Welcome again to the review section with more current releases. This month I’ve got 2 double CD sets from Susan McCann, and Moe Bandy and Various Cowboys… oldies from Sue Thompson and Dick Thomas, Greater Vision sing some Country Gospel and theres country in differing styles from Brenn Hill, Richard Murray, Rustie Blue, Kel-Anne Brandt, Hayes Carll, Rayburn Anthony and a “Live” recording with Mike and the Strangers. But I start this month with bluegrass from
CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN...CHHR2 …RURAL RHYTHM RHY103
Carrie’s first album reviewed back in August 2006 spent 11 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top.15 Chart and is still charting. Carrie & HR has made a huge impact on the bluegrass and acoustic country scene and were chosen by the I.B.M Association as their 2007 Showcase Artist. This is their 2nd album produced Jim Van Cleve. The musicians are Hard Rain members Josh Miller banjo and guitar, Keith McKinnon guitar, Kevin McKinnon mandolin, Jamie Harper fiddle, and Travis Anderson bass, Special guest musicians are Jim Van Cleve harmony vocals and fiddle, Josh Shilling harmony vocals(both from Mountain Heart), Steve Gulley harmony vocals (from Grasstowne) and Andy Hall resophonic guitar (from the Incredible String Dusters). They all surrounds Carrie's outstanding vocal with a blend of hard-driving bluegrass instrumentation with a country feel that reflect both her influences and her love for the music. Highlights include 8 great songs written and co-written by band member Josh Miller “Second chances” “Faith and hope” “Fickle heart”, “If these walls could talk” “Devil’s den” and the wickedly paced “One way track to nowhere”. Also of special note, is the anthem song “Country strong” which also has drums, percussion, organ and electric bass added.There's a new rendition of a Bob Seger’s 1973 classic “Turn the Page” (which includes Josh Shilling), and the heartfelt "Stranger In His Mind" an Alzheimer themed song written by Mark Brinkman. Wonderful country and bluegrass album, a delight to listen to and sure to please her ever increasing legion of fans. The CD debuted at No.3 on the Billboard Bluegrass Top 50 Chart on 19th August, and is sure of a long run there, just like its predecessor. The single I can go back anytime” made No 1 on 22nd August on the Hotdisc Independent Top 20. Web sites are at www.ruralrhythm.com and www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com OTHER SONGS:-I don’t want to wake up-1800 miles-Where’s Carrie? (inst.).(13 songs - 44 mins)
BRENN HILL…WHAT’S A MAN GOT TO DO...RED CLIFFS PRESS…RCP5115-2
There is a certain mystique regarding the Wild West that appeals. The popularity of the western movies, cowboys and music have long fascinated the world outside the US. This Utah born singer/songwriter creates his music with all that in mind, but with a modern day feel. This is not cowboys on horses, more rugged westerners in 4x4 trucks, not campfire singers with acoustic guitars and harmonicas but gutsy guitars, fiery fiddles and strident steel, all behind a vocal that says “been there-done that”. He does maintain the traditional feel to his song-writing, his poetic licence and expression vocally, as he draws the listener in to listen and observe with his songs of love, hardship, life, romance and the west. He describes it as “… The cowboy is the guy that overcomes the odds and rides the bucking horse in the worst of weather in the toughest country. I think there’s a little bit of that kind of fortitude and attitude in all of us…” He recorded his first album aged 20 “Rangefire” and the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) made him their Rising Star in 1977. His “Trail through yesterday” Cd was the AWA’s Album of the Year in 2000 and in 2004 his CD “Endangered” helped him win Male Vocalist of the Year from AWA. This is his 6th and it opens with the catchy chorused “Meet me in McCall” penned for his uncle who passed away, “Caffeine” is an up tempo song singing the praises of man’s favourite energizer, while “The Ballad of Buffalo Brogan” is a compelling love story with a vivid lyric. “She loves me anyway” is a light-hearted “stand-by -your-man” song. “The Ballad of Pogue and Elms” tells of the killings of 2 lawmen in an 1981 incident. The musicians include Larry Beaird acoustic guitar, Troy Lancaster Electric guitar, Glen Duncan fiddle, Scotty Sanders steel guitar, Tony Harrell piano, Eli Beaird bass and Eddie Bayers drums throughout with banjo, dobro and mandolin on some songs, while “Simple Things” is a poignant ballad for vocal and piano only. Russell Terrell sings background vocal on most songs. Brenn describes himself “… as a little bit of George Strait, a little bit of Bruce Springsteen, and a whole lot of Ian Tyson and John Denver…” Super collection of great story songs well presented, with impressive musicianship and vocals and a joy to listen to. www.brennhill.com is his web pages for more details of all his music. OTHER SONGS:-The Onyx mine-Sweetwater beach-What a man’s got to do-Oakbrush-Debt-Casa Blanca-The gaping jaws of hell-Jeremiah’s last ride-Into the wind. (15 songs-53 mins).
MIKE and the STRANGERS with RAYBURN ANTHONY … Live at the Theatre, Soderhamns,Sweden.
Recorded in October 2006, during another of his European tours, Rayburn Anthony appears here with an excellent 5 piece band who supply the music for their own 6 song set and then for Rayburn’s 14 songs, some shared with Mike the lead vocalist with the band. The musicians play guitars, bass, drums and keyboards (piano and Hammond organ) and add some backing vocals at time. Mikes opening with “Okie from Muskogee” “Lost and found” “Little sister” “You win again” “Guitars and Cadillacs” and “Red Dresses” give away his influences, but his delivery is spot on and the backing right on the money. Rayburn delivers a set of country songs interspersed with rockabilly and his own songs, mixed with the covers obviously included to please an audience who like to hear the recognisable songs. Starting his set with “Six days on the road” he moves swiftly into his own “Making Love” “Car Crazy” and “She’s mine” before returning to the familiar “My buckets got a hole in it” “Folsom prison blues” a tribute to his Sun Records stable-mate Cash, and “Jackson” (his home town). “Hello Josephine” gets them all back to rockabilly and a little rock’ n roll while Mike and Rayburn share “Honkiest tonkiest man” “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and “Long legged Lucy”. Then “Good hearted woman” and “Jambalaya” set up the closing and the encore and band-intro is to “C.C.Rider” with Rayburn returning to share the song. Very enjoyable, well produced and mixed and sure to please those who like Rayburn’s mix of country-rockabilly and his entertaining presentation. Available www.worldcountrymusic.co.uk or check www.mikeandthestrangers.com (20 songs-74 mins).
