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Home , Alyssa Bonagura, A Girl I Used to Know, Bap Kennedy, Beat This Summer Tour, Bob Glaub, Boo Hewerdine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 www.maverick-country.com

MAVERICK FROM EDITOR... MEET THE TEAM

Editor is with a great deal of sadness, that I acknowlege that this will be my last issue as Alan Cackett editor of Maverick. I have always believed that when you no longer enjoy doing 24 Bray Gardens, Loose, Maidstone, , ME15 9TR, UK something, then it’s time to stop and look to do something di erent. I have had a 01622 744481 Igood run as editor, and now is the time to hand over to someone younger. Someone who [email protected] can hopefully take the magazine forward, embracing ’s future whilst not Managing Editor overlooking its huge legacy of the past. I know that the new editor Laura Bethell who Michelle Teeman 01622 823920 worked with me for 5 years, 2 as my deputy editor, will do just that. [email protected] It was just over 47 years ago that I edited and published Britain’s rst regular monthly country music magazine. Looking back that was quite an audacious and bold undertaking Designer Laura Bethell for a teenager from a council house estate who le€ school at 15. Some of the original 01622 823922 readers of Country Music Monthly are still around and have continued to follow my writing [email protected] and views on the music as readers of Maverick. ere was a time when I not only knew Editorial Assistant many of the Maverick readers’ names but had a personal contact with them, but recently Chris Beck I’ve lost touch and I have to say that I miss the chats that we used to have when they phoned Project Manager up to renew their subscriptions. at kind of feedback is—I think—essential for an editor. Natasha Smith 01622 823927 I believe in the almost 12 years that I’ve been editing Maverick, that along with the [email protected] dedicated contributors, we have created a somewhat unique magazine. I could never have kept the magazine running over that period without the commitment of those contributors Offi ce Manager Cherry Batchelor both past and present. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all and to pay a 01622 823920 special tribute to two of the original contributors who are no longer with us. Al Moir (aka [email protected] Larry Kelly) and Bob Kilbey. Like myself they were both sticklers for getting facts correct, Publisher spelling artist’s names correctly and the correct use of . All things which appear David Rossiter 01622 823920 to have fallen by the wayside in most publications these days. I hope that the legacy I [email protected] created with Maverick in respect of those ideals will continue to be maintained within the pages of Maverick. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Chuck Schultz and www.hand-media.com his wife Kelly as Maverick’s new Nashville correspondents. eir appointment is part of Maverick Maverick’s long-term goal to go fully international. Already distribution of the magazine Published by hand media Goldings, Elphicks Farm, has been set up across North America and in Scandinavia, in addition to newsagents Water Lane, Hunton, across the UK. Kent, ME15 0SG. UK. Telephone: +44 (0) 1622 823920 I should point out that I am still very passionate about music. I can’t imagine that that Fax: +44 (0) 1622 823933 will ever change. I love many of the newer younger acts that are taking country music Email: [email protected] forward. People like Perry, , and our cover artist, Website: www.maverick-country.com Taylor Swi€ . I intend to continue writing about the music, both the newcomers and the Stockists legendary and not so well-known names from the past. I wish to write and listen to music If you can’t fi nd Maverick in your local stockists please call Cherry at my leisure and also have time to unwind and spend more time with my family. Batchelor on 01622 823920 I would love the opportunity to keep in touch with readers, especially those with whom I

Reprints go back a long way, but also to hear from many of the newer, younger readers who have For reprints of specifi pages within discovered Maverick more recently. I am sure that Laura and her team will pass on the this magazine please telephone feedback to me. All that’s le€ to say is many thanks for your support over the years Natasha Smith on 01622 823927 or email: [email protected] and the very best for the future. for more details. Designed and produced by hand media. ©2013. 221/mav/11/13 Alan Cackett

@Maverick_Mag www.facebook.com/MaverickMagazine

Contributors: Ian Ambrose, John Atkins, Simon Beards, Chris Beck, David Brassington, John Brindle, Keith Clark, , Nick Dalton, Nick Dent-Robinson, Holley Dey, Jamie Hailstone, Alan Harrison, Andrew Heaps, Jeremy Isaac, John Jobling, Helen Keen, Paul Kerr, David Knowles, John Lees, Peter Palmer, Simon Redley, John Roffey, Emily Saxton, Chuck Schultz, Jeremy Searle, Jade Sydenham, Eric Thom, Jela Webb, Arthur Wood ha ia nd med

Maverick 1 C T N T S

60

featuring... 4 News CMA AWARDS 6 Tour Dates 40 16 Maverick Covermount CD 55 17 Pickin’ & Grinnin’ CLAIRE LYNCH BAND, CHASTITY BROWN, HATFUL OF RAIN 24 The Gig Room .B. KING’S LUCILLE

28 HEART OF DIXIE 31 Nashville Notebook

32 Roots of Country 36 Obituaries SMITH, 40 TWENTY YEARS IN THE GAME 48

44 60 COVER FEATURE THE GOODLE DAYS 66 CD Reviews Index 48 Scotty McCreery THAT TRADITIONAL SOUND 67 CD Reviews - NEW RELEASES

50 New to You BABAJACK 96 CD Reviews - SHORTCUTS

52 Ayla Brown 100 CD Reviews - DUSTY RELICS SCORES IN COUNTRY MUSIC 110 Christmas Reviews 55 THE STAR RETURNS 111 DVD Reviews

58 NEVER GIVING IN 112 Book Reviews & Letters

ISSUE NUMBER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY- FOUR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2014 MAVERICK

CMA Awards 2013 A SPECIAL REPORT BY CHUCK SCHULTZ

he CMAs are named “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” and direction. The song became some new, some really rich in rightly so. Rarely do you get all the big names in one sound, an amazing rendition. Drink A Beer by with T space for three hours. With drama high, and nerves short, . When I saw Luke and Chris (who wrote the this award show will send you through all imaginable emotions as song), do this at rehearsal I knew it was going to be incredible. a writer not only a . I rally wanted to do something With a lot of fog, Luke and Chris with Bryan’s backing band different with this look back at 2013’s version and not your usual: took this song for a ride. I figure this is Song and Single of the ‘Oh this person won this and this person won that.’ Let me start Year for 2014. with performances that really shook me so much I’ve got to put them in three separate and I have to put my favourite In The Iconic Rendition Of An Iconic Song Category: Alan performances in individual categories. ‘Face Melting,’ ‘Just Plain Jackson and with He Stopped Loving Her Today. As a Awesome,’ and ‘Iconic.’ tribute to , Jackson and Strait traded the vocal duties on this legendary song. Giving chills to the audience. In the Face Melting category: Outsiders by Eric Church. All I There had to be a tribute and what better way than to have two could think, as I was giving my neck whiplash: ‘Way to go all living legends perform the song. Bobby’ on them (Kid Rock reference), nice middle finger to the ‘establishment’ and I for one stood up and cheered. The Then there was Taylor receiving the Pinnacle Award. The performance was so rich and loud and, well, rock’n’roll. Eric world Pinnacle itself means ‘the top.’ Well Taylor welcome, be Church you just went to number one on my list. Day For The Dead introduced/presented by what can only be described as ‘the face by Zac Brown Band with Dave Grohl. Okay we were watching of country:’ , , Tim McGraw, George Strait, Dave ‘warm up’ he was practically: ‘I’ going to kill these drums and (all of whom she opened for) with and leave them on the street.’ Well he did, the song had a similar additional congratulations from Sir Mick Jagger (which brought melodic structure as a trad ZBB song, but with a twist, combined a scream from Taylor and a tilt to Nashville), there cannot be a harmony vocals blended in the mix and a tribute to the real higher honour than to get an award like this (last presented to Allman Brothers Band in the last third of the song. in 2005). So I ‘m sorry (no I’m not!) Taylor is going to be around for awhile. In The Just Plain Awesome Category: Red by Taylor Swift with , , Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer and . On to the Award Winners themselves. There are two that I’ So what can’t Ms Swift do? Oh wait there isn’t anything she can’t like to talk about. Two awards to make note of. Single of the Year do. So she put together a ‘Supergroup’ and what a ‘Supergroup’ it for I Drive Your Truck. Lee Brice delivered some heartfelt vocals to is—Take note all my ‘Americana’ friends. Stripped down in a song about a dad losing his son in Afghanistan. Each time it but tripled in harmony Red went in an amazing was played on the radio, tears were shed. A well deserved

4 Maverick honour to the writers of this song, Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Yeary and Connie Harrington. Entertainer of the Year. You had to know it was going to George as equal parts thanks and a tribute, but I can’t hate to wonder if he was a bit embarrassed by it. A true ambassador to country music, don’t worry though, even though he’s staying off the tour circuit, expect to hear some new music from Strait in 2014.

CMA 2013 Award Winners Entertainer of the Year: George Strait Male Vocalist of the Year: Female Vocalist of the Year: Americana UK Chart of the Year: Based On A True Story - Blake Shelton Single of the Year: I Drive Your Truck – Vocals Lee Brice, 1 Bill Callahan - Dream River (Drag City) , Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Yeary and Connie Harrington 2 - Magpie & the Dandelion (American Recordings) Song of the Year: Cruise – 3 Blitzen Trapper - VII (LoJinx) Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line 4 Christina Kjellvander- The Pitcher (Tapete) Vocal Group of the Year: 5 Kreg Viesselman - If You Lose Your Light Best New Artist: Kacey Musgraves (Continental Song City) Musician of the Year: Mac MacAnally 6 Christina Martin - Sleeping With A Stranger (Come Undone) Video of the Year: Highway Don’t Care - 7 The Whybirds - A Little Blood (Little Red Recording Co.) Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban 8 Tony Dekker - Prayer Of The Woods (Nettwerk) Vocal Event of the Year: Highway Don’t Care - 9 The Harmed Brothers -Better Days (Fluff & Gravy) Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban 10 Deer Tick - Negativity (Partisan)

Images: (p4)Taylor Swift; Florida Georgia Line; George Strait; Kacey Musgraves; Brad Paisley & ; (p5)Blake Shelton; & George Strait; Luke Bryan & Florida Georgia Line; , Rascal Flatts, and ; All photos © Anthony D’Angio

Maverick 5 TOUR DATES

The Band Perry

Alabama 3 Thu 5: Nottingham, Rescue Rooms Sat 8: Edinburgh, Corn Exchange * Mon Dec 2: Brighton, Concorde 2 Fri 6: Holmfirth, Picturedrome Sun 9: Manchester, Arena * Tue 3: Lincoln, Engine Shed Sat 7: Clitheroe, The Grand Tue 11: , Pavillions * Wed 4: Bristol, O2 Academy Sun 8: Pocklington, Arts Centre Wed 12: , O2 Arena * Fri 6: , O2 Academy Wed 11: , Quarterhouse Thu 13: , Guildhall * Tue 10: Nottingham, Rescue Rooms Thu 12: Oxford O2 Academy 2 Fri 13: Manchester, Academy Fri 13: , The Junction Jenn Bostic, Daisy Sat 14: London, The Forum Sat 14: London, O2 Shepherds Chapman, Emma Stevens Bush Empire Fri Nov 29: Bristol, Folk House Dave Arcari Sat 30: Totnes, South Devon Arts Centre (*—special guests Mon Dec 2: Glasgow, Broadcast Have Mercy Las Vegas) Fri Nov 29: Birmingham, The Institute Tue 3: York, Fibbers (**—special guests LaVendore Rogue) Sat 30: Glasgow, ABC Wed 4: Sheffield, The Greystones (***—special guest Erin Harpe) Sun Dec 1: Manchester, The Ritz Thu 5: Manchester, Deaf Institute Thu Feb 20: Glasgow, Broadcast * Mon 2: London, The Forum Fri 6: Liverpool, Zanzibar Fri 21: Dundee, Buskers Wed 4: , Vicar Street Sat 7: Hull, Fruit Sat 22: Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree Thu 5: , Mandela Hall Mon 10: , Arts Centre Thu 27: Edinburgh, The Voodoo Rooms * Fri 28: Irvine, Harbour Arts Centre * Blackheart Billy Bragg Fri Mar 7: Newcastle, The Cluny Fri Nov 29: Okehampton, Bratton Hall Sat Nov 30: Sheffield, City Hall Sat 8: Manchester, Fallow Cafe Sat 30: Parkham, Allardice Hall Sun Dec 1: London, Royal Festival Hall Wed 12: Leicester, The Musician Sat Dec 7: Bolton, Railway Mon 2: Southampton, Guildhall Thu 13: Colchester, Thu 5: Exeter, Great Hall Colchester Arts Centre ** Beans On Toast Fri 14: Stamford, The Voodoo Lounge (*—Supporting Frank Joe Brown Sat Apr 26: Milton of Buchanan, Turner & The Sleeping Souls) Sat Nov 30: Burgess Hill, Martlets Hall Buchanan Memorial Hall *** Sat Nov 30: London, The Magic Garden Wed Dec 11: Bury St Edmunds, The Apex Sat May 24: Hebden Bridge, Hebden Wed Dec 4: Glasgow, The Poetry Club Fri –Sat 13-15: Henley On Thames, Bridge Festival Thu 5: Manchester, Cuba Café The Kenton Theatre Fri-Sun Aug 29-31: Cookeville TN, Muddy Fri 6: , The Brunswick Inn Roots Sat 7: Leeds, Eiger Studios Oli Brown & Lyle Molzan Sun 8: Colchester, Tribal Thu Dec 5: The Thunderbolt, Bristol The Bad Shepherds Wed 11: , Garage Venue Sun 8: Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich Fri Nov 29: Corby, Corby Cube Thu 12: Bristol, The Old Bookshop Mon 9: Greystones, Sheffield Sat 30: Farnham, Maltings Fri 13: Brighton, The Haunt Tue 10: Komedia Studio, Brighton Sun Dec 1: Brighton, Concorde 2 Thu Feb 6: , Motorpoint Arena * Wed 11: Musician, Leicester Wed 4: Colchester, Arts Centre Fri 7: Nottingham, Capital Arena * Thu 12: Erics, Liverpool

6 Maverick

TOUR DATES

Fri 13: Hastings, The Jenny Lind Sat 14: Old Portsmouth, The Square Tower Fri 20: Shoreham by Sea, The Duke of Wellington Fri Jan 10: Lewes, The Con Club Wed 15: Leytonstone, What’s Cookin’ Fri 31: Shoreham by Sea, The Duke of Wellington

Danny & the Champions of the World Fri Nov 29: Leicester, The Donkey Sat 30: Brighton, The Palmeira Sun Dec 1: Nottingham, The Maze Tue 3: Winchester, The Railway Wed 4: Hastings, The Fountain Thu Mar 6: London, Café

Deer Tick Thu Jan 23: London, The Garage

Eric Church Dennis Ellsworth with John Smith Fri 13: Think Tank, Wed 29: Sheffield, The Greystones Fri Nov 29: Milton Keynes, The Stable Newcastle Upon Tyne Thu 30: Glasgow, Sun Dec 1: Aberdeen, Lemontree Sat 14: The Duchess, York Sat Feb 1: Abingdon, The Wee Gig Mon 2: Edinburgh, Electric Circus Sun 15: The Talking Heads, Southampton Sun 2: Edinburgh, House Tue 3: Manchester, Band On The Wall Wed 5: Milton Keynes, The Stables Wed 4: Preston, The Continental Thu 6: London, Green Note Thu 5: Kendal, The Brewery Arts Centre Fri Dec 6: Bristol, Trinity Fri 7: Lewes, Elephant and Castle Sat 7: Liverpool, Kazimier Sun 8: Glasgow, Oran Mor Sat 8: Kenn, Kenn Village Hall Tue 10: Manchester, RNCM Annabelle Chvostek Wed 11: Brighton, Concorde 2 Josienne Clarke Thu 12: London, The Forum & Ben Walker Thu Jan 16: Hillindon, Uxbridge Folk Club Daisy Chapman Fri Nov 29: Bristol, Folk House & Sat 30: Totnes, South Devon Arts Centre Wed Mar 12: Leeds, Town Hall Mon Dec 2: Glasgow, Broadcast Thu 13: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall Tue 3: York, Fibbers Fri 14: Gateshead, The Sage Wed 4: Sheffield, The Greystones Sat 15: Salford, The Lowry Thu 5: Manchester, Deaf Institute Mon 17: Birmingham, Symphony Hall Tue 10: Norwich, Arts Centre Tue 18: Cambridge, Corn Exchange Wed 19: Liverpool, Philharmonic Eric Church Fri 21: Eastbourne, Congress Theatre Thurs Feb 27: Glasgow, O2 ABC Sat 22: Plymouth, Pavilions Sat Mar 1: Manchester, The Ritz Sun 23: Basingstoke, The Anvil Sun 2: London, O2 Tue 25: Nottingham, Royal Centre Shepherd’s Bush Empire Wed 26: Leicester, De Montfort Hall Thu 27: Cardiff, St David’s Hall Annabelle Chvostek Fri 28: Oxford, New Theatre Fri Jan 17: Rathfriland, Bronte Music Club Sat 29: London, Sat 18: Belfast, Out To Lunch Festival, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire The Black Box Thu 23: Totnes, South Devon Arts Centre The Curst Sons Fri 24: Exeter, Barnfield Theatre Fri Nov 29: Pagham, Sat 25: Brosely, The Birchmeadow The Kings Beach Hotel Community Centre Sat 30: Camden, The Green Note Sun 26: Cockermouth, Kirkgate Centre Fri Dec 6: Brighton, The Horse & Groom

