DALE WATSON & HIS LONE STARS ~ LIVE @ NEWLAND .NL/REMIXED.  ~ ROUNDER EUROPE MMACD1024
This is a double CD with 25 songs from Dale and his band recorded in The Netherlands in front of a lively and knowledgeable audience of Watson fans. Dale sings his way through 23 of his own great songs ( “I’m wondering” co-written with Raul Malo) plus one Haggard song “I take a lot of pride in what I am” and the Buck Owens classic “Made in Japan”. The road band consists of Gene Kurtz on bass, Don Raby on fiddle, Herb Beloski on drums, Don Don Pawlak on pedal steel guitar while Dale takes all the vocal and guitars. Their sound is as close as a long time road band gets with great interplay between steel and fiddle in the breaks. Dales stage presentation is off the cuff, casual and spontaneous and his repartee with the audience included. He weaves his way through the ballads like “You pour salt in the wound” “I think of you” “I See your face” and “My heart is yours” while also paying tribute to Johnny Cash & Luther Perkins. He e swings in true Texas fashion with “South of round rock Texas” and “Heaahh!!” They close disc 1 with Exit 109 where the band display their talent to the best in the 6 ½ minute part instrumental and drum solo. He also includes new songs from forthcoming Cd releases then, as this was recorded in October 2005. This is also available on DVD. If you are a Dale Watson fan you’ll love this, if you are a country fan you’ll love it too. It’s a great collection well produced, no nonsense or tuning involved, just great music and a little chat, Dale Watson concert captured and delivered on a fine “live” album. More info on www.roundereurope.com
OTHER SONGS:-DISC 1- (45 minutes, 13 songs)-Honky tonkers-Making up time-Luther-Whiskey or God-38.21.34-Wine wine wine; DISC 2-(12 songs, 43 minutes)-Gone gone away pretty girls never stay-Tequila & teardrops-Hair of the dog-No help wanted-A real country song (Mr. DJ)- I ain’t been right-Way down Texas way-Nashville rash.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS  ~ CAR WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD ~ MERCURY B0007378-02
Lucinda Williams has her acclaimed best-selling album get the “Deluxe Edition” treatment on this reissue. CD 1 is a session recording with 2 outtakes added here, plus a new version of "Still I Long For Your Kiss" heard in the movie “The Horse Whisperer". The 13 songs of love, loss and longing are matched by her laid-back style. Her guest artists include Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Charlie Sexton, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller. Roy Bittan who plays accordion, also co-produces with Lucinda, Steve Earl and Ray Kennedy, the complete album was mixed by Rick Rubin & Jim Scott. This won Gold album status and a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, despite being her least folksy work. It’s more a honky-tonk country blues collection. This was her 5th career album release and marked her breakthrough after nearly 20 years. On CD 1 the two outtakes from the album's initial 1995 Austin sessions are "Out Of Touch" (which she since re-recorded in for "Essence") and a basic sounding blues classic "Down The Big Road Blues" plus the alternate song. The session players throughout are Gurf Morlix on el. guitar, Dr John Ciambotti bass, Donald Lindsay drums and percussion, and Buddy Miller acoustic, with all the above named guests include on various songs. Lucinda’s smouldering vocal and great songs are the highlight here with sympathetic backing around the vocal. Randy Weeks writes “Can’t let go”. CD 2 is a previously unreleased 1998 "live" performance and was recorded in Philadelphia. It features her touring band at that time, Kenny Vaughan on guitar, Bo Ramsay slide guitar & dobro, Richard Price bass and Fran Breen drums. The set encompasses nine numbers from "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road" plus 4 other earlier songs, all digitally re-mastered. Wonderful double CD of a great singer-songwriter recorded at her best. www.ilovethatsong.com for more details.
OTHER SONGS:-Disc 1-Right in time-Car wheels on a gravel road-2 kool 2 be 4-gotten-Drunken angel-Concrete & barbed wire-Lake Charles-I lost it-Metal firecracker-Greenville-Still I Long For Your Kiss-Joy-Jackson,(16 songs-65 minutes) Disc 2- Pineola-Something About What Happens When We Talk-Car Wheels On A Gravel Road-Metal Firecracker-Right In Time-Drunken Angel-Greenville-Still I Long For Your Kiss-2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten- Can't Let Go-Hot Blood-Changed The Locks- Joy. (13 songs-64 minutes).