DICK THOMAS…SIOUX CITY SUE…B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D240
When you co-write a song that becomes a hit 3 times in 2 years by writer, Bing Crosby and Gene Autry, continues to be recorded over the next 60, then I’d say you have contributed greatly to music history. While Dick never gained national stardom as a singer-performer, he did so-write “Sioux City Sue” and his first hit version is the title here. He moved to Hollywood and Las Vegas and worked with Roy Rogers and Sinatra in the early 40’s, lived in New York where he made his first recordings in 1944, “Down in old Wyoming” and “If memories were money”( included here). In Feb 45 he recorded “Sioux City Sue” (co-written with Max Freedman) and “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds”. Then back to Vegas in 46 to cash in on the success of the hit and back to New York in 47 to present radio from the Village Barn and to record for Decca. He even made short movie at the Barn. He recorded for London, Mercury, and other labels but national success had passed him by. He returned to Philadelphia (his home town) and became a local star and performed there until the 80’s. He died in Nov 2003 aged 88. This Cd covers from his first recordings to 1953 and includes 2 duets with Eileen Wilson “A broken down merry go round” and “The Gods were angry with me” and 2 more co-writes with Max Freedman “Esmeraldy” and “Can’t get back too soon to Tucson”. The majority are western songs including standards like “Sleepy head” “Take me back to my boots and saddles” “The last roundup” “When my blue moon turns to gold again” and “Born to lose” with super orchestral backing. Its also very interesting to hear the sound change through the years. (My thanks to Kevin Coffey for biography details). As usual you can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.
OTHER SONGS: Send this purple heart to my sweetheart-Honestly-Weary nights and broken dreams-Ragtime cowboy from Santa Fe-Swiss lullaby-Queen of the Poconos-I’m tying the leaves so they won’t come down-When Uncle Joe plays the rag on his old banjo-I’m goin’. (22 songs-62 mins)
KEL-ANNE BRANDT…I’M A BIG GIRL NOW…KAB333
When I reviewed “I‘m into Something Good” from Kel-Anne back in October 2004, I said “…it’s a well produced faultless recording with a lovely vocal, from a gifted singer who has a great voice. I would love to hear Kel-Anne with 12 “country” songs…”. All the above attributes are now in this well presented package, 12 great country songs, with poise and faultless vocal. Kel-Anne co-writes 2 good songs, “Go away, come back” with Drew McAlister a well written love song, where every positive is followed by a negative, with fiddle and steel, while “Top of my list” is a love song, co-written with Roger Corbett, who also produces and plays guitars, mandolin and percussion. This one is a great duet with Daniel Thompson, lovely acoustic intro and fiddle breaks. The first single “Sometimes you win when you lose” has already charted in Australia. I do like her laid back version of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” played with a lovely easy beat and flowing vocal. This is one song that some female vocalists try to attack, end up forcing the vocal and spoil the song, but not here, excellent cover. Her cover of Gretchen Peters “My baby loves me” makes a full comparison with the original. “I just fall in love again” is a wonderful ballad followed by the catchy “Rocking with the rhythm of the rain” originally from the Judds, cleverly recorded with Kel-Anne’s daughter Natalie sharing the song retaining the original feel. The songs all have a radio friendly feel, and “Rocking with the Rhythm” and “All that matters” would make great follow-up singles. Full marks to the musicians too, Brad Bergen drums, Stuie French and Rex Goh guitars, Ian Lees bass, Mick Albeck fiddle, Michel Rose steel, Bill Risby piano, Gary Daley Hammond organ with Shayne Parle and daughter Natalie singing backup vocals. http://www.kel-annebrandt.com is her website where you can have a listen and buy. OTHER SONGS:-I’m a big girl now-Dream-Oh boy-Joyful noise.(12 songs-39 mins).