8 Maverick

TOUR DATES

Fairport Convention Fri Jan 31: Tewkesbury, The Roses Theatre Sat Feb 1: Milton Keynes, The Stables Sun 2: Canterbury, The Gulbenkian Tue 4: Oxford, St.John The Evangelist Church Wed 5: Lincoln, Drill Hall Thu 6: Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn Fri 7: New Brighton, Floral Pavilion Sat 8: Llandudno, Venue Cymru Sun 9: Salford Quays, The Lowry Tue 11: Leamington Spa, Royal Spa Centre Wed 12: Exeter, Corn Exchange Fri 14: Hunstanton, The Princess Theatre Sat 15: Colchester Arts Centre Sun 16: Bury St Edmunds, Apex Theatre Tue 18: Chesterfield, The Winding Wheel Wed 19: Gateshead, Sage Gateshead Thu 20: Edinburgh, Hall Fri 21: Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall Sat 22: Burnley, The Mechanics Sun 23: St Albans, Alban Arena Wed 26: Worthing, Connaught Theatre Lucy Kaplansky Thu 27: Tunbridge Wells, The Assembly Hall Theatre Wed 11: Peterborough, Key Theatre Emily Maguire Fri 28: Farnham, The Maltings Thu 12: London, Kings Place Sat Nov 30: Milton Keynes, The Stables Sat Mar 1: Weston—super—Mare, Tue 17: Harrogate, The Royal Hall Sat Dec 7: Wotton-under-Edge, Sat 21: Gateshead, The Sage Under The Edge Arts Sun 2: Pontardawe Arts Centre Mon 23: Bury St Edmunds, The Apex Tue 4: Birmingham Town Hall Simon Mayor’s Wed 5: Ulverston, The Coronation Hall Martyn Joseph Mandolinquents Thu 6: Southport, The Atkinson (**—with Blasamo/ Thu Dec 12: Newbury, New Greenham Arts Fri 7: Huddersfield, Deighton Opening) Lawrence Batley Theatre Fri Nov 29: Wolverhampton, Fran McGillivray Band Sun 9: London, The Union Chapel The Rooms ** Sun Jan 12: Greenwich, Morden Arms Sat 30: Sale, Waterside Arts Centre ** Wed 15: Rochester, Man of Kent Federal Charm Sun Dec 1: Skegness, Fri 31: Crystal Palace, (**—NGB) Great British Folk Festival ** Sydenham Blues Club (****—/Simon Mcbride) Tue 3: Chester, Telford’s Warehouse ** Sun Feb 9: Hythe, Three Mariners (*****—W/ Starship) Thu 5: Worcester, Huntingdon Hall ** Mon 10: Croydon Folk Club Fri Nov 29: Aylesbury, Limelight ** Fri 6: Canterbury, Fri 14: Nottingham, Trent Navigation Sat 30: Bury Met, Arts Centre ** Christ Church University Chapel ** Sun 16: Whitstable, The Old Neptune, Thu Dec 5: Gloucester Guild Hall **** Sat 7: Banbury, The Mills Arts Centre ** Tue 18: Tonbridge, The Punch and Judy Fri 6: Glasgow The Arches **** Sun 8: Sheffield, The Greystones ** Fri 21: Worth Maltravers, Wed Jan 22: Wolverhampton, 2 ***** Square and Compass Thu 23: London, Borderline ***** Lucy Kaplansky Sun 23: Greenwich, Morden Arms Fri 24: Clitheroe, The Grand ***** Thu Jan 23: Milton Keyne, The Stables Sat 25: Norwich, Epic ***** Fri 24: Bury, The Met Sarah McQuaid Sun 26: Skegness, Rock & Blues ***** Sat 25: Gateshead, The Sage Sun Dec 1: Chepstow, Sun 26: Sheffield, The Greystones The Mackenzie Hall Chris Flegg Thu 5: Cornwall, The Blue Anchor Inn Fri Jan 24: Watfold Folk Club, Charlie Landsborough The Pump House Thu Jan 23: Milton Keynes, The Stables Tift Merrit Thu Feb 20: Loughton, Folk Club Fri 24: Bury St Edmunds, The Met Wed Dec 11: London, The Barbican Sat 25: Gateshead, The Sage Fabian Holland Sun 26: Sheffield, The Greystones Midlake (As support for The Albion Christmas Band) Thu Feb 20: Manchester, The Ritz Mon Dec 9: Cheltenham, Town Hall Fri 21: Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall Tue 10: Wallingford, St Marys Church Wed May 9: London, Union Chapel Sat 22: Glasgow, O2 Abc

10 Maverick

TOUR DATES

Kate Rusby

Sun 23: Dublin, Vicar Street Fri 21: Wellington, nr Taunton Wed 25: Cardiff, Tue 25: Bristol, Anson Rooms The Beambridge Inn Motorpoint Arena EXTRA DATE Wed 26: London, Sat 22: Brighton, The Palmeira Fri 27: London, O2 Arena O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Sat 28: London, O2 Arena EXTRA Jack Omer DATE Christy Moore (*—With Jenn Bostic Wed July 2: Nottingham, Arena Thu Apr 10: Edinburgh, Festival Theatre & Emma Stevens) Sat 5: Cologne, Lanxess Arena Fri 11: Glasgow, Barrowland Fri Nov 29: Bristol, The Folk House * Sun 6: , O2 World Sun 13: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall Sat 30: South Devon Arts Centre * Tue 8: Copenhagen, Forum Tue 15: Manchester, Bridgewater Hall Mon Dec 2: Glasgow, Broadcast * Wed 9: Oslo, Spektrum Thu 17: London, Royal Festival Hall Tue 3: York, Fibbers * Fri 18: London, Royal Festival Hall Wed 4: Sheffield, The Greystones * Bev Pegg Thu 5: Manchester, Deaf Institute * Fri Nov 29: Stoke Lacy Village Hall Kevin Montgomery Sat 7: Liverpool, The Zanzibar * Sun Dec 8: Malvern Rugby Club Thu Feb 6: Leicester, The Musician Sun 8: Hull, Fruit * Sat 14: Henley—in—Arden, Fri 7: Newcastle, Cluny 2 Lowsonford Village Hall Fri 14: Kinross, Green Hotel Angie Palmer Sun 22: Halesowen Cricket Club Fri 28: Bristol, Polish Club Fri Jan 10: Farncombe, St. John’s Church Sat Jan 25: Stourbridge Lawn Tennis Wed Feb 19: Lowdham, Old Ship Inn and Squash Club Gurf Morlix Sat Apr 5: Hagley Community Centre Wed Dec 4: Glasgow, Jon Palmer Acoustic Band Sat Jul 5: Astley and Dunley Village The Admiral & The Hold Fri Nov 29: Rodley, The Barge Hall Thu 5: London, The Green Note Sat Dec 14: Otley, Whitakers Mon 7: Warwick Folk Club Fri 18: Kingswinford, My Darling Clementine The Woodman Folk Club Thu Nov 30: Norwich, Arts Centre Sun June 8: Liverpool, Echo Arena Mon Aug 25: Walton—on—Trent, Fri 31: Burton, The Brewhouse Tue 10: Belfast, Odyssey Arena Catton Hall Park Thu Feb 6: Liverpool, Liverpool Wed 11: Dublin, O2 Arena Philharmonic Rodewald Suite Thu 12: Cork, Live At The Marquee Police Dog Hogan Fri 7: Kendal, Brewery Arts Sat 14: Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena Thu Dec 12: London, Half Moon Sat 8: Farncombe, St. John’s Church Sun 15: Aberdeen, GE Arena Fri 20: Ravenshead, The Stetson Fri 14: Whitstable, Tue 17: Glasgow, Hydro Arena The Whitstable Sessions Wed 18: Glasgow, Porchlight Smoker Sat 15: Cambridge, Junction 2 Hydro Arena EXTRA DATE (*—Police Dog Hogan) Thu Mar 6: Belfast Fri 20: Leeds, Sat Mar 8: Camden, The Green Note Nashville Songwriters Festival, Sat 21: Manchester, Phones 4U Arena Mon Mar 24: Brighton, The Greys Tue 11: Dundee, Caffe Borsa Sun 22: Birmingham, LG Arena Southover Street Sat 15: Stornaway, An Lanntair Tue 24: Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena Thu Jun 26: The Half Moon Putney *

Maverick 13 Subscribe today: payment methods

Payment can be made by cheque or card (we can only take Visa, Mastercard, Switch & Maestro) Subscribe! To make payment by cheque please fill out the form below and enclose payment. Make all cheques payable to Hand Media, and send to the following address: Cherry Batchelor Hand Media Ltd, Subscription rates Maverick Magazine, Goldings, Elphicks Farm, UK print magazine subscription: Water Lane, Hunton 12 months (6 issues) £30 Maidstone, Kent, & Rest of the World print magazine subscription: ME15 0SG 12 months (6 issues) £50 UK

I would like to make payment for my purchase by: cheque card (Tick appropriate box) To make payment by card please fill in the form below and return to the Name ______address as above or call 01622-823920 to talk to a member of the team who will be happy to process payment. Address ______Please provide name & address as registered with the card company, if ______different from delivery address: ______Postcode______Issue start date______Credit or debit card no:______Email address______Start date______Expiry date______Issue No. ______Please make e-mail addresses clear and accurate! Signature______

Security Code______(3 digits on the back of the signature strip) TOUR DATES

Will Pound Martin Stephenson Sat Feb 15: Newbury, & The Daintees Sun Dec 8: Liverpool, Philharmonic Arlington Arts Centre Sat Nov 30: Hudderfield, Mon 9: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall Sat May 24: Ireby Festival Huddersfield 1:22 Tue 10: Glasgow, Barrowland Tue Dec 17: London, Borderline Wed 11: York, Barbican Nathaniel Rateliff Thu 19: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club Thu 12: Birmingham, Alexandra Thu Dec 5: London, Shacklewell Arms Sat 21: Newcastle, Cluny 2 Sat 14: Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion Tue 10: London, The Islington Sat Mar 29: Ullapool, Argyll Hotel Sun 15: Oxford, New Theatre Fri Apr 4: Manchester, Mon 16: Guildford, Glive St Clements Church Tue 17: Bristol, Colston Hall Fri Nov 29: Glasgow, Tue 8: Leicester, The Musician Wed 18: London, Royal Concert Hall Sat 26: Ullapool, Argyll Hotel Hammersmith Apollo Sat 30: Edinburgh, Usher Hall Fri 20: Drogheda, Tlt Stompin’ Dave with Sat 21: Killarney, Inec Dana & Susan Robinson The Earl Jackson 4 Sun 22: Galway, Leisureland Fri Nov 29: Kelso, Ace Centre (* or The Rockin’ All Stars) Mon 23: Dublin, Convention Centre Sat 30: Hepworth, Sat Nov 30: London, Hepworth Village Hall Swamp Rock, All Saint’s Arts Centre * Winter Wilson Tue Dec 3: Moffat, Summerhills Sat Dec 7: Surrey, Merstham Lindy Club Fri Nov 29: Royston, Folk Club Wed 4: Aberdeen, Blue Lamp Fri 20: March, Braza Club Sat Dec 14: Private Function Thu 5: Falkirk, Tolbooth Tavern Sat 21: Lyme Regis, The Marine Theatre Fri Jan 24: Wells next the Sea, Sat 7: Kilbarchan, Brookfield Nights Granary Theatre Stornoway Fri Feb 7: Bingham, Folk Club Kate Rusby Fri Nov 29: Glasgow, ABC Fri 21: Chase, Folk Club Thu Dec 5: Brighton, Dome Sat 30: Leeds, Metropolitan University Sat 22: Queen’s Head, Fri 6: Warwick, Arts Centre Sun Dec 1: Cambridge, Junction Mon 24: Stockton, Folk Club Sat 7: Wolverhampton, Civic Hall Sun 8: London, Barbican Tue 25: Cramlington, Folk Club Sun 8: London, Union Chapel Wed 26: Rivelin, Folk Club Tue 10: Liverpool, Philharmonic The Stray Birds Thu 27: Bolton, The Railway Venue Wed 11: Sheffield, City Hall Thu Jan 30: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Fri 28: Northwich, Folk Club Thu 12: Leeds, Town Hall Jumpin Hot Club Thu Apr 3: Newport, Lyceum Folk Club Sun 15: Nottingham, Playhouse Fri 31: Kendal, The Brewery Fri 4: Trowbridge, Village Pump Tue 17: Manchester, Bridgewater Hall Sat Feb 1: Heart Of Hawick Tue 8: Penicuik, Folk Club Wed 18: Cambridge, Corn Exchange Sun Feb 2: Oldham, Playhouse 2, Shaw Fri 25: Wessex Acoustic Thu 19: Gateshead, The Sage Tue 4: London, The Green Note Fri—Mon May 23—26: Fri 20: Malvern Theatres Wed 5: Southport, The Atkinson Fishguard, Folk Festival Sat 21: Huddersfield, Town Hall Thu 6: Norwich Arts Centre Thu—Sun Jun 5—8: Fri 7: Barton Upon Humber, Southwell, Folk Festival The Ropery Hall Mon 9: Skipton, Folk Club Fri Nov 29: Barnstaple, Sun 9: Saltaire, The Live Room Tue 10: Redcar, Cutty Wren Folk Club Queen’s Theatre Tue 11: Red Room, Cookstown Wed 11: Upper Mill, Cross Keys Folk Sat 30: Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall Wed 12: Belfast Club Tue Dec 3: Cheltenham, Town Hall Thu 13: Clonmel, Raheen House Hotel Mon 23: Tunbridge Wells, Wed 4: Wolverhamptom, Wulfrun Hall Fri 14: Cork, The Lodge In Mallow Beacon Folk Club Thu 5: Leeds, Town Hall Sat 15: Letterkenny, Tue 24: Hoy at Anchor, Fri 6: Kendal, Brewery Arts Centre Regional Cultural Centre Westcliffe—on—Sea Sat 7: Aylesbury, Waterside Sun 16: Dublin Wed 25: Dorking, Folk Club Thu 26: Maidenhead, Folk Club John Smith Taylor Swift Wed Jul 2: Spalding, Folk Club Fri Nov 29: Milton Keynes, The Stables Sat Feb 1: London, O2 Arena Sat 29: Sale, Folk Club Sun Dec 1: Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree Sun 2: London, O2 Arena Mon 21: Warwick, Folk Club Mon 2: Edinburgh, The Electric Circus Tue 4: London, O2 Arena Fri—Mon Aug 8—11: Saitburn Festival Tue 3: Manchester, Band On The Wall Mon 10: London, O2 Arena Fri—Sun Sep 5—7: Swanage Festival Wed 4: Preston, The Continental Tue 11: London, O2 Arena Wed 17: Arundel, Folk Club Thu 5: Kendal, Brewery Arts Centre Thu 18: Peisall, Common Folk Sat 7: Liverpool, Kazimer Transatlantic Sessions Fri 19: Swindon, Folk Club Sun 8: Hedben Bridge Trades Club Mon Feb 3: London, Royal Festival Hall Mon 9: Norwich, Norwich Arts Centre Thu 6: Birmingham, Symphony Hall Dan Whitehouse Thu 12: Exeter, Phoenix Fri 7: Manchester, Bridgewater Hall Wed Dec 11: Norwich, Bedfords

Maverick 15 MAVERICK Here is the track listing and details of the 18 songs featured on Vol. 8 of the covermount CD

1. Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott – Memories and Moments: From their 10. Garrett LeBeau – EyesMusic on You: Native American, Wyoming-born Garrett second studio album MEMORIES AND MOMENTS, the title track from this LeBeau’s latest album, RISE TO THE GRIND has been a success across the highly regarded duo, features soft tones and subtle hints of country that world. This track is a gritty blues-inspired story of a man obsessed with a linger like a memory. The vocals intertwine effortlessly into something mystery woman. With a mixture of soulful lyrics and a toe-tapping blues beautiful; the perfect track to open our Christmas Maverick Music album. beat with a country twang, Eyes on You is one sexy song! www.timanddarrell.com www.garrettlebeau.com

2. Lisbee Stainton – Make Me Stay: The latest single from Lisbee Stainton’s 11. Phyllis Sinclair – Evergreen: Perfect for this seasonal Maverick CD, this new album WORD GAMES, is a sweet and soft-toned tune that has already track is a chipper and catchy jig about an unwanted and rescued Christmas received national acclaim from the highly-regarded Bob Harris. Co-written tree from Canadian singer Phyllis Sinclair’s WISHLIST, which was with Irish star Eleanor McEvoy, the new album follows a successful musical released November 15. www.phyllissinclair.com partnership with . www.lisbee.com 12. Rocky and the Natives – Friendly Man in Blue: Rocky and the Natives’ 3. The Epstein – I Held You Once: This wonderful country-rock band, album LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE OLD GUYS was released this September. Friendly originating from Oxford, has been performing since 2006. This song taken Man in Blue is a critique of the actions of the police force that has been from the album MURMURATIONS is shaped by those moments in your life updated since its original release 40 years ago, to cover events such as the that stand out to a passer-by. A progressive track that bears a hypnotic shooting of James Ashley in 1998. The song has an upbeat country-rock sound and rough rock vocals that bring your soul into a state of relaxation. tempo, combined with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. www.theepstein.com www.rockyandthenatives.com

4. Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin – Song for Caroline Herschel: 13. Andrea Glass – Killing Time: In 2007 Andrea Glass quit her teaching job A beautiful voice opens this track with such overbearing soul; Hannah and headed for Nashville to record her debut album. Since then she’s earned transports you instantly into a tranquil and soulful existence. Supported the seal of approval from Radio 2’s Bob Harris and released her second solely by , itself magnificent, this track swirls around you with tones album, . Killing Time is a heartbreaking song about a failing that are soft like whispers on a midnight breeze. relationship. Glass tells the story with a lovely subtlety in her lyrics. www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk www.andreaglass.co.uk

5. Tony McLoughlin – The Contender: Irish singer-songwriter McLoughlin 14. Ghost of a Dog – Love Jumped Ship: From Monmouthshire, Wales and is currently touring to promote his fifth album, THE CONTENDER. With a the West of , five-piece band, Ghost of a Dog, hope to build upon vibrant combination of roots rock and ballsy vocals, this song lifts you up the critical success of their first album, with their follow-up COYOTE. Love and cheers you on with lyrics such as ‘I’ be the last man standing. I’ll fight Jumped Ship is an up-tempo folk-tinged Americana ballad with stirring them all!’ www.tonymcloughlin.com vocals from front-woman Tamzin Powell. www.ghostofadog.co.uk

6. Tia McGraff – Break These Chains: Canadian singer-songwriter Tia 15. M Callahan – Baptized By Your Love: A beautiful, melancholy three and a McGraff merges Americana and folk in this atmospheric ballad. Skilled half minute gem from Nashville-based M Callahan, whose traditional- -playing is followed by Tia’s stunning vocals and leads to real sounding voice and melody are sure to win you over. This moving track strength in the chorus. Tia’s voice pulls you in with the perfect tone to go comes from his self-titled debut album. www.mcallahanmusic.com with her haunting lyrics. www.tiamcgraff.com 16. Benjamin William Pike – Linda: Linda from Pike’s debut album BEING & 7. Suburban Dirts – Any Other Morning: A romantic, dreamy soundscape NOTHINGNESS, shows off his inimitable finger-picking style. This is a brighter and vocals in this ballad and first single from the band’s forthcoming album revisited version of the track that appeared on an earlier EP. We challenge A TINY LITTLE ISLAND IN THE BIG BAD SEA. The Hertfordshire-based band was you not to dance along to the Telecaster solo at the end! formed only two years ago and this is their second album; released www.benjaminwilliampike.co.uk November 18. Full of energy and heart. www.suburbandirts.com 17. Fran McGillivray Band – When a Love Grows Cold: The Fran McGillivray 8. Fern Teather – Outside of the Lines: This track comes from the latest EP, Band are a compelling trio with a strong following on the blues, folk and OUTSIDE OF THE LINES, from this incredibly talented 17 year old singer- roots music scene. They have developed their craft in this track from their songwriter. Fern’s tone belies her youth and her lyrics are honest and from latest album SOME LUCK, released this summer. The rolling and picking the heart. This is a sweet but confident song about growing up, staying guitar gives the song a bittersweet take on the classic country theme of strong and the importance of music in her life. rejection and unrequited love. www.franmike.com www.fernteather.com 18. Tim Grimm – King of the Folksingers: Grimm tells the fascinating tale of 9. Millpond Moon – You Were There For Me: Written by with his friend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and refers to the legends who have had a role rich, warm, vocals from Rune Hauge and Kjersti Misje. This emotional duet in Jack’s life including , , Mick Jagger and Jack from the Norwegian duo is taken from the album BROKE IN BROOKLYN. Their Kerouac. Tim is an award-winning songwriter and each of his past five two voices blend together to form a truly authentic Americana sound. recordings have reached the top of the Folk/American roots chart. www.millpondmoon.com www.timgrimm.com

