know if that’s intentional, but it works to showcase another area of Kailey’s talent.

THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS are a bluegrass band from North Carolina, who were happy gigging around their home state, until they teamed up with actor, comedian and banjo player Steve Martin, on his album “Rare Bird Alert” in 2012. The following year, their own solo album won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. Indeed they now have 10 albums to their credit.
For their new album, they’ve went back to their native state for “North Carolina Songbook” (Yep Roc), not only for the its live recording at Merlefest, but for the content, which all honours fellow North Carolinian musicians.
And they cover the whole musical spectrum, from Ben E King’s “Stand By Me”, which opens the set, through blues singer Elizabeth Cotton’s “Shake Sugatree” and jazz pianist Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk”, to James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James”.
Of course bluegrass music is one of the state’s biggest genres, and no surprise to see Earl Scruggs & Charlie Poole recognised on the rip roaring “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down” and Doc Watson’s “Your Love Journey”, not to mention banjo picker Ola Belle Reed’s “I’ve Endured”.
Although they cover several genres, all the songs are given the Steep Canyon Rangers treatment. In no way have they tried to copy them.
As a result, we have a superb high energy bluegrass album, which perfectly honours their own home state.
One North Carolinians will be proud of.

THUNDER AND RAIN are a four piece acoustic/bluegrass band from deep in the American Rockies.
Erinn Peet Lukes is the main vocalist and songwriter, supported by Ian Haegele, Dylan McCarthy and Allen Cooke, on bass, mandolin and dobro, respectively. Additional musicians include Chris Herst on dobro, Natalie Pedilla on fiddle and Aaron Youngberg on banjo. You already get a feel for the instrumentation that excels on this beautiful album.
“Passing In The Night” is their third album, featuring 10 tracks recorded in Fort Collins, Colorado.
“Two Ships” is a rip roaring number which really gets the album off to a superb start. Other upbeat numbers include “Run With You”, “Make It Better” and the folksy “Nobody’s Darlin”.
“Walk Right Through The Door Of My Heart” is a really pleasant, easy on the ear, mid tempo, modern bluegrass number, which really appealed to me. “10 Hour Flight” is another ballad, on which Erinn’s vocals really sounded like she flying through the air. Other ballads include “Uncharted Farewell”.
“House Of Light” and “Falling Down A Rabbit Hole” are perhaps a bit more contemporary, but still worked well.
This is a really nice album. I love the simple acoustic arrangements, and Erinn’s lovely vocals.
It certainly worked for me.

Another simply acoustic, bluegrass and old timey offering comes from THE PINE HEARTS, a trio of musicians from Washington State. The band is made up of Joey Capoccia on acoustic guitar, Derek McSwain on mandolin and Dean Shakked on upright bass.
Their fourth album since forming in the early 2010’s, “Back To Sustain” has just been released here.
It was recorded “live” in a community hall in the outskirts of Olympia, using an old Tascam 4 track cassette tape machine. The quality is superb.
The collection kicks off with the title track, a slow, story song, which was a slow burning introduction, but the tempo completely livens up with the catchy traditional “Stealin”, one of the few songs not written by Joey.
Other covers, include Tom Petty’s “Orphan Of The Storm”, which gets a particularly bluegrass makeover, thanks to the mandolin being so prominent. There’s also “Good Luck By The Sea”, from the pen of Scott Nolan, a quirky, upbeat fun number, and Lob Strilla’s “Standing In The Corners”, which has an old west feel, whilst still sounding like it’s rooted in Appalachia.
The rest of the songs are originals.
“Be You On The Bayou” is notable for it’s lengthy intro. “Alright Fine” is one of the slower numbers on the album, whilst “Living With Depression” really demonstrates the trio’s neat harmonies. 
“The Heartache Or The Whiskey” has a particular catchy Country feel to it.
The album rounds off with “All Night Long”, which is how long I could listen to this album for. It’s a bit different for sure, but a good listen, if you enjoy bluegrass and old time sounds.