GREATER VISION…EVERYDAY PEOPLE…DAYWIND RECORDS/WORD…DAY1537D
In my opinion there is only one pigeon-hole to place this Cd in and that’s Country-Gospel. The songs are all sacred in wording, the music arranged in a country style and the addition of Sonny Garrish on steel guitar can only add to that country sound. Kevin Williams on guitars, Craig Nelson and Duncan Mullins on bass, John Hammond on drums, and musical arranger Lari Goss piano and organ are the other musicians, all playing in a wonderful simplistic and never over-done style, that enhances the sound and blends around the quite outstanding vocals. So who are Greater Vision I hear you ask? Founded back in 1990, the trio have become the most awarded trio in Gospel music. Gerald Wolfe is a founder, sings lead vocal and also produces, Jason Waldroup is the newest member and sings tenor while Rodney Griffith sings baritone. Rodney writes 7 of the songs, they also includes 2 Dottie Rambo songs “I just came to talk with you Lord” and “Too much to gain to lose again”. and the lovely “Peace like a river” written by Dianne Wilkinson. Songs like “The first and last”, “Plain ol’ everyday people” and “As I am” while newly written by Rodney, have that old-time-religious delivery and feel. Each song carries a message and their sincere delivery eats at your heart. I found the whole Cd uplifting, the old and the new songs blending well and if you like your gospel music with a country sound seek it out, its highly recommended. You can get more details on their personal web site at www.greatervisionmusic.com or from the record company at www.daywindrecords.com OTHER SONGS;-It means just what it says-God will pass by-The first and last-Above and beyond-You can-As I am-Who else do you need-Plain ol’ everyday people.(11 songs-43 mins)
SUSAN Mc CANN … ONCE UPON A TIME ...H&H MUSIC..HHCD006
This is Susan's fifth double CD release in her Collection Series re-releasing songs from her vast catalogue and includes Susan's current single and title track, “Once Upon A Time” a lovely mid-tempo walking-bass country ballad written by Patrick Henry. Also included on CD 1 are duets with Daniel O'Donnell on “Rose of my Heart”, Sean Wilson with the Golden Decade medley and the late great Porter Wagoner on “Chuck the chuck wagon”. The rest of CD 1 include favourites “Hillbilly Girl with the blues” “Someday Soon” “I wouldn’t change you if I could” and “Have you ever been lonely”. It would not be a Susan McCann release without some Irish songs and even a little M.O.R, the format that made Susan one of Ireland’s top vocal performers over her career. Susan recently turned Radio DJ with a country programme five evenings a week in Northern Ireland also available on the internet at www.fivefm.co.uk. CD 2 is Susan singing songs ranging from “Rumour has it” to “Mary from Dungloe” and from “Everything is beautiful” to “The town I love so well”. Faultless vocal, variety, musicianship and presentation makes this another worthwhile addition to your collection. Visit the site at www.handhmusic.eu
OTHER SONGS:- CD 1-I’ll take care of you-Red is the rose-Why can’t we-Single girl-Tennessee waltz-It’s you,it’s you,it’s you. CD 2 Burning memories-The game- Lovin’ you--Love me one more time-The Dutchman - I just drove by - Buried treasure-Souvenirs -All the lies that you told me-Never be the sun-Never ending love affair. (CD 1 16 songs-58 mins / CD 2-16 songs- 58 mins).
THE ULTIMATE COWBOY COLLECTION...H&H MUSIC..HHCD239
CD 1 is a re-issue of Moe Bandy’s best international seller “20 Great Songs of the American Cowboy” which was last released here in 1990, now re-titled “20 Songs From the Wild West”, while CD 2 is another 20 songs by various artistes sure to please the Western country music lover titled “20 Songs from the Golden Age of the Westerns”. I was on tour with Moe back in 1981 and one of the most pleasant memories was getting a preview listen on the bus to this recording and speaking with Moe and Ray Baker who produced it. Great modern musical arrangements to classic cowboy songs, fiddle and steel guitar abound with harmonica and accordion added and Moe’s great vocal delivery. Moe still regards it as one of his favourites and always includes some of the songs in his “live” shows. I’ve listed all the songs below. Many of the songs on CD 2 are now in the “hard to get” bracket. Vaughn Monroe opens with “Riders in the Sky”, Al Martino sings “The man from Laramie” and Frankie Laine sings “The 3.10 to Yuma” “Gunfight at the O. K. Corral” “Champion the Wonderhorse” and “Mule Train”. There’s 2 each from Roy Rogers (“A Four legged friend” and “The yellow Rose of Texas”) Gene Autry (“Take me back to my boots and saddles” and “Jingle Jangle Jingle”), Tex Ritter (“Gunsmoke” and “Singing in the saddle”) and The Sons of the Pioneers ( “Blue shadows on the trail” and “The last Roundup”). Add to that Elvis singing “Lonesome Cowboy”, Patsy Montana with “I want to be a cowboy’s sweetheart”, Rex Allan with “A Cowboy’s story”, Eddy Arnold with “Cattle call”, Bill Hayes with “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” and Slim Whitman with “I’m casting my lasso towards the sky” and you have the full list of singers and songs. These are all mainly original recordings by the original artistes, and is rightly named “the Ultimate” as I don’t think you could pick 40 better songs to represent the popular western singing-cowboy era. Wonderful songs from a long gone era but with this CD in the player with the “repeat” button pressed, you can relive the songs of the golden west over and over again. Visit the site at www.handhmusic.eu
SONGS ON CD1:- Moe Bandy sings Home on the range-I’m an old cowhand-Back in the saddle again-Streets of Laredo -Old Faithful-Don’t fence me in-San Antonio Rose-Deep in the heart of Texas-Oklahoma Hills-When it’s springtime in the Rockies-Take me back to Tulsa-Red River Valley-Cool water-Sioux City Sue-Tumbling tumbleweed-Bury me not on the lone prairie-High Noon-Good Old Paint-Strawberry Roan-Old Chisholm Trail. (CD 1 has 20 songs-54 minutes, CD 2 has 20 songs( singer and song listed above)-53 mins)
RICHARD MURRAY…DESERT WIND…RTMCD001
Richard, from Northern Ireland describes himself as an Alt Country/ Country Rock artiste. This 13 track CD of self-written songs was recorded in London studio and falls well within the alternative bracket, more folk and country than rock, but certainly hard to define as the style of song and musical backing varies so much. Richard sings lead vocal and plays guitars, mandolin, harmonica and percussion. He also produces the album, and has Mandie Barnett singing backup, Spencer Brown on electric and upright bass, Nic France on drums and percussion, David Hearn piano and keyboards and John Davis on steel on some tracks. It varies from just vocal and guitar on the folksy ballad “Down in this town” while mandolin and guitar play round the vocal on “1931”and the full band flow well into the rock tinged “I’ll never learn”, then its back to guitar and vocal for the drug based story song, (over 7 minutes long) on “Burning Silver” and again leading into “Midnight Oil” where the band join in after the first two verses. The heavier guitar based rock end of the music is found on “ Valley of the unforgiven” and “Dis roadhouse shake” where the vocal is slightly covered by the music and a little indistinct at times. His throaty vocal sounds like early Dylan or Earle and I feel that maybe Richard lacks direction on this one, it’s trying to cover too many bases from his many Americanisms to his Celtic connections. It’s well made, vocally good and lyrically strong with good evocative songs covering loads of differing subject. www.richardmurraymusic.com for more .
OTHER SONGS:-Forgive me Sera-Enlighten me-Thinking of Christina-Blueberry wine-Wandering infidel-The wind and rain. (13 songs-67 minutes).
