JACKIE STORRAR  ~  CROSS THE BORDER ~ PARROT HOUSE RECORDS(UK) PH0511-CD
Kirkcaldy resident Jackie came to the fore on Radio Tay, moved to Radio in Malta and recently joined Smooth Radio in Glasgow as a presenter. Her singing career blossomed both as a solo and duo (with husband Steve Thiebault) called “Foreign Affair”. This is her 3rd CD release. 12 songs, 8 written by Jackie & Steve plus 4 covers, encompassing a wide spectrum of styles from M.O.R with a strong country influence to solid fiddle and steel country. It's a quality album, recorded and produced by Pete Ware in Spain & Scotland. The musicians include Dougie Stevenson on steel guitar, fiddle on 2 songs from Ian Cameron and Maurice Hipkiss, acoustic & lead guitar from Willie Logan, while Steve plays keyboards, acoustic guitar, drums, percussion and programming as well as backup vocals. Jackie's outstanding vocal is as crystal clear as a mountain spring, distinctive and memorable and will soon become recognisable at first play. The original songs are heartfelt cameos from her life, written with great sincerity and understanding, like “Heaven Blessed” “Angel in disguise” (which reached No. 13 on the Hot Disc Chart and No 3 on the British Country Top Ten earlier this year) “She's all cried out” and “Which one takes the blame” (19 on the Hot Disc Chart and 3 on the British Country Top Ten September last). The up-beat “Ace of Spades” (her new single) and “ Can't get you out of my head” could become line dance favourites, her cover of “Torn between Two Lovers” could be a hit again, and the Eagles sounding “The more I give you” should all get great radio play, and on more than just country programmes. This is one to be proud of and it could establish Jackie as one of our top country female vocalists and songwriters. www.jackiestorrar.com
OTHER SONGS:-Don't leave me just squeeze me-Cross the border-I'd really love to see you tonight-Sometimes love's just not enough.

LUCIE DIAMOND ~ I WANNA BE RICH ~ BIG FEAT RECORDS BIG597602
I recently read an interview with Lucie that started with her saying “…I am not a country singer. I am a singer who chooses to sing country. There is a difference…” Now no matter how you debate the questions posed there, you have to admit on hearing this CD that she has recorded a country album, although it does stray at times over that imaginary boundary between country and MOR. Not a bad thing either as it sells to more than just the country fan which is what making records is all about. Ask any exec in Nashville nowadays and they will tell you what it's about….Sales!! NO sales, No future. This is a classy production recorded in the UK with her band members and in Nashville with top session players and guests. Albert Lee guests on the track “I Wanna Love You Wild Sometimes” while Nashville lends Robby Turner on pedal steel guitar & dobro, drummer Brian Barnette, guitar features Danny Parks, Larry Franklin on mandolin and fiddle Jon Vogt on bass, backing vocalist is Dana McVicker. Lucie co-wrote 4 of the songs, a haunting ballad “I Wish I Could Re-Write The Ending” where her voice and emotion shines through against the pedal steel, piano & strings backing, based on a true story and co-written with Rachael Thibodeau, “Read My Lips” with UK writer Catherine Rushton, “My Ex True Love” with Bat McGrath and “Don't Mess Me Up” with Brent Anderson. "Closed Curtain" is written by session singer Bekka Bramlett, who co-wrote the song with Danny Wilde and is a duet with Delbert McClinton. “Don't mess me up” is a singer and acoustic guitar (Danny Parks) only performance, while The Jets perform on “Did he mention my name”. Buddy Hyatt plays piano the only instrument on “God's working overtime” a lovely ballad well delivered. Great contrasting styles and songs and an album that will enhance her career without doubt. Watch out for Lucie as she expands her career across the UK, Europe and the US. www.luciediamond.com and www.myspace.com/luciediamond for more details
OTHER SONGS:-Don‘t even think about it-I wanna be rich-Let me be me-Take it or leave it alone,(12 songs 43 minutes).