And finally for this month, a brand new single from THE HAYLEYS, who recently marked their 30th Anniversary in the business.
“Lotty's Song” is a beautiful, yet powerful song, designed as a message of hope, for people of all ages, who have, or are going through mental health issues. The song came to Becky, from the beautiful daughter, of a very close friend of the group. The Hayley’s are well known for their beautiful voices, and their ability to deliver such stunning songs. This is up there with their best.
There is also a video, filmed, directed, & produced by James Varley. Just search for “Lotty’s Song” on YouTube, and the song itself, is available from your usual download or streaming site.
The group are using the song to raise funds for the phenomenal charity, MIND, who do so much for people, including raising awareness of the once taboo subject. To donate any amount, no matter how large or small, please visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/donate.
The Hayleys are back in Scotland next month at the new Johny B Events in Methil (March 27th) and also at Lee Blackstone’s Easter Jamboree in Prestwick on April 10th.

COUNTRY MUSIC  By Ken Burns (PBS DVD Box Set)
One of the biggest events in Country music in the past year has been the completion of a 16 hour documentary on the history of our music. “Country Music”, directed by acclaimed documentary maker Ken Burns, traces Country music back to the early days, and brings in all the different influences, which have blended together to make Country music what it is today.
Country Music explores questions –– such as “What is country music?” and “Where did it come from”?, whilst focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created and shaped it — from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more — as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people.
No one has told the story this way before.
The series was first shown on PBS stations across America in September, and an 8 hour edited version was shown on BBC 4 on Friday nights in the run up to Christmas. The full series is now released on a DVD box set.