RUSTIE BLUE…STRONGER THAN STEEL..CENTRE STAGE RECORDS…CSP0826
Back in Feb 2005 I reviewed Rustie’s 3rd album “Chip Chip” and that song you will remember, was a duet with Whispering Bill Anderson and remained on the Hot Disc charts for months. Its now a bonus track here. Producer Willie Mack gives his best shot with a studio full of talented musicians, including J.T.Corenflaus el. guitar, Lonnie Wilson drums, John Willis acoustic guitar, Alison Prestwood bass, Mike Johnson steel, Larry Franklin fiddle, Gerald O’Brien keyboards and Tarryn Smith sings backup vocals, and they all work their socks off. Willie also co-writes 4 great songs, “Born again country” with Mark Trail, “One hot summer ago” with Giles Godard and Nicola Witt, “Nothing to do with love” with Tony Ramey and one with Rustie and Mark Trail, the title track. He also duets with Rustie on 2 songs “Stronger than steel” and the Deborah Allan-Chuck Jones song “It hurts like love” and his vocal is right on the money. Rustie also co-writes “Cowgirls do it better” with Mark and John Foster. So four years in the making and certainly worth the wait as Rustie says “…I feel as though I finally have found myself and (my) voice in this album…”. Her vocal is stronger and more forceful, and her delivery excellent. The songs suit her raunchy style and with great guitars fiddles and steel its like listening to a female who is more like Gretchen than Dolly. “One hot summer ago” was the first single from the album out on the Hot disc, a gentle ballad that made Top Ten, but I think you will sit up and listen when you hear the upbeat side of Rustie. I would expect another 2 or even 3 singles over the next few months and if at least one of them doesn’t hit No 1, I will be more than surprised. Once again Rustie has come up with great production and arrangements and 13 songs delivered with outstanding vocals. Visit Rustie at www.myspace.com/rustieblue.com or her web page at www.rustieblue.com
OTHER SONGS:-Fall in the first place-I break things-Shape up heart-Where I used to be-Hooked on the honky tonk-It feels good. (13 songs-47 mins)
HAYES CARLL…TROUBLE IN MIND…HUMPHEAD RECORDS HUMP 047
This is my first hearing of Hayes Carll, and this is his 3rd CD which is nominated in the Americana awards for “Album of the year” and “Song of the year” for “She left me for Jesus” a co-write with Brian Keane. Now for a description that will no doubt confuse but bear with me till the end. He is described as a singer-songwriter in the same mould (depends who you read) as Dylan, Earle, Van Zandt, Clark, Hubbard, Nelson, Jennings, Lovett, and just about every Texan singer-songwriter, as well as having comedic touches ala Roger Miller. His music is indefinable, but is close to country / alt. country / folk / rock / outlaw music /honky tonk / Americana or around there. No matter, I like it, and so will you, if you like variety, quality production and great songs well sung, with an outstanding voice that has that rasp you get singing through sandpaper (don’t try that at home).With a band of quality musicians playing guitars, (acoustic, nylon string acoustic, electric, baritone, bass, pedal steel, lap steel, wiesenborn slide) dobro, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, violin, drums and harmonium, they provide a variety of sound that, wraps around some great vocal and songs. Hayes writes 8 songs, co-writes “Drunken Poet’s dream” with Ray Wylie Hubbard , ”Don’t let me fall “ with Jonny Burke, and “Willing to love again” with Darrell Scott (who also sings harmony and plays slide guitar on that song).“Bad liver and a broken heart” is written by Scott Nolan and “I don’t wanna grow up” is from Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Drink and drugs, road life, new and lost love, happy and sad songs are all here, along with that always not too far away tongue in cheek attitude that makes this a stand-out album. It’s available from www.humpheadcountry.com or visit his site at www.hayescarll.com
OTHER SONGS:-It's a shame-Girl downtown-Beaumont-I got a gig-Faulkner Street-Wild as a turkey-A lover like you- Knockin' over whiskeys- 14 songs-52 mins).
SUE THOMPSON…ANGELS CRY… B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D238
Back in the 60’s female country singers getting million seller hits, country number 1s, gold records etc were few and occasional, but Sue Thompson got her first gold disc in 1960 with “Sad Movies” and “Norman” a million seller. Not too shabby for a singer of novelty songs with “The Itty Bitty Voice” who sounded like a teenager back then. Her first recording was with Dude Martin’s Roundup Rangers on Mercury in 1950, “If you want some loving just let me know” (included here). (Dude was her 2nd husband). The success of the single led to Mercury signing Sue. The marriage failed so Sue married Hank Penny in 1954, moved to the west coast and co-hosted a TV show. They also recorded together and “Walking in the snow” and “Come a little bit closer” are here. In late 58 she moved to Nashville, joined the Red Foley Show, on the road and on the Opry, which led to her signing with Decca. She also charted with “James (hold the ladder steady) “Paper Tiger” “Have a good time” and “Angel Angel” during the 60's. She later charted on Hickory in the mid 70’s with “Big Mabel Murphy” and “Naughty Rosie”. This collection is from 1950 through to 1954, all recorded with Dude Martin’s Roundup Rangers, except the 2 songs with Hank and “Take care my love” “Things I might have been” “You and me” “and “Say it with your Heart” with the David Carroll Orchestra from 1953. She did have a novelty voice but not all the time, especially on “You belong to me” “I was just walking out the door” “Take care of me” a real torch carrying song and others. Interesting to note that most of the novelty songs came in the early career while the ballads and smooth songs came later. Sue also recorded with Don Gibson on Hickory and made some great country albums in the 70‘s and later. The other outstanding feature here is the wonderful backing from the Rangers with an outstanding un-named steel guitarist. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com
OTHER SONGS:-Red hot Henrietta Brown-I think I’ll eat a tadpole-I’ll hate myself in the morning-I’m not that kind of girl-If you should change your mind-Gee but I hate to go home alone-How many tears make an ocean-You’re getting a good girl when you get me-Oh baby what’ve you got-Junior’s a big boy now-You’re an angel on the outside-Donna wanna-Last night I heard someone cry-Angel’s cry.(24 songs-61 minutes)
CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN...CHHR2 …RURAL RHYTHM RHY103Carrie’s first album reviewed back in August 2006 spent 11 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top.15 Chart and is still charting. Carrie & HR has made a huge impact on the bluegrass and acoustic country scene and were chosen by the I.B.M Association as their 2007 Showcase Artist. This is their 2nd album produced Jim Van Cleve. The musicians are Hard Rain members Josh Miller banjo and guitar, Keith McKinnon guitar, Kevin McKinnon mandolin, Jamie Harper fiddle, and Travis Anderson bass, Special guest musicians are Jim Van Cleve harmony vocals and fiddle, Josh Shilling harmony vocals(both from Mountain Heart), Steve Gulley harmony vocals (from Grasstowne) and Andy Hall resophonic guitar (from the Incredible String Dusters). They all surrounds Carrie's outstanding vocal with a blend of hard-driving bluegrass instrumentation with a country feel that reflect both her influences and her love for the music. Highlights include 8 great songs written and co-written by band member Josh Miller “Second chances” “Faith and hope” “Fickle heart”, “If these walls could talk” “Devil’s den” and the wickedly paced “One way track to nowhere”. Also of special note, is the anthem song “Country strong” which also has drums, percussion, organ and electric bass added.There's a new rendition of a Bob Seger’s 1973 classic “Turn the Page” (which includes Josh Shilling), and the heartfelt "Stranger In His Mind" an Alzheimer themed song written by Mark Brinkman. Wonderful country and bluegrass album, a delight to listen to and sure to please her ever increasing legion of fans. The CD debuted at No.3 on the Billboard Bluegrass Top 50 Chart on 19th August, and is sure of a long run there, just like its predecessor. The single I can go back anytime” made No 1 on 22nd August on the Hotdisc Independent Top 20. Web sites are at www.ruralrhythm.com and www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com OTHER SONGS:-I don’t want to wake up-1800 miles-Where’s Carrie? (inst.).(13 songs - 44 mins)
BRENN HILL…WHAT’S A MAN GOT TO DO...RED CLIFFS PRESS…RCP5115-2There is a certain mystique regarding the Wild West that appeals. The popularity of the western movies, cowboys and music have long fascinated the world outside the US. This Utah born singer/songwriter creates his music with all that in mind, but with a modern day feel. This is not cowboys on horses, more rugged westerners in 4x4 trucks, not campfire singers with acoustic guitars and harmonicas but gutsy guitars, fiery fiddles and strident steel, all behind a vocal that says “been there-done that”. He does maintain the traditional feel to his song-writing, his poetic licence and expression vocally, as he draws the listener in to listen and observe with his songs of love, hardship, life, romance and the west. He describes it as “… The cowboy is the guy that overcomes the odds and rides the bucking horse in the worst of weather in the toughest country. I think there’s a little bit of that kind of fortitude and attitude in all of us…” He recorded his first album aged 20 “Rangefire” and the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) made him their Rising Star in 1977. His “Trail through yesterday” Cd was the AWA’s Album of the Year in 2000 and in 2004 his CD “Endangered” helped him win Male Vocalist of the Year from AWA. This is his 6th and it opens with the catchy chorused “Meet me in McCall” penned for his uncle who passed away, “Caffeine” is an up tempo song singing the praises of man’s favourite energizer, while “The Ballad of Buffalo Brogan” is a compelling love story with a vivid lyric. “She loves me anyway” is a light-hearted “stand-by -your-man” song. “The Ballad of Pogue and Elms” tells of the killings of 2 lawmen in an 1981 incident. The musicians include Larry Beaird acoustic guitar, Troy Lancaster Electric guitar, Glen Duncan fiddle, Scotty Sanders steel guitar, Tony Harrell piano, Eli Beaird bass and Eddie Bayers drums throughout with banjo, dobro and mandolin on some songs, while “Simple Things” is a poignant ballad for vocal and piano only. Russell Terrell sings background vocal on most songs. Brenn describes himself “… as a little bit of George Strait, a little bit of Bruce Springsteen, and a whole lot of Ian Tyson and John Denver…” Super collection of great story songs well presented, with impressive musicianship and vocals and a joy to listen to. www.brennhill.com is his web pages for more details of all his music. OTHER SONGS:-The Onyx mine-Sweetwater beach-What a man’s got to do-Oakbrush-Debt-Casa Blanca-The gaping jaws of hell-Jeremiah’s last ride-Into the wind. (15 songs-53 mins).
MIKE and the STRANGERS with RAYBURN ANTHONY … Live at the Theatre, Soderhamns,Sweden.Recorded in October 2006, during another of his European tours, Rayburn Anthony appears here with an excellent 5 piece band who supply the music for their own 6 song set and then for Rayburn’s 14 songs, some shared with Mike the lead vocalist with the band. The musicians play guitars, bass, drums and keyboards (piano and Hammond organ) and add some backing vocals at time. Mikes opening with “Okie from Muskogee” “Lost and found” “Little sister” “You win again” “Guitars and Cadillacs” and “Red Dresses” give away his influences, but his delivery is spot on and the backing right on the money. Rayburn delivers a set of country songs interspersed with rockabilly and his own songs, mixed with the covers obviously included to please an audience who like to hear the recognisable songs. Starting his set with “Six days on the road” he moves swiftly into his own “Making Love” “Car Crazy” and “She’s mine” before returning to the familiar “My buckets got a hole in it” “Folsom prison blues” a tribute to his Sun Records stable-mate Cash, and “Jackson” (his home town). “Hello Josephine” gets them all back to rockabilly and a little rock’ n roll while Mike and Rayburn share “Honkiest tonkiest man” “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and “Long legged Lucy”. Then “Good hearted woman” and “Jambalaya” set up the closing and the encore and band-intro is to “C.C.Rider” with Rayburn returning to share the song. Very enjoyable, well produced and mixed and sure to please those who like Rayburn’s mix of country-rockabilly and his entertaining presentation. Available www.worldcountrymusic.co.uk or check www.mikeandthestrangers.com (20 songs-74 mins).