16 Maverick Correction for the Greg Copeland review: www.gregcopelandmusic.net. From the November/December 2013 issue. PICKIN’ & GRINNIN’

hambone and clogging demonstration, providing the percussive backdrop to Buttermilk Road before McDowell’s took over, breaking into The Arbours, with Wingate’s in hot pursuit. The band took a break but, rather than disappear upstairs (as is often the case), these four artists preferred to meet the people in the audience instead, speaking volumes as to the heart of bluegrass. Leading off the second set with Moonlighter’s Second Wind and New Day’s Up This Hill and Down, the band continued with its sophisticated ability to win over the house. And, while Everybody Knows I’ve Been Crying took hurtin’ to a new level of pain, offset by the blistering Leavin’ on that Evening Train, it was an earlier song, Children of Abraham that took a serious toll. Slowed down, the piece took on a distinctive, Middle Eastern twist as both © Eric Thom fiddle and guitar worked to create an exotic blend behind Claire’s flawless Claire Lynch Band voice and her absolute control, with a rendition. Silver and Gold was dedicated to valuable assist from McDowell’s fiddle. a couple celebrating their 52nd wedding Hugh’s Room, , Canada, Dipping back to the feel-good White Train, anniversary while Pierce Pettis’ That Kind the band’s lush harmonies were only Of Love proved a surprise highlight from October 3, 2013 eclipsed by Lynch’s improvised train the new record. Closing off with Wabash whistle. From the new release, the Cannonball, Wingate’s guitar took an An opportunity to hear Claire Lynch heartfelt Need Someone, Lynch sinks the impassioned detour while mandolin, bass sing and play with her supremely talented in deep as Wingate’s guitar works and guitar worked the song into an band in a small, acoustically near-perfect some magic, the tightly knit group extended, impassioned jam with venue like Hugh’s is not to be missed. An huddling around their fragile-voiced changing tempos, jazzy twists and appreciation for the fact she’s the current singer. Switching to mandolin from guitar, multiple surprises. Female Vocalist of the Year for the Wingate and McDowell on fiddle, Lynch The compulsory encore was a 1994 International Association chugged through the upbeat Doin’ Time as song from Claire’s first band, The Front barely prepares you for the gentle power Mark Schatz quickly established himself Porch String Band, treating the audience she wields, highlighting her superlative as the pulse of the band, the band taking to more sweet harmonies around Sweet vocals, her head-turning songwriting and off on an extended groove. An old-time Alabam, bringing this fairytale of a night her ability to fashion a level of intimacy instrumental, Katie Hill, gave the audience to a gentle close. For bluegrass fans, it like few before her. Add in the technical a chance to grasp the calibre of this band, doesn’t get much better than this. For fans skills of /hambonist Mark Schatz, firing on all cylinders as each dove into of beautiful voices, Claire Lynch is quite new guitarist/mandolinist Matt Wingate their solos, round and round. A rollicking simply to die for. Eric G. Thom and the fiddle and mandolin mastery of gospel track from ‘09’s WATCHA GONNA wunderkind, Bryan McDowell—and the DO, Face-to-Face, instigated a lovely chemistry they share with each other as a mini-jam as mandolin, guitar and acoustic Jimmy LaFave band—and you’ve got a spellbinding show bass merging into a state of graceful you’ll want to write home about. interplay. Wingate revealed a rich sense and Night Tribe Such was the case on this special night of humor, tackling the vocal lead on a as Claire showcased the band’s latest Sting cover, She’s Too Good For Me— 100 Club, London, release, DEAR SISTER, demonstrating a reworked as a bluegrass tune while Lynch level of showmanship which flowed from added brushed percussion on banjo. September 19, 2013 the stage with the energy of a runaway The penultimate track from DEAR train or with a gentle wave of SISTER is its title track—and it shone in the ‘The good news is we received some confidentiality, carried on a warm, band’s care, adding an additional layer of requests, the bad news is that we will be magnolia-scented breeze. Opening with emotion to Claire’s already elegant, here for three more days,’ Jimmy LaFave the intimate How Many Moons couldn’t graceful treatment. A beautiful song, said to his band, during his return to the have been a more perfect choice—an co-written with Louisa Branscomb. Bassist 100 Club. It is some 12 years since he last exceptional vehicle for Claire’s beautiful Mark Schatz took centre stage for a played here and from the slew of song

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requests people had written down on the Jimmy Martin song 20/20 Vision, But pieces of paper and placed on stage, it , Bruce I’m Walking Around Blind an esoteric was clear that this was a much-anticipated rework, touches of blues, jazz and show. LaFave, accompanied by Phil Hurley Hornsby and Kentucky country. There was the 1960s Monroe (guitar), Bobby Kallus (drums) and Glenn song, Blue Night, the standard, Darlin’ Schuetz (bass), played two sets in his own Thunder Corey and the slower, jazzier, dreamier Dig inimitable style. His voice has been A Hole as old songs became stunningly described as ‘one of America’s greatest’ , Nashville, new. New Grass Revival’s I Want To Be At and he is just as comfortable singing The Meeting gave Hornsby full rein to tender love songs, as he is rootsy rockers. October 4, 2013 deliver gospel and the set ended Tonight he ran the full gamut including with the new album’s title track. The not only his self-penned material but also They’re the odd couple of rock ‘n’ encore, which started with just Skaggs on a collection of cover songs, paying tribute roll—well, bluegrass, call it what you will. fiddle and Hornsby on piano ended with a to (amongst others) Bob Dylan, Townes Ricky Skaggs is increasingly, er, portly and full scale bluegrass thrash on Pig In A Pen. Van Zandt, and the bouffant-haired, very much a country boy. It was breathless—and they kept it up for recently departed JJ Cale. From Cale’s is slim, verging on the well over two hours. Remarkable stuff. body of work, he chose Magnolia and haggard, and ever so slightly arty in his Nick Dalton unusually for LaFave switched from his demeanour. to a borrowed baritone On stage it looks even curiouser, a guitar, whose lower tones suited the ‘feel’ bluegrass band with a grand piano. And it of the song so well. sounds even stranger, Skaggs playing his One of the requests LaFave honoured mandolin at breakneck speed and Bournemouth Pavilion, early on was from an American friend at Hornsby matching him at the keyboard. It whose parties he has played back in is quite remarkable, a coming together of September 22, 2013 Houston. The friend’s wife’s favourite two very different genres to create song is Bad, Bad Girl and tonight it featured something different again. Bluegrass- Just ten minutes late, enter the man some stellar guitar work by Hurley who jazz? Art country? Difficult to say but the himself with only and guitar received an ovation during the song for dynamic duo are now on their second for company to rapturous applause from his playing. LaFave has a generous spirit album the live set, CLUCK OL’ HEN, and an adoring Bournemouth near full house. and readily allows others to bask in the seem to have found a crossover audience. Now 77 years young, we could be limelight. To coincide with this tour (which Here the home of country music is forgiven for thinking that this icon of the initially took in a run of dates in Holland) packed with a crowd that covers all the country music world might not quite stand LaFave has released a couple of follow- bases—old, young, black, white, even girls the pace. Two hours and 30 songs later ups to 1999’s TRAIL namely TRAIL TWO for goodness sake—to see pop-rocker and it became pretty clear that little of the and TRAIL THREE. All feature a series of Hornsby and trad-country pioneer Skaggs charisma that had charmed audiences for live (bootleg) recordings captured over strut their stuff. And they do it apace, decades had been lost. Nowadays, Kris the years. Drawing in particular from backed by Skaggs’ band—two acoustic tends to enthral his public with the gentler TRAIL TWO for tonight’s set list ensued a , , banjo and fiddle. side of his country music and whilst many brisk trade in sales of the after the They play a bundle of songs from both were expecting him to showcase his latest performance. albums, all done with rampant good critically acclaimed offering FEELING I’ve seen LaFave play live many times humour. From the new record comes Toy MORTAL, he gave us just the title track, over the past decade but rarely have I Heart, Skaggs acknowledging the Bill preferring to concentrate on hits and heard him talk so much between songs. Monroe number, telling the crowd that favourites which most had come to hear. Whether gently teasing his band mates, Monroe had stood on that very stage in Traditional country number Shipwrecked In telling jokes or recounting stories, he was 1946, as well as Bluegrass Breakdown, The Eighties set the scene for the evening completely at ease in this venue whose Skaggs introducing it as the first recorded as virtually every song was greeted with stage has been graced by the cream of bluegrass instrumental—which here spontaneous applause from his British music—Jeff Beck, , Pete becomes a test of speed, he, Hornsby and knowledgeable devotees. Me And Bobby Townsend, etc, etc. After the band trading licks at frenetic pace. McGee came early in the first set as did years of persuasion from fans and From the first album come Skaggs’Stubb, other instantly recognisable hits Help Me promoters alike, it was wonderful to see given a piano makeover, and Hornsby’s Make It Through the Night, Here Comes That LaFave play on my ‘home turf.’ Friends The Dreaded Spoon, but they mix it up. Rainbow Again, Casey’s Last Ride and Loving who had come out to the show on Perhaps the high point is Hornsby’s first You Was Easier. Whether it was his special personal recommendation enjoyed it hit, The Way It Is, sung by Skaggs with the brand of talking blues, gospel or country, immensely (told you so!). The show’s band almost orchestral in their scope as a Kris kept up a relentless pace and although promoter summed the evening up pop song became a 10-minute work. some numbers were somewhat truncated, perfectly when he said ‘it was one of the There’s a party atmosphere on stage— finishing abruptly with just a ‘thank you,’ best night’s of music I’ve experienced in a at one point Skaggs’ wife Sharon and her he hardly let the applause die down before long, long time.’ Jela Webb dad, Buck White, dance on, Hornsby gave launching into the next song.

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After a short break, it was more of the same with the likes of You Show Me Yours And I’ll Show You Mine and Billy Dee and before he started to wind down with Sunday Morning Coming Down and The Silver Tongued Devil before closing with For The Good Times. The largely ageing audience were soon on their feet begging for more and eventually Kris reappeared and responded to impassioned pleas for To Beat The Devil. Still he went on with Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends and , finally bringing the evening to a close with his gospel signature Why Me Lord. A thoroughly deserved standing ovation followed as Kris shook hands with the hero worshippers who’d made their way to the front. Security was close at hand to deter © Alan Harrison any over exuberance; they needn’t have worried, after all this was Bournemouth! standing on end. As the singer strapped with only the slightest bit of luck, With age not on his side, Kris could be on her harmonica she asked: ‘’all ready becoming a true star of the Americana excused the occasional missed note or for some blues?’ The answer was in the scene. Alan Harrison slightly off key vocals. No one cared and affirmative andI Left Home, which had most probably didn’t notice preferring to DeVon clicking his fingers and stomping listen and watch in awe at someone who his feet to create a wild rhythm was as Iain Matthews above all, is one of the classic entertainers cool a bBlues tune as I’ve heard in many of our time. This ‘Best of’ or ‘Greatest Hits’ years; particularly Chastity’s rather fine The Black Swan, York, evening will live in the memory for a long guitar playing. time to come. A great night! John Roffey During the introduction to Backroad October 20, 2013 Highways; which isn’t actually on the album of the same name; she explained It’s October in North Yorkshire. The Chastity Brown that it was ‘about the landscape of a novelty of an excellent summer has given working man’s life’ then smiled before way to dark, rainy days and evenings. It’s Jumping Hot Club, Live Theatre performing another stark and intimate that time of year, again, when I find myself song that sent a shiver down my back. making the pilgrimage to unusual, often Newcastle, September 13, 2014 Another new song; the soulful Cross The far flung, places to see one of England’s Sunny had actually only been finished on finest singer-songwriters, Iain Matthews. With her debut album winning rave the flight to the UK; but you’d never have Matthews’ 40-year plus career has reviews from all quarters, tonight’s gig guessed as it sounded like I’d known it produced shelves full of records, and CDs, had sold out several weeks previously forever. While I absolutely love the whole a meandering path through a myriad of and social media had been lit up with album; two songs stood head and band and solo projects that include stints people looking for a ticket; so it shouldn’t shoulders above , Slow Time and with , Matthews have been a surprise that there was a Leroy and both were performed Southern Comfort, Plainsong and more buzz of anticipation as Chastity and piano immaculately tonight. recent excursions into jazz territory with player DeVon Gray organised themselves Written in her new home of Dutch pianist and Egbert Derix. on stage. With no introduction; and Minneapolis about her memories of Tonight, though, is the return of looking remarkably nervous, the native of sitting on the front porch; surrounded by Matthews, the solo troubadour, on a brief had the audience in the palm her family Slow Time had the audience UK mission to promote his upcoming CD of her hand within 30 seconds and I can grinning with delight from start to finish THE ART OF OBSCURITY. The Black Swan is understand why; as Chastity’s songs are and my own personal favourite; Leroy is a 500 year old pub, very old English with all honest and from the heart; effortlessly obviously a heartbreaker, but an absolute its black timber and plaster work. ‘The Art straddling soul, blues and country in the joy to hear in such an intimate setting. of Obscurity,’ as a title, is an ideal moniker way only great singers can. This was a really, really memorable for Iain’s new project and career in With only her guitar, harmonica and concert and it’s been difficult not to go general. He has virtually no profile in the DeVon Gray on piano for accompaniment overboard with hyperbole because UK and that is mirrored by the ‘cosy’ When We Got There from BACKROAD Chastity Brown is the ‘real deal’ and upstairs room venue with its modest turn HIGHWAYS took on a spartan rawness that appears to be a raw, young talent on the out of patrons curious to see this man in had the hair on the back of my neck verge of breaking out of her cocoon and concert. Looking lean and fit, the

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Dutch-based Iain is a cordial and relaxed embrace and challenge the gnawing fears sensitively and took in his stride. This figure, seated throughout, cradling a small and doubts that this situation presents. I allowed both audience and performer to bodied Martin guitar. am sure this was what was in Slaid re-charge glasses and batteries When he sings Matthews’ voice oozes Cleaves’ mind as he walked onto the respectively. honey, precision and emotion. His guitar stage, accompanied by Chojo Jacques The second set carried on with Twisting playing is solid and rhythmic with a (who played mandolin and fiddle superbly In The Wind (an audience request that was percussive slap style technique. The new all night—a wonderful foil for Slaid), of The curtailed by the medical emergency) as Ghost Changes and The Emperors’ New Cluny in Newcastle. Looking a lot trimmer good a song about hanging as you will Clothes sound fine as does the more than the last time I saw him, about three hear, followed by the beautiful Texas Love familiar Southern Wind. Mr Matthews tells years ago, the intervening years seemed Song and a wonderful cover of Karen us that he believes the new CD, his 25th, to have done him no harm at all. He did Poston’s Flowered Dresses. It was then time, may possibly be his finest and probably appear a little nervous as he opened with as Slaid said, for only one long song about his last! Iain proves that he’s no slouch on the well known Horseshoe Lounge from his an industrial accident so it could either be the guitar, reverting to finger-style for a early release BROKE DOWN followed by about the lumberjack or the jockey! A wonderful God Looked Down and a Drinkin Days Are Over. As the warm lusty ‘50-50’ call for both songs ended gorgeous open tuned version of Sandy applause died down he appraised his with Slaid adjudging the lumberjack the Denny’s Bushes And Briars. Long before he audience and mentioned, with genuine winner. We were then enthralled once became an accomplished songwriter, sincerity, his pleasure at returning to again by the folk tale of the brave Sandy Matthews first attracted people, like Newcastle and the Cluny. He seemed Gray and his heroics clearing the log jam myself, with his astute taste in covering surprised that the audience was standing on the Musquash River in Breakfast From ‘country(ish’) songwriters like Steve (I have since discovered from Graham Hell—with hearty ‘Huh Ha’ grunts supplied Young, Jesse Winchester, Jackson Anderson, the Jumpin’ Hot Club’s main by the crowd. Browne, (not really country) man, that Slaid didn’t think he had ever A Slaid Cleaves concert wouldn’t be and . It was his arrangement of played to a non-seated audience and was complete without some yodelling which that the Eagles would a little apprehensive as to how he would was supplied by his tribute to God’s Own later use as their template for the song. fare). Well those fears were misplaced. Yodeller Don Walser (much to the delight Tonight Matthews does exemplary Slaid went on to give one of the best of my friend seeing Slaid for the first time) readings of Browne’s These Days and Peter performances I have seen him do. and a song of Walser’s own called Texas Gabriel’s Mercy Street. Pulling songs from all through his back Top Hand. Bringing proceedings to an end Unfazed by his surroundings, Iain is catalogue, as well as selections from his were Temporary (with a request for no good-natured when an audience member excellent new album STILL FIGHTING THE clapping!—meticulously observed) and rudely lets his ‘phone , twice, during WAR, every song delivered in Slaid’s warm One Good Year. The encore was an the performance. Outside the rain voice was received with whoops, hollers unplugged walk around the whole room bounces on the wet road while occasional and strong applause. The new album and audience with a buses punctuate proceedings with their contains a number of songs which detail inspired gospel song that was carried off noisy airbrakes. Perhaps the magnificent and raise issues that, whilst told from a US with great aplomb! So whatever Pebbles In The Road, featured on the new slant also resonate on this side of the butterflies (if any) were rolling around in record, best sums up Matthews’ mature pond. Still Fighting The War about Post this artist’s tummy—we never noticed at acceptance of the path he chose long ago Traumatic Stress from that never ending all. Maybe Slaid will play a few more ‘… and I see this gift that keeps on giving/ Middle East adventure, Welding Burns and standing venues. John Jobling This precious gift that I’ve been living … I Rust Belt Fields about the loss of industry realise it’s been worthwhile to be another and the working man’s burden. Slaid pebble in the road.’ Amen to that and be certainly knows how to get these issues Rod Picott sure to search out the new record when it across to his audience. But he has always emerges in early 2014. John Brindle had a soft and sentimental side to his St Bonaventure’s, Bristol, songwriting—probably due to a comment from his support act days, when he was October 28, 2013 Slaid Cleaves advised that: ‘You know how to make em cry, but you have to learn to make em Over the many years that he has been Jumpin’ Hot Club, The Cluny, laugh!’ Then he launched into Horses & coming to Bristol we have seen Rod Picott Divorces, a warning that both those performing solo, with a band and as a duo Newcastle, October 4, 2013 burdens will leave you as poor with Amanda Shires. On this very as dirt! welcomed return he’d brought with him I am always fascinated by the mind-set Breaking the show into two sets worked Doug and Telisha Williams, two-thirds of when an artist walks back onto the stage to Slaid’s advantage as well I thought, the East Nashville band The Wild Ponies, in a town or indeed country, that he may even though he had to end the first set who opened the show with a set of songs well have last visited some years ago. I one song early due to a member of the that resonated with the sound of old-style suppose that part of such an artist’s make audience taking ill (fortunately not too country and western. up is embedded in their DNA in order to seriously it seemed) which Slaid handled Bubbly double bass playing Telisha PICKIN’ & GRINNIN’