The series begins with a few notables, like Dolly, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Carlene Carter and Garth Brooks putting in their views on just “What Is Country Music “? The first face on screen is Kathy Mattea, whose first job in Nashville was as a tour guide at the old Country Music Hall Of Fame. Kathy recalled a painting on display there, called “The Sources Of Country Music”, which was a perfect introduction to what is covered in the next 16 hours of video.
The first artist under the spotlight was Fiddlin’ John Carson, from Georgia. The first episode also covered the travelling minstrel shows, the birth of radio, including WSM and The Grand Ole Opry, as well as The Bristol Sessions, which is often regarded as the birth of Country music. It certainly launched the careers of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.   
Episode 2 covers the great depression and the war years, between 1933 and 1945. Record sales were greatly affected during this time. But radio was booming. The WLS Barn Dance in Chicago was where Gene Autry found his feet, and a whole era of singing cowboys were born out of Gene’s success. There’s some interesting footage of when Gene bought his horse Champion on tour to London & Dublin.
Unregulated by US authorities, XERA, a powerhouse radio station across the border, in Del Rio, Mexico began playing Country music, and was heard coast to coast.
Pee Wee King was making his mark on the Opry, as was Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and Minnie Pearl, whilst Bob Wills was making a different sort of music in Texas, called Western Swing, before Bob and several band members went off to war, although Bob was back playing his music before the war ended.
The post war era is covered in Episode 3, which talks of the development of honky tonk music, a more electric hybrid between acoustic music, deemed too quiet for the rowdy bars, and the western swing bands, which were too big for the bars. This was also the era of Hank Williams short life, leading up to his death in 1953.
This episode also covers Ernest Tubb, Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt, Bill Monroe, Chet Atkins, Webb Pierce (and his guitar shaped swimming pool) , Hank Thompson, Kitty Wells, and Eddy Arnold, whose smooth sound, at the time was different to all the other emerging stars. Eddy’s place in Country music history is defined by his No1 records in 1948, when 5 of the chart toppers that year were by Arnold. In fact these 5 hits kept him at No.1 continuously for 53 weeks.
Episode 4 takes us into the 50’s and early 60’s, where the Sun Studios in Memphis created new sounds, and the first signs that Country music was expanding its horizons. This episode covers Elvis, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Willie Nelson and Marty Robbins as well the rise of Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn. The new smooth Nashville sound is touched on, giving Jim Reeves only a fleeting mention on the way. In contrast, Ray Charles recording his Country album, including “I Cant Stop Loving You” is given quite a bit of airtime. This episode also covers the air crash which took the lives of Patsy Cline, fellow singers Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and pilot Randy Hughes. Grand Ole Opry legend Jean Shephard, who was married to Hawkshaw Hawkins, recalls the events (although this was edited out of the BBC version).
There’s a lot more about Johnny Cash in Episode 5, alongside Roger Miller, Roy Acuff, Buck Owens, Connie Smith and Charley Pryde. It covers the mid sixties period when Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard were on the rise. 
In Episode 6, the times the were- a-changing. America was in the thick of the Vietnam war, which was dividing the nation down the middle. There were those protesting against the war, whilst others protested against the protesters. Country music stars often found themselves in the crossfire. Stars like Merle Haggard, whose “Okie From Muskogee” became a huge hit, was interpreted in different ways by different folks. We hear how Jan Howard lost one son in Vietnam, and another at home who couldn’t cope with the grief, and her feelings towards the protest movement.
This episode also discusses the influence of Bob Dylan and The Byrds recording in Nashville, and Willie Nelson, who nobody in Nashville knew what do with him, and Kris Kristofferson.
There’s also the changing sound of bluegrass, and the arrival of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to record the original “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album, with an array of established Country & Bluegrass musicians. Interesting to see that Opry star Roy Acuff snubbed the project, but turned up on the final day of the recordings, and was totally won over, and joined in with the session.
Episode 7 brings us into 70’s and 80’s, and to where most of us will be able to associate fully with the music. It features Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Dolly & Porter, Conway & Loretta, Texas songwriters like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zante, Mexican influenced singers like Johnny Rodriguez and Freddie Fender, The Outlaws, Waylon & Willie, and Gram Parsons & Emmylou.
Much is made of the Grand Ole Opry moving from The Ryman, to Opryland, and to the furore when Dame Olivia Newton John was awarded the CMA’s Female Vocalist of The Year Award in 1974. “It shocked me”, claimed Jean Shepard, “It was like the music is getting away from us. We were losing our identity!” How times have changed!
There’s also the story of Vince Gill, back in Oklahoma, playing in a bluegrass band, called Mountain Smoke, who got to open a gig for rock band KISS, which wasn’t  the ideal career break.
The final episode covers the period between 1984 & 1996. It starts with Country music on a downward spiral, Sales were down, radio stations were synchronising playlists, and Johnny Cash had been dropped from the label.
But the video age was about to beckon. Country TV networks TNN & CMT were launched, as well as the careers of the likes of George Strait, Randy Travis, Reba and Dwight Yoakam.
There was also openings for newer “fringe” artists like Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle. Kathy Mattea was also included in this group. They covered The Bluebird Café, and the beautiful song “Where’ve You Been”, written by Kathy’s husband Jon Vezner. Again the BBC edited this section out, but managed to keep the Bluebird’s link with Garth Brooks later on.
That’s followed by Vince Gill, explaining how he started out in a bluegrass band with Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley. Whitley died in 1989, which inspired Vince to write his classic, “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. Vince hadn’t finished the song, but resurrected it after he lost his own brother 4 years later.
It’s a fascinating archive, not only of Country music, but as American life, as a whole. The race divide over the years has been dealt with sensitively and more importantly, sensibility.  As I’ve said, the edited BBC version cut some highlights out in my mind, but the editing was well done.
There are a few omissions from the whole series. Jim Reeves made a bigger contribution to the music than the brief mention he gets. His death, in similar circumstances to Patsy Cline’s has been totally ignored.  In Garth Brooks early career he is described as “singing more Alabama, than Alabama”! The group are not recognised any further than that. And Alan Jackson is totally amiss.
On the other hand, Johnny Cash is covered in so much depth, across several episodes, that it got quite tiring. Yes, Johnny and June, and the Carters have been such an important and influential  part of our music’s heritage,  but there was a bit of overkill here.
But, all in all, a superb journal of Country Music- and 16 hours of homework which everyone needs to watch before calling themselves a Country music fan!