DICK THOMAS…SIOUX CITY SUE…B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D240When you co-write a song that becomes a hit 3 times in 2 years by writer, Bing Crosby and Gene Autry, continues to be recorded over the next 60, then I’d say you have contributed greatly to music history. While Dick never gained national stardom as a singer-performer, he did so-write “Sioux City Sue” and his first hit version is the title here. He moved to Hollywood and Las Vegas and worked with Roy Rogers and Sinatra in the early 40’s, lived in New York where he made his first recordings in 1944, “Down in old Wyoming” and “If memories were money”( included here). In Feb 45 he recorded “Sioux City Sue” (co-written with Max Freedman) and “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds”. Then back to Vegas in 46 to cash in on the success of the hit and back to New York in 47 to present radio from the Village Barn and to record for Decca. He even made short movie at the Barn. He recorded for London, Mercury, and other labels but national success had passed him by. He returned to Philadelphia (his home town) and became a local star and performed there until the 80’s. He died in Nov 2003 aged 88. This Cd covers from his first recordings to 1953 and includes 2 duets with Eileen Wilson “A broken down merry go round” and “The Gods were angry with me” and 2 more co-writes with Max Freedman “Esmeraldy” and “Can’t get back too soon to Tucson”. The majority are western songs including standards like “Sleepy head” “Take me back to my boots and saddles” “The last roundup” “When my blue moon turns to gold again” and “Born to lose” with super orchestral backing. Its also very interesting to hear the sound change through the years. (My thanks to Kevin Coffey for biography details). As usual you can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.
OTHER SONGS: Send this purple heart to my sweetheart-Honestly-Weary nights and broken dreams-Ragtime cowboy from Santa Fe-Swiss lullaby-Queen of the Poconos-I’m tying the leaves so they won’t come down-When Uncle Joe plays the rag on his old banjo-I’m goin’. (22 songs-62 mins)
KEL-ANNE BRANDT…I’M A BIG GIRL NOW…KAB333 When I reviewed “I‘m into Something Good” from Kel-Anne back in October 2004, I said “…it’s a well produced faultless recording with a lovely vocal, from a gifted singer who has a great voice. I would love to hear Kel-Anne with 12 “country” songs…”. All the above attributes are now in this well presented package, 12 great country songs, with poise and faultless vocal. Kel-Anne co-writes 2 good songs, “Go away, come back” with Drew McAlister a well written love song, where every positive is followed by a negative, with fiddle and steel, while “Top of my list” is a love song, co-written with Roger Corbett, who also produces and plays guitars, mandolin and percussion. This one is a great duet with Daniel Thompson, lovely acoustic intro and fiddle breaks. The first single “Sometimes you win when you lose” has already charted in Australia. I do like her laid back version of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” played with a lovely easy beat and flowing vocal. This is one song that some female vocalists try to attack, end up forcing the vocal and spoil the song, but not here, excellent cover. Her cover of Gretchen Peters “My baby loves me” makes a full comparison with the original. “I just fall in love again” is a wonderful ballad followed by the catchy “Rocking with the rhythm of the rain” originally from the Judds, cleverly recorded with Kel-Anne’s daughter Natalie sharing the song retaining the original feel. The songs all have a radio friendly feel, and “Rocking with the Rhythm” and “All that matters” would make great follow-up singles. Full marks to the musicians too, Brad Bergen drums, Stuie French and Rex Goh guitars, Ian Lees bass, Mick Albeck fiddle, Michel Rose steel, Bill Risby piano, Gary Daley Hammond organ with Shayne Parle and daughter Natalie singing backup vocals. http://www.kel-annebrandt.com is her website where you can have a listen and buy. OTHER SONGS:-I’m a big girl now-Dream-Oh boy-Joyful noise.(12 songs-39 mins).
GREATER VISION…EVERYDAY PEOPLE…DAYWIND RECORDS/WORD…DAY1537DIn my opinion there is only one pigeon-hole to place this Cd in and that’s Country-Gospel. The songs are all sacred in wording, the music arranged in a country style and the addition of Sonny Garrish on steel guitar can only add to that country sound. Kevin Williams on guitars, Craig Nelson and Duncan Mullins on bass, John Hammond on drums, and musical arranger Lari Goss piano and organ are the other musicians, all playing in a wonderful simplistic and never over-done style, that enhances the sound and blends around the quite outstanding vocals. So who are Greater Vision I hear you ask? Founded back in 1990, the trio have become the most awarded trio in Gospel music. Gerald Wolfe is a founder, sings lead vocal and also produces, Jason Waldroup is the newest member and sings tenor while Rodney Griffith sings baritone. Rodney writes 7 of the songs, they also includes 2 Dottie Rambo songs “I just came to talk with you Lord” and “Too much to gain to lose again”. and the lovely “Peace like a river” written by Dianne Wilkinson. Songs like “The first and last”, “Plain ol’ everyday people” and “As I am” while newly written by Rodney, have that old-time-religious delivery and feel. Each song carries a message and their sincere delivery eats at your heart. I found the whole Cd uplifting, the old and the new songs blending well and if you like your gospel music with a country sound seek it out, its highly recommended. You can get more details on their personal web site at www.greatervisionmusic.com or from the record company at www.daywindrecords.com OTHER SONGS;-It means just what it says-God will pass by-The first and last-Above and beyond-You can-As I am-Who else do you need-Plain ol’ everyday people.(11 songs-43 mins)
SUSAN Mc CANN … ONCE UPON A TIME ...H&H MUSIC..HHCD006This is Susan's fifth double CD release in her Collection Series re-releasing songs from her vast catalogue and includes Susan's current single and title track, “Once Upon A Time” a lovely mid-tempo walking-bass country ballad written by Patrick Henry. Also included on CD 1 are duets with Daniel O'Donnell on “Rose of my Heart”, Sean Wilson with the Golden Decade medley and the late great Porter Wagoner on “Chuck the chuck wagon”. The rest of CD 1 include favourites “Hillbilly Girl with the blues” “Someday Soon” “I wouldn’t change you if I could” and “Have you ever been lonely”. It would not be a Susan McCann release without some Irish songs and even a little M.O.R, the format that made Susan one of Ireland’s top vocal performers over her career. Susan recently turned Radio DJ with a country programme five evenings a week in Northern Ireland also available on the internet at www.fivefm.co.uk. CD 2 is Susan singing songs ranging from “Rumour has it” to “Mary from Dungloe” and from “Everything is beautiful” to “The town I love so well”. Faultless vocal, variety, musicianship and presentation makes this another worthwhile addition to your collection. Visit the site at www.handhmusic.eu
OTHER SONGS:- CD 1-I’ll take care of you-Red is the rose-Why can’t we-Single girl-Tennessee waltz-It’s you,it’s you,it’s you. CD 2 Burning memories-The game- Lovin’ you--Love me one more time-The Dutchman - I just drove by - Buried treasure-Souvenirs -All the lies that you told me-Never be the sun-Never ending love affair. (CD 1 16 songs-58 mins / CD 2-16 songs- 58 mins).