TOM WURTH ~ ASPIRION / ASC RECORDS 0032
Tom maybe a new name but he has already notched up a Grammy nomination for his songwriting and had 2 songs recorded by Ty Herndon and Ken Mellons. The CD opens with a lovely country rocker “Leaving Lonely Behind” with a great opening guitar riff reminding one of “Southern nights”. “If this road runs out” is the first of 4 co-writes by Tom, a lovely mid-tempo song about turning back on life with great guitar. The ballad “Is this lonely” is handled extremely well with high harmony from Sonya Issacs. “Bread on the table” written by Sonny Lemaire & JP Pennington (formally with Exile) and Shane Minor, is in the style that made “Exile” so popular. The mid-tempo “Make time for loving you” is a modern love song well delivered, while the beautiful ballad “She’s still there” is a heart wrenching story song. “Good ground” is a down home up-tempo catchy song about growing up while “I can Bend” from Rob Crosby and Paul Overstreet is another ballad delivered with sincerity. “Love made me do it “ is best described by Tom as a barnburner, highly paced great guitars and furious delivery. “Give it to me straight” is a cleverly written ballad about breaking up while the up-tempo “Bad Case of Missing You” is delivered as pounding R&B with rocking guitars and piano. The ballad “Everytime I close my eyes” is another co-write this time with co-producer John Ford Coley and Kris Bergsnes, and its back to the rocker “It ain't what your thinkin" with a great honky tonk feel. British songwriter Glen Mitchell gets a co-write with Bart Butler (co-producer) and Tom on “Higher Ground” a gospel flavoured tale with great dobro and harmonica. The bonus track “I'm so lonesome I could cry” is Tom with an acoustic guitar showing his vocal delivery to it’s best. Overall one of the best and most varied albums I’ve heard in a long time, great songs well sung, great production from a top team, with an excellent group of 8 musicians playing at the top level. www.tomwurth.com is his web site.(15 songs -60 minutes)

NANCI GRIFFITH ~ RUBY’S TORCH - ROUNDER EUROPE…11661-3265-2
While Nanci has never claimed to be a country singer, as her music crosses many boundaries, this CD is a real gem. The country connections here are few and far between, but as many country fans enjoy her distinct vocal, I thought you might appreciate a review on this non-country album, if only to inform you that it exists. With a small rhythm section, added string section and a little brass, this is Nanci smouldering through 12 torch songs. “When I dream” a country and pop hit for Crystal Gayle opens the album and sets the tone and style. I’m not going to pretend I know every song here but I do recognise Jimmy Webb’s “If these walls could speak”, Nanci’s “ Brave companion of the road” and “Late night grand hotel” and the standard “In the wee small hours of the morning” ideal for this great concept album. I remember many years ago when people said that a similar album would end his career, Willie Nelson and his “Stardust” album went on to be his biggest seller and stayed on the album charts for ten years. With that thought in mind this is another outstanding album that could very well do the same for Nanci Griffith and it should. More details on www.roundereurope.com
OTHER SONGS:-Ruby’s arms-Never be the sun-Bluer than blue-Grapefruit moon-Please call me baby-Drops from the faucet.(12 songs 42 minutes).