Dec 2019

We’ll start off our reviews this time around with a few Scots born singer songwriters.
ISLA GRANT is one of Scotland’s most successful Country music writers, with her songs like “Cottage In The Country”, “It’s a Dream Come True” and “Will You Walk With Me” being recorded by many other artists around the world.
Her latest album “Dream Of Me” includes four of her own songs, alongside an interesting selection of covers, from Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely’s “Leaving And Saying Goodbye”, to bluegrass duo The Osborne Brothers’ “Windy City” , Woody Guthrie’s “When The Roses Bloom Again” and Springsteen’s “Tougher Than The Rest”. On each of the covers, Isla has given the songs her own unique style.
The title track was a hit for Vern Gosdin, although it’s the Alison Krauss version which inspired Isla’s version here. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, a gospel song, written back in 1950 by Ira Stanphil, is another which Alison Krauss has also recorded. Another gospel number, “Climb Higher” closes the album, a song which Gene Watson fans will recognise.
Two of Isla’s own songs on the album, are re-recordings, simply as the originals are on old albums which are no longer available, but fans keep asking for them. In both cases, “Single Yellow Rose” and “Keeper Of my Heart” are given new slower arrangements.
Other original songs include the really catchy “Completely Over You” and “No One Knows”.
It’s a lovely easy listening album, which I really enjoyed.
Isla has built up a huge fan base over the years, and this album can only enhance her popularity. Look out also for a Live DVD of her “Opry Le Daniel” TV show, which was shown recently on BBC Alba.

Glasgow singer songwriter ELAINE LENNON will release one of the most eagerly awaited albums on the Scottish music scene during her concert at Celtic Connections on January 24th 2020.
Since her first live appearance last December, Elaine started 2019 winning the prestigious Danny Kyle Award, appeared at both The Millport Country Music Festival and the Glasgow Americana Festival, and has been named as the Nashville Songwriters Association International 2019 “One To Watch”.
Her self titled debut album (Little Sailor Records), recorded at Chem19 Studios in Blantyre, features 10 self written songs and one Country standard.  It would be a stretch of the imagination to label this as a Country album, but given that Millport and the NSAI have embraced her, then its only right we feature her in these pages too.
Several of the songs are quite bluesy/jazzy numbers, most notably, the lead single “Trouble”, “This” and “In Songs We Live On”. It’s a style which suits her voice on these songs.
But then again, on other tracks, I hear similarities with the likes of established Country singer songwriters such as Beth Neilsen Chapman and Lori McKenna.
The album kicks off with “Next Friday Night”, which has really grown on me over a few listens. Elaine plays piano, which features heavily throughout the album. The simplicity of the arrangement, highlights the piano, alongside her stunning vocals on this track. Similar ballads include the stunning “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”, “Alone Here With You” and “By Your Side”.
She does lift the tempo on “Little Bird, Little Sailor”. Again a little bluesy, it kinda reminds me of the likes of Bobbie Gentry or Joan Baez. But it shows that Elaine isn’t restricted to piano led ballads.
The one song that Elaine didn’t write, is a cover of Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You”. But it’s a song that she could’ve written. Stripped right down to the piano, and a subtle whiff of steel way off in the background, Elaine delivers a stunning slowed down version of the song. I have to say that having heard the song hundreds of times, I found myself hooked on every word Elaine delivered in this version, more so than I ever did with Patsy!
For a debut album, this is a stunning collection of material, and will establish Elaine as a real force on the Scottish music scene in 2020.

SANDY McLELLAND is an exiled Glaswegian, living these days in the big smoke of London, and beyond.
Throughout a long and respected music career Sandy has contributed to the artistic achievements of numerous artists and projects all over the world. His early days saw him work with the humblest of new pop artists such as Neneh Cherry and Bros, through to established international stars like Paul McCartney & Tears For Fears. He is a 3 times Grammy nominee and has won awards around the world.
His new album, “Cross the Line” brings him to the attention of Country & Americana audiences. 
There are vibrant and optimistic themes in songs like the celtic influenced, “We Always Will”, and charming, upbeat offerings, like ”I Believe in You”. 
The album kicks off with the title track, a mid tempo number, which has a smouldering vocal, which instantly conjours up comparisons to The Eagles sound.
“Already Gone” is a good upbeat number, as is “I’ve Ever Known”, the track released as a single to radio.  “All In The Name Of Love” was a bit rocky for my ears, but Sandy made it work for him.
Some of the slower numbers include “Before The Sun Goes Down”, “Before It’s Now” and “Reason To Believe”, which I really liked. 
“River Of Tears” has quite a haunting tribal feel to it, which suits the song perfectly.
“Poor Excuse”, which features vocals by Dee Jay did make its mark on me.
Stand out track has to be the very personal “My Home Town”, and fellow Glaswegians should check out Sandy’s video for the song, and try to work out his route as he drives around the city.
The album was entirely written, performed and produced by Sandy, in his own studio, with the help of a few friends. 
‘Cross the Line’ is unashamedly rooted in the American country, blues, folk and soul music he absorbed in his early days in Glasgow. It’s an album which certainly crosses genres, and should appeal to rock & pop fans alongside Country & Americana.