THE ULTIMATE COWBOY COLLECTION...H&H MUSIC..HHCD239CD 1 is a re-issue of Moe Bandy’s best international seller “20 Great Songs of the American Cowboy” which was last released here in 1990, now re-titled “20 Songs From the Wild West”, while CD 2 is another 20 songs by various artistes sure to please the Western country music lover titled “20 Songs from the Golden Age of the Westerns”. I was on tour with Moe back in 1981 and one of the most pleasant memories was getting a preview listen on the bus to this recording and speaking with Moe and Ray Baker who produced it. Great modern musical arrangements to classic cowboy songs, fiddle and steel guitar abound with harmonica and accordion added and Moe’s great vocal delivery. Moe still regards it as one of his favourites and always includes some of the songs in his “live” shows. I’ve listed all the songs below. Many of the songs on CD 2 are now in the “hard to get” bracket. Vaughn Monroe opens with “Riders in the Sky”, Al Martino sings “The man from Laramie” and Frankie Laine sings “The 3.10 to Yuma” “Gunfight at the O. K. Corral” “Champion the Wonderhorse” and “Mule Train”. There’s 2 each from Roy Rogers (“A Four legged friend” and “The yellow Rose of Texas”) Gene Autry (“Take me back to my boots and saddles” and “Jingle Jangle Jingle”), Tex Ritter (“Gunsmoke” and “Singing in the saddle”) and The Sons of the Pioneers ( “Blue shadows on the trail” and “The last Roundup”). Add to that Elvis singing “Lonesome Cowboy”, Patsy Montana with “I want to be a cowboy’s sweetheart”, Rex Allan with “A Cowboy’s story”, Eddy Arnold with “Cattle call”, Bill Hayes with “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” and Slim Whitman with “I’m casting my lasso towards the sky” and you have the full list of singers and songs. These are all mainly original recordings by the original artistes, and is rightly named “the Ultimate” as I don’t think you could pick 40 better songs to represent the popular western singing-cowboy era. Wonderful songs from a long gone era but with this CD in the player with the “repeat” button pressed, you can relive the songs of the golden west over and over again. Visit the site at www.handhmusic.eu
SONGS ON CD1:- Moe Bandy sings Home on the range-I’m an old cowhand-Back in the saddle again-Streets of Laredo -Old Faithful-Don’t fence me in-San Antonio Rose-Deep in the heart of Texas-Oklahoma Hills-When it’s springtime in the Rockies-Take me back to Tulsa-Red River Valley-Cool water-Sioux City Sue-Tumbling tumbleweed-Bury me not on the lone prairie-High Noon-Good Old Paint-Strawberry Roan-Old Chisholm Trail. (CD 1 has 20 songs-54 minutes, CD 2 has 20 songs( singer and song listed above)-53 mins)
RICHARD MURRAY…DESERT WIND…RTMCD001Richard, from Northern Ireland describes himself as an Alt Country/ Country Rock artiste. This 13 track CD of self-written songs was recorded in London studio and falls well within the alternative bracket, more folk and country than rock, but certainly hard to define as the style of song and musical backing varies so much. Richard sings lead vocal and plays guitars, mandolin, harmonica and percussion. He also produces the album, and has Mandie Barnett singing backup, Spencer Brown on electric and upright bass, Nic France on drums and percussion, David Hearn piano and keyboards and John Davis on steel on some tracks. It varies from just vocal and guitar on the folksy ballad “Down in this town” while mandolin and guitar play round the vocal on “1931”and the full band flow well into the rock tinged “I’ll never learn”, then its back to guitar and vocal for the drug based story song, (over 7 minutes long) on “Burning Silver” and again leading into “Midnight Oil” where the band join in after the first two verses. The heavier guitar based rock end of the music is found on “ Valley of the unforgiven” and “Dis roadhouse shake” where the vocal is slightly covered by the music and a little indistinct at times. His throaty vocal sounds like early Dylan or Earle and I feel that maybe Richard lacks direction on this one, it’s trying to cover too many bases from his many Americanisms to his Celtic connections. It’s well made, vocally good and lyrically strong with good evocative songs covering loads of differing subject. www.richardmurraymusic.com for more .
OTHER SONGS:-Forgive me Sera-Enlighten me-Thinking of Christina-Blueberry wine-Wandering infidel-The wind and rain. (13 songs-67 minutes).