PATSY MONTANA ~ I’M GOING WEST TO TEXAS - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD174
Patsy became a member of the Prairie Ramblers after her earlier career saw her as part of the “Montana Cowgirls” on radio with Stuart Hamblin and touring with Jimmie Davis before recording “Homesick for my old Cabin” in 33. The group joined WLS National Barn Dance and in 1935, renowned record producer Art Satherley took them to New York to record “I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart” (among other songs) for ARC. This gave Patsy her trademark theme song, a million seller and national popularity. Similar western songs, included “Ridin' Old Paint” “Blazin' The Trail” and “A Cowboy Honeymoon” recorded during the 1936-45 period for various record companies including Vocalion, Decca and RCA, found her recording with The Sons Of The Pioneers ( “Deep In The Heart Of Texas” and “I‘ll wait for you”) and The Light Crust Doughboys ( 5 songs here including “I'm Gonna Have A Cowboy Wedding“). She saw her greatest success in the '30s and '40s, before “western” lost out to honky-tonk and later rock ‘n roll in the 50‘s, but continued her career with album releases, and touring worldwide. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October, 1996, but sadly died on 3rd May that year aged 88. This collection covers probably her best recordings and her unique yodel style is well represented. She is credited with writing 7 of the songs listed.You can order direct by Tel:- 01304 205000 or www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com .
OTHER SONGS:-Old black mountain trail-Your own sweet darling wife-I’m going west to Texas-Give me a home in Montana-A rip snortin’ two gun gal-Sunny San Antone-Blanket me under western skies-Big Moon-I’m riding up old Kentucky mountain -I’ll be waiting for you Darlin’-I’ll keep on wishing for you-Dream on little Cowboy-Yellow moon keep shining-When I found you in Montana-Goodbye old pinto-I don’t want anyone but you - That’s where the west begins - Slap’er down again Paw - I found my cowboys sweetheart (also titled “I wanna be a cowboy’s sweetheart No 2).(26 songs, 72 minutes).

TEX RITTER ~ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD171
The Country Legend that is Tex Ritter was born in Texas in 1907, and his career is well documented and known by most country fans. He started his lengthy movie career with Song Of The Gringo in 1936 and 58 movies later he made his final movie Flaming Bullets in 1945.He was the first country artist to sign with Capitol in 1942 and one of the first country acts to host television shows. He was a founding member of the Country Music Association, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1964 and moved to Nashville to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1965. His diverse recordings include western and country, gospel and children's songs, novelties and narrations. This collection was recorded during the 1950s, and concentrates on the western theme. Tex Ritter's legacy was carried on by his wife, Dorothy (1915-2003), who became Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Tennessee and the Grand Ole Opry, (His son John (1948-2003), became famous on TV and in movies). You only have to read the song titles below to appreciate the great success Tex had in his long career, highlighted by his recording of “High Noon”. He also recorded the theme songs from Gunsmoke, The Bandit, The Searchers, Remember the Alamo and The Last Wagon, (all included here ).You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com. Or by Tel:- 01304 205000.
OTHER SONGS:-Long black rifle-Brave man-Marshall of Wichita-The wayward wind-Last frontier - Prairie home - Buffalo dream - Marshall’s daughter-San Antone story-High on a mountain top-A whale of a time-Bad brahma bull-Turn around boy- Coolwater -My bucket’s been fixed -Prisoner’s song -San Antonio Rose-My woman ain’t pretty-Go on get out-Paul Bunyan Love- Pledge of Allegiance.    (27 songs-72 minutes)

THE CARLISLES  TENNESSEE MEMORIES - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD167
Cliff was born in Kentucky in 1904 and brother Bill in 1908, and they began performing in 1929 as part of their family's country radio show in Louisville. Cliff's began recording in 1930, and Bill in 1933 with Vocalion. They had numerous releases as the Carlisle Brothers and signed with Decca in 1938. Their 1st big hit, “Rainbow at midnight” (a cover of the Ernest Tubb hit), was on King in 1946 while Bill had a solo hit, also on King, with “Tramp on the street”. Cliff retired in 1947 and Bill formed The Carlisles. The personnel at one time included songwriters Betty Amos and Martha Carson, guitarist Chet Atkins and Bill’s children, Billy and Sheila. The Carlisles are best remembered for their novelty songs “Too old to cut the mustard”( no.6 in the charts in 1951) “No help wanted” “Is zat you Myrtle” “Knothole” and “T’ain't nice (to talk like that)” all making the top ten in the 50’s and, with a shift to Hickory with “What kinda deal is this” in 1965. Bill was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years ‘til his death in 2003. and was elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame, in 2002. (None of the above hits are included here). This collection is mainly from 1951 to 54 with 4 from 46 and include many memorable novelty songs by various combinations of the popular trio that was “The Carlisles”. Order direct by Tel:- 01304 205000 or www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com.
SONGS:-Moody’s goose-Goo Goo Da Da- Pickin peas down long pea row-Nine have tried and nine have died-Bargain day half off-It’s bedtime Bill-Rusty old halo-Middle age spread-On my way to the show-Let me hold your little hand-My happiness belongs to someone else-Tennessee memories-True love-Leave that liar alone-I would if I could but I can’t-Patch up our old love affair-Unpucker-This heart is not for sale-Teletouch-That little difference-Poor man’s riches-Bye bye my love-A dollar ain’t a dollar anymore-Maybe more-He will lead safely-Blue Arizona moon.(26 songs, 63 minutes).

