Here are another dozen or so reviews coming to you. This month the collection is as varied as ever with 3 from the 50's from Cowboy Copas, Marvin Rainwater and Stuart Hamblen, 4 British from Buchanan, John McCane and Tom Travis, and now Australian resident Mark Lucas and others as diverse as Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, the songs of Kinky Friedman, Brian McComas and Vernon Oxford, Mark Chesnutt and Royal Wade Kimes. These are all country without doubt, but it just goes to show how diverse our music is, despite the people who say “it all sounds the same”. I'm going to start with the oldest…..

COWBOY COPAS Vol 2...AN OLD FARM FOR SALE…BACM CD D 164
Back in February 2006 I reviewed Cowboy Copas Any Old Time CD (BACM CDD 137) which had 25 tracks from 1948 to 1955. This new Cd, Vol 2 has 24 tracks from 1945 to 1955. Details about his life and biography are printed with that review. The songs here include 11 written or co-written by the singer, while the remainder include songs by Helen Carter, Jimmy Wakely, Johnny Bond, Bob Wills, Boudleaux & Felice Bryant and others. There is an over-riding theme on this one of broken hearts and lost love but other novelty songs lift the otherwise sad theme. Check out the song titles below and you'll get what I mean. It's a piece of nostalgia here that shows why he was such a great country star, beloved by many before his tragic passing with Patsy Cline and Hawkshaw Hawkins in March 1963. (24 songs 67 minutes). Full marks to BACM for releasing this collection. You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by Tel:- 01304 205000. (24 songs 67 minutes).
SONGS; Gun totin' Mama-Three strikes and you're out-As advertised-Would be better for us both-An old form for sale-It's wrong to love you like I do-Signed, sealed then forgotten -A package of lies tied in blue-Goodbye sweetheart goodbye-If you but care-Those gone and left me blues-Copy Cat-I'll pay the price the rest of my life-Blue Pacific Waltz-Heartbroken-A Heartache ago-Don't let the deal go down-Golden moon-I'm a stranger in my home-Pledging my love-Ashamed of myself-Blue yesterday-An old man's story-Listen to me heart.

MARVIN RAINWATER...TENNESSEE HOUN' DOG YODEL…BACM CDD 162
Marvin Rainwater, born in Wichita in July, 1925 played piano, guitar, started songwriting & singing before his teens, trained as a vet, did a stint in the navy and started a music career in the early 40s. His first break came with Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee in 46. He joined Four Star & Coral Records with limited success. In 1956 he won the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show 4 weeks running, his prize a contract with MGM Records. His 2nd single “Gonna Find Me A Bluebird” hit the charts in 1957 for 6 months and reached No 3. Next came “Whole Lotta Woman” (1958) a world wide hit (except in the US as some banned it as “too suggestive”). No.1 in Europe meant Marvin began his long association over here. His next was “Half Breed” another million seller. One would think that these 3 hits would turn him into a super star but he fell between country and emerging Rock 'n roll, never really deciding which one he wanted. He left MGM in 1959, recorded for Warner, UA, Warwick, Sonet, Brave, Westwood, Gem etc, in the US and UK but never repeated his successes. He toured the UK during the 70's and 80's and was a welcome attraction at the Wembley Festivals, always promising to update his act, but he never did. This collection is from the 50's, before the hits, and all the songs (except 2 by Ray Benson) are his, showing what a prolific songwriter he was. The first 7 are from MGM, and include the quirky “Albino (Pink Eyed) Stallion” “Tennessee Hound Dog Yodel” and “Tea Bag Romeo”, plus rockabilly items like “Mr Blue” & “Hot & Cold”. The next 16 are demos recorded in Washington with straight country ballads like “Don't tell my boy I'm in prison” “Daddy's glad you came home” and “Wanderer in me”, steel and fiddles to the fore, in the popular Hank Williams style, with some yodel added. The last 4 are again MGM recorded in Nashville. This collection shows why Marvin became a star and why he had such a long and successful association with the European country audiences who still enjoy his “country-styled- Rockabilly” for many years. You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by Tel:- 01304 205000. (27 songs 63 minutes).
OTHER SONGS;-Dem low down blues-Where do we go from here-Tainted gold-Korea's mountain northland-I gotta go get my baby-Teardrops-Would your mother be proud of you-What you got you don't want-Engineer's song-Do you want to know-You just can't keep a secret-Freight train blues-Moments of love-Don't try to change your little woman-Key-Get off the stool-What am I supposed to do-Sometimes I feel like leaving town-Why did you have to go and leave me lonesome blues.