RUSTIE BLUE…STRONGER THAN STEEL..CENTRE STAGE RECORDS…CSP0826Back in Feb 2005 I reviewed Rustie’s 3rd album “Chip Chip” and that song you will remember, was a duet with Whispering Bill Anderson and remained on the Hot Disc charts for months. Its now a bonus track here. Producer Willie Mack gives his best shot with a studio full of talented musicians, including J.T.Corenflaus el. guitar, Lonnie Wilson drums, John Willis acoustic guitar, Alison Prestwood bass, Mike Johnson steel, Larry Franklin fiddle, Gerald O’Brien keyboards and Tarryn Smith sings backup vocals, and they all work their socks off. Willie also co-writes 4 great songs, “Born again country” with Mark Trail, “One hot summer ago” with Giles Godard and Nicola Witt, “Nothing to do with love” with Tony Ramey and one with Rustie and Mark Trail, the title track. He also duets with Rustie on 2 songs “Stronger than steel” and the Deborah Allan-Chuck Jones song “It hurts like love” and his vocal is right on the money. Rustie also co-writes “Cowgirls do it better” with Mark and John Foster. So four years in the making and certainly worth the wait as Rustie says “…I feel as though I finally have found myself and (my) voice in this album…”. Her vocal is stronger and more forceful, and her delivery excellent. The songs suit her raunchy style and with great guitars fiddles and steel its like listening to a female who is more like Gretchen than Dolly. “One hot summer ago” was the first single from the album out on the Hot disc, a gentle ballad that made Top Ten, but I think you will sit up and listen when you hear the upbeat side of Rustie. I would expect another 2 or even 3 singles over the next few months and if at least one of them doesn’t hit No 1, I will be more than surprised. Once again Rustie has come up with great production and arrangements and 13 songs delivered with outstanding vocals. Visit Rustie at www.myspace.com/rustieblue.com or her web page at www.rustieblue.com
OTHER SONGS:-Fall in the first place-I break things-Shape up heart-Where I used to be-Hooked on the honky tonk-It feels good. (13 songs-47 mins)
HAYES CARLL…TROUBLE IN MIND…HUMPHEAD RECORDS HUMP 047This is my first hearing of Hayes Carll, and this is his 3rd CD which is nominated in the Americana awards for “Album of the year” and “Song of the year” for “She left me for Jesus” a co-write with Brian Keane. Now for a description that will no doubt confuse but bear with me till the end. He is described as a singer-songwriter in the same mould (depends who you read) as Dylan, Earle, Van Zandt, Clark, Hubbard, Nelson, Jennings, Lovett, and just about every Texan singer-songwriter, as well as having comedic touches ala Roger Miller. His music is indefinable, but is close to country / alt. country / folk / rock / outlaw music /honky tonk / Americana or around there. No matter, I like it, and so will you, if you like variety, quality production and great songs well sung, with an outstanding voice that has that rasp you get singing through sandpaper (don’t try that at home).With a band of quality musicians playing guitars, (acoustic, nylon string acoustic, electric, baritone, bass, pedal steel, lap steel, wiesenborn slide) dobro, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, violin, drums and harmonium, they provide a variety of sound that, wraps around some great vocal and songs. Hayes writes 8 songs, co-writes “Drunken Poet’s dream” with Ray Wylie Hubbard , ”Don’t let me fall “ with Jonny Burke, and “Willing to love again” with Darrell Scott (who also sings harmony and plays slide guitar on that song).“Bad liver and a broken heart” is written by Scott Nolan and “I don’t wanna grow up” is from Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Drink and drugs, road life, new and lost love, happy and sad songs are all here, along with that always not too far away tongue in cheek attitude that makes this a stand-out album. It’s available from www.humpheadcountry.com or visit his site at www.hayescarll.com
OTHER SONGS:-It's a shame-Girl downtown-Beaumont-I got a gig-Faulkner Street-Wild as a turkey-A lover like you- Knockin' over whiskeys- 14 songs-52 mins).
SUE THOMPSON…ANGELS CRY… B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D238 Back in the 60’s female country singers getting million seller hits, country number 1s, gold records etc were few and occasional, but Sue Thompson got her first gold disc in 1960 with “Sad Movies” and “Norman” a million seller. Not too shabby for a singer of novelty songs with “The Itty Bitty Voice” who sounded like a teenager back then. Her first recording was with Dude Martin’s Roundup Rangers on Mercury in 1950, “If you want some loving just let me know” (included here). (Dude was her 2nd husband). The success of the single led to Mercury signing Sue. The marriage failed so Sue married Hank Penny in 1954, moved to the west coast and co-hosted a TV show. They also recorded together and “Walking in the snow” and “Come a little bit closer” are here. In late 58 she moved to Nashville, joined the Red Foley Show, on the road and on the Opry, which led to her signing with Decca. She also charted with “James (hold the ladder steady) “Paper Tiger” “Have a good time” and “Angel Angel” during the 60's. She later charted on Hickory in the mid 70’s with “Big Mabel Murphy” and “Naughty Rosie”. This collection is from 1950 through to 1954, all recorded with Dude Martin’s Roundup Rangers, except the 2 songs with Hank and “Take care my love” “Things I might have been” “You and me” “and “Say it with your Heart” with the David Carroll Orchestra from 1953. She did have a novelty voice but not all the time, especially on “You belong to me” “I was just walking out the door” “Take care of me” a real torch carrying song and others. Interesting to note that most of the novelty songs came in the early career while the ballads and smooth songs came later. Sue also recorded with Don Gibson on Hickory and made some great country albums in the 70‘s and later. The other outstanding feature here is the wonderful backing from the Rangers with an outstanding un-named steel guitarist. As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com
OTHER SONGS:-Red hot Henrietta Brown-I think I’ll eat a tadpole-I’ll hate myself in the morning-I’m not that kind of girl-If you should change your mind-Gee but I hate to go home alone-How many tears make an ocean-You’re getting a good girl when you get me-Oh baby what’ve you got-Junior’s a big boy now-You’re an angel on the outside-Donna wanna-Last night I heard someone cry-Angel’s cry.(24 songs-61 minutes)