DVD…DAVID FRIZZELL…CONFIDENTIALLY-THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE …NASHVILLE AMERICA / B.S.W RECORDS.
When David Frizzell got his start as a performer it was with older brother Lefty and he spent his early years on the road with him and later with Buck Owens. This DVD chronicles that early career in part 1, with a narration from David after an intro from Lefty to David singing “Mona Lisa”. It covers his career up to his fateful meeting with Shelly West. Part 2 starts with the story of Snuff Garrett and Clint Eastwood leading into their golden years at the top. Part 3 brings us up to date with the story about his latest recordings and new CD. The story consisting of highlights from his private and professional life, covering a large part of country history being made back then, and is interspersed with the songs and guests listed. It is of historical note as it includes many memories from David and cameo appearances from Bill Anderson, Ed Bruce, Charlene Tilton, Johnny Lee, Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, Janie Fricke, George Jones, Dottie West, Mel Tillis, Tammy Wynette, and Ray Stevens in clips from the Awards Shows when David & Shelly were winning awards. David sings “If you got the money I’ve got the time” ( Lefty Frizzell also)-“Honky-tonk nights on Broadway” “You’re the reason God made Oklahoma” and “Silent Partners” with Shelly West -“I’m gonna hire a wino to decorate our home”-“Warm Spanish wine”-“It takes me all night long to do what I used to do all night long before”( with Jimmy Fortune), “Let the good times roll”-“Why wasn’t it me” (with Amy Clawson) - and part of “Cowboy Hats” with Bobby Bare. It’s well produced, with a total band sound on nearly all the songs, many from “Live” performance . Listening to David tell his story is worthwhile, historical and interesting and the DVD is well worth the watch. Running time 53.30 minutes) Check out www.davidfrizzell.com and www.bsw-records.com for more info etc.

AARON TIPPING…HE BELIEVED...CRACKER BARREL RECORDS
Building on its reputation as a welcome home for country music artists, Cracker Barrel Country Stores have added Aaron Tipping’s CD “He Believed” to their ever growing and exclusive roster . This is 9 songs taken from his outstanding “Now & Then” Cd on Nippit records from 2006 (reviewed back in August 06). The 3 new songs added are “Country boy’s toolbox” “Bad latitude” and “Trim yourself to fit the world” The title song is Aaron’s moving tribute to his Dad co-written with wife Thea and is a touching story inspired by the unexpected death of his Dad in 2005. It describe an emotional bond between father and son also best friends and Aaron’s mentor. Thea, also co-writes “Bad Latitude” and sings back-up vocal. It features many of Aaron’s top recordings including “Working Man’s PHD” “Whole Lotta Love On The Line” “I Got It Honest” “Ready to Rock” “Honky-tonk superman” and “My Blue Angel”. Back in 2006 I wrote “…On listening to this super CD it's hard to figure out the Nashville scene, as these recordings have everything required of today's performers, talent, style, voice, song-writing ability, fan base and even experience, so why is he not on a major label….but then are there any major labels left?…” and “…with some great country hits from a stylish and outstanding country singer….” The same applies today for this great collection. In the last year, Cracker Barrel have also released exclusive recordings by Alabama, Lonestar, Josh Turner and Merle Haggard. Available online at www.crackerbarrel.com

OTHER SONGS:-I wouldn't have it any other way-Could not stop myself-(12 songs-41 minutes)

TOM T. HALL…WE ALL GOT TOGETHER and THE STORYTELLER... HUX RECORDS HUX 091
"Always one for a bargain” is the regular cry of the country music fan and here is a bargain you can’t miss out on. This LP reissue on CD by Hux is the first in a series of great and prominent country albums getting a first time issue on CD and there’s 2 Lps here, 22 songs from Tom T. Both are taken from 1972 when they both charted (back then 2 Lps a year per artiste was quite usual).The “We all got together and” album includes the 2 chart singles “Me & Jesus” and “The monkey who became President” along with great stories like “Turn it on, Turn it on, Turn it on”, “Pamela Brown” “She gave her heart to Jethro” “Souvenirs” “The Promise and the dream “ and “High Steppin’ Proud” (written by brother Hillman). Back then Tom was renowned for his stories, his social comment and his love of country all of which made him the talent he was and still is today. On part 2 of this CD “The Storyteller” LP brought us, among its many delights, his anthem song encompassing all the above in one song “Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon wine”, “Windy City Anne” “More about John Henry” “The story of your life is in your face” “Willy the wandering Gypsy and me“ (written by Billy Joe Shaver), and “One more song for Jesus”. Wonderful recordings, delightful to listen to again and even better re-mastered on CD. Check out the web-site www.huxrecords.com for more details and more bargains.