STUART HAMBLEN...OLD GLORY….BACM CD D 163
Stuart Hamblen will certainly be remembered for “It Is No Secret” and “This Ole House” above all others. Among those who recorded his songs were Tubb, Reeves, Clooney, Snow, Presley, Boone, Billie Anthony, Wagoner and many others. (Even Shakin' Stevens hit No1 with “This Ole House” ). He was born in Kellyville, Texas in 1908, the son of a preacher. He started broadcasting in California in his 20's and became a B movie star in westerns usually as the baddie. He had a reputation as a boozer, often fighting in public and being jailed on more than one occasion. He joined Columbia in 48 and his first minor hit was “I won't go hunting with you Jake” in 49, (later revived by Jimmy Dean).Then he hit big with “(Remember me) I'm the one who loves you” and after an unsuccessful political run for President in 52, (only beaten by 26 million votes), he turned to Billy Graham and religion. In 54 he wrote and charted with “This Ole House” but it was Rosemary Clooney in the USA and Billy Holliday in the UK who topped the charts. Stuart recorded for 4 Star, RCA Victor, Columbia, HMV, Word etc but never became the country star promised in his early days. The recordings here are from 48 to 55 and includes his 2 biggest songs as well as “Old Glory” and “Lonesome valley”, plus narrations like the now non - PC “Black Diamond (with the woolly black hair) and “Old Pappy's New Banjo”, and 2 duets with Grand Ole Opry Star Martha Carson from 1954 “I've got so many million years” and “Lord I can't come now”. 21 of the songs are Hamblen compositions with “Ace in the Hole” “I believe” and “Lord I can't come now” added to complete the collection. Many of the songs are inspirational (though not all), as from 1949 Stuart wrote most of his songs in that vein following his conversion. It is a great collection and wonderful to hear the writer sing the original big hits, and some that still could be big. You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by Tel:- 01304 205000. (24 songs 65 minutes).
OTHER SONGS:-My old hound dog-Our anniversary-Pony Express pride of the west-Our Captain ain't a man-When my Lord picks up the phone-I get lonesome like nobody knows-You're always brand new-Just let me love you-Please tell me why-Ole Pappy time is a pickin my pockets-Friends I know-My religion's not old fashioned-Just a man-A handful of sunshine.

BUCHANAN...THE PICTURE…GOLDRUSH RECORDS GOLDCD012
Buchanan are Mark Wilkinson guitars, mandolin; Steve Conway pedal and lap steel, dobro, guitar, mandolin; David A. Smith bass: James Fildes guitars; Danny Wells drums and percussion and they all sing (except Danny).They formed in 2002, and made their debut album, “Stars a Fallin`” in 2004. This new recording finds the band maturing nicely, building a following at home, and across Europe. All the songs are written by band members, 6 from James, 2 from James and Mark,1 from David and Mark, and 1 each from Steve, and Mark. Musically the only additional musician is John Ellis on piano & organ. Faultless in their playing musically with a tight sound, solid drum and percussion holding it altogether. The picking is outstanding at times and the variation is noticeable Here's a CD that's got everything for a successful album, the stone country songs, the ballads well delivered, the tender songs, the dance tunes, the honky tonk songs, variety in styles, loads of guitars, well played and sung throughout and well presented. It only need exposure on radio & TV to give this band the break they need, and the songs are very radio friendly. Publicity is the name of the game now and I'm sure their PR company can generate more. Look out for the band at festivals and around the country scene, if their “live” sound is as good as what's on offer here they should score well. Its available from sales@goldrushrecords.co.uk or check out the web pages at www.buchananband.co.uk .
(11 songs 45 minutes)
SONGS:- Across the miles-Cold hard moon-\when the river runs free again-Sun shines bright-The picture-Heartbeat's gonna start-Rough equivalent-Never could kiss you-Wrong kind of love-At least I know I'm alive-The high lonesome.