HENRY SMITH IT’S BEEN A GOOD YEAR…HS008CD
Henry Smith’s Country Dreams recently won the “Reader’s Choice Award” at the UK Radio Awards in February. His new CD is a well recorded, well produced and a well presented selection of eight original songs written by Henry. The other 4 covers are Tim DuBois’ “Your Man”, Alan Jackson songs, “First Love” and “Remember When” and Jerry Chesnut’s (George Jones) hit “A good year for the roses” staying true to the originals. Henry stamps his own style on this with his own songs, and good songs too, well written with super arrangements and great variety in style and tempo. “Enough Tequila” has a great dance feel with a “Havana Horns” effect added, while the mid tempo ballad “Mum & Dad” tells a heartfelt story of leaving home and makes a great new single on the current Hotdisc (March), which should do very well across Europe. The opening “One of a Kind” is a cracking up tempo love song with loads of steel and guitar. “Don’t walk out on me” is a broken hearted ballad while “I hope she falls” has a western swing feel with fiddle by Bob Winquist . The musicians are led by Dave Hayward on steel and keyboards, Neil Harris on drums, John Ryder plays bass and shares backing vocal with Jay Smith, guitars played by Chivy and Henry and co-produced by Dave & Henry. I’d say that this could take them back to the awards again next year in the recording categories and well deserved too. Henry’s new web pages are at www.henrysmith.moonfruit.com
OTHER SONGS:- Tears me apart-It’s a love thing- Love me again.

MARK SCHATZ and Friends ~ STEPPIN’ IN THE - BOILERHOUSE  ~  ROUNDER EUROPE 1161-0559-2
David Royko, who writes for the Chicago Tribune writes in the sleeve notes:-"Nothing at this year's IBMA Fanfest was more exciting than 'Mark Schatz and Friends` playing on the Roots and Branches stage, bassist, banjoist and dancer Schatz assembled a quartet that included fiddler Casey Driessen and this year's award winners for bass (Missy Raines) and guitar (Jim Hurst), and perfectly represented bluegrass music's past and future. Schatz plays the claw-hammer style of banjo,…The high point of his set was the original instrumental, 'Steppin' in the Boiler House.' ….Schatz planted rhythmic land- mines within the arrangement while his band propelled the tune with a white-hot tension that catapulted Driessen's incisive solo into a place few country fiddlers have gone." Mark uses the above musicians and himself as the core and adds guests including co-producer Bela Fleck on mandolin only on “Eileen’s Waltz”, Tim O'Brien on mandolin on “Calgary” and vocal & mandolin on “Last Old Dollar” with Stuart Duncan on fiddle on 3 tracks. All but two of the pieces are Schatz originals, the traditional “Stay all night” and “Last old Dollar” from other sources. Probably better known in the UK as the bassist with Nickel Creek, his touring held up this 2nd release for Rounder. This is basically an instrumental album with some tracks at breakneck speed like “Big Root”, “Cajun Stomp”, and “Stay all night” The slower pieces are a joy to listen to with Stuart and Bela sharing “Eileen’s Waltz”, Jerry Douglas added on dobro on “Season of Joy” is outstanding, with both fiddles on this one and Stuart Duncan again solo on “Black Mountain Aire”. The vocal tracks are “Last Old Dollar” with Mark sharing vocal with Tim and again with Jim Hurst on “The Devil’s game”. He sings solo on “Stay all night”. The banjo is not the dominant instrument here, more of a sharing with friends thing, making the overall album outstanding and a joy to listen to. Further details on www.roundereurope.com   OTHER TRACKS:-The falling waters of Arden-Lennie’s misfortune-Robindale/Slate-Chelsea town (14 tracks-51 minutes).