OTHER SONGS:- Bourbon man-Coot Marseilles blues-Pratt Street-When nobody wants your body anymore-St.Louis named a shoe after me-The rolling hills of Middletown-Grandma whistled-A piece of the road.(22 songs-72 minutes)

CLINT BLACK…KILLIN’ TIME and PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES…HUX RECORDS…HUX 080
Here’s another winner from Hux Records,2 more significant album releases on one CD, from Clint Black, his first and second album releases from 1989. Clint became one of the pioneer’s of modern country but unlike others that followed he stayed true to the traditions instilled in him in his youth in country in Texas. He was one of the first to make Country fashionable and lead it into the mainstream across the US. This collection includes his first No. 1 chart hit singles, “A Better Man” “ Nobody's Home” “ Walking away” and “Killin’ Time”. “One More Payment” “Where Are You Now” and “Loving Blind” were the follow-up hit singles taken from the 2nd LP here “Put yourself in my shoes” which continued his success and award winning status. Clint writes all the songs on both album many with co-writer Hayden Nicholas, a lead guitarist and friend from 1987 who helped him make his demos and lead his road band, who form the basis of musicians on both albums (with additional players).In the words of Alan Gardiner who writes the comprehensive sleeve notes “…On this compilation you’ll hear the start of that story (sic. Clint Black story):two albums that helped to change the face of country music, while somehow ensuring that it’s essential spirit survived intact…”. I couldn’t phase it better than that but do agree. Wonderful reissue and worth seeking out in the record shops or online at www.huxrecords.com

OTHER SONGS;-Straight From The Factory -You’re gonna leave me again-I’ll be gone-Nothing’s new-Winding down-Live and learn-Put Yourself In My Shoes -The Gulf Of Mexico -The Old Man -This Nightlife -Muddy Water -A Heart Like Mine -The Goodnight-Loving. (20 songs- 62 minutes).

BLUE HIGHWAY…THROUGH THE WINDOW OF A TRAIN-ROUNDER RECORDS
The members of Blue Highway are Tim Stafford guitar and vocals, Wayne Taylor lead vocals and bass, Shawn Lane tenor vocals, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Rob Ickes on Dobro, Scheerhom acoustic slide guitar, and Jason Burleson playing banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass vocals. This is the band's eighth album and features 12 songs, all written or co-written by Blue Highway’s five accomplished songwriters whose songs have been recorded by Ronnie Bowman, Mountain Heart, Ricky Skaggs and others. Having played with bluegrass music's most influential acts Krauss and Union Station, Larry Sparks, Doyle Lawson and Skaggs, they take their experience and expertise into this self-produced cache of bluegrass gems. Outstanding musicianship is evident throughout and comes from one of the most influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. They fuses tradition with creativity on their own unique and timeless style. With a nod to family, tradition, and travel on the album's title track and “Life of a travelling’ man”, the account of a fading cowboy on "My Ropin' Days Are Done," the emotional story of war on "Homeless Man" and "Two Soldiers," they certainly deliver. Skaggs provides this accolade, "Blue Highway is writing their own history in bluegrass: fresh, but as old as the hills." As this is an advance white label copy I can’t give you any more detail. Check out www.bluehighwayband.com and www.rounder.com

OTHER SONGS:-Life of a Travelin' Man -Through the Window of A Train -Sycamore Hollow -Where Did the Morning Go? -The North Cove -A Week from Today -Blues on Blues -V-Bottom Boat -Just Another Gravel in the Road. (12 songs - 40 minutes)