THE TOM TRAVIS BLUEGRASS BAND...ROOTIN FOR ROOTS...REDEYE ACOUSTIC RECORDS
Back in February 2006 I reviewed Tom Travis' album “A Pick from the Bunch” which was his latest release. A bluegrass fan enquired about an earlier album and that led to the reissue of this. Recorded back in 1987 with Tom playing guitar and lead vocals, Chris Wing on mandolin & harmony, Clive Rees bass & harmony, Martin Styles banjo and Peter Parker fiddle, this was a cassette only release. The album opens with two songs written by Carter Stanley “Think Of What You've Done” and “Baby Girl” with another Stanley song “The Fields Have Turned To Brown” included later. John Prine's “The Torch Singer” is followed by Jimmy Skinner's mournful “Doing My Time” which in turn is followed by an cappella rendition of the traditional “God's Not Dead” with fine three part harmony. Jimmy C. Newman's classic “Cry Cry Darling” (at a sedate pace for a change) is next, then the uplifting “Sitting on top of the world” which would lift any recording with its bright banjo intro. The not often heard “Sawmill” by Mel Tillis keeps the pace bright. Bill Monroe is represented by “Highway Of Sorrow” followed by Steve Gillette's tragic story of “Darcy Farrow” and “ Me And Jesus”, both pieces arranged by Tom. There's a nice fiddle intro for “Oceans of diamond” and the CD closes with another tip of the hat to Bill Monroe with “I'm On My Way back”. I doubt if you'll find better British bluegrass recordings than those produced by The Tom Travis Band and while this was recorded nearly 20 years ago it still sounds remarkable fresh nowadays.E-mail Tom at tombluegrass@aol.com for more details or to order.(14 songs-43 minutes)

BRIAN MCCOMAS,...BACK UP AGAIN… KATAPULT RECORDS
A top 10 hit, “99.9% Sure” (I've Never Been Here Before) and a top 20 hit with “You're In My Head” from his first album, has set singer / songwriter Brian Mc Comas up for this release from Katapult. His continued success is assured with the release of his latest single “Good good lovin” the first from the album. He wrote 7 of the songs and 3 more as co-writes, produced and added the classic Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" alongside his originals. He grew up in the heart of the Ozarks in Harrison, Arkansas and by the time he was 14 he was already writing songs and at 15 made his first demo. In 1996, he moved to Nashville landed a publishing deal with PolyGram and recorded his 1st album with Lyric Street. (I'm reviewing an advance copy so musicians and recording details are not listed). His voice is super, modern, strong and gentle at times. He handles all the songs with great expertise, and has a way with words that sell the song in the first verse or chorus. His own songs, based on a love theme, are all winners with “Back up again” opening the album, a song about recovering after the end, “I'll believe it when I see it” is maybe starting over again while “Off my mind” at a more sedate pace, is about lost love. Song 4 shifts gear upwards with a “Good good lovin” a positive love song for a change. “Let love lead the way” continues from song 4. Then its one of the best songs on the CD, a wonderful tender and sad ending to a great story “All comes floodin' down” which has all the elements of a sure-fire hit single. “Baby, it'll be alright” is a catchy mid tempo soft song about starting over, while “That won't ever change” follows the same theme. The only cover is the afore mentioned “Wake up little Susie” with a driving rock back beat giving the song a real update. (Kevin Denney sings the 2nd part). “Too far gone” is a gentle ballad (more lovely steel guitar licks), and the album closes with “Addicted to you” up-tempo, great guitars, and a rock beat dancers die for. Brian says about his live show "It's not made to be a picture, it's made to be a 3D experience," and singing these songs live I can know what he means. For more info www.brianmccomasonline.com or www.katapultrecords.com (11 songs, 39 minutes).