Peter Case

Hugh’s Room, Toronto Canada,

September 23, 2013

At this stage in his 38 plus year career, remains a fascinating study. Shuffling onto the stage in his tweed jacket, music folder in hand, he presents a somewhat disheveled look—his long, elfin beard finishing off a look like that quirky philosophy professor you never quite got. However, a few phrases into Put Down The Gun, delivered with passion as he talked and sang his way through it, Case revealed the rich character that has propelled him through everything he’s done. For many, Case remains a icon. In his essence, as a singer- songwriter, he continues to raise his voice Rod Picott © Keith Clark and shake his fist, championing the downtrodden and making a difference sometimes sounded like , Burns and Rust Belt Field. The latter, about with his music. It would seem that—all particularly on the slow break-up song I’m what happens to a small town when the these years later—he’s happily soaking in Learning To Drink Whisky Tonight and on main employer moves the factory to the same piss’n’vinegar he started with— the title track of their new album Things Mexico and China in search of cheap and he’s pickling quite nicely, thank you. A That Used To Shine. It is hard to look labour, contained the line: ‘No one gets a brilliant, largely unheralded songwriter— seductive and coquettish while playing bonus for bloody knuckles and scars, no as proven across his tenure as both band the double bass but she managed it well one remembers your name just by leader and solo performer— Case’s other on Trouble Looks Good On You. It was an working hard’ which you feel is going to secret ingredient remains his smart, enjoyable and impressive set that was far be quoted for years to come. In much the sneering, slightly nasal, somewhat too short but we didn’t have long to wait same mould 4.10 was about a man who’d Lennon-esque voice. From Estella Hotel to see them again for after a short break turned to crime after losing his job. with its ‘garden of earthly delights’ to FULL they returned to the stage as the His narrative songs are like short SERVICE, NO WAITING’s Crooked Mile, Case headliner’s backing band, The Gun stories, concisely and eloquently told with began to open up to his audience, Shy Dogs. an empathy with his characters that endearingly so, against a backdrop of Rod Picott is turning into something of a comes from having himself worked in the fingerstyle guitar revealing his deep- showman and like a fairground barker construction industry for many years. rooted love of the blues. Adding a pair of extolling the virtues of the forthcoming The lives of his characters was harsh dark, professorial glasses to his wardrobe, show he announced: ‘Welcome to Rod but in songs like Haunted Man and Circus he began to blend a little history, telling Picott’s Circus Of Misery and Heartache, Girl he set their stories to melodies so humorous stories and song-related 75-minutes of bummers, one after the beautiful that you almost forgot their pain. anecdotes to the delight of the crowd. other.’ It didn’t put the audience off While he is associated with songs about Pulling out his 12-string guitar for the however for the amiable singer- people struggling to make sense of their comparatively raucous House Rent Party, songwriter from Maine has proved an lives, You’re Not Missing Anything and full sound of his guitar and full- extremely popular performer who lovely I Might Be Broken Now, both from his throated vocal proved positively robust, tempers his superbly crafted but very new album HANG YOUR HOPES ON A shaking off any dust you might’ve downbeat songs with a great deal of CROOKED NAIL, were emotional break-up expected from your typical troubadour. humour. songs. There was one happy song, Angels Because, although he may now ply his ‘If you woke up this morning thinking And Acrobats, introduced with an apology trade on a club-by-club, solo basis, Case that you wanted to hear that it wasn’t downbeat. That may all has always been a balls-to-the-walls about welding and unemployment then sound pretty bleak but Rod Picott is not proponent of his power-pop beginnings— you’ve come to the right show,’ he told us. just one of the best songwriters around from the days of his membership in That is pretty much what we expected and a very fine performer but he is so full Moustache Sandwich, Pig Nation, or the and what we got right from the start. He of funny stories and anecdotes that there more familiar Nerves and the criminally- opened with two songs co-written with was a lot more laughter than tears during overlooked Plimsouls. Since then, Case his old schoolmate Slaid Cleaves, Welding this highly enjoyable gig. Keith Clark has crafted 11 delicious recordings which

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Laura Cantrell

St Andrews in the Square,

Glasgow, October 4, 2013

Laura Cantrell and Glasgow go back a long way, all of 14 years when her first album NOT THE TREMBLIN’ KIND was put out on the city’s Spit and Polish label. Her latest NO WAY THERE FROM HERE, from which we were treated to several examples during this excellent evening, is also out on that label. In between Laura has made several visits to Glasgow and before this the most recent being three years ago to support the then newly formed Celtic Connections Festival. This time, during a short seven-date UK tour, she was lending her considerable status to the later arrival, Glasgow Americana, or ‘old time country music for posh folk’ as she jokingly referred to it. The 90-minute set comprised a cross section from all of Laura’s albums and the latest NO WAY THERE FROM HERE, which I Peter Case © Eric G Thom was hearing for the first time, sounds well up to the previous high standard. In have attracted a who’s who of bigger Moving over to piano, Case dipped into addition to the title track I loved She name talent to their making—people who an older Dylan track, Black Crow Blues, and Sent and the latest song that Laura has have, as friends or fans, simply wanted to a Jimmy Reed single, Caress Me, Baby— co-written with her close friend Amy rub shoulders with him. The acid test is, of both played in a wonderfully bluesy style. Allison, Can’t Wait. From her debut album course, the songs themselves—which are With his trusty six-string in tow, Case the title track was saved for the closing bona fide works of art on a one-to-one performed another of the evening’s number, prior to a 15-minute encore it has basis, but which fully blossom in the highlights in Underneath The Stars, to be noted, the heart-rending Do You Ever context of the he builds around followed by another, Ain’t Gonna Worry No Think Of Me and the unamplified audience them. Yet, when Case rips into a slow More. Telling of a song he penned after a participation of The Whiskey Makes You blues beauty like Old Car Blues, he stills any Toronto Ultrasound show, later recorded Sweeter were prominent. The poignant room with the superb quality of both his with Richard Thompson, he lit into the When The Roses Bloom Again was of course exceptional voice and his accomplished, spunky The World Turns Every 24 Hours, included as was Making Believe and Kitty equally-emotive guitar-playing. revealing yet another facet of his vocal Wells Dresses from the album Laura Always having wanted to be ‘an strengths. By request, he performed what dedicated to the first lady of country itinerant blues singer,’ Case has to be one of his most perfect music. The first item of the three song acknowledged that he’s really had no compositions, Blue Distance from FLYING encore Just Someone I Used To Know was a drive at all, career-wise, before breaking SAUCER BLUES, followed by Cold Trail Blues, beautiful tribute to a friend and one of into Broke Down Engine—having some fun from the same album, also recorded by Laura’s heroes, the recently passed with it. This was followed by two fantastic Chris Smither. Another Dylan cover, Long Cowboy . new compositions—thus far title-less and Time Gone, accompanying himself on Accomplished guitarist and unrecorded and two of the evening’s high 12-string with its full orchestral effect, he player Mark Spencer, just off a successful points. Setting up the song, Walk In The closed the show with ’s tour with , provided sturdy Woods, Case entertained the crowd with Steady Rollin’ Man, digging into the simple instrumental support throughout and was hilarious tales surrounding the sorts of blues classic to mine a hard-played, thick very good on some harmony vocals too. horror stories he has lived in his post- and muddy groove. He hadn’t quite left Sturdy is a good word to describe Spencer show ‘accommodations’ (to use the word the stage before he was called back for as he is built like an American quarterback lightly). As he played, you could see him more, ending with The Words In Red—as if and probably doubles as Laura’s minder getting lost, trance-like, in the guitar parts, he needed to do anything more to on tour. Mention should also be made of clearly immersing himself into the completely win over his rapt audience. , who opened the evening moment. Eric G. Thom with an entertaining set and the

22 Maverick PICKIN’ & GRINNIN’

agreeable manner of getting an audience ’s Little Sadie all stood out to his albums (LIVE AT THE BLUE DOOR and on side that comes from 25 years in the whilst they offered just one number from FROM THE GROUND UP) you’ll know that is business. His song Angel Flight may in the WAY UP ON THE HILL, a rather ‘tongue in far from true… This 25 year old has been words of Darden’s recent album, AFTER cheek’ drinking song, Whiskey. An collecting critically acclaimed reviews on ALL THESE YEARS, be just the signature excellent first set guaranteed rather brisk both sides of the Atlantic and received song he deserves. business on the merchandise counter Grammy and AMA nominations for his A promising business career recently before the band opened the second set studio album. He’s drawn favourable restarted after a gap of several years, a with the title track from their debut album; comparisons with the likes of Randy singing voice and composing flair to die a tale of witnessing dark deeds! Another Newman, and Woody Guthrie for, writing interesting and informative new song Little Bird and Good Way To Make (he comes from the same part of pieces for a whole range of publications, A Bad Man Worse, inspired by Douglas as the Dust Bowl Troubadour) utilising her deep knowledge of the Hurd’s comments on the prison system and no less a figure than the ‘godfather of history of country music to put together when he was Home Secretary, ensured Tin Pan Alley’ , has predicted radio programmes that puts the rest of the the standard set earlier was maintained. that Fullbright is going to become a stuff about these days to shame, Laura Other highlights were Superman My household name in American music. High Cantrell has the breadth of talent that Brother, Evangeline and the closing praise indeed and if Fullbright feels any most of us would give an arm for just a number, Strawberry Leaves before the pressure in living up to these small piece of. This splendid concert was a band encored with the gorgeous ballad expectations—he shouldn’t, because he is not to be missed opportunity to catch up The Song, another from the debut an extraordinarily talented writer. with her and many thanks to all of those album. At his third London show this year, whose efforts made it possible. Hatful of Rain is certainly a band to Fullbright performed solo, accompanying Paul Collins watch. All four members contribute their himself on guitar, organ and harmonica. songwriting skills and their musicianship He’s won the hearts and minds of the and stage presence is first class. Chloe has London audience—all his shows have been Hatful of Rain a voice to die for and she displays a sell-outs. As a measure of the mutual maturity more in keeping with the elder respect between the musician and his Bournemouth Rock Café, statesmen in the band. It is no surprise fans, he was happy to try out some brand that they are in demand on the folk and new songs, even one that he’d attempted October 13, 2013 festival circuit and anyone who enjoys the previous night on guitar that he wasn’t their music with an Appalachian feel altogether happy with but here he tried it After delivering a stunning set at the would inevitably enjoy their live show. out on the organ. My guess at a title is Child Purbeck Folk Festival, it was only fitting Local singer-song writers, brother and In The Mirror and it will hopefully find its that Brighton based bluegrass/old timey/ sister, Catherine and Bobby Burke got way on to the new album he is going to folk/roots band Hatful of Rain should things underway with individual short start recording when he comes off the headline at Bournemouth Folk Club’s sets showcasing their own excellent road. He’s been touring pretty much latest venue, the Bournemouth Rock Café. material. Sadly, the BFC’s regular home non-stop for the last 18 months and I‘m With an excellent album WAY UP ON THE The Centre Stage had to close and Paul not the only one who is eagerly HILL already under their belt and another Burke and his small team have worked anticipating his next recording. in the offing, it was no surprise when they wonders to keep the club alive by finding He closed out the night with a request came to the notice of the likes of Bob suitable venues almost on a week by shouted from the crowd: Nowhere To Be Harris at BBC Radio 2. The band, Chloe week basis. The Bournemouth Rock Café Found and Jimmy Webb’s If You See Me Overton, Fred Gregory, James Shenton is rather compact but houses the most Getting Smaller. A standing ovation and Phil Jones adopt the single amazing collection of music memorabilia. brought Fullbright back for a final song—I microphone technique, Del McCoury style Hopefully before long the BFC’s nomadic think it was another new one as I don’t and use a variety of instruments that they existence will come to an end and they recall hearing it before and I’ve seen him interchange on a regular basis throughout will find another settled home. play a good number of times over the past their sets with pretty much everyone John Roffey six years. As a reviewer, it is so satisfying having a turn on mandolin, guitar, Dobro, to see a shy teenager blossom into a fiddle, harmonica and double bass. The respected writer and confident performer. lovely Chloe Overton took much of the John Fullbright Fullbright has paid attention to the manner vocal lead with Fred Gregory and Phil in which his heroes (including Townes Van Jones chipping in with the odd number Purcell Room, London, Zandt and ) constructed whilst contributing some superb songs; he’s paid heed to advice offered to harmonies. September 27, 2013 him by older and wiser musicians, he’s The first set focussed largely on learned from those he’s opened for, those material for the forthcoming album and In Daydreamer John Fullbright sings: ‘I’m he’s listened to, however, he is anything some of the numbers were yet to receive a young man today/That’s got nothing but an imitator. Fullbright’s own voice is titles. Never Hear Me Complain, Train In The left to say about tomorrow’ which if assured, as too is his place in the annals of Distance, the instrumental Stranger and you’ve ever seen him play live or listened Oklahoma’s musical traditions. Jela Webb

Maverick 23 THE GIG ROOM

Welcome to our Gig Room section and this month we have the story of ‘King of the Blues’ B.B.King’s beloved Gibson guitar Lucille. In a new book, avid guitar collector Eric E. Dahl describes the guitars and gear used by King throughout his career. The book was inspired by a chance find in an American pawn shop and Dahl’s emotional meeting with the legend himself. On page 26, we move away from the traditional and give you the details of the innovative all- titanium Gittler guitar. The Gittler guitar was patented in 1978 and, 35 years later, the bodiless guitar is back.

King of the Blues and his beloved Gibson guitar A chance find at a pawn shop led to an extensive history of B.B. King’s instruments and gear

It seems that it loves to be petted and signature model, include the fine-tuner played with. There’s also a certain tailpiece, the semi-hollow body with no “way you hold it, the certain noises it sound-holes and, of course, the name that makes, the way it excites me ... and Lucille has adorned his guitars throughout his don’t want to play anything but the blues ... career: Lucille. Lucille is real, when I play her it’s almost like hearing words, and of course, naturally Body: Laminated maple, Maple centre I hear cries.” — B.B. King, liner notes from block Neck/Profile the album, Lucille, 1968. Fingerboard/Inlay: Ebony/Pearl block Scale/Nut Width: 24 3/4″/1 11/16″ The exciting new book, B.B. King’s Binding: Multi-ply top and headstock , Lucille and the Loves Before Her, by Eric E. single-ply fingerboard and back Dahl brings its readers on a journey Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic/TP-6 through the guitars and gear B.B. King has Hardware: Gold used over the years, leading up to his Pickups: 490R Alnico magnet humbucker, infamous ‘Lucille’. B.B. King is well known 490T Alnico magnet humbucker as the “King of the Blues,” and his beloved Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way Gibson guitar Lucille is his choice switch, six-position Varitone, stereo/mono instrument for letting the blues come out jacks and painting his stories. B.B. King’s Lucille Finish: Cherry, Ebony. and the Loves Before Her explores all the guitars, amplifiers, and various other gear that the blues legend In the mid-1950s, while B.B. was performing at a dance in Twist, has used since he began playing in the 1930s. Arkansas when a few fans became unruly. Two men got into a fight and knocked over a kerosene stove, setting fire to the hall, The book was painstakingly researched in order to present a B.B. raced outdoors to safety when he realised that he had left his historical travelogue through the blues artist’s greatest gear. It beloved $30 (£18) acoustic guitar inside, so he risked back inside begins with the diddley bow B.B. King played in the Mississippi the burning building to retrieve it, regardless of the danger at cotton fields as a boy and continuing through to the current hand. When B.B. discovered that the fight had been over a generation of Gibson-made Lucille guitars that the King cradles woman named Lucille, he decided to give the name to his guitar on present day stages - but there’s also a fascinating story behind to remind him never to do a crazy thing like fight over a woman. Nashville-based author Eric E. Dahl’s inspiration for writing such Since then, every one of B.B.’s trademark Gibson guitars has been an authoritative debut book. christened Lucille.

In the history of music, there has never been a guitar Over many years, B.B. has developed one of the world’s most associated with one musician in quite the same way as blues identifiable guitar styles. His influences include Blind Lemon legend B.B. King is linked to his beloved Lucille – a custom-built Jefferson and T-Bone Walker and others. King combines precise Gibson -355 manufactured exclusively for the true King of the and complex vocal-like string bends with a left hand vibrato Blues. B.B. King is not just one of the most renowned blues - both of which have become essential components of rock musicians of our time but he is also one of the most important guitarists’ vocabulary. His every-note-counts phrasing has electric guitarists of all time – the emotion of his songs is a result become a model for thousands of players, from Eric Clapton and of beautiful craftsmanship. to Jeff Beck. B.B. has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In B.B. King had been playing Gibsons for over 40 years when he B.B.’s words: “When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop and Gibson joined forces in 1982. B.B.’s personal touches on his singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille.”