Moving across the North Channel, CHRIS NAPIER is a Country singer from Banbridge in Northern Ireland, whose music is totally traditional Country. He has spent 18 years working on the Irish scene with the likes of Philomena Begley, Stephen Smyth and Gerry Guthrie.
“Take The Smile From Your Face” is his third album, and features a good mix of stone Country covers from the likes of Mark Chesnutt (Old Country) , Travis Tritt (The Restless Kind) and Waylon (Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys).
The title song is a killer Country ballad from one of the most under rated Country singers ever- Scott McQuaig, who was around for a while back in the late 80’s. A great untapped singer, and great to hear his music being brought back to the fore.
There’s also Bryan White’s “Eugene You Genius”, Dolly’s “Gypsy Joe And Me” and Vince Gill’s “We Wont Dance”.
The 13 track album kicks off with “Billy The Kid”, a hit for Billy Dean, back in the 90’s.
Some of the songs are not so well known - “Maybe He Could Miss Her More” is a killer George Jones/ Gene Watson type song, “Lovin’ On Back Streets”, goes back to Mel Street, and there’s Lefty Frizzell’s “She Found The Key”.
The stand out tracks for me, is JD Crowe’s “Tennessee Blues”, but, the song choice throughout the really impressed me. This isn’t just an album of songs, people will know- it’s an album of forgotten treasures, which Chris has rediscovered. He has a great voice, which thrives on the traditional Country songs.
He produced the album in his own studio, played most of the instruments, (his dad helped out on steel, and some college friends provided fiddle).
If you appreciate real Country music, this is one album that you must get your hands on.

An Irishman who needs no introduction is DANIEL O’DONNELL, who, once again, releases a new CD package just in time for the Christmas market. This will enhance his amazing run of being the only artist to chart a new album on the UK album chart every year for the past 33 years, amassing more than 4 million sales, And whatever you think of Daniel, there’s no denying that he gives real value for money. His new release “Halfway To Paradise” (Demon) is a 3CD package, with no less than 60 tracks. If you prefer, there’s an LP Vinyl version with 16 tracks.
Daniel’s music has never been restricted to any particular genre. He has, of course, been most recognised in the Irish Country field, but has also done, Gospel, Irish folk, and rock’n’roll.
This is album features music from his rock’n’roll trilogy of albums released in the 2000’s, which already sold 650,000 units.
I personally wouldn’t consider many of the songs to be rock’n’roll, but certainly nostalgic 50’s & 60’s hits, ranging from Elvis, Buddy, The Everly’s, Ricky Nelson and Cliff Richard covers to “Beautiful Sunday”, “I’m A Believer” , “Secret Love” and “All My Loving”.
There’s also a previously unreleased 9 track live section, featuring medleys of Beatles, Cliff and Elvis songs, as well as three tracks from his long time touring partner Mary Duff.
This collection isn’t his most Country, but that wont matter to Daniel’s army of fans. They’re all songs that everybody knows. Daniel knows his audience, and he knows this will be another huge seller.  On it’s first week on release, it charted at No.2 in the Scottish Album charts. 