JOHN McCANE...STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART...ECHO PARK RECORDS
Back in 2003 I reviewed John's last CD “Area Code 0161” which was nominated in the radio awards as Best Album, plus one of the songs was nominated as Song of the Year. This new collection has 4 original songs plus 8 covers of songs not overdone on the recording scene. I found John at his best with the big strong ballad, like “Touch me with your tenderness” (which he also wrote) and the Curly Putnam/Bucky Jones classic “Couldn't love have picked a better place to die” and “Last Cheater's Waltz” which ranks with the best. The catchy “Who's gonna hold me” is worthy of mass exposure while John co-wrote “Second time around” with Pete McDonald, a strong love ballad which closes the CD. The up-tempo original “The Lady” is a catchy western swing styled dance tune. The musicians are led by the talented Stephen Smith on acoustic, lead, steel guitars, alto sax and backing vocals, John plays bass and acoustic guitars, Pete McDonald plays piano, Hammond and strings while Charlie Arkins and Keoni Kissane are on fiddles. John Cosgrove takes care of drums and percussion while Shamus Rooney adds backing vocal. Its produced by John & Stephen who also engineer and it was recorded in N/Ireland. Faultless production, quality recording and another winner from an under-rated country singing star in the UK. www.john-mccane.co.uk is the web site for more details.(12 songs-43 minutes)
OTHER TRACKS-Holdin'heaven-Why not tonight-Kick ass country-Louisiana rain-Spread a little love around-I do but I don't.

CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN ...RURAL RHYTHM ….RHY-1028
“With a voice as pure as the mountain whippoorwill, Carrie Hassler moves with ease from hard driving bluegrass numbers to traditional country or gospel melodies…Produced by fiddler and artist Jim Van Cleve, the disc surrounds Hassler's bold, soulful alto with a seamless blend of modern country and bluegrass touches that reflect both her range of influences and her love for bluegrass. The set offers a perfect showcase for the young singer's distinctive approach, with country and bluegrass classics like "Leaving On Your Mind" and "Our Last Goodbye" studding a set of new material that includes a masterfully crafted anthem of longing in the first single, "Seven Miles From Wichita." Now that's how Carries publicity sheet opens for this CD and after listening to the 11 songs I would certainly agree. Shades of Krauss, Vincent and Emmy Lou at times with outstanding playing from instrumentalists riding high. Any doubt about the country content here is dismissed with her tender rendition of the Webb Pierce classic “Leaving on your Mind”. The band is strictly not a bluegrass band, but one of their guest musicians Jim Van Cleve on fiddle (on only 4 songs) clears that distinction aside. (He also plays guitars, strings, sings backup as well as harmony and produces). Hard Rain contains Josh Miller on banjo, Kevin McKinnon on mandolin, Keith McKinnon guitar, Josh Swift on gramophonic guitar and Travis Anderson on bass. They stand alone on the great instrumental “Sensabaugh Tunnel”. The acappella version of “ Least that I can do” shows great harmonies. There's a mix of fast paced songs “Restless State of Mind”, “Going on the next train” “Love is our business” and “Hard Rain” which gives the band its name. The slower songs include lovely ballads like “Now that she's gone” and “Our last goodbye” This is an outstanding introduction to an artist who is more than ready to take her place on the national scene, and with the right publicity and radio exposure you will be hearing lots more about and from Carrie Haussler and Hard Rain. You should find this CD under Bluegrass and Americana music. Check out www.rural.com for more details and how to buy. (11 tracks 34 minutes)

VERNON OXFORD...SINGS GOSPEL, COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS...OXFORD-CORBIN RECORDS OC200
Its been years now since Vernon went into a recording studio and laid down some new songs. This is the result, 12 songs, 11 written by Everett Corbin, and the opening song “Brothers of the Bible, Soldiers of the Cross” written by Vernon and DJ, Ron Pederson. Its produced by Everett, Vernon and Larry Mars who also recorded, engineered and mastered the CD. The musicians include Steve Holland on drums, Charlie Vaughn on electric guitar, banjo and mandolin, Garland Craft on piano, Duane Mars on steel and dobro, Kimberly Mars on fiddle and harmonies, Jeff Taylor plays accordion, Mike Doucette harmonica and Larry Mars plays bass, acoustic guitar, and sings harmonies. The songs are mainly self-explanatory by their titles, “Flying the Coop” is about parents letting go, “Green Pastures "was recorded by Carl Story, while “Ho Bo” is the new single. There are 2 Angel songs, the patriotic “The Flag has disappeared”, the sad “Last days of New Orleans” where Vernon shows that his voice has lost none of it's pathos. Welcome back Vernon, time you came out of retirement. The CD is for sale on CD Baby, or to order direct send a check or money order for $17.00 (total includes $2.00 S&HE) to: Everett Corbin, Music, 5801 Halls Hill Pike, Murfreesboro, TEN 37130-.(12 songs 49 minutes). OTHER SONGS:-I Want to Do a Good Thing -Jesus Is Coming for You-God That Was a Close One-There's An Angel Standing There-Sleeping Is for the Dead-This Terrible Thing Called Sin.