PETE SCHLEGEL ~ I’M NOT LISTENING - CBuJ RECORDS 0903
Back in April 2005 I reviewed Pete’s CD STRONG STUFF - PS8143A and said of the CD… “It's a solid country CD with a modern sound that stays in the traditional vein. Pete is showing off his vocal ability well on this…”and this follow-up continues the process so much so that I think he should have called this CD “Stronger Stuff”. To describe his music as just country doesn’t suffice, but “hard guitar driven, up-tempo, steel and fiddle, honky-tonk country” would be very close to a full description. Pete completed this CD with Nashville producer Ted Hewitt at the helm. The first single, "You Can't Bring Her Back," is receiving airplay throughout the world, particularly in Europe where he has topped the various charts with his singles. With only 2 mid tempo or slow songs here the mood is set with the driving opener “Woman ain’t so hard to Understand” and “My Kinda Country” is at down home as get out, while the cover of the Billy Yates/ Kim Williams “Alcohol Abuse” certainly drives along. Still at the same pace is “Give me Summertime” and at track 5 “Country at heart” it kicks off up-tempo but has a clever slower middle and a great ending. His version of “Jambalaya /Kawlija” gives both songs a new lease and I’m sure this version will be copied by many. “Hurtsville USA” is the 1st slow song, great dobro- rhythm guitar backing only, lovely intro and turnaround. Everybody back in for a great version of Rabbitt’s “Two dollars in the juke box” “A place to say goodnight” is a lovely broken-hearted ballad while the latest single is a positive pacy tongue in cheek “You can’t bring her back” a cleverly written Terry Dennis song. Terry also contributes 3 other songs. Then just when you think it’s all over, the unlisted song “Jose” starts, a great drinking song, slow developing into a waltz tempo.
Faultless production from great musicians great songs, old and new and clever arrangements gives this album great variety and leaves you wanting more, but “Even Stronger Stuff”. It’s available on line from www.peteschlegel.com follow the links and buy a copy, you won’t be disappointed.
(11 songs-38 minutes).

MAGGIE AUSTIN ~ GEORGIA CLAY ROAD - GULFWIND RECORDS GW 2006-01
Back in June 2005 Maggie’s first release “Time & Again” was a 6 track CD of 5 of her own songs and a great cover of “Breath” (Faith Hill). Maggie is a traditional country singer who sings good songs with traditional country themes and combined that with up to date production and a quality sound, making her albums a joy to listen to. Fiddle, steel, dobro, mandolin, guitars, piano, bass and drums all compliment her outstanding vocal and all under producer Larry Beaird who also plays acoustic & mandolin. She only writes 2 songs here “Georgia Clay Road” a mid tempo song about returning to the home place, while “Maybe next year” is a song of hope with a bright beat and loads of steel and fiddle, both could make hit singles. Songwriter John Ozier writes 3 songs, “Rain on a tin roof” with great dobro breaks and running tempo, the lovely ballad “Does anybody love anymore” and the sad love song “No good in goodbye” showing how well Maggie handles the ballads as well and the other paced songs. If you missed the first CD you should try this one, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed www.maggieaustin.com has all the details.  OTHER SONGS;- This is forever-That’s me-Another cruel day-Life is good-Maybe next year-What do I do with me-I wanna be that song-Reckless heart.(12 songs - 40 minutes).