ROBERT MIZZELL is another of Ireland’s most popular acts over the past 20 years, having arrived on the Emerald Isle from his native Louisiana. He has the unique talent of performing traditional Country music on the Irish dance scene, as well the concert circuit.
His latest album, “Postcard From Paris” (Sharpe Music) features a dozen songs, quite a few of which have been played on radio as singles over the past year.
“Mama Knows”, “The Farmer” and “Livin The Life” are all good upbeat radio friendly numbers that fans will have been waiting on getting hold of, on an album. “Hey Ho” and “She’s My Baby” are also catchy upbeat numbers.
His soft, sensitive side comes through on “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”, a song to help loved ones through the most personal challenges.
There’s Classic American Country, with a “Gambler Medley” featuring 3 Kenny Rogers hits in one, and “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, and The Possum’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
The title track, a ballad, which closes the album, is a real international affair. Written by Jay Lee Webb (brother of Loretta & Crystal), “Postcard From Paris” is one of three tracks which feature the 30 piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, recorded in Sofia.
Robert has build up a strong fan base over the years. This album can only enhance his standing on the Irish Country scene.

DAVE SHERIFF has been part of the British Country scene since the 70’s, when he paid his dues as a session player for Pete Sayers and Kelvin Henderson. He has seen fads come and go, and has developed his style accordingly, maintaining his place at the top of the scene.
For his latest album, Dave has picked 30 of his most popular songs over the years, and put them together on “Drive Time”, available on a USB stick, so you can take him with you wherever you are, whether on the computer or in the car. It’ll even fit into many of the most modern TV systems.
Included are some of Dave’s best loved numbers like “Best Of Friends”, “Couldn’t Find The Words To Say Goodbye”, “Waltz Of A Lifetime”, “We’ve Got Memories” and “Don’t Be A Stranger”.
There are line dance favourites, like “Red Hot Salsa”, “Oasis”   and party numbers like “We’re Off On A Holiday”, “It’s Time For A Party” and “Will Ya Dance”.
You’ll find a few Irish numbers like “Down To Killarney” and “A Song For All Ireland”, and even his Scottish road song, “Highway Number Nine” gets a reprise.
With music available in so many formats these days, it’ll be interesting to see if releasing it on USB appeals to the music buying public. Dave certainly knows how to adapt his music to suit the trends of the day, so this could be the first of many!

KELLY STEWARD is a Midwestern American singer songwriter from Rockford, Illinois. Her bio states that she is “reminiscent of mid 70's female singer-songwriters like Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez and Linda Ronstadt with a Laurel Canyon via Midwest Americana feel”.
After a couple of EP’s, Kelly now releases her first full album, “Tales And Tributes Of The Deserving And Not So” (Glass Wing Records).
The opening track, “Golden Sun”, was inspired by her return to Illinios, from a time in LA, travelling back east to a better tomorrow. “Mississippi Risin’” touches on the divide in America today, whilst “Outlaw” is quite a bluesy story about a Honky Tonk scuffle, an accidental shooting and a fugitive on the run.
“Generation” is the track which really got me hooked. Probably Dan Pitney’s steel intro helped, but I really liked Kelly’s vocals on this track, as she personally views her own battles in the music industry, as she cries for the days when the song and the message mattered more than the monetary take.
“Heartbreak Heart” kept me interested. With a bit of a driving beat, she really recreated a bit of a retro Ronstadt sound on this one.
“Restless Kind” started off quite bluesy, but evolved into a bright & breezy Country sound. She really has quite a different sound of this one, and I have to say, sounding more of a southerner than from Chicago. The album closes with the upbeat “No Time For Loving You”.
This album has really grown on me. Give it a listen.