DWIGHT McCALL  ~  NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN ~ RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS RHY-1031
Unless you are well into bluegrass music you probably have not heard of Dwight, well maybe you have, he is the mandolin player with J. D. Crowe and New South, has been on the scene for nearly 20 years, and this is his 2nd release. The basic musicians on this album, (although basic they are certainly not) are Alan Bibey mandolin, Brian Stephens on guitar. and New South fellow members Ron Stewart banjo & fiddle and Harold Nixon on bass. Now the additions include Randy Kohrs on dobro on 9 tracks, while the rest are guest vocalists Lou Reed, Missy Werner, Steve Gulley on tenor vocal on different songs, and Ricky Wasson on baritone and low tenor vocal. Dwight carefully chooses his songs and here he writes 3, “Goodbye my friend” “Don't break my heart again” and “He turned away again”. He includes 2 traditional pieces “Little Bessie “and Blue eyed Boston boy”. For the remainder he brings new songs “West Virginia Ground” by Mark Brinkman and “Logan's Crossroad” and “My Heart loves you more” from Mike Evans. There's the pop song “Time of our lives” revitalised bluegrass style, the gospel songs “Pathway of my Saviour” and “He never turned away” and the wonderful rendition of Michael Martin Murphy's “Lost River”. Super album, great musicians, great delivery on vocals from Dwight and his guests, great harmonies and this is an overall outstanding self production. www.ruralrhythm.com is where you can get to know Dwight even better and get a copy of this great bluegrass album.
OTHER SONGS: Poor old man-Never say never again-My heart loves you more- Goin' across the sea.

THE DERAILERS  ~  UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BUCK ~ PALO DURO RECORDS
The Derailers are Brian Hofeldt on acoustic & lead guitars, vocals: Ed Adkins electric & acoustic bass, vocals: Scott Matthews drums & percussion: Sweet Basil McJagger piano & organs: Chris Schlotzhauer pedal steel & dobro, vocals and this is dedicated to the memory of Buck Owens, Don Rich and Doyle Holly. The Cd features the songs of Buck Owens all faithfully recorded in the style and format made famous and popularised by him during his long and successful career. This is a loving tribute to one of country's most popular and innovative stars and is the Austin based Derailer's eighth album. They include the songs “Foolin around“ “Love‘s gonna live here” “Together Again” “My heart skips a beat” “I've Got a Tiger By the Tail” “Cryin' Time” “Sam's Place” and some of his lesser known songs like “Before you go” “Who's' Gonna Mow Your Grass” “Down On the Comer of Love” and “Big in Vegas” with Chuck Berry's “Johnny B Goode the only non-Owens composition. (The bonus track “Cajun Fiddle”(40 seconds) actually makes 14 tracks in total, and has additional musicians Haydn Vitera on fiddle on that song and on “Fooling around” and Casper Rawls guests on acoustic guitar on “Big in Vegas”. This is certainly a wonderful album, a great tribute, a look back to country in the “Bakersfield Style” and one that the band can be duly proud of. “The Legend lives on” with this great collection of Owens hits, and it will enhance the Derailers' reputation with country music lovers. (14 songs-35 minutes ).

RIDERS IN THE SKY  ~  PUBLIC COWBOY # 1, A CENTENNIAL SALUTE TO the music of GENE AUTRY …ROUNDER RECORDS
When it comes to “The Cowboy way” Riders in the Sky thank Public Cowboy # 1 Gene Autry, who would have celebrated his 100TH birthday on 29TH September 2007. The modern day standard bearers of the western music tradition that Gene popularized, are celebrating the singing cowboy's life and music with a "Centennial Salute to Gene Autry!" The nearly year long festivities include a national tour in the US and the re-release of this 1996 album, “Public Cowboy # 1: The Music of Gene Autry”, with an additional 4 bonus songs. The Riders add acoustic guitar from Richard O'Brien, and Robby Turner on lap steel guitar to their own line-up of Ranger Doug guitar & vocal, Too Slim bass and vocal, Woody Paul fiddle and vocal and Joey “The Cowpolka King” on accordion & vocal, (and once again production boss). (They also add trumpet, trombone, viola and 2 violins to help recreate the Autry sound). They share the vocals and include all the better known Autry hits from yesteryear, sounding as fresh today as only The Riders can make them. The 12-page sleeve booklet includes 6 pages from historian Ranger Doug giving details about each song. This is pure nostalgia and worthy of any country & western record collection in fact I'd say your collection of western nostalgia would be forever incomplete without this CD. www.ridersinthesky.com
SONGS;- Back in the saddle again-Sioux City Sue-Mexicali Rose-You are my sunshine-Have I told you lately that I love you-Can't shake the sands of Texas from my shoes-That's silver haired daddy of mine-Be honest with me-Blue Canadian Rockies-Lonely river-South of the border- Ridin down the canyon-Take me back to my boots and saddle-The last roundup-(Ghost) Riders in the sky-Tumbling tumbleweeds. (16 songs 53 minutes).