NEW FOUND ROAD ~ LIFE IN A SONG - ROUNDER EUROPE 11661-0576-2A
NewFound Road’s fourth album is their first for Rounder. Band members Rob Baker (mandolin /vocals), Randy Barnes (bass), Tim Shelton (guitar/vocals), and Jr. Williams (banjo/ guitar/ vocals) balance the timeless and the modern elements of bluegrass, emerging with a sound that is eclectic and focused. The album is produced by Rob Ickes, no stranger to contemporary bluegrass, a recording artiste in his own right and he also plays resonator or slide guitar, with fiddler Jim Van Cleve being the only 2 guest musicians. The sound comes driven by Williams’ driving banjo and Baker’s cracking mandolin breaks. It opens with three-part harmonies leading into a storming version of Tim Stafford’s “Cold Blue Day,” which features lead vocal from Shelton. The second track, “Douglas Graves,” is rearranged from up tempo to a slower pace. An acappella version of the spiritual “When I Get Home” points to the band’s former life as a gospel band. The original songs range from the lament “In My Sleep” (featuring a guest vocal from Sonya Isaacs) to the title track “Life in a song”, has an uncluttered modern bluegrass feel. Rob also sings lead vocal on the traditional “Handsome Molly,” while Williams delivers a superb reading of Tom T. Hall’s heartbreaking “A Picture of Your Mother.” Other covers include a wonderful swinging version of the Ben Peter’s (Freddy Fender hit) “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” (now why didn’t I think of that) and a hard-driving take on Ray Charles’s “Leave My Woman Alone”. Contemporary bluegrass with a simplistic feel at it’s best, with strong original songs and outstanding varied covers. Check out the web sites at www.newfoundroad.com or www.rounder.com
OTHER SONGS:-Nothing’s missing-I miss you-No Clue( inst.)-Houston (I’m coming to see you).

CODY Mc CARVER ~ PEACE, LOVE & COONDAWGS - ASPIRION/ PLC RECORDS 0034
This is the debut album from Cody McCarver a rock and roll, gospel-influenced, country boy. Born and raised near Chattanooga, Tennessee, his musical career began at the age of 9 playing piano in a small church. His influences growing up were Waylon, Cash, Mellencamp, Petty, Coe, Tucker, Skynyrd, Hank, Hank Jr., and Paycheck, and you can hear them all in his music. He sounds vocally like Charlie Daniels with attitude. Cody taught himself to play multiple instruments, and by age 17 was performing in honky tonks. He toured as bass guitarist with Lynn Anderson for 2 years. He is now on tour with Confederate Railroad as piano player and also performs independently. Country musicians with edge on this one, fiddle and mandolin yes, but only guesting, as this is guitar-driven country like most of his southern influence above. The CD opens with “Chosen one” the theme from the Sopranos, is followed by "Red flag," his current single that offers advice to women. “Sunset boulevard” is wishing for the good life and all the problems that brings, “Country badass” need no explanation , while “Look what you’ve done” is in complete contrast, a lovely love song. “Redneck love gone bad”, mimics a Jerry Springer episode, and “It should have been me”, a mournful ballad while his country version of Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the night” is indeed powerful. Great songs well delivered with outstanding country vocal. There are full details at www.codymccarver.com
OTHER SONGS:-Hard to be honest-The Cure ( 10 songs-41 minutes).

VIN LAMAR ~ ALADDIN RECORDS ACD-071
Vin has joined forces with music producer, Neal James, on this his debut self-titled album. The debut single, "Fittin' In," is currently being aired on radio worldwide. Vin plays both piano and guitar but the remaining musicians are not listed. He writes all the songs here and his style is best described as somewhere between Americana, country and middle of the road pop. Says Vin. “I got into music by going to church. It's where I first heard music being sung and where I learned about harmony and song structure.” The influences of that period is also reflected here. He has the ability to express and define certain moments when life hands you challenges and turn them into likable songs. He can also cleverly embrace the amusing and lighter side of life with light-hearted and humorous compositions. This is a songwriters album, where the words of the songs are more important than clever production but the thoughtful production and arrangements highlight the songs. Worthy of a listen and enjoyable but don’t expect fiddles and steel guitar here. www.vinlamar.com for more details.
SONGS:-Parchment paper-Stoke the fire-In the love-Fittin' in-The eyewitness-We have joined together-In the basement-Love speaks-House of fire-Beauty is the art-Forever-Spread your wings.(12 songs-46 minutes).