MARK CHESNUTT…ROLLIN’ WITH THE FLOW… LOFTON CREEK RECORDS/BIG 7 RECORDS LCR9012.
One of country music’s finest stylists, Mark Chesnutt has garnered 4 platinum albums, 5 Gold albums, 14 No. 1 hit singles and 23 Top ten hits and continues his recording career with a CD that has everything you would ever want or need in a great country album. This is filled with musical creativeness from his personal experiences, classic country ballads and toe-tapping melodies, He co-writes 2 songs “Man in the mirror “ and “Long way to go” with his friend and hit songwriter Roger Springer ( who also wrote “A Little Too Late” and “Thank God for believers”). In the main the songs are from some of Nashville’s best song-writers including Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Mark Nesler, Kerry Kurt Phillips, Phil O’Donnell, Kim Williams, Tony Stampley, Jerry Hayes and the late Keith Whitley. Producer Jimmy Ritchey has produced Mark’s last two albums “SAVIN' THE HONKY TONK” and “HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG”. This shimmers with reflections of Mark’s influences, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Ray Price and is basically a musical reminiscence. The opening song “Things to do in Wichita” (co-written by Jimmy Ritchey & Bob Reagan) is catchy with fiddle, piano and steel and sets the tone for the music, apart from the ballads that are the highlight of the CD. Check out the beautiful “When you love her like crazy”, “Rollin’ with the flow” and “When I get this close to you” and see if you don’t agree that Mark is one of the best balladeers around today. The song “Woman” (Roger Springer and Tony Martin composition) is a two-step with the great message that “she” is always right. His personal reflections of his Dad is in “Man in the mirror” and the CD closes with the last song Keith Whitley wrote with Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran but never recorded “She never got me over you”. Wonderful steel, fiddle, piano and guitar licks throughout, outstanding vocals, and yes, I will repeat the line “everything you would ever want or need in a great country album”. Have a look at www.big7records.com & www.loftoncreekrecords.com for more details.

OTHER SONGS:-Going on later on-Live to be 100-(Come on in )The whiskey’s fine-If the devil brought you roses-Long way to go.(12 songs-40 minutes).

BECKY SCHLEGEL…FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE…LILLY RAY RECORDS LLR 701.
New name to me Becky Schlegel, is a multi-award winning singer/songwriter and makes her national debut in the US with this release. Although an independent artist, she has quietly built an impressive fan base since 1999, helped by her frequent appearances on radio and TV and her previous releases “THIS LONESOME SONG” (with her band True Blue) and 2 solo Cds “RED LEAF”and “DRIFTER LIKE ME” which have earned her numerous awards. Her music has been compared to Alison Krauss, Sara McLaughlin and Jewel and is now available nationwide. The haunting slide of Bo Ramsey's guitar opens “For all the world to see” and leads us to the, at times wistful vocal, that sets the scene for more of the same. The rolling keyboard of Rich Dworsky and Kenny Wilson's steel are the perfect support on “Bound For Tennessee” while the magical Appalachian feel of "Jenny" is timeless, with Jeff Midkiff’s mandolin, Brian Fesler's gritty acoustic and Becky's poignant vocal.“Lonely” consists solely of two acoustic guitars and haunting soprano while the driving “99%” bristles with banjo and a pounding acoustic bass from Gordon Johnson. Randy Kohrs plays dobro and guests vocally on 3 songs. Marc Anderson plays percussion at times. This is co-produced by Becky and Brian Fesler who also adds vocal and plays outstanding banjo and guitar. It’s a cross mix of sounds and genre, Americana, folk, bluegrass & country and while the musicianship is outstanding, this recording is all about the wonderful vocal from Becky and her memorable song writing ability, as she writes all the songs here ( co-writes the title with Kevin Bowe). www.beckyschlegel.com has more detail

OTHER SONGS:-Best time of the day-Why maybe-I need your love-Spotlight-Sound of your voice-Hills of South Dakota.(11 songs 37 minutes).

ZANE LEWIS.,. SLANT RECORDS…ZL79782
Coming from the Lubbock, West Texas, home of Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings and Ronnie Dunn (Brooks and Dunn), and growing up listening to country radio as well as Skynyrd, Daniels, Elvis and Van Halen, you can guess what this Cd sounds like, after all the above influences are added, and they are. Don’t be deceived before you listen though, this is country, through and through, with an edge that just grabs at you and compels you to listen to the end. This is Yoakam, John Anderson, Alan Jackson and Garth all rolled into one. He has great delivery, right there in your face, you want to clap along on the fast ones, sing-along on the slow ones, get up and dance and just enjoy the music. Great musicians too with fiddles, steel, lots of guitar and a dominant drummer who pushes the music along. Zane co- writes 2 songs and includes songs written by Bob DiPiero. Mark D. Sanders, Wade Kirby, Curt Ryle and Don Pfrimmer among many. Good songs too, like the rocking opener “Welcome to the Southland”, the infectious dance song “She’s got it going”, “This will be a Memory” makes you think about things that have left their mark. Then there’s “Fly” with a pulsating back beat and great guitar licks, “A helluva Time” is another pulsating honky tonk country rocker, and “Bad Ass Country Band” sums up the overall sound of the CD and what I imagine his “live” show is like. There are some slower ballads included but are driven ballads if you get my drift, apart from “Even a leaf” which shows his gentler side and he carries the song well with great fiddle and piano. Super CD, driving country like Tritt and Hank Jr., you are sure to enjoy this CD if you like any of the above named artistes. For more details check out www.zanelewismusic.com and myspace.com/zanelewis

OTHER SONGS:- Come with me-Everything I want-Leavin’-Off the record-Becky Brown’s Daddy.