LISA O'KANE   ~   IT DON'T HURT ~NEW LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT…NLE910052.
This is Lisa's 3rd CD and is another showing of class and integrity from the Los Angeles based singer songwriter, who has grown as a songwriter and performer over the 2 years since the release of “Peace of Mind” which I reviewed in October 2004. Back then I said “…that the voice is the most striking aspect of the Cd … and her voice reflects the mood of every song as does the musical arrangements…”. Gone is the fiddle and steel stone country sounds for a more mellow use of the instruments, with some great guitar work.The musicians reflect the best from the Los Angeles circuit and include Edward Tree on guitar bass and harmonium, Taras Prodaniuk bass, Skip Edwards keyboards, Rick Solem piano, Gabe Witcher fiddle, Carl Byron accordion, Gary Ferguson James Cruce and Jorgen Ingmar drums, T. J. Tree tongue drum, Debra Dopkin percussion, Lisa also plays harmonium, and harmony vocalists Jonathan Clark, Mark Fosson, Teresa James, Ken Stacey and Lisa. (Albert Lee only guests on one song while Jay Dee Maness only plays on the closing ballad “Remember this”, Marty Axelrod plays Hammond B3 organ on “Got the car running” which he co-wrote with Nicole Gordon, Edward Troost who wrote the title song “It don't hurt” plays acoustic on that song only and Kenny Edwards plays acoustic guitar, mandolin and sings harmony vocal on his song “Misery & Happiness”). The opener “Ain't done nothing” has Albert Lee at his rocking best on one of 3 Lisa co-writes with Mark Fossen and Edward Tree. She makes John Prine's “Speed of the sound of Loneliness” her own, and follows that with a great ballad “Give me this night” delivered with outstanding class. She sings the blues with style on her own song “Pay for my sins”. Overall another varied and stunning collection of songs performed with the polish one expects. Maybe its aimed just a little more outside the country market and should do well there, but Lisa has carved a notch in country over here and is finding her audience at home in the US. This will continue to enhance her reputation across the UK and Europe to the fans she carries with her over here and probably establish her as a singer songwriter with integrity and durability in her homeland. Seek it out to add to your collection, you won't be disappointed. www.newlightent.com and www.myspace.com/lisaokane for more details.
OTHER SONGS:I‘m done-Uninvited guest-Paper thin.

TROY COOK JR.  ~  PLAIN AND SIMPLE COUNTRY ~ STARDUST RECORDS
This is Troy‘s 3rd CD and like the advert on TV “this does exactly as it says on the label”, its “plain and simple country” of the highest order. Great voice shining throughout the album, great delivery on every song, and great production from a tight band of musicians. Steel and fiddle led country songs about love, heartbreak, life and the good ole US of A. 7 of the songs are written by Dennis Adkins who joined the production team after the passing of Colonel Buster Doss the original producer and Stardust Owner, who signed Troy back in 2000. Troy writes one himself, plus a co-write with Buster who also writes one. The musicians include Danny Parks, Troy, Reggie Young and Brien Sutton on guitars, Kevin Grant bass, Gordon Mate and Buddy Hyatt keyboard, Owen Hale and Tommy Wells drums, Glen Duncan and Larry Franklin fiddle and steel guitar from Robbie Turner and Lloyd Green. Susan Marshall and Cathy Louvin join Dennis on harmony vocal. The songs run a through a mixture of tempos many suitable for dancers, all suitable for the country music fan who likes his country with a capital “C”. It's about time some promoter brought Troy to Europe to perform and sing all the country songs that have topped the Euro and Hot Disc Charts. This Cd includes his latest hit singles “Farmer‘s Prayer” “Forgive me darling” “A Girl like that” “The Phantom” and “Grandpa for President” which have all made the top 5 on the Hot Disc Charts here. His web site is www.troycookjr.com
OTHER SONGS:-Plain and simple country-Honky tonk family man-A Few old broken hearts around-Wine women and song-Call in well-No ordinary miracle-Here comes that heartache again.(13 songs 42 minutes).