ROYAL WADE KAMES...STRIKING MATCHES ...WONDERMENT RECORDS RAKE-AS.
Born and raised in Arkansas during the time of outlaws and roughnecks, Wade was discovered and tutored by Eddy Arnold. He is an accomplished songwriter who penned the platinum hit “Bury the Hatchet” for Garth Brooks as well as hits for Diamond Rio, Gene Watson and others. His critically acclaimed “Cowboy Cool” album (see my review on web August 2004) was voted Best Alternative Western CD in the True West magazine, “Best of the West” Reader's Poll and was voted one of the top five CDs of 2004. His new CD “Striking Matches” features 13 tracks that will keep you pushing the replay button. He writes 4 of the songs and co-writes the other 9. This is cowboy and western songs with a modern recording and his most eclectic collection to date. There's gunfighter songs with “Faster gun” “The stranger and Clyde” and “Showdown”, love songs with “No use”, “Striking Matches” “Dancing with you again”, the patriotic “I've got your back” (a recent single) and “Danny Play” is a tribute to and features Danny Davis of Nashville Brass fame. Produced by Wade with George Breadfruit and Mike Noble, Wada's strong voice relates the tales with great sincerity and the background musicians and occasional sound effects enhance the stories. The musicians include George Breadfruit on bass, organ, cello, banjo and el. Guitar, Mike Noble plays mandolin, acoustic and el. guitars. Larry Crowley also plays guitars, Paul Hallowell piano, organ, clavinet, and strings, Fats Kaplan plays fiddle, violin, harmonica and Steve Ward, Shawn Fincher and John Garner play drums. Add this one to your Kimes' collection and you won't be disappointed. This has something for everyone and is a must have for every Country & Western music fan. Nobody does the cowboy ballad better today than Royal Wade Kimes.
Check out the sites at www.royalwadekimes.com and www.wondermentrecords.com (13 songs 44 minutes)
OTHER SONGS:-I Come To Dance -Look Out Your Window -Jacob's Well -Bad Luck is Gone -Danny Play -Don't' Look Now.

MARK CHESNUTT...HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG… CBUJ RECORDS,.0702
This CD could well be called as “Singing his favourites”. To quote the liner notes … “I recorded this music for ‘the' country music fan. My intention in recording these songs was not to out-do any of the previous recordings, because that just can't be done, but to reintroduce some of the authentic music that made country music great and still does today,” “I picked some songs I've just been playin' for years.” “Heard it in a Love Song” and “Goodbye Comes Hard For Me” were previously released but the remainder of the Cd is getting it's first outing. “That Good That Bad” was recorded by Mark in 1997 for his MCA CD “Thank God for Believer's” but not released and “ Hard Secret To Keep” was recorded in 2004, using his road band in their first recording. The remaining 6 songs are from the Fox Ridge Sessions produced by Jimmy Ritchie. Jimmy also plays electric and acoustic guitars Upright and Tic-Tac Bass, Mike Johnson plays steel guitar, Larry Franklin on fiddle and Brian Pruitt on drums with Tania Hancheroff singing background vocals. Mark shows his writing skill on “That Good that bad” which he co-wrote. All the other songs are covers or as he says “songs he's uncovered”. This is a super release and for whatever reason given, there is no doubt that Mark should be with a major label. This is his own record company so I'm sure this will get some good distribution and notch up great sales eventually. His voice shines through all the songs, the production is faultless and don't write him off for many years yet. One of my favourite albums this year. Check out wwwmarkchesnutt.com where you can read more in detail and buy a copy. You won't be disappointed if you are a country fan.
OTHER SONGS:-Dreaming my dreams with you-A day in the life of a fool-You can't find many kissers-Apartment No. 9-A shoulder to cry on-Lost highway.(10 songs, 30 minutes)