HOMER & JETHRO…VOLUME 3...B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D227
Kenneth Burns and Henry Haynes became Homer & Jethro as far back as 1936.They started their career on radio and worked as session players, Homer on mandolin and Jethro on guitar. They joined King Records and toured with their hillbilly act, sending up popular country songs and were the ideal opening comedy act on many country shows. They joined the WLS National Barn Dance in Chicago, guested regularly on the Grand Ole Opry, and eventually signed to RCA in 1948.Their first hit was “Baby It’s Cold Outside” (with June Carter) and they charted regularly, always with parodies on great songs, country & otherwise (in 1964 they even had a parody of “I want to hold your hand” (Lennon & McCartney-not included). At one time in Nashville it was considered that you had finally “made it” when they re-recorded your hit song. As both were great musicians they formed the Nashville String Band with Chet Atkins, who also played on many of their recordings. Volume 3 comes from 1953 to 1957 and includes a host of nearly recognisable original titles listed below. Most enjoyable, great musicianship and vocals, but maybe the lyrics are at times a little outdated. They were elected to the Country Hall of Fame in 2001, but Homer had died in 1971 while Jethro survived until 1989. As usual you can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000.

SONGS:-Crazy mixed up song-Swapping Partners-Gone-Hay Shmo-Hey there-Pluckin’ & singing medley-I’m my own grandpa-Just be there when I get back-Where is that doggone gal of mine-Listen to the gooney bird-Love & marriage-This is a wife-Throw Mama from the train a kiss a kiss- Night after Christmas-Santa baby-Nutty lady from shady lane-Oh My Pappa- Ramblin’ Rose-They were doing the mambo-Wanted-Your clobbered heart-Sifting whimpering sands-Moon over Manakoora-Slow boat to China-Have I stayed away too long-My Darling my darling-Once in love with Amy-A bushel and a peck-If I were a bell.

JUDY MARTIN and her MOUNTAIN RANGERS VOL 2 B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D234
The career of Judy Martin started back in 1930 when as one of 3 sisters, “The Three Maids” they joined WLS Barn Dance Show. In 1934 she married Red Foley, already on his way to stardom. “The Three Maids” parted, Judy continued with a solo career until 1947 and sister Lucille went on solo to become Jenny Lou Carson. However in 1951 she committed suicide after bouts of depression allegedly due to Red’s affairs with other women. Her recording career was sparse, mainly duets with Red and appearing on his shows, but she did some radio work solo and as his duet partner and its these radio recording we have here, 10 solo songs & 17 duets. I have listed the songs in that order below Judy’s 10 solo recordings first, then the 17 duets although they appear in a different order on the CD. Very pleasant vocally, lovely instrumentation with some light orchestration included. Only 3 of the “Rangers” are listed but there are 4 on the cover, and on listening there are obviously more musicians included on this lovely CD, (steel guitar, accordion, bass and percussion etc).(Thanks to Bryan Chalker for the sleeve biography detail). As usual you can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 or at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com

SONGS:-(SOLO) Let’s pretend that we’re sweethearts again-Wealth that isn’t gold-You’re a swell Mom Mom-Bright Mohawk Valley-Gentle Nettie Moore-You don’t love me but I’ll always care- Oh what a pal is Mother-You took my sunshine darling-I’ll keep on wishing for you- May God be with you sailor boy-DUETS-Little Brown Jug-When the sun goes down on a little country town-You’ve never been in love-Lorena-Sweet Evelina-Sailing down our honeymoon stream- Sugar Babe-Single Girl-Hi rinkum inkum-Golden River-Old black mountain trail-You’ll never know how much I love you-Down in the Smokey Mountains-Goodbye my lover goodbye-Bring your roses to her now-Little darlin’ let me pin a rose on you-Hear them bells.(27 songs- 63 minutes)