24 Maverick Guitar enthusiast and collector, Eric Dahl, has now written an “Nobody else had done a book about Mr. King’s music gear,” said exciting new book about B.B. King, Lucille and his guitars, Dahl. “The book was three years of research. It wasn’t easy, but I’m following a discovery of a lifetime in a Las Vegas pawnshop. glad I finished it…I just wanted to get it right. There’s a lot of fakes The owner of the shop had contacted Dahl, an avid collector, in out there, and verification of the guitars was very important for me.” 2009 to say he had an 80th anniversary Lucille . Along with full descriptions of the guitars King has used, this “I’ve played guitar since I was 5, and have collected guitars new book shares insider stories from the people who have travelled since high school,” Dahl said. “I started going to pawn shops in alongside him over the years, including his rhythm guitarist Cape to look at guitars, and I continued that when I moved to and drummer. Las Vegas. I got in good with some of the owners, and I told them to let me know if something interesting ever came in. Contents also include: A Foreword written by B.B. King, the entire history of B.B. King’s gear including guitars, amps, and more, Eric Dahl was excited as soon as he saw it: “Lucille is a Gibson Dahl’s fascinating story of returning King’s stolen Lucille, an guitar with a personalised B.B. King style,” regardless of its eight-page colour section with detailed pictures of King’s guitars poor condition. “Gibson put out the anniversary models in and concert images and complete specs, serialisation, and current 2005, and the one in the pawnshop had been scratched pretty values of King’s signature models. good. But being a huge fan of Mr. King, I wanted to buy it.” It’s not just for fans of the King of Blues though – anyone with an Upon inspecting the guitar further, Dahl realised this was interest in great musicians, great guitars, and how the two come more than just an assembly-line model. In fact the guitar together will be swept up in both the facts that Dahl has researched sported a small stamp on its back reading ‘Prototype 1.’ “That and the narrative provider by those close to King. started my research” said Dahl. “I learned from sources in the guitar world that Gibson made 80 anniversary Lucilles, but B.B. King’s Lucille and the Loves Before Her pulls together a great there were also two prototype models made. Then I contacted deal of previously scattered facts, anecdotes, and information on a Gibson representative who told me that the Prototype 1 the creation of the Gibson Signature Lucille model, the variety of electric guitar had been stolen from King’s in the summer guitars from 1937 to today, and a number of musicians, luthiers, of 2009.” and artists, who became a part of B.B. King’s story. From why King played certain guitars, to pyrography and how his signature guitar A Gibson representative told Dahl that Gibson had indeed saved his life, it dives into the history of guitars and blues music. presented the Prototype I model to King as an 80th birthday present in 2005. The guitar had been used as B.B. Kings main “Mr. B.B. King is the chairman of the blues guitar. He gave birth to guitar during performances and distraught King was actually Michael Bloomfield, Peter Green, me, and hundreds of thousands of in tears when he found out it was gone. other musicians. His guitar...it’s the gateway to our souls!” says Carlos Santana, Grammy Award-winning guitarist. Dahl met with King at the legend’s offices in Las Vegas in November 2009. Dahl returned the guitar free of charge and “Peanut butter and jelly, biscuits and gravy, BB and Lucille. was so inspired at meeting the legend and “one of the nicest Heavenly together and simply meant to be. Does it get much people [he’d] ever met” that he had the idea to write B.B. King’s better? Thanks, BB...for inspiring us all!” says , Lucille and The Loves Before Her. King was so grateful to be Grammy and CMA-Winning Guitarist. reunited with his beloved Lucille that he even arranged for Dahl to receive a brand-new autographed Lucille from Gibson. www.bbkingbook.com

Maverick 25 THE GIG ROOM ‘Overcome traditionalism’ with Gittler Gittler’s all-titanium guitar: Even the most traditional designs have room for improvements

“The basic elements of vibration are the only truly indispensable elements at play when making sound”

he evolution of the guitar has gone from 9th century lutes to 20th century electric guitars. However, one thing T has remained largely similar: All guitars have a neck and body. Until now. The Gittler Guitar is the brainchild of musician and minimalist artist Alan Gittler, whose vision in the 1970s was to strip away individual elements of a functional product to find the most basic element of its construction that could not be removed. He discovered that, although wood had been used in guitar construction from the very start, it was not necessary for the function of the instrument. “The basic elements of vibration are the only truly indispensable elements at play when making sound,” he said. This led him to strip away all Design and functionality meet in all areas of the guitar. All 31 the elements of a traditional guitar until he was left with a frets are perfectly cylindrical. Aside from looking modern, a perfectly functional instrument that consisted of little more than cylinder provides the smallest possible contact area for the string. pickups, strings, frets and basic tuning machines. This original Having perfectly defined fret spacing provides perfect intonation Gittler Guitar was patented in 1978, and, 35 years later, it’s back. and note quality. Furthermore, the guitar can be played beyond the 31st fret and onto the pickup casing, and all the way down to The team behind the new guitar say that “the guitar is due for the tuner at the instrument’s base. It’s been called ‘Infinite Gliss’ another step in its natural evolution.” This has manifested itself as – having over four octaves available all the time is something that an instrument crafted entirely of aircraft-grade titanium – no very few guitarists can experience. traditional wood on show here – and with nothing to particularly single it out as a guitar at all. The tuning system consists of a The Gittler is also the first and only guitar in the world with six ‘tuning lock’ system that clamps down on each string, with no discrete transducers. Each string has its own individual pickup, winding involved. This makes both tuning and changing a string which is magnetically shielded to completely isolate it from simple and fast. crosstalk. All are custom-wound with high purity copper and wax-coated to reduce microphonics. The company say that the They realise that many people will take a while to adjust to net effect is similar to ‘removing years of dirt and grime off an old such a radical, and downright bizarre, way of playing a guitar. window. The tone you were searching for was always there, it was They are offering an acrylic ‘Gittler Guard’ accessory, which simply coated with too much artifice to shine through.’ serves as a removable guitar neck, to give a more traditional playing experience. While there’s no volume control, bass and The Gittler retails at a ‘discounted’ rate of $3,995 (£2,500). As a treble can be adjusted with knobs on the guitar. The Gittler is piece of design, however, it is priceless. 100% electric (no acoustic open-mic nights here), and comes with broad MIDI compatibility. www.gittlerinstruments.com/gittler-guitar

26 Maverick

Danielle Bradbery HEART OF DIXIE

o you know what would be way better than me standing up here, trying to sing a Danielle Bradbery song…is if Danielle Bradbery came out Dhere and sang her own song!” He paused for a dramatic moment to allow the crowd’s full voiced approval to peak, and then friend, mentor and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton welcomed his protégé to the stage. The 17 year old arrived to the strains of debut single Heart Of Dixie and with a confi dent smile and wave delivered a smooth, polished performance to a crowd of nearly 20,000.

Until recent months, this same young woman routinely sang for an audience of two. Her stepfather and brother enjoyed those after school performances from the other side of Danielle’s closed bedroom door as she practised and perfected, repeating the same song over and again until the delivery felt right, and until her stepfather emerged from his offi ce to plead: ‘Hey, change the song!’ No plan, no goal, no music lessons, Danielle simply sang. Then auditions for reality competition The Voice came to nearby Austin, and her mother decided that Danielle’s talent deserved a hearing.

At her audition Danielle wore cowboy boots and an irrepressible smile, delivering Taylor Swift’s Mean in a pitch perfect performance that compelled three of four coaches to turn their chairs and court her favour. Adam Levine talked ; Usher offered Justin Bieber tickets, but Shelton was certain that this girl could be a teenaged star in country music. He won the heart and allegiance of the young girl from Cypress, Texas, ultimately taking Danielle to The Voice fi nale and to select cities on his autumn 2013 Ten Times Crazier tour where she performed Heart Of Dixie to whoops and hollers of ‘But she didn’t know ‘til she enthusiasm. hit the road, deep in her soul she’s got the fire and the fight The debut single is a tale of hope, a fi t for Danielle’s generous, upbeat personality in spite of the song’s mature of a gypsy, ain’t nothing stronger subject matter. Heart Of Dixie is the story of a woman who fi nds than the heart of Dixie.’ the courage to leave her hard-drinking husband, driving away to a new life. ‘But she didn’t know ‘til she hit the road, deep in Confederacy during the Civil War. Both songs are a solid her soul she’s got the fi re and the fi ght of a gypsy, ain’t nothing match for Texas native Danielle Bradbery. stronger than the heart of Dixie.’ The song has a traditional country feel, a warm melody and catchy chorus, similar to the For her album, Danielle explains: “We were shooting to stay songs that Bradbery performed on television, the songs that true to country,” and for that reason the one country-pop tune won her enough viewer votes to claim The Voice title for the on the album Never Like This was considered, but then rejected spring 2013 season. as the fi rst single from the self-titled debut. There are 11 tracks on the November 25 release from Big Machine label group, 11 Her coach had a plan for that competition; he introduced tracks that Bradbery selected very carefully, listening closely Danielle to once popular, now older country tunes and invited to decide whether the music would appeal to teenagers. Says her to make those songs new again for a younger generation. Danielle: “I think that most of the songs will relate to people Her breakout song on the television show, Maybe It Was my age. I mean it’s always good to have all ages connect with Memphis, was originally recorded by and released in the songs; that makes it even better. But I made sure that even 1991. Like Heart Of Dixie the song is a mid-tempo ballad with a if this wasn’t my song, I’d still want to listen to it and thought clear reference to the American South in the song title. about whether 17 year olds would listen to this. I feel strongly Memphis is a southern city; Dixie is both the name of a woman about the songs picked for my album, and I’m really excited!” and the name given to the southern states that joined the Danielle feels that two songs in particular from her debut

28 Maverick DANIELLE BRADBERY

“i was so nervous, and it made me feel so much better to have my best friend and sister experience this with me”

album will connect with younger listeners. “There’s one of my She was thrilled to attend her school’s homecoming dance with songs called Dance Hall; I think it has teenager or even younger her boyfriend, posting a photograph of the pair to Twitter, and written all over it. It’s a fun, young love song.” Co-written by prompting an immediate reaction from the ever protective Blake former The Voice contestant , the romantic chorus Shelton. ‘No ma’am’ he tweeted in response. fi nds a young couple together in a peaceful country setting under the night sky. ‘But baby we could string the stars over these corn She doesn’t get too much time at home these days. Bradbery stalks, and we could turn your truck into an old jukebox. Just take recently fi lmed an appearance on Hart of Dixie, a comedic drama my hand baby and we could fall. Let’s turn this open fi eld into an now in its thi rd television season. Danielle appears as herself, old dance hall.’ The second song, laughs Danielle, “says it in the singing her incidentally, but appropriately named debut single for title! It’s called Young In America and it’s awesome!” The open road an episode that will air later this year. The new country star is also beckons with a clear invitation as the lyrics name check cities slated to join Brad Paisley on his extended Beat this Summer tour, across the country. ‘Let’s crank up the truck, kick up some dust, allowing thousands more the opportunity to hear her voice soar. leave it all behind, just you and me baby.’ She has a clean, pure tone across an extended range with its DANIELLE BRADBERY is produced by Dann Huff, who also worked greatest strength in the upper register. Both her live performance with another young artist on his 2011 self-titled debut. Hunter and recorded vocals fall easily on the ears, amenable to frequent Hayes joined Bradbery for a wildly popular duet of his hit single I and repeated plays. Like her idol Carrie Underwood, Danielle Want Crazy on The Voice fi nale, a performance that currently has enjoys singing power ballads. She chose two of those for her more than 1.2 million YouTube views. subsequently album, My Day and I Will Never Forget You. “Both are really presented Danielle with a brand new guitar, and she’s eager for powerful songs that have breakout high notes that I love,” she lessons! She’d like to develop her instrumental skills and loves the says. She describes My Day as an inspirational song, and has no piano, but admits that the only song she currently plays well is The diffi culty connecting with the lyrics. “It’s about being inspired and Climb by Miley Cyrus. having this one day that you fi nally reach your goal. It was my day when I won The Voice!” She fi nds the words toI Will Never Danielle listens to all kinds of music, including Miley Cyrus. Forget You equally as powerful. “It has these lines that, wow, get to While country is always her fi rst choice, she also enjoys rhythm you,” says Danielle. Whether it’s a broken relationship, a and blues and is often surrounded by the music that her move out of town or a death in the family, the memory will mother’s family prefers. She loves Christina Aguilera and listens always remain. non-stop to Carrie Underwood on radio Pandora. She likes Miley’s older songs and even new release Wrecking Ball, but fi nds Cyrus’ Bradbery confi rms that she had signifi cant input into the video for the song, well, “a little different.” selection of songs for the new album. Unfortunately, the short turnaround time for her major label debut did not allow her to There are no wrecking balls in Bradbery’s new for participate in the songwriting process, but Danielle is very Heart Of Dixie. There are fl owers, butterfl ies and smiles. The interested in writing and collaborating on new songs in the storyline includes Danielle’s sister and her best friend, both of future. Will she follow label mate Taylor Swift’s lead and draw her whom were invited to Nashville to join the singer for the fi lming. songs from personal experience? Specifi cally, should Danielle’s Says Danielle: “I was so nervous, and it made me feel so much new boyfriend be worried? She laughs, “I don’t know! I mean, better to have my best friend and sister experience this with me.” maybe Taylor and I can work on something later on…” A genuine, Time spent with best friend Haley, nights slept in her own bed and gracious manner, a good sense of humour and a winning voice— the occasional visit to her hometown high school help to keep Danielle Bradbery is poised for a solid debut and a warm Danielle grounded amid the overwhelming changes of the past welcome to country music. Holley Dey few months. She enjoys days in the sun and rides on horseback.

Maverick 29 The Stray Birds

21st year Celtic Connections comes of age

lasgow’s big annual midwinter musical jamboree, Celtic Connections, may come of age in 2014, but there are G way more than 21 reasons to consider a visit in a year that many are saying will be its best to date. As in previous years, Americana takes centre stage alongside top names from the folk, world, indie and jazz communities, with a strong representation that includes well-established acts together with the best emerging talent. Over 2000 musicians will be in Glasgow for the event which is staged between January 16 and February 2. The list of big hitters includes the multi-Grammy-winning who will showcase her incomparable style as she gives a world premiere performance backed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. also has Continuing the back-to-roots direction of 2012’s TALES FROM a City Halls show. Another of the big draws is expected to be THE BARREL HOUSE, and his recent involvement with The Full Bobby Womack who will showcase material from his 2012 English digital archive project, Seth Lakeman’s forthcoming album, THE BRAVEST MAN IN THE UNIVERSE, his first all-new seventh album WORD OF MOUTH, due out in 2014, finds the recording since 1994. Mercury-nominated singer, songwriter and fiddler revisiting and Colorado-based five-piece, Elephant Revival, will make their UK revitalising the oral folk tradition, in new songs inspired by stories debut at the event with a headline show at the city’s Old and memories collected around his native West Country. Fruitmarket, arriving with a brand new album, THESE CHANGING After the sell-out, standing-ovation success of 2013’s inaugural SKIES, which has been winning the band rave Stateside reviews. outing, the Roaming Roots Revue returns to celebrate the music Hot Pennsylvania trio, The Stray Birds, tipped by many to be on of Laurel Canyon, that fabled LA neighbourhood which, for a the verge of a major breakthrough, are also included and will kick decade or so from the mid-1960s, rang with the era-defining off their first major UK and tour at the event. sounds of residents and regulars like Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, The Collaboration and camaraderie at the festival can’t be Doors, the Mamas and the Papas, Frank Zappa, Crosby Stills Nash discussed without mentioning Transatlantic Sessions, the jewel in & Young, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, and Nico. the crown of the festival. This year’s crème de la crème of US and Revisiting songs from this hugely-influential time and place Celtic talent includes Shawn Colvin and together alongside their own work, a cross-generational array of artists with Transatlantic regulars Darrell Scott and Tim O’Brien who includes rising alt.country star Lindi Ortega, gritty-voiced recently released their long-anticipated duo album, roots-rocker Cory Chisel and avant-folk powerhouse Lau. Curated MEMORIES & MOMENTS. and hosted again by Roddy Hart, with his Lonesome Fire line-up Suzanne Vega, ranked as one of the most durable and versatile as house band, the show will feature performers both individually artists of her generation having originally spearheaded the 1980s and in fresh collaborative combinations. wave of literate, folk-based female singer-songwriters, will Among the star attractions appearing under the introduce material from her next album, while Jenny Ritter from banner are Capercaillie who celebrate their 30th year together Vancouver, will bring her acoustic trio in for a double bill show with a main stage show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Blazin’ that will also feature Boston-based progressive bluegrass kings, , , who is always one of the most popular Joy Kills Sorrow. Ritter was co-founder of critically-acclaimed artistes to appear, Lúnasa who will be performing a selection roots country band The Gruff, and since releasing her debut solo from their back-catalogue of seven superb albums, and the big album, BRIGHT MAINLAND, has become firmly established as a good-time band, The Treacherous Orchestra. Festival favourites must-see performer in her native Canada. Session A9, The Peatbog Faeries, Karine Polwart, Salsa Celtica and Imelda May—arguably one of the most incredible musical Kathleen MacInnes, all add more class to the line-up. success stories to come out of Ireland in recent years—with Others who are sure to attract a lot of attention are Quebecois at the heart of her electrifying live performances— hot shots, De Temps Antan, Sweden’s folk ambassadors, Vasen, shares the stage with Brighton-based band, The Mountain Mull Historical Society, , Stockton’s Wing, Robbie Firework Company, in a pairing that is bound to attract a capacity McIntosh, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, RANT and The Ollam. crowd. The Milk Carton Kids fly in for their own show, and At the time of going to press it was clear that there were still , Aoife O’ and Sturgill Simpson each some late additions to come. For full programme details and to have their own shows included in the programme. book tickets, please visit www.celticconnections.com. John Lees

30 Maverick Nashville Notebook By Chuck Schultz

Under The Radar Randy Houser — Where Mick Jagger meets Hank Williams Sr. Inside The Row

hris Janson is not only an amazing entertainer, he’s a ward Season kicked off on Sunday October 13 at the top-notch harp player and grade A songwriter. Making Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame as they inducted Chis bones co-writing the hit song made famous by Tim A four for this year’s class; frontman Randy McGraw, Truck Yeah. “I double booked the write with LoCash Owen, Will Jennings, Layng Martine Jr. and Jeffrey Steele. The Cowboys and Danny Myrick. I had the appointment with Danny evening was also a highlight for Taylor Swift who was named on the books and then LoCash called and said: ‘We’re free Songwriter/Artist of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters tomorrow, wanna write?’ And I said: ‘Sure, but I’m also writing Association International for the 6th year, more than any other with Danny, so can we all do it together?’ They already knew artist and she is still the youngest to win the Award. Danny so they said: ‘Sure,’ and we got all together and decided to work together and when I pulled up in my truck, Preston Ronnie Dunn and Corporate Country Radio in the United (Brust of LoCash Cowboys) came up to me and said: ‘Man I love States have been going back and forth over what is seen as your truck!’ I said the alternative to ‘Truck Yeah’ as you can ‘corporate playlists,’ and how artists that aren’t with major imagine and he stopped me there and said: ‘No, no, no man, labels are getting played. “I don’t have enough money for truck yeah!’ and I was like: ‘Done!’ So we sat there and I started payola, I was given the riot act for going into the label business doing this boot stompin’ melody on the guitar and Preston and and all the hoops and people you need to ‘do extra things’ to Chris (Lucas, the other half of LoCash Cowboys) broke out their get stuff done.” Part of the problem is one person gives you laptops and started out writing stuff and Danny came up with access to a certain number of radio stations, hence they the initial intro lick and I started rapping off words like: ‘Little control what is being played. It’s disheartening to me again, Wayne pumping on my iPod’ and everybody started fi lling in what you really have to do to get a song played. So what is words from there and it was absolutely everybody’s idea at the Ronnie Dunn going to do then? “I’m taking it to the streets same time.” man, play the beer joints, go grassroots, it’s way more fun now, yeah I benefi ted from the big ride, but it’s great to be out there But Janson isn’t all about writing, when you get the with the fans.” opportunity to see him live, you’ll be not only in awe at his Jaggeresque mannerisms (especially on the harmonica), but his Randy Houser celebrated his second number one song, genuine love of what he does. You cannot fake how real this Running Out Of Moonlight. Industry insiders and guy is. When playing the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville representatives gathered to honour Houser and writers, recently for a Opry Country Classics, Janson decided on playing Davidson, , and Kelly Lovelace. “It was kind of Hank Williams Sr. “I had to man, Hank Sr. means more to me as rushed, we were ready to go in and cut the album but thought an artist, I felt the need to honour him.” I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In we needed another song or two. When Dallas called and told Love With You), I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, and Lovesick Blues, me about the song, and I heard the hook, we rushed in, cut the brought gasps of awe as Janson played Hank Sr in a way song and got it in time for the new album. I’m so glad I did I nobody else could or would dare. “I’m honoured to play the truly love this song,” said Houser. Randy Houser is an Opry every time, either at the Opry House or at the Ryman, it is wonderful vocalist and Running Out Of Moonlight, will probably my ultimate goal to be named to the .” end up being his signature song.