WHY THE HELL NOT… VARIOUS ARTISTES...The Songs of Kinky Friedman.… SUSTAIN RECORDS/UNIVERSAL…SUS-OO1-105-2.
In 1973 Kinky Friedman and his outlandish country rock band The Texas Jew Boys recorded their first album “Sold American” for Vanguard Records. The next year joined ABC then Epic in 1976, where they recorded the now famous “Lasso from El Paso” album featuring Bob Dylan & Eric Clapton among many. Kinky's songs have always featured debatable content. Running parallel to his musical career is his career as a novelist with 23 books to his credit, some acclaimed literary pieces. He is standing for Governor in Texas (where he was born in 1944) this year. This tribute contains 10 of his songs, performed by some of the biggest names in Texas putting their own spin on Kinky's politically incorrect songs. It opens with Kevin Fowler singing "Get Your Biscuits In The Oven (And Your Buns In The Bed)," then Lyle Lovett's truthful reading of 'Sold American". Charlie Robison captures the poignancy in the story about a circus sideshow performer in “Wild man from Borneo” while Dwight Yoakam wraps his distinctive vocal around "Rapid City, South Dakota" with lovely minimal backing drums, dobro, bass and guitar. Jason Boland & The Stragglers put their own Texas country stamp on "The Gospel According To John," highlighted by Boland's weathered and emotionally resonant voice again with only piano, drums, guitar and banjo. Roots rocker Todd Snider delivers a raucous updated version of 'They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore" (very Non PC today…doubt if this will ever get a single release, in fact I don't think there is a Country DJ who would dare to play this one nowadays). Contrasted by Charlie's brother Bruce Robison and sister-in-law Kelly Willis, they join forces on the wistful "Lady Yesterday." There's no mistaking Willie Nelson as he delivers a knock- out highlight with his heartfelt and powerful rendition of "Ride Em' Jew Boy." Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson teams with Reckless Kelly on the funny "Homo Erectus." (another stand out track…sorry couldn't resist the pun). The album closes with Delbert McClinton's soulful reading of "Autograph." (The songs by Lyle, Dwight, Willie and Delbert were previously released on the 1998 CD “Pearls in the Snow”). This is an outstanding collection, a great chance to introduce yourself (or re-introduce yourself if you are of a certain age) to the songs of Kinky Friedman, you won't be disappointed, as Kinky was often overlooked as a great songwriter because of the dubious song content. Websites www.kinkyfriedman.com for info on Kinky or try www.sustainrecords.com for the record and how to buy.  (10 songs,39 minutes).

MARK LUCAS & THE DEAD SETTERS… WHITE MAN SOUL…SONGSMITH TWNG002
Originally from England now domiciled in Sydney, Australia, renowned as a singer-songwriter of note, and even dubbed as “Australia‘s Best Country Songwriter” Mark's music encompasses various styles. From the bluegrass sounding “When I call your name” and “Charlie” to the folksy story songs “Monster's Ball” and “Girl on a motorcycle” you'll also find solid country tracks like “For everything else I got you” and “Mansion” and the bluesy “The Emperor of Wyoming's Urban Blues” and “Satin'n'lace blues”. These songs are all well written stories with the variety in the themes and style. The musicians are Mark on guitars and vocals, Mark Oats on fiddle and harmony, Glenn Skarratt plays mandolin, guitars, acoustic bass and harmony and also co-produces with Mark and engineers the album, while Michael Vidale plays double bass. Its in an acoustic setting with the instruments blending in and out around the vocal. There's an overall appealing gentleness across the album, nothing ever strained or forced and the kind of a CD you would play in a relaxed manner, just so you could listen to the words and the instrumentation. This is his 3rd album, the first I believe in this acoustic setting and while I have not heard the previous 2, I would say that Mark has found a style that suits his songs and voice. That's it for another month,