JOHNNIE & JACK with the TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN BOYS ~ B.A.C.M. RECORDS BACM CD D183
Vocal harmony duo Johnnie Wright and Jack Anglin were brothers-in-law who got together in 1938 to form The Tennessee Hillbillies. At that time they shared the radio waves as Djs on WSIX in Nashville. Johnny had already married Kitty Wells who was the girl singer in the band and can be heard occasionally on these recordings. During the 40s's they changed their name to the Tennessee Mountain Boys and popularised their down home mountain singing style with constant touring and a recording deal with Apollo Records. They joined the Opry, left after an offer from the Louisiana Hayride, but returned to the Opry when they joined RCA Victor. In 1951 they started a run of country hits with Poison Love, Crying Heart Blues, Oh Baby Mine ( I Get So Lonely), South Of New Orleans, Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, Stop the World, Lonely Island Pearl and Sailor Man in 1959. They crossed into the 60's with Ashes of Love, I can't tell my heart and Slow Poison for Decca Records in 1962, their last hit. (None of these songs are included). Jack died in a car crash in March 63 on route to Patsy Cline's funeral. (Johnny continued touring with Kitty whose career has surpassed his and the show name became the Kitty Wells Show). This CD is 2 songs from Apollo Records recorded in New York in 1947, 2 more from 51 recorded in Atlanta and the remainder from the RCA Victor catalogue until 56, all recorded in Nashville. The songs range from the slow ballad through diverse rhythms and tempo's, all solid country and gospel songs, with fiddle, banjo, dobro or steel guitar. We should also not overlook their songwriting capability, as their names appear behind 9 of the songs here.You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.
SONGS:-Weary moments-You're my downfall-Pig Latin Serenade-Private property-Love trap-Tom Cat's Kitten-Carry on-A pleasure not a habit-Lookout-Just what the doctor ordered-But I love you just the same-Don't let the stars get in your eyes-When you want a little lovin'-Sing Tom Kitty-God Put A Rainbow In The Clouds-Pray together and we'll stay together-Mr. Clock-Banana Boat Song-Cheated out of love-The Humming bird-Called from the Potter's field-From the manger to the cross- Eastern Gate-Just for tonight-Too many blues-When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again- How can I believe in you-Live and let live (28 songs 69 minutes).

JIMMIE SKINNER  ~  TOO HOT TO HANDLE ~ B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D184
You won't find much about Jimmie in the country music history books but there is a little here and there to seek out. Probably best remembered as a songwriter of “Doing My Time” from the Johnny Cash repertoire and “ I found my gal in the USA” and “ Riverboat Gambler” now classed as classic country songs. Jimmie recorded for a host of lesser known and well known record labels across the US during his years as a singer, Meridian, Mercury, Capitol, Decca, RCA, Starday, King and Vetco his own label. However he was never a chart topper and never found stardom, and as you listen to this collection you will wonder why. 21 songs here are written or co-written by him and while his phrasing and delivery was suspect at times his voice had a unique individual sound that should have given him great success. The songs cover 1949 to 1956 and probably show Jimmie sounding at his best. You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.
SONGS:- Running out of time-Kentucky and You-Journey's end-There won't be much more time-I'm gonna put you in my pocket-Singing teacher in heaven-I'm afraid to love you anymore-Steppin' out on you-Want you for my baby-Fallin' rain blues-It's all the same to me-I can't believe it's our goodbye-You don't know my mind-Here's my goodbye to you-Rambler's call-I need a little lovin' too-By degrees-John Henry and the water boy-Don't get around much anymore-Too hot to handle-My broken heart is starting to show-What a pleasure-Baby I could change my ways-I've got a lot of love baby-I'm allergic to your kisses.( 25 songs - 65 minutes).