STU DAVIS…CANADA’S COWBOY TROUBADOUR…...B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D237
Stu was born in Regina, Saskatchewan in July 1921, as David Stewart, the son of a Scottish immigrant. He was to become a prominent songwriter, singer, recording artist and broadcaster with a career over more than 30 years. He wrote more than 200 songs, provided Eddy Arnold with a hit, “What A Fool I Was” in 1948 (Stu’s version included here), and shared the stage with Elton Britt, Sons of the Pioneers, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow and Wilf Carter among many. He became a household name across Canada, nudging into the American market with his early Sonora and RCA Victor releases and recorded more than thirty albums for RCA, London and other labels. Among the songs he is associated with are “They're burnin' down the house I was brung up in” “Take me back to my boots and saddle” “Diggin' with a hoe” “Shepherd of mine” and “The little shirt my mother made for me” (all included). Stu was the acknowledged star of many successful CBC network radio and television series during the 1950s and '60s. His songs, were covered by Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Wilf Carter and Ray Price but it is said that he lacked the drive to push himself forward in the business. (Again thanks to Bryan Chalker for the sleeve notes). This includes 7 of his own songs plus many covers including “Dark as a dungeon” “The gangster’s warning” “Cowboy’s Prayer” and “I Still do”. The backings run from just 1 guitar, 2 guitars, full country band (The Northwesters) and even orchestral backing. Cowboys songs, love ballads, a little rockabilly, novelty and even country gospel are included, with 1 cut from Sonora, 17 from London, 3 Victor and 4 others. Lovely to listen to and worthy of a release just for the song content alone. As usual you can order direct on 01304 205000 or at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com

OTHER SONGS:-Old and in the way-Always keep your promise-Welcome back to my heart-Fort Worth jail-I took it-I’m gonna leave town-New broom boogie-Swaller tail coat-When the snowbirds cross the Rockies-Dude in the ten gallon hat-A wedding for Mary-I still do-Sweetheart of yesterday-Carrier pigeon-The piggy bank song.(25 songs 63 minutes).

DVD & CD …Bill & Gloria Gaither present ...A CAMPFIRE HOMECOMING-VARIOUS ARTISTES...GAITER MUSIC GROUP SHDVD4769-CD SHCD2723
Having reviewed the companion DVD and CD in the last issue, (“HOMECOMING PICNIC” SHDVD4771 and CD SHCD2724 ) I was looking forward to viewing another in the series. This time the guests include Jeff & Sheri Easter, Ben Speer, Steve Easter on dobro, Stephen Hill, Jeanne Johnson, Jessy Dixon, The Issacs, The Hoppers, Buddy Greene and Jeff Taylor, Donnie Sumner, Joey Martin, Squire Parsons, Mary Tom Reid, Karen Peck & New River, Eva Mae LeFevre, Lynda Randell, Kim Hopper, The Martins, with Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band and “Homecoming Friends”. This is another collection of country gospel songs, old and new, delivered from the same picnic site in Fiddler’s Grove, Wilson County Fairground, Lebanon, Tennessee, performed with everybody all around an open-air campfire, (200 plus the singers and musicians). Can I just re-quote from the last issue…“Country gospel doesn’t come any better than you’ll hear here. The harmonies, musicianship, vocalists, music arrangements and the overall production of sound and vision is outstanding…” yet again. The music and songs are uplifting in the extreme and the songs “Jesus hold my hand” (Jeff & Sheri Easter, Ben Speer) “Mansion over the hilltop” (Jeanne Johnson) “The Uncloudy day” (Donnie Sumner), and “The Holy Hills of Heaven” (Kim Hopper) were the songs I enjoyed most and the whole DVD was again viewed at one sitting and most enjoyable. The friendly family atmosphere and light comedy moments added to the overall feel. The artistes are supported by the resident full country band. The CD version is also available (SHGD2723) with all the songs and music included in the same order (minus the comedy segments on the DVD version and “Orange Blossom Special” by The Issacs). You can get more details on www.authenticmedia.co.uk or www.gaither.com including how to buy.

OTHER SONGS:-Livin in the rain-Lead me to that rock-Can’t stop talking about him-Touch me Lord Jesus-I have found a way-Let the redeemed say so-Orange Blossom Special-Denomination blues-Speak Love-I’d rather have Jesus-Hold me when I cry-Leave it there-Kum Ba Ya/Take me hand precious Lord-The holy hills of Heaven call me-Softly & tenderly-Yes I know-O blood of Jesus/Nothing but the blood/Near the cross medley.( DVD:- 20 songs -90 minutes / CD:- 19 songs -73 minutes).