Chris Janson © Kelly E Schultz Maverick 31 roots of country Rose Maddox

his time a look at the colourful career and music of the Further helping hands showed them how to navigate their way one and only Rose Maddox, known both as a solo singer through the freight yards and ensure they jumped trains headed in T and through her part with the family band The Maddox the right direction, so that, after around three weeks they found Brothers and Rose. Even without her music, though, Rose Maddox themselves in Glendale, . They then headed north to had a life well worth telling. Originally from Boaz, Alabama, Rose Oakland and settled for a short time in an area known as Pipe City, was one of five children, born to Charlie and Lula Maddox who where massive concrete water pipes were made and while waiting made their living as sharecropping cotton farmers. The family to be installed, were used as homes. So incredible was the Maddox were surrounded by music and poverty. Allegedly, one of Charlie story that the local paper came out to see them and a major story Maddox’s brothers, Foncy, was a musician and singer with a great was run on the family who had trekked the USA looking for work local reputation and it was no surprise that all of the Maddox with a picture of the seven of them. After their epic journey the children were encouraged from an early age to play music. Maddox Family, like so many other refugees, had to scratch out a living any way they could, and the children developed more life experience in this time than most would in a life time.

THE MADDOX FAMILY... HAD TO SCR ATCH OUT A LIVING ANY WAY THEY COULD...

I will now jump ahead to 1937, by which time the Maddox children had adopted music. Fred was the persuader, the smooth talker, who found them work at a radio station in Modesto, California when he took to the airwaves with brothers Cliff and Cal and sister Rose, who was the girl singer they had to have to get the job. Their experience was nil, but their confidence was sky-high as they soon adopted the name The Maddox Brothers and Rose, and drew an amazing number of fan letters. Their radio station work, like all others, brought no pay, just advertising to enable them to play live shows.

As well as adopting the name that would last them throughout, they also ‘acquired’ their mother Lula as manager. This was not a trivial event as Lula was a domineering woman who would control the brothers, and particularly Rose, throughout her life.

The radio job was literally busking on air for the band. They learned as they played, and weekends found them looking for one of the many rodeos in the area where they would seek out a bar and play for tips. Even more life experience as the bars, not surprisingly, Finance was the greatest problem; times were hard and getting would be rowdy places, full of folk who would have been drinking harder and in 1933, driven by Lula, who would play a dominant for most of the day, and young Rose, then 12 years of age, was in the role in all of their lives, the Maddox family headed for better times middle of them delivering her songs. in California, originally in search of the gold that no longer existed. This was not any old migration but a journey of 2500 Lula controlled the funds, and most of the money was invested in miles across the USA with no means of transport and little in the outfits for the band who straightaway adopted the flamboyant style way of money to see them through. Nor did they have much of a of dress that would earn them the title ‘The Most Colourful Hillbilly plan so they set off with a combination of walking and hitching Band In America.’ Fred, as I said above, was the natural front man rides to get them to the new promised land. and also the one with the ideas, but as he later recalled, had it not been for mother Lula’s permanent presence, he doubted very much There would have been little traffic on the roads in 1933, and if his older brothers Cal and Cliff would have taken orders from him. what was there would not be perhaps keen or equipped to pick up a family of seven with their possessions in a suitcase. It took them They worked hard at finding material, listening to and learning three days to reach Birmingham and one of Lula’s brothers who songs from the radio stations library of 78rpm records and also had a house and a job there. The family had never been in a big picking up songs from other radio stations. The original line up of city before but, undaunted, carried on with their journey. In Fred, Cal, Cliff and Rose Maddox was also augmented by brother Meridian, Mississippi, around 200 miles down, only another 2,300 Don, who was more or less directed by Lula to take up the fiddle, and to go and ironically the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, they were in true family tradition he learned ‘on the job’ often playing with his introduced to the joys of riding the freight trains and showed the back to the audience, such was his awareness of his lack of ability in ropes of how to board the slow moving trains. the early days of his joining the band.

32 Maverick ROOTS OF COUNTRY

Like many of their era, the Maddox career was brought to a never maintained proper records, and there was always a view sudden halt by the USA’s involvement in World War Two, All the amongst artists that they kept two sets of books, one to show the boys registered for the draft and Fred and Cal were soon in the artists how poorly they were selling and one . army, followed by Don, whilst Cliff was exempted with rheumatic fever and the youngest brother, Henry was still too young. The Listening to these early recordings today it is obvious that Rose band just about carried on with Rose playing bass in the absence was the main reason for the band’s popularity. Although they had of Fred, supported by Cliff and Don, although the radio work came a unique style, exuberant and bouncy, and at times others sang to a halt. lead, it was Rose that really stood out. Listen to Rose belting out Hank Williams’ Honky Tonkin or slowing down Woody Guthrie’s It was during this period that Rose was married, and although Philadelphia Lawyer and you realise this is some singer. Fortunately, the union produced her only child, a son who became known as not only are many of the 4 Star recordings available on CD today, Donnie, it was never a happy or successful marriage. Later Donnie even earlier examples of the Maddox Brothers exist in the form of contributed to some of Rose’s more difficult times when she was radio transcription discs preserved from their early days in combining the life of a single parent and a musician almost California. Originally issued on LPs they have now found their way permanently . onto CD issued by the Arhoolie label about which more below.

The end of the war saw the reuniting of the band, now THE END OF THE WAR SAW THE augmented by young Henry who had taken up the mandolin. Cliff REUNITING OF THE BAND... was the unhappy one as he wanted the band to play the older style country music he had been raised on and was not at all keen on Around California they were increasingly popular, drawing large the upbeat sound they had adopted. He lost the argument and crowds everywhere, with Lula taking a firm hold of the money and never really worked much with the band. the direction of the band and its members. Everyone who encountered the band in a business sense had to deal with Lula Although the boys and Rose really looked the part, their and all have stories to tell of how difficult she could be in their musicianship was just basic, and so they added first a dealings. One of their many fans was Hank Williams, who even and then electric lead guitar and that would become their wrote How Can You Refuse Him Now for Rose, which she recorded in permanent line up, although the identity of the players would 1951. By this time the band had had their first national hit record change. One of their early lead guitarists was a 16-year-old, Roy with Gathering Flowers For The Masters Bouquet coupled with Tramp Nichols, gaining his first musical experience before he would go on On The Street. I hope readers will recall this last named song was to gain fame as ’s right hand man. Mother Lula, as the first recording by Molly O’Day, featured in the last issue, and well as controlling the band, also kept a firm hand on the hired there are strong parallels between O’Day and Maddox, two players, firing more than one or two. strong-voiced ladies who really knew how to deliver a song.

The band was popular both on radio and on live dates, but that As a result of their national record success the band were invited was not enough as they knew they needed a record deal to make to guest on the Opry, a great occasion for Rose and the boys, but the next step. Lula and Rose took one of their radio transcription Nashville was not quite ready for the colourful, boisterous band. discs around, first to Capitol, who were keen but need time to make Other than Monroe and Tubb the Opry residents were pretty the deal, and then to the smaller 4 Star label who immediately indifferent toward them and, whilst they may have been well signed them, although they only really wanted Rose. The deal was received by the audience, there was no desire from either party to the band or nothing, and whilst they would have done much better repeat the experience. signing for Capitol, impatience contracted them to 4 Star and Bill McCall, who was assisted by Don Pierce, later to set up the Starday I said above that Cliff Maddox never really fitted in with the band label in Nashville. once they adopted their more up-tempo style, and he moved from one outfit to another, occasionally playing with his family. He was ... THEY KEPT TWO SETS OF BOOKS, ONE married and struggling to survive financially as well as still having TO SHOW THE ARTISTS HOW POORLY to live with the effects of rheumatic fever. Tragically in 1949, Cliff died, just 37 years old, and although he had been the mover THEY WERE SELLING AND ONE CLOSER of the family group, his contribution will rarely be recognised. TO THE TRUTH. After several years with 4 Star the band realised that they were being sold well short, and hired a lawyer and the musicians’ union The band cut many titles for 4 Star over a period of four years, to get them out of their contract and through them were able to and whilst the records sold well the band never received any get their release from the label. Without the Maddox Brothers 4 money: Even their session fees had to be paid back to the label. Star struggled. Don Pierce also secured his release from the label, The 4 Star recordings have subsequently been reissued countless and McCall, 4 Star owner, moved into publishing, but never really times on budget labels, compilations, LP records, CDs and no doubt made a go of that - probably a just reward for his unethical whatever comes next. Like many other labels of their stature, 4 Star business practices.

Maverick 33 ROOTS OF COUNTRY

Art Satherley at Columbia was keen to sign the Maddox Brothers although it took some time for him to record them as they still had legal issues to resolve with 4 Star. Satherley, at the first session for the label, was not happy to have the brothers playing on all of the tracks and used session musicians alongside Rose in an attempt to get the Maddox Brothers to ‘fit in; with the style of the day. Somewhat cynically, I would say how little seems to have changed in the country over the years!

The Maddox Brothers joining Columbia coincided with a change of direction for the label as Satherley was replaced with Don Law who was also unhappy with the sound of the band and saw them as little more than a less-than proficient backing band for the undoubted talent of Rose Maddox. Cal and of course, Lula, relocating to Nashville. Sadly, things did not ANNOYED WITH THE POLITICS OF THE work out as Rose, for some reason, did not get too much live work OPRY ROSE MOVED BACK TO HOLLYWOOD and instead was able to remain in Nashville and work on the Opry’s own TV show. However those working on the road were WHERE SHE FELT MORE AT HOME. not too happy that Rose commanded all the TV work and was the one who just about forced her to be removed from By the mid-1950s country music was changing again. Hank the TV work. Annoyed with the politics of the Opry Rose moved Williams had been and gone, had hit the airwaves, back to Hollywood where she felt more at home. and the days of bands like the Maddox Brothers had passed. The large dance venues were no more and both country and rock Initially things were slow, but more TV work, this time on artists had started to hit the road with package shows Hometown Jamboree led to live performances coming in again. incorporating a range of acts. The period marked the end of the Her continued, as did the presence of the 4 Star Maddox Brothers and Rose, with Rose now making her way as a records, that were now appearing on albums licensed to King, solo act, with brother Cal joining her as an integral part of her Decca and others, although no money ever came the way of the band. The other brothers continued as the Maddox Brothers, and Maddoix Family. although they added another female vocalist, without Rose they were never really much of a draw. When Rose’s Columbia contract ended in 1958 a few small label deals ensued before in 1969 she signed with Their recordings for Columbia were the last they would make to be produced by Ken Nelson, who was the first person Rose had as a band; fittingly a compilation on Bear FamilyUGLY AND ever seen stand up to the formidable Lula. As usual she tried to SLOUCHY (BCD 16796 AH) is a superb sampling of the band at control the recording session, until Nelson told her firmly, he was their exuberant best. The title track, as politically incorrect as in charge, and she never came to Capitol sessions again. In fact it could be, is sung by Fred who says: ‘Ugly and slouchy is how he was this incident that may have given Rose to make the break likes his women as there is never any fear of them loving herself, which she did in around 1959 when her mother flatly someone else.’ The same session produced a track The Death Of forbade her to marry Jimmy Brogdon, a club owner that Rose Rock And Roll that turns out to be a version of Ray Charles I Got A had fallen for. Woman sung as badly as possible by Don. Other tracks include I Wonder If I Can Lose The Blues This Way, a straight country song HER STORY BOOK LIFE NEVER STOPPED. with Rose backed by a led session band, maybe how SHE SURVIVED A PLANE CR ASH WHEN THE Columbia wanted her to sound, but it is Wild Wild Young Men, LANDING GEAR ON THE PLANE FAILED... Hearts And Flowers and I’ll Make Sweet Love To You that are the very best of the Maddox Brothers and Rose. Rose and Brogdon married in Vegas and that marked the end, Rose’s solo career was helped with a best selling record, Tall for the time being, of Lula’s dominance, although the rift with Men, and an invite to return to the Opry in 1956. This time her mother and daughter was a permanent source of regret for Rose, appearance led to her returning as full time member and to her, despite Lula’s overbearing ways. Rose and Jimmy settled down,

34 Maverick ROOTS OF COUNTRY

and had to look after Rose’s boy, Donnie, who had stayed with Reno in common with many of her peers who were also having Lula, but even she found him hard to handle. He was also difficult to survive a downturn in their music. She also had to endure for Rose and Jimmy. He never finished school and a spell in the many personal tragedies. First the death of brother Cal, then of Navy was not an immediate success. her mother, who died in her arms, then in 1974 brother Henry, and even more tragically her son Donnie, who had a heart However, despite the difficult domestic situation, Rose was now attack. Donnie had already been married and divorced, but not establishing herself as a major country artist. Her Capitol records before Rose had three grandsons to attract her attention, were selling well and she was in demand for live appearances in although even that was complicated by them living with their California, becoming a hot bed of country music with the likes of mother who Rose never particularly cared for. Buck Owens, Tommy Collins Red Simpson and others all recording for Capitol and with the freedom to record hard edged music as In 1976 when appearing at a Folklife Festival she distinct from the syrup being churned out in Nashville. Johnny encountered Chris Strachwitz, owner of Arhoolie Records, who Cash also moved to California at this time and Rose joined his gave Rose’s career another lease of life by releasing older road show, giving her even greater exposure. Her story book life recordings of the Maddox Brothers and Rose from never stopped. She survived a plane crash when the landing gear transcriptions and 4 Star masters he had accumulated. of the plane she was on failed and plane and passengers ended VOLUMES ONE AND TWO OF THE MADDOX BROTHERS AND ROSE up in Boston Harbour. Also she was an attractive, feisty 35 year 1946-51 sold well and were properly researched and well old lady, alone on the road as Brogdon had to stay at home to presented documents of their early music and gave Rose the manage his club, and she was not short of male attention, opportunity to work with someone who was a fan, a including from Cash himself. She resisted all offers, and businessman, and honest. She sold the records herself on eventually left Cash in December 1961, to be replaced by personal appearances. The Arhoolie Maddox Brothers June Carter. catalogue continued to expand, and I am pleased to note, is still available on CD.

ROSE HERSELF CLAIMS THAT HER There were still highs and lows to come in Rose’s life. She had INABILITY TO PERFORM WAS THROUGH several bouts of ill health, including a heart attack in late 1981 SHEER EXHAUSTION... SHE WAS BUILDING and a series of other heart attacks, including one in 1989 that A BAD REPUTATION FOR HERSELF... left her in a coma for three months. She continued her career as best as she could, including an outstanding album in 1984 QUEEN OF THE WEST on the Varrick label with Merle Haggard In 1962 Rose recorded what became a cult album when she and his band, including Roy Nicholls on guitar, 35 years after he journeyed to Nashville and cut ROSE MADDOX SINGS BLUEGRASS, had made his debut with the Maddox Brothers and Rose. an idea from who played on the album, but due to Haggard continued to be a supporter and benefactor to Rose, contractual issues, was never credited. It seems everyone knew. even buying her plane ticket so she could attend her brother This was the first ever bluegrass album recorded be a female Fred’s funeral in 1992. Recordings with the Vern Williams Band, singer, and also the first to be cut by a country singer not and one with John Jorgenson appeared, showing Rose had lost someone from the bluegrass hierarchy. Augmented by Reno and none of her vocal magic. Bear Family issued two stupendous Smiley and the band the record still stands as a musical gem. box sets of her work, but she still never received any royalties for the music she made. This I should mention is not an issue At this point Maddox biography becomes a little less with Bear Family. They faithfully pay all of the fees they are certain. Without doubt her resistance to male overtures on the contracted to, but their contract is with the record company and road weakened, and she slowly became estranged from Brodgon. not the artist, and it is for them to pay the artists in accord with Her Capitol recordings were quite infrequent, and Ken Nelson in the terms of their contract with the label. Invariably this is so his book suggests that sessions had to be cancelled as Rose was heavily stacked in favour of the label that money very rarely unable to perform, as he felt, through some form of substance finds its way to the person who made the music. abuse. There is no suggestion at all in the excellent biography of Rose that this was the case, Rose herself claims that her inability ROSE NEVER MADE MUCH MONEY, AND to perform was through sheer exhaustion. For whatever reason this was a difficult period for Rose where she was building a bad PROBABLY BECAUSE SHE NEVER JOINED reputation for herself in the industry. THE MAINSTREAM OF COUNTRY MUSIC IN NASHVILLE, SHE NEVER RECEIVED THE Fortunately all this changed when in December 1964 her son RECOGNITION SHE RICHLY DESERVED. Donnie told his mother he had been learning guitar, being taught by his uncle Cal and now wanted to join his mother on the road. In true Maddox family tradition he also did his learning on the For many reasons, Rose never made much money, and road, but was invaluable to his mother as he was able to direct probably because she never joined the mainstream of country pick-up bands who knew little of her music. Rose was a real music in Nashville, she never received the recognition she richly trouper. She had none of the protection or promotion of artists deserved. When Rose Maddox passed away in April, 1998 who were contracted to the Opry and worked Las Vegas and country music lost a real musical pioneer. John Atkins

Maverick 35 Obituary: Cal Smith HIS CAREER WAS RELATIVELY SHORT AND HIS CHART

al Smith, one of the most SUCCESS SOMEWHAT SPORADIC... distinctive country music vocalists of the 1960s and 1970s, passed awayC on October 10, 2013, in Branson, by some of the biggest names in country . He was 81. He was one of the music and in March 1973, his rendition of more successful chartmakers of the Bill Anderson’s The Lord Knows I’m Drinking 1970s with such hits as I’ve Found became his first number one country hit. Someone Of My Own, The Lord Knows I’m When Decca became MCA Records in Drinkin’, and It’s Time 1973, Cal enjoyed his biggest successes. In To Pay The Fiddler to his name. He was in 1974, he recorded two of his greatest hits, his 40s before he made his commercial It’s Time To Pay The Fiddler and Country breakthrough, having spent years Bumpkin, which received Song of the Year scrabbling around in California and for Awards from both the Academy of Country some time as a member of Ernest Music and the Country Music Association. Tubb’s Texas Troubadours. A possessor of a rich deep voice, he was Other notable successes came with at his best with classic country story Between Lust And Watching TV, She Talked A ballads and was served up the best by Lot About Texas, Jason’s Farm. MacArthur’s such well-known writers as Don Hand, I Just Came Home To Count The Wayne, Bill Anderson, Curly Putman, Memories and Come See About Me. Smith Glenn Martin, Dave Kirby, Glenn Ray, Max was a master of songs that told human D Barnes, Jimmy Payne and Conway stories. With his deep, rich and melodic Twitty. As comfortable as your favourite baritone, he imbued realism and honesty uncle, Cal Smith would intone the rural into simple country yarns. The story of tales with friendly authority so that you sat Jason’s Farm is universal and there enthralled from the beginning to end. heartbreaking; The Ghost of Jim Bob Wilson unbelievable, but highly Born Calvin Grant Shofner on April 7, listenable and convincing in his hands. 1932, in Gans, Oklahoma, Smith was raised in Oakland, California. He began his music With changing trends in country career performing at the Remember Me Cafe music, mysteriously Cal Smith faded in Francisco at the age of 15, but he was from the country charts in the late 1970s, though he continued to not financially successful at first. Throughout the 1950s, he was record for MCA until early 1980. He went on to record for the not able to continue his music career full-time, so he worked at small Soundwaves label without much success and released his various other jobs, including truck driving and bronco busting. last album, the appropriately titled STORIES OF LIFE for Step One He appeared on the California Hayride television show in the Records in 1986. Shortly after Cal and his wife Darlene moved to mid-1950s before serving two years in the military. the Branson, Missouri area.