RED FOLEY SINGS GOSPEL ~ BACM RECORDS B.A.C.M. CD D 192
Red Foley's career is well documented and he is best remembered as a country hit-maker in the 40's 50's and 60's, a long-time Grand Ole Opry member and Country Hall of Fame member. From his early start as part of “The Cumberland Ridge Runners” in 1930 it wasn't until the 40's that he started recording and finally charted in 1949. Throughout the 50's Red sold records by the millions with both secular and gospel songs. He was a Opry member during the 40's, A member of the Ozark Jubilee in the 50's and a successful TV star in the 60's until his death in 1968. He had over 40 top ten hits and 6 country number 1 hits, many included here. This collection includes Red singing with the Foggy River Boys, The Jordanaires, Judy Martin, The Anita Kerr Singers, The Andrews Sisters, Sister Rosetta Thorpe and his wife Betty. The recordings are from 1949 through to 1955 and cover his most fruitful years, his most popular years and Red singing at his best. You will recognise the songs from the titles and this is worth keeping in your collection .You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.
SONGS:-My God is real-I'm bound for the Kingdom-I'd rather have Jesus-Let's go to church-The Angels are lighting God's little candles-Somebody bigger than you and I-Robe of Calvary-Consideration-There's a light guiding me-Weapon of prayer-Jesus and the Atheist (God's wonderful way)-Music by the Angels-Will the circle be unbroken-Where could I go but to the Lord-He bought my soul at Calvary-The place where I worship is the wide open spaces-I hear a choir-Keys to the kingdom-The last mile of the way-Just a closer walk with thee-Steal away-Have a little talk with Jesus-He'll understand and say well done-A satisfied mind. (24 songs 69 minutes)

BILL YATES AND FRIENDS - THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN “TRIBUTE”
The Country Gentlemen played their first gig on 4th July 1957 and it led to many years of success, due in no small part to the distinctive vocal prowess of the late Charlie Waller. Many people contributed to their success along the way, including Jerry Douglas, Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson, Eddie Adcock and others. One of those people was Bill Yates for 18 years or more. On this CD Bill has assembled an excellent cast to capture the sound in a tribute to the first of the “progressive” bluegrass groups who reigned during the 60's and 70's. Bill takes lead vocals, Mike Phipps also sings lead vocal, Kevin Mallow on fiddles, Dave MacGlashan on bass, Darren Beachley lead vocals and guitar, Dave Propst mandolin & lead vocals, Mark Clifton on Beard resophonic guitar, and Scott Walker on banjo make up the ensemble who also share the lead, baritone, tenor and harmony vocals. The Country Gentlemen were equally at home playing traditional bluegrass tunes or Bob Dylan's latest back then and they formulated a style that was adapted by many in the years to follow. The songs included here follow that pattern, with Dylan's “Walking down the Line” Dallas Frazier's “Son of Hickory Hollers Tramp”, Gordon Lightfoot's “Redwood Hill” and traditional pieces like “Little Bessie” and “Two Little Boys” This is a more than just a lovely tribute and a well recorded CD, more a glimpse to the past as Bill doffs his hat in tribute to a genuine part of country music and bluegrass history that were “The Country Gentlemen”
SONGS:-The secret of the waterfall-Remembrance of you - East Virginia blues - I'll break out again tonight -The young fisherwoman - Heaven - Blue Ridge mountains turning green. (12 tracks -35 minutes).