Singer songwriter KEVIN BROWN makes his home in rural Northeastern Washington state, not too far from the farms where his two sets of great-grandparents settled a century ago. The rich natural surroundings serve as a metaphor for exploring the landscapes of the heart and soul -- faith, family, love, the passage of time, and the interwoven fabric of earth and humanity.
In addition to his songwriting, Kevin is well-known in the Inland Northwest as the host of the popular radio program Front Porch Bluegrass heard weekly since 2002 on Spokane Public Radio, and as mandolin player in the popular and long-running Rhythm & Bluegrass band Big Red Barn.
His latest album, his fourth to date, is titled “Heroes And Sparrows” (Turkey King Music) and was recorded over a weekend in Idaho. It would be hard to pigeon-hole Kevin’s music, but there is certainly the influence of his rural surroundings running through the album.
The album kicks off with the pleasant, easy listening number, “The Distant Lights Of Nowhere”, which sets the tone for the album.
“Chattaroy” is quite a catchy number, which tells of a farmers dreams of live on the ocean.
 “Owls” is a beautiful ballad which features the harmonies of Natalie Padilla, who also plays fiddle and clawhammer banjo throughout the album. Other softer ballads include “The Stone Walls Of Ireland”, inspired, as you’d expect, by a walk on the Emerald Isle, and “The Moon Might Make A Mess Of Me Tonight”.
Kevin’s fingerpicking style comes to fore on tracks like “Paper Flowers” and the closing track, “For Goodness Sake”.
“When I Go Out At Night”, is a catchy bluegrassy song, which stood out for me on the album.
There’s also a slow waltz instrumental on “The Lillies And The Sparrows”.
It’s a nice, gentle listen, with some really nice bluegrass instrumentation, and good songs, which deserve a listen.

SI KAHN is something of an American musical institution. He came along at the back end of the folk revival era, and has been an activist on civil rights and environmental issues, whilst recording a string of albums over the past 45 years. He has also toured and recorded music on the European continent.
This year also mark’s Si’s 75th birthday, and to mark the occasion, Strictly Country Records in Holland have released a 5CD Box set called “Si Kahn at 75 : The Europe Sessions”.  They’ve also released “Best Of The Rest”, a 20 track collection of Si’s personal picks from the box set.
Although his music is widely acclaimed in American folk music circles, his style stretches across into Country and Bluegrass too. Indeed, Kathy Mattea and Rosanne Cash contribute to the album’s sleevenotes.
All styles are covered in this album.
It kicks off in bluegrass style with “Down On The Merrimack River”, a catchy number which tells of immigrants and slaves chasing work across the country, a theme also covered in “Sailing To Alaska”.
“Rock Me, Roll Me” is one of the straightest Country songs on the album, aided by German bluegrass band The Looping Brothers. The band also help out on a few other tracks, including “To Hear Doc Watson Play”. He also enrols a Dutch duo, Ygdrassil, on the sensitive “I Have Seen Freedom”, which reviews 50 years working in the Civil Rights Movement, and Liz Meyer on “The Gap”. 
British influence comes in the form of “Wigan Pier”, inspired by George Orwell’s book on British Coal Mines.
There are soft mainstream ballads, like “My Old Times”, and “When The Morning Breaks”
There’s even some humour in a monologue called “The Senator”, where he poses the question, what if a male politician had gotten pregnant? Quite amusing!
Si Kahn is one of these guys who has contributed so much to music on both sides of the Atlantic, yet, perhaps hasn’t achieved the mainstream recognition he deserves. It’s never too late.

THE GOSSAMER STRINGS are an old timey bluegrass flavoured folk duo from Eugene, Oregon, who neatly mix their homage to the past whilst bringing a crisp, and modern sound, making the material, very much their own.
Kyle McGonegle and Liat Lis blend their harmonies beautifully on their second album, “Due To The Darkness”, with Liat playing banjo and Kyle on guitar & mandolin. The result is a pleasant easy listening old timey bluegrass back porch sound, which I really quite liked.
The album features 8 self penned originals, and three traditionals, “Going To The West”, “Sandy Boys” and “Train On The Island”, which closes off the album. Like the other tracks, it features superb harmonies and some fabulous banjo picking.
Before all that, it’s a gentle, slow start to the album, with Liat leading the vocals on the lovely “She Cant Hear Her Heart”. The title track is a bit more uptempo, written about the Badlands of South Dakota. “Following Through” is a bit of a waltz, whilst “No Fire” is, again , more upbeat.
“Try Your Hand” starts off a bit slower, with a long intro before picking up the tempo, which ties in neatly with the song about the reluctance to try new relationships. Harmonies are definitely to the fore in “Everything Breaks”, especially starting off a cappella.
There’s also the instrumental, “Big Sky”, which shows off their musicianship skills once again.
A really nice listen.