After his discharge, he worked as a dj and began playing in a Cal Smith was one of the vastly underrated and virtually band in the Bay Area. In 1961, country music forgotten singers of the 1960s and 1970s. His career was legend heard the band play and, after an audition, relatively short and his chart success somewhat sporadic, but as a hired Smith to play guitar for the Texas Troubadours. Eventually distinctive country stylist he ranks up there alongside the likes of he became Tubb’s MC and warm-up vocalist and can be heard , Vern Gosdin and . Universal Music in playing in most of Tubb’s 1960s recordings. His first solo single America, which owns the recordings that he made for Kapp. was Tear Stained Pillow and Eleven Long Years on the local Plaid Decca and MCA have failed to reissue any of his classics on CD. It’s label. Through Tubb, Smith was signed to Kapp Records, initially been left to the small UK-based Hux Records which has so far charting with The Only Thing I Want in 1967. released two excellent compilations on CD.

Further low-level hits came on Kapp including It Takes All Night An astute song man, Smith was the first to record such songs as Long, Heaven Is Just A Touch Away, Jacksonsville and the first , The In Crowd and I Just Came Home To Count charted version of Drinking Champagne, which was also Smith’s The Memories years before they were successfully revived by first top 40 country hit in 1968. That success led to him leaving George Strait, and . Those raised on the Texas Troubadours the following year. Despite a lack of top 20 today’s country music will probably dismiss Cal Smith and his hits, he released eight albums for Kapp, including a 1971 Best of music , the fact is the songs he recorded about collection. cheating, adultery, drinking, hypocrisy and real small town life are much closer to what country music stands for than all the In 1971 he joined and the following year scored fiddles, and steel guitars trying to be heard amongst his first top 10 hit withI’ve Found Someone Of My Own, a cover of the screeching electric guitars and heavy basses that Nashville the pop hit by Free Movement. He began recording songs written serves up these days. Alan Cackett

36 Maverick Obituary: Marvin Rainwater EVEN AS A SONGWRITER MARVIN RAINWATER

arvin Rainwater, one of the more FADED FROM THE LIMELIGHT... colourful of the country and rockabilly singers of the 1950s, diedM of heart failure on September 17, pushing him into the pop and rock‘n’roll 2013, in Minneapolis. He was 88. A scene. In 1957 he was teamed with talented singer and songwriter, he had Connie Francis, a new signing to MGM, several hits during the late 1950s, and this resulted in another gold disc with including Gonna Find Me A Bluebird and Majesty Of Love. Whole Lotta Woman, which became a UK number one pop hit in 1958. He was 1958 was his most successful year with known for wearing Native American- million selling records like My Love Is Real, themed outfits on stage to reflect his My Brand Of Blues and the John D. Cherokee Indian ancestry. Loudermilk song, Half Breed. This was also the year that he conquered Britain. His own Marvin Karlton Rainwater was born in song, Whole Lotta Woman, a raucous Wichita, Kansas on July 2, 1925. He hillbilly rock‘n’roll tune, topped the British became interested in music from a very early pop charts and led to Marvin appearing at age. The family moved to a small town in the famous London Palladium, touring for close Oklahoma whilst Marvin was quite young and, on two months and then recording in EMI’s living in the country, the young Marvin became London studios. Unfortunately, this song also attached to all forms of animal life and decided finished Marvin’s career in America. Several of to train as a veterinary surgeon. He attended the more conservative radio stations felt the college in Walla Walla, Washington finishing song was suggestive and had it banned. Quite with full veterinary qualifications. When it was soon the ban spread right across the States and time for him to do his military service he opted sales, which were looking promising, tapered for the navy where his vet training led to him off completely. becoming a pharmacist’s mate during World War II. In Britain he followed Whole Lotta Woman with I Dig You Baby, a British recording which Upon discharge, he opted for a career in the made the Top 20. Marvin Rainwater has never been near the music business. His first breakthrough came in 1946 when he British charts since. On his return to the States he recorded an debuted on ’s Ozark Jubilee Radio Show, the station album for MGM then severed all ties with the company, which receiving so many enquiries about ‘that singer with the Indian explains the lack of releases from Marvin Rainwater in the early name’ that Rainwater was signed to a regular spot on the 1960s. Throughout the decade he recorded for short spells for programme. In the early 1950s, like so many of America’s Warner Brothers, United Artists and his own company Brave struggling country stars, Marvin cut sessions for Four Star Records Records, but never successfully recaptured any of his past glories. without much success. Even as a songwriter Marvin Rainwater faded from the The turning point in Marvin’s career came when he entered the limelight. During the 1950s he had written songs recorded by Arthur Godfrey CBS TV Talent Scouts Show in 1955. He won that Teresa Brewer, , Patsy Cline and . Probably week and was brought back for four consecutive weeks. This was his biggest success as a writer was with I Miss You Already which a show syndicated right across America and it brought Marvin recorded. His tour of Britain in the spring of 1971 Rainwater in front of a mass audience for the first time. Just gave him the necessary incentive to really try and re-establish previously he had recorded two songs for Coral Records, but himself. Whilst on that tour he recorded an album in Britain with these had proved unsuccessful, so in January 1956 he moved to local country band Country Fever. MARVIN RAINWATER GETS MGM Records. With his second release, the self-penned slow COUNTRY FEVER, released on the Phillips Pineridge label country weeper Gonna Find Me A Bluebird, he made the country demonstrated the range of the man and his ability to handle charts and by 1958 had sold more than a million copies to win his newer material like ’s Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone first gold disc. This has been his most successful song with dozens and All I Have To Offer You Is Me. of versions by singers like Brenda Lee, and . Marvin continued to tour the UK and Europe, appearing occasionally at rockabilly festivals. He was the 73rd inductee into Promoted by MGM as a full-blooded Cherokee brave, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, whilst his songs continued to Rainwater usually appeared bedecked in Indian head-dress and reverberate with contemporary performers. Gamblin’ Man was similar paraphernalia. Although Marvin went along with these covered by Mike Ness on his 1999 album, UNDER THE INFLUENCES. gimmicks, he considered himself a country singer and was not to So You Think You’ve Got Troubles was covered by , keen on the ideas of the big promotion men. He continued to Gonna Find Me a Bluebird by and Hot And Cold was make country discs like I Gotta Go Get My Baby and Tennessee featured on Bob Dylan’s radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour. Hound Dog Yodel, both self-penned, but MGM were insistent on Alan Cackett

Maverick 37 10th Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters® Festival

ehind every great song there’s a great writer and and will be broadcast across America on PBS channels. Belfast has its own unique festival to celebrate the Presenters from WSM Radio in Nashville are also travelling B art of song writing. Now in its 10th year, Panarts has over to produce a show that will promote local artists in created an annual songwriter’s event, the only one of its one of the largest markets for music in the world. kind in the UK/Ireland, that draws music industry professionals from around the globe. With the internet, Panarts Director, Colin Magee, says: “When we started home recording and self-publishing, there’s never been a the songwriter’s festival back in 2005 we could only dream better time to be creative and get involved in music. of having such a line-up of local and international artists. It’s our chance to focus on the people who create the songs A celebration of the art of songwriting and with more we love and to put them centre stage. We’re shining a than one hundred artists performing over 10 days in 50 spotlight on their talent and our special tenth anniversary events, Belfast will come alive to the sound of singer- event is going to be another great year for Belnash songwriters from all over and different and songwriting workshops.” parts of the world fron February 28 through to March 9, 2014. From country to blues & rock, Americana to There will be the annual Song Writing Convention on traditional folk, there will be something on offer for all February 28, March 1 and 2, and the Belnash Songtech musical tastes. with Dawsons on March 7 and 8. The Panarts festival and conference is sponsored by The Arts Council of Northern Local artists Gareth Dunlop, , Simon Ireland, Department for Social Development, Dawsons McBride, Triona and Wilfie will share a stage with Music, Holiday Inn Belfast, The Empire, Tourism Ireland, international stars including: From Nashville Billy Yates and Arts & Business NI , Texas legend , Britain’s My Darling Clementine, New Yorker Chip Taylor, folk-pop Having attended this festival in the past years I cannot legend Donovan and 1980s pop singer Midge Ure. Over the recommend it too highly. Whether an aspiring songwriter years the Festival has expanded slowly but surely and this or simply a music fan who appreciates the songwriting I year the music will be presented at Holiday Inn Belfast and urge you to go to Belfast at least once to this unique event. Empire Music Hall, plus other venues across the city. Ticket information is available at www.belfastnashville. com and at Ticketmaster, 23 Castle Place, Belfast. A one-hour special television programme is being made Telephone 02890 323744. Alan Cackett

Photo of Jim Lauderdale 38 Maverick

Toby Keith TWENTY YEARS IN THE GAME AND COUNTING

hen it comes to making chart-topping albums and writing incredible number one singles, multi-award- W winning country music artist and entrepreneur, Toby Keith, is a somewhat old hand at it all. With a continuing career spanning 20 fruitful years tucked fi rmly in his back pocket, a brimming catalogue of more unforgettable American top tens and number ones than you can shake a stick at, noteworthy awards and number one albums selling 40 million copies between them worldwide, he’s by far arguably one of the best in the business, and he’s showing no signs of throwing in the towel yet. This year marks the release of his 17th studio album, the impressive and dedicative . Something tells me that this one might be yet another chart stormer for the hardworking Oklahoman. At 52, Toby Keith’s career is one of unparalleled vibrancy and, like most, is littered by highs and lows both professional and personal. I managed to catch up with Toby over the phone late one evening in September to talk music, business and his incredible story so far, and it’s one, he recalls, that very nearly didn’t happen at all: “You know; you hear people tell those stories all the time and you feel like they’ve made them up; that they were fabricated stories…I had no direction in my life,” he begins. Nearing his 30th birthday and still without a record deal, Toby Keith was ultimately prepared to give up music for good. After all, with a young family at home to support, you can’t keep chasing a dream that seemingly just doesn’t want to be caught. A disappointing trip home from Nashville in the early 1990s put everything into perspective for the now father of three and grandfather of two. Frustrated and disillusioned at Music Row’s initial lack of interest in his music, he had what would be a life-changing decision to make and it’s one that only God himself could guide him on: “I was playing nightclubs and I had two kids at home. I was approaching 30 and I was like: ‘You can’t be a scumbag your whole life.’ At some point you’ve got to get up and go: ‘You’re making 300 bucks a week and working fi ve or six nights…you’ve got to have a career choice. This isn’t it; please send me a sign…Please let me know by the time I’m 30 if I’m gonna be a singer or not.’ Literally, about 35 days before my 30th birthday, I had a record deal.” This extraordinary tale of a man’s unshakeable faith in God, incomparable determination and his destined rise to fame is one that begins a little over 52 years ago in the southern state of Oklahoma. Born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961 in Clinton, Oklahoma, Toby spent most of his boyhood growing up on a farm in the recently tornado-devastated Oklahoman city of Moore; the seventh largest in the state. Like many of today’s multi-million-selling recording artists, music struck a chord with Toby when he was just a young boy. His gifted hand at writing and appreciation for music was rapidly developing, nurtured somewhat by his late grandmother whom he spent the Arkansas summers with whilst growing up: “My “I WAS RAISED IN BARS AND grandmother was really close to me and a real mentor,” he explains. “I was raised in bars and my grandmother had a MY GR ANDMOTHER HAD A nightclub called Billie Garner’s Supper Club, and that’s where I got NIGHTCLUB CALLED BILLIE to watch her band play—she had a seven or eight-piece band, and GARNER’S SUPPER CLUB...” I would sit in the kitchen and peek through the door.”

40 Maverick TOBY KEITH So fascinated and deeply inspired was he by the musicians, that writing. If you hear me sing one of my songs on the radio, people the young boy snapped up every opportunity he got to watch who know me say: ‘That is so you’—Well it should be because I them perform, even offering to do the odd job around the supper wrote it.” club. This would become his fi rst taste of show business, with the The years that followed saw Toby, now a strapping young man, house band regularly inviting him to sit in with them on stage. take on several occupations and interests, from working as a His appetite for music came to a head at the tender age of eight, rodeo hand and a football player to inevitably following his father when he began learning to play the guitar: “The fi rst guitar I had into the oil fi elds as a derrick hand whilst performing in bars and came from my grandmother,” he said. “It was a start for me. I clubs as part of the Easy Money Band. But the oil industry was in a never pursued music until after I got a guitar…It just grew into somewhat rapid decline and by 1982, Keith found himself my dream.” unemployed. A further knockback, this time sports-related, However, not everyone was as supportive as his late re-awakened Toby’s focus on music and for the next few years he grandmother had been. A 12-year-old Toby soon discovered that toured rigorously, cutting a handful of records for local indie his dream of becoming a huge recording artist wasn’t one shared labels along the way. or encouraged by his parents: “I was in sixth grade elementary Considering to draw a line under music for good and try his school...and my teacher had a literary degree of some kind and hand at something a little more steady, Toby Keith got his big she told my parents that I was the best creative writer that she break in the early 1990s when a demo tape made it into the had ever had as a student,” he says. “My dad was like: ‘No son of experienced hands of Executive and Producer, mine ain’t no frickin’ writer.’ It seemed my life was set: ‘He’s going Harold Shedd, as Toby explains: “Harold Shedd, Vice President of to go work in the oil fi eld, or he’s going to play ball or do Mercury Records—he discovered Alabama; he discovered KT something else.’” Oslin, he discovered The Kentucky Head Hunters, , Somewhat undeterred by his parents’ lack of support and . He produced albums on and Reba.” almost inspired by his teacher’s encouraging words, Toby “He got a hold of a six-song demo of mine and asked: ‘who is immersed himself in the sounds of music legends; the greats of this singing on here, on this bit?’ And they told him it was me. He American music, from the likes of , Johnny Cash, The said: ‘Where’s he play at? Keith write these songs?’ So they fl ew Eagles, and : “I doubt anyone’s had into Oklahoma that Friday night and I was playing a show there in a greater impact on me than Merle Haggard. He’s not only one Oklahoma City and I played two 45-minute sets of original music of the greatest country singers there’s ever been, but he’s a and he said: ‘Meet me for breakfast…’ And over breakfast he gave great writer.” me a record deal.” “You know, was another guy that people forget how big an infl uence he had on big city guys who played acoustic guitar…sitting around, strumming on the guitar and singing sensible lyrics that were simple rhymes and stuff that was clever. Jimmy Buffett would’ve been one of those guys…you know, Billy Joel, —I drew a little bit from all those guys.” It’s perhaps from doing this that Toby gained his biggest understanding of all about music very early on: Songwriting. Already a gifted creative writer, this part of the process was to become the fundamental branch to his success, and as he once admitted, he’s a songwriter fi rst and foremost. “When you fi rst start out 30 years ago, trying to force everything into a song, you sit down and it’s like: ‘We’re gonna write tonight,’” he says. “I would write 50 songs and I’d get one good one. I’d maybe write 40 songs and write a good one. Then it would only be 30 songs with a good one, and the gap just kept getting closer and closer and fi nally got to where anything you wrote was a pretty decent song. It took about six to eight years to get to that point. Now I’ve learnt over 30 years to collect ideas, but if I hear something, I’ll just record it on my phone. Then when I do want to have time to sit down and write it, I’ll go back to my phone, draw some ideas up and one of them will stick with me and I’ll say: ‘Here’s one I wanna write…’ and it keeps it from being forced. You never know when a great idea may come up and when it does, it doesn’t necessarily mean that right now you got the time to write it. I just try and collect those little thoughts along the way.” “When someone writes their own songs, they release their character in their music and that character shines through in all their songs,” Toby continues. “I can’t imagine making an album that I haven’t written. I only found two or three things in a few years that really fi t me to go on an album. I can’t imagine fi nding “I JUST TRY AND COLLECT 11 or 12 every time I record. I thank God I can write them, because THOSE LITTLE THOUGHTS I think my attitude, character and personality come through in my ALONG THE WAY...”