THE MUSIC OF THE WILD WEST - JOHN McEUEN AND VARIOUS ARTISTES - VARESE SARABANDE RECORDS 302 066 821 2
John McEuen, whose professional music career spans over 41 years as a founding member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, solo recording star and music producer has been described as a magical musical wizard on all-things-strings. This is the album from his score for the critically acclaimed ten-hour epic Warner Bros television mini-series "The Wild West," an Emmy-nominated documentary that chronicles the Old West from 1866 to 1896. It features 45 rare and treasured American classics from the early 1800s through 1899, including “Shenandoah,” “Barbara Allen,” “Home On The Range,” “Rolling Stone,” “Beautiful Dreamer” and “Yellow Rose Of Texas.” A true record of times past, all songs were recorded with the seldom-heard original lyrics and period instruments. Award-winning artists brought together to create this soundtrack CD include some of the biggest names in country and cowboy/western music history: Don Edwards, Crystal Gayle, Lyle Lovett, Mary MacGregor, Gary Morris, Michael Martin Murphey, Red Stegall, Marty Stuart, and Rodney and Beverly Dillard. Also featured are vintage folk performers Butch Baldesarri, Hans Olson, Leonard Machol, Jim Salestrom and Kelly Werts as well as scores of musicians. John performs on nearly half of the songs in this musical history book of the Old West-a timeless series that captures the music of the era of the great western pioneers, and includes pieces from ragtime, early gospel, cowboy, Irish, American Native Indian and brass band music are all on display. John says “… I wanted to reproduce the music of early America to highlight all these diverse musical influences that set the course of music that followed…” This is an outstanding recording in the “Will the Circle be Unbroken” tradition and deserves the many successes it has already garnered.  www.johnmceuen.com for more details and it is available to buy on-line at Amazon.com
OTHER TRACKS & SONGS:-Cowboy holler-The Wild West theme-Grass Dance-Dreary Black hills-Bugle Call (Boots and Saddles)-Gary Owen-Regular Army O- Regular Army O- Good Old rebel-Paddy works on the railway-Cluck old hen-Drill ye terriers drill- California Stage-Camptown races-Sweet Betsy from Pike-Buffalo gals-Golden slippers-Beethoven romance-Dolly Varden-Scene Set II-Little old sod shanty-Starving to death on a government claim-Abide with me ‘tis eventide-Passing of the red man-Root hog or die-Little Joe the wrangler-Chisholm trail-Whoopi Ti Yi Yo-Root hog or die-Goodbye old paint-Ballad of Nate Champion-Streets of Laredo -Wild Indian guitar -Cole Younger - Jesse James-Mississippi rag -50,000 Lumberjacks-Old dan Tucker-Guitar Wild West theme.(45 tracks-72 minutes).

STEEP CANYON RANGERS  ~  LOVIN' PRETTY WOMEN - REBEL RECORDSREB-CD-1824
The Steep Canyon Rangers new release “Lovin' Pretty Women” is their new CD since winning the International Bluegrass Music Association's “Emerging Artist” award. Hit songwriter and fellow award-winner Ronnie Bowman produced the album. The band are Graham Sharp banjo, lead and harmony vocals, Woody Platt guitar and lead vocals, Charles R. Humphrey III bass and harmony vocals, Mike Guggino mandolin and harmony vocals, and Nicky Sanders fiddle and harmony vocals. The band dig deep into a traditional bluegrass sound but with a twist. They have written all their own material since they first started jamming together. “…Traditionally bluegrass bands have gotten by playing all the standards,” says Graham Sharp. “Most of those songs have all been done and they've been done really well. Why try to recreate something that you can't outdo?…”. But they hold on to traditional ways like including the gospel song “Be Still Moses” and tell stories from the coalmines in “Call The Captain” and “Cumberland Moon.” They deliver love songs too with a broken hearted theme on “Pick up the blues”, and “A ramblin' man is a ramblin' man”. Then they diversify a little with changed tempo on “Don't ease me in” and “Desperate and blue” and the wonderful instrumental written by Mike “Kuykendall”. They close the album with the Graham Sharp/Tut Taylor co-write on “Pickin on Josh”. Graham writes another 6 songs plus one co-write with Mark Collie and Charles co-writes “Pick on the blues” with Lance Mills. “Ain't no way of knowing” is by Shawn Camp and Paul Craft while “Don't Ease me in” is a re-arranged piece. Their harmonies throughout are testimony to their belief that the voice is as vital a musical instrument as anything with strings. Guests include Randy Kohrs on dobro on 2 songs, Ronnie Bowman singing harmony on 3 and background on one more, with Wyatt Rice on rhythm guitar. After that it's all Rangers, musically and vocally on a wonderful collection of bluegrass music with additions that broaden the scope at times. Contemporary and even progressive, I'd say these boys have an eye on a long term career. Their web is at www.steepcanyon.com and also at www.rebelrecords..com   OTHER SONGS:-Lovin pretty women-New Sleepy Eyed John.(12 songs 36 minutes).