Maverick 41 TOBY KEITH “[I was] shaking all over and just pretty thankful and more probably closer to God at that point than ever in my life,” he continues when I asked him just how wonderful it had felt at the time. It was like: ‘Well, that little boy upstairs came through for me.’ I just felt like I was doing the right thing; felt like it was going to happen, couldn’t believe it was happening, and pretty overwhelming. 20 years later looking back, it just still gives me goose bumps to think how I got here and how very important it was to my life.” Since 1993, in which the Oklahoman fi rst made his debut with the tremendously self-spun Should’ve Been A Cowboy which claimed the number one slot, Toby has become quite the business entrepreneur, and one of the wealthiest celebrities in the . 2005 marked a very productive and satisfying year for the singer, as the year ear-marked the opening of Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Oklahoma City (several have opened since). He also founded Show Dog Nashville in mid-2005—his own label and a decision in which Toby is extremely proud of—later to become Show Dog Universal Music after merging with Tony Brown and “IT JUST STILL GIVES ME Tim Dubois’ Universal South Records in 2009: “I have been signed GOOSEBUMPS TO THINK to my own label, longer than I’ve been signed to any other. My HOW I GOT HERE...” deal was up…so I had left Mercury on bad terms. Dreamworks was published by the same company, but they were separate labels, and they decided to get out of the music industry; they were going to push our records back over to Mercury again. I’d only got one record left on my contract, so I was like: ‘No, no, no. money for heart-breaking causes—in which he did when the Won’t you let me go open my own label and I’ll put it out and we devastating tornado fl attened his hometown of Moore earlier this can split the thing and I’ll be on my own and you guys can keep year—he always puts his heart and soul into it, remaining true to the distribution?’ So I just went to the powers that be today and… himself and just knuckling down to the hard graft of it all. they agreed to it.” Another musical cause which is close to his heart and one he I’m keen to know from Toby whether or not having his own shared with his late veteran father, is the Middle East, as Toby tells label meant he holds all the creative ropes: “I’m a stallion, a wild me: “For the last 11 years we’ve done 201 shows, and made a lot stallion,” he laughs heartily. “I can run free with no one, , of wonderful friends, and wrote some really nice songs because no cowboys, no ropers, no anything. I don’t have to ask anybody of it, and feel like we did make a difference and we did give.” for anything. If I wanna put a song out, I just pick the phone up “I wrote a song that’s on the deluxe version, called Call A Marine. and call my manager and tell him to put it out. So I don’t have any I don’t just play my hits; I try to write individual stuff for each conference calls, I don’t have anybody critiquing my album or my branch of the military and try to have some fun with them. choice of single selection. If I don’t want a picture on the front of American Soldier was written about 8-10 years ago and Courtesy Of the album, then by God there’s no way…It took up so much of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) written around the your time, dealing with people and clients telling you how to do 9/11. It’s been a wonderful experience meeting all these people your job. You can’t sit in a meeting with a guy who’s in charge of that were sent to war and the way they conduct themselves over your album who can’t play a guitar or a piano or write a song, the job they do is pretty amazing.” and listening and telling you what sort of songs he wishes were As the clock hand edges towards midnight here in Sheffi eld and on your album instead of what you’ve brought. You know, if Willie our conversation is winding to a close, I ask Toby what he hopes Nelson or Merle Haggard wanted to tell me they don’t like this to see from the next ten years, having achieved so much in his song, I’ll take that. But I’m not listening to a guy who can’t extraordinary career so far: “Hopefully I’ll till have a place to play write one.” the songs that I’d written, but other than that, I don’t think there’s But which does Toby prefer: The business or the music? “The anything left to do. Live a long time’s a good goal. Well, there’s music,” he answers. “If my team and business associates can’t run one music goal left that I’m working hard on to achieve, which will it without taking time away from my music, then we won’t do it.” probably happen over time anyway. I’m shooting for 100 million Fast forwarding to the present day and the singer is currently broadcasting performances—that would be a monster enjoying the success of his 17th studio release, DRINKS AFTER achievement. It will happen because I have a catalogue of songs WORK—a raw and emotive collection of 13 superb numbers, three so every time I have a hit I’ll add to it and add to it. It grows and of those being bonus tracks, dedicated to Toby’s dear friend and I’m at about 80 something right now. We’re on it. I hope I’m alive fellow musician, Chuck Geoff, whom passed away in February: “I when I get it.” really like this song on here called Get-In, Sit-Down, Shut-Up And “If you’d asked me 20 years ago: ‘Do you think you’d be around Hold-On—the foot-stomping opener to the new album—It really in 20 years?’ I’d have probably said: ‘I could stick around for 20 turned out good, and there’s a ballad on here called The Other Side years but I don’t know if I’d have enough songs to last that long.’ I Of Him; that one’s pretty powerful.” never dreamed I’d have my own label or that we’d be that bigger One of the things I love about Toby Keith is no matter what he part of the picture for that long. Usually you don’t get that big in turns his hand to, whether it be writing new songs for his next this business. I’m pretty happy with the way things have turned number one release, sourcing new business ventures or raising out.” Emily Saxton

42 Maverick

ohn artford Jin appreciationH of the goodle days …

always felt like John Hartford was someone I knew well— some day. At 15, Harford lied about his age to become a night like a boyhood friend whom you grew up alongside—who watchman and deckhand aboard the (still fl oating) Delta Queen, then moved away, the budding friendship forever locked in where he’d spend countless hours perfecting his craft with his Istone. Yet, I’d never actually had the pleasure of meeting the man well-worn banjo. or enjoyed the opportunity of watching him play live. Like many of us who grew up and around early television, weaned on the Naturally, it wasn’t long before John’s talent led him to the stage, Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and, later, the Glen Campbell playing everything from pop covers to country in a succession of Goodtime Hour, John Hartford was a stand-out individual— bands: The Missouri Ridgerunners, the Dixie Ramblers, the unapologetically original, clearly delighting in being himself and, Mississippi Valley Boys, the Stovall Brothers and the Ozark as a result, utterly unforgettable. Before I‘d even come to realise Mountain Trio. Yet his heart lay in original, Appalachia-born, him as the songwriter behind Gentle On My Mind—which remains old-time music which, in his time, would be shaped by Bill Monroe one of the world’s most-covered, classic songs—he was decidedly and his Blue Grass Boys, transforming it from its mournful, different in appearance alone—dressed in his signature bowler hat Depression-era, European-based, ‘hillbilly’ roots to forge and vest, his jaws festooned with thick muttonchops and his something new: A robust, hard-driving sound keenly focused on black, gangly hair. And that was before the impact he’d make by an all-round intensity. Bluegrass, as it became known, would serve accompanying his playful, half-spoken baritone voice on his as a building block for the young Harford, setting a course for trusty banjo or fi ddle. He was clearly of another time, driven in his adopting its history, assuming its tradition of serious musicianship mission to educate his audience about a joyful form of music they and joyously succumbing to its heartfelt calling. might benefi t from knowing about, recharging its delivery with a spry sense of humour offset by seasoned and impeccable musicianship. What was surprising was that you were sold on his personality long before he’d even started to capture your heart with his musical prowess. As an entertainer, he injected something into showmanship which was quite foreign for the era—he was absolutely fun, an entertainer’s entertainer. Here was somebody you really wanted to get to know.

John Cowan Harford (the ‘t’ would be added to his —for radio and marquis clarity—by Chet Atkins, years later) was born in City on December 30, 1937. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri and life would never be the same for the son of a buttoned-down doctor, Carl, and his arts-friendly wife, Mary. His parents would expose their son to square dance music and it wasn’t long “BLUEGR ASS, AS IT BECAME KNOWN, WOULD SERVE before the young Harford would take up both AS A BUILDING BLOCK FOR THE YOUNG HARTFORD...” banjo and fi ddle. However, Hartford was guided by more than an unwavering love for music. Since his boyhood days, when the family fi rst arrived in St. Louis, he found As always, a succession of events would forever set Hartford’s a deep-rooted fascination for the Mississippi River and, most career in motion, ultimately bringing him back—full-circle—to specifi cally—like some modern-day Mark Twain—for the steam- where it all began. Hartford never expected to make money from driven craft that plied her lazy, winding shoreline. Yet, his life his playing—but no matter what else he tried, he always came back would be forever changed from the day he fi rst heard to it. Record distributor, commercial artist—nothing felt as right as & ’ Dear Old Dixie on the radio. This was driven home playing the music. Having absorbed his mother’s passion for art by a chance opportunity to see them perform live in his and his father’s solid work ethic and acute sense of organisation, hometown. As he witnessed Scruggs rescue the banjo from its Hartford would methodically research the music with a lust to previous post as a support instrument at best, if not a comedy know everything about it—the basement of his house a testament foil—transforming it into a lead instrument—it became, in Earl’s to his degree of dedication to his craft. A virtual museum for the care, the . In his own words, Hartford noted that, 3-inch 5-inch cards, vintage records, historic books on music, as a result of this experience, he’d ‘never been right since.’ charts, hotel keys and accumulated notes—it is nicknamed ‘The Vortex’ by his family. The onset of a full-tilt folk revolution at the time, spurred on by Pete and Mike Seeger, sealed the deal as Hartford also absorbed Daughter Katie (Harford) Hogue, in the foreword to Andrew Pete’s ability to walk on stage and transfi x his audience—a lone Vaughan’s recent book on Hartford, Pilot of a Steam Powered musician armed with little more than his fi ve-string banjo. With Aereo-Plain, notes: “If this accumulation of stuff and genetics tells his idols setting new standards before him, Hartford invested me anything, it’s that Dad was full of more mental energy than one himself into his instruments, mastering both fi ddle and banjo by body could handle. It had to come out somewhere. Nowadays, we age 13, along with developing an almost innate sense of timing. might consider medication or therapy, try to stay out of jail. John continued to fantasise about piloting his own steamboat Fortunately, he picked up a banjo instead.”

44 Maverick John Hartford, John Hartford with Ridgerunners

John’s talents ultimately earned him a 15-minute, early was slowly destroying himself—it had already destroyed his morning spot on Nashville’s KSTL radio, wherein he played any marriage. He returned to Nashville driven by the age-old desire to variety of banjo music, gaining enough attention to earn do what he liked doing best—to play his music his way. Pepsi-Cola’s sponsorship as John ultimately turned his attention Fortunately, he was in a position to afford to. to writing original material. Increased radio involvement led to meeting the right people—among them, Nashville’s infl uential By 1971, Nashville wasn’t as straight-laced and head-locked by Glaser Brothers (and his future wife, Betty). John, Betty and one tradition as when he’d left it, having absorbed some of the year old son, Jamie, made the move to Nashville where a cultural changes of the times. It remained Hartford’s spiritual combination of his radio show and his songwriting relationship home and, post-Hollywood, would give birth to a fresh start, if not with the Glasers earned him an introduction to Chet Atkins and an entirely new direction. Based on failing to produce more hits his fi rst record deal with RCA in 1966. No less than Johnny Cash like Gentle On My Mind, he also had a new record company in had noted the young maverick’s talent, contributing the liner Warner Bros. notes to his fi rst album, (John Hartford) LOOKS AT LIFE: ‘He is himself and will not be “he is himself and will not be told how to told how to write or sing, because he has only his own world.’ A folk-based, write or sing, because he has only his own world.” orchestrated album hardly representative of Hartford’s talents, it nonetheless foreshadowed his potential, Having guested on old friend Johnny Cash’s new, music-based given his skewered look at the world through his slightly show, The Johnny Cash Show along with such ground-breaking off-centre, lyrical bent. acts as The Who, Jefferson Airplane and Dylan, Hartford had the chance to rub shoulders with a group of distinctive Nashville- His second album, EARTHWORDS AND MUSIC, was instrumental based gentlemen who would be recruited for Hartford’s next in forever changing Hartford’s life. It contained a song he’d project and, inarguably, his most distinctive release, AEREO-PLAIN. written in 30 minutes—inspired by the romanticism of the fi lm Dr. Champion Dobro fl atpicker, Tut Taylor, gifted guitarist, Norman Zhivago, and one that would buy him personal, artistic and Blake and swing-charged bluegrass fi ddle maestro, Vassar fi nancial freedom for years to come.Gentle On My Mind would Clements, would join together under Hartford’s specifi c earn the young artist a number 60 spot on Billboard’s Country direction—one which underlined a completely spontaneous charts in 1967. Yet, when the odd, word-heavy, chorus-free song approach to each player’s individual contributions, devoid of was covered by Glen Campbell the following year, it would rocket structure or hierarchy. up to a number 30 position in the country charts and a number 62 in Billboard’s pop charts, earning them a pair of Grammys, Over the years, Hartford had lost the iron-clad traditionalists’ together with the added fame and credibility that comes with point-of-view that the music couldn’t be tampered with the territory. becoming, instead, a fl ag-bearer for open-mindedness when it came to creating original music. AEREO— a commercial fl op, of Recruited by fellow musician Mason Williams (his Classical Gas course—was the fl agship to this new direction—a direction which having become the instrumental with the most airplay of all time) had no direction whatsoever. To this point, Hartford charged to join his writing team for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, rookie producer and fellow folk-junkie, David Bromberg, with the the Hartford family struck out for Los Angeles next—for an task of shepherding the project through to its completion, the in-depth submersion into excess and the counter-culture which only stipulation being ‘no playback allowed’ during the process was erupting at the time. Hired based on his distinctive approach and were not to be discussed. to music, his oddball sense of humour and his obvious gift with words, Hartford would absorb the perks of his newfound status, When pushed for an answer as to a personal favourite of her moving on to the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show, while taking full dad’s records, daughter Katie sums things up nicely: “Actually, advantage of the burgeoning Los Angeles music scene with all its AEREO-PLAIN is probably my favourite recording of dad’s (together dark diversions. Sadly, it would spell the end of his family life as with MARK TWANG). I love that he pushed the boundaries of what John dealt—unsuccessfully—with the ego-twisting infl uences of he knew musically and I love that he gave the rest of the band the Hollywood’s relentless temptations. The heavy cost of sex, drugs same opportunity. And I love that it’s just kinda weird and unlike and rock’n’roll eventually brought him to the realisation that he anything else.”

Maverick 45 John Hartford with Bill Monroe, John Hartford, John Hartford in his offi ce “JOHN HARTFORD WAS ONE OF THE RAREST OF MUSICAL BIRDS. HE HAD ONE FOOT DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE PAST AND THE OTHER AT LEAST A FEW STEPS INTO THE FUTURE—AND BOTH WERE DANCING.”

Sam Bush said of Aereo-Plain’s ground-breaking point-of- John Hartford passed away on June 4, 2001 after a quiet, yet difference: ‘It was the fi rst time where people truly used acoustic valiant battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Yet, before he bluegrass instruments to create original contemporary music,; died, he earned his pilot’s licence—and may well be using it now. continuing on to declare its musical importance, ‘Without Hartford also lived long enough to witness a rebirth in popularity Aereo-Plain, there would be no newgrass music.’ for the music he so loved based on the success of the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? John’s involvement in the John recorded in excess of 37 albums in various soundtrack won him another Grammy while his part in the confi gurations—from string band to solo, from playing with subsequent Down From The Mountain tour can be found in the collections of friends and heroes to live shows, a mandolin-banjo DVD of the same name. With time to see many old friends who set with son Jamie and everything imaginable in-between. With visited his bedside before he passed, John would surely be the music running the gamut from old folk songs to hillbilly bluegrass fi rst to be surprised by the outpouring of love received long after and old-time country, elements of blues, Celtic and string band his departure, resulting in countless awards, dedications and abound. Hartford would cover topics from the unconventional to endless tributes from adoring fans and musicians alike. the truly odd and peculiar, each painted with his eccentric lyrical brush in accordance with his muse. Each outing is saturated with Larry Groce of Mountain Stage once said: ‘John Hartford was John’s smart wit, an intense love of music and an undying joy for one of the rarest of musical birds. He had one foot deeply rooted life—all crucial elements behind everything he ever played. Asked in the past and the other at least a few steps into the future—and how people might remember her father’s work, daughter Katie both were dancing.’ has given it some thought: “I think I would want people to know that Dad wasn’t just someone who played and enjoyed bluegrass But best of all is the music he’s left behind for all of us. To music, but that he was a serious student of the craft. I don’t think Groce’s point, it all enjoys a timeless quality to it. All that’s ‘obsessive’ would be too strong of a word. He pursued the music, required to transform every day into a goodle day is to listen. its history, its forefathers. He played constantly, researched, recorded everything he found interesting or important, made When asked if she thought her Dad had felt he was appreciated notes, wrote down his thoughts and theories. He was always for his accomplishments—whether he ever enjoyed his rightful playing and always learning.” due, daughter Katie—again—gets the fi nal word: “I don’t think getting ‘his due’ was ever a goal; Dad didn’t do the things he did because he was seeking acceptance. On the contrary, I think he was able to push boundaries because he wasn’t so worried about what others thought. He had his path and his passions, and anyone who wanted was welcome to join along for the ride, but he wasn’t going to change directions to please people. He is actually quoted as saying: ‘I do what I enjoy doing. That way, if others also enjoy it, well and good. And if not, at least I haven’t wasted my time.’ Artists like that tend to be revered more after they are gone, because they are usually ahead of their time.” Eric G. Thom

The Hartford family has a worthy destination for all things Hartford at: www.JohnHartford.com – a fan’s paradise where you’ll fi nd CDs, t-shirts and regular information on the treasures uncovered within ‘the vortex.’

46 Maverick Tony McLoughlin THE CONTENDER

See the review in this issue of Maverick

★★★★ “THIS IS McLOUGHLIN’S MOST ACCOMPLISHED AND SATISFYING ALBUM YET …” Maverick Magazine www.tonymcloughlin.com

RIDING THE LONG ROAD Special Edition e new album from THE DIABLOS

“A BAND AT THE FORFRONT OF BRITISH COUNTRY Stuart Cameron (HotDisc) “A TRUE WORK OF ART”- Alan Watkiss (UK Country Radio) “MODERN COUNTRY MAGIC- I LOVE IT!” ★★★★ Alan Cacket (Maverick Magazine) “VERY COOL, VERY BRITISH AND QUITE BRILLIANT” Sylvie Blackmore (BBC Radio Sussex)

CD REVIEW IN THIS EDITION OF MAVERICK MAGAZINE

AVAILABLE NOW FROM WWW.THEDIABLOS.COM SCOTTYSTEVE WARINER McCREERY THAT TRADITIONAL SOUND

t was just over two “THIS RECORD WAS A LOT MORE ME... years ago that Scotty McCreery became I THINK THIS RECORD IS A BIG LEAP.” not only one of the youngest American Idol winners, but also the youngest singer to see his debut album soar to the top of Elvis. I read that thing cover to cover and honestly from then on out Ithe American pop and country charts in the fi rst week of release. it was all old school country, but Elvis was probably the guy I CLEAR AS A DAY sold an incredible 197,000 copies in that fi rst listened to the most and still do. I turn on the Sirius radio and put it seven days and has now passed the million mark to gain a on the Elvis radio today. So Elvis was a big infl uence on me.” platinum disc. I spoke to Scotty in October, the day before he turned 20 and a week before the release of SEE YOU TONIGHT, his Scotty’s fi rst album was recorded very quickly to cash-in on his much anticipated second album. Naturally Scotty was like a cat on American Idol success. Produced by Mark Bright it featured songs a hot tin roof and more than a little nervous. penned by the usual ‘A-list’ Music Row writers including , , , Mark Nesler and Tony Martin, “We’re extremely, really excited and pumped and kind of but you got the impression that these weren’t amongst the writer’s anxious,” he says in his deep southern tones. “We’ve been waiting top drawer songs. The best track was probably Walk In The Country, for this record for a while, we’re glad it’s fi nally coming out.” an old Keith Urban song that he’d recorded as part of The Ranch, soon after he fi rst arrived in Nashville. It’s strange how performers, especially American country singers, refer to themselves in the ‘we.’ I might be mistaken More time has been spent on SEE YOU TONIGHT with about this, but I’m pretty sure it was Garth Brooks that started Frank Rogers brought on board to produce. The result is a more a trend that seems to have taken a hold of everyone working rounded, and dare I say it leaning slightly more towards a slightly in Nashville. traditional country styling both in musical arrangements and lyrical approach. Scotty is a very polite and well-spoken southern gentleman. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina but was raised in nearby “I think I defi nitely am an artist for this record, more so than just Garner, North Carolina, along with his older sister, Ashley. His a singer and I got the chance to really sit down and take our time father Michael McCreery was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to a with it … decide what we wanna say on it and write songs for it. So Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an American father. His I would defi nitely say this record was a lot more me, and a lot more mother Judy is a high school teacher. She instilled in young Scotty well-rounded and mature than the fi rst record is for sure. Still a love for music and his deep Christian beliefs. It was in many extremely proud of the fi rst record, it had extreme success for us, respects a normal small town southern upbringing, though, whilst but as far as just the material, I think this record is a big leap.” attending Garner Magnet High School, Scotty joined a vocal ensemble, Die Meistersingers, that performed all across the Scotty spent two years planning, writing and recording the United States. album. It was a period in which he also grew as a performer and it shows. He also had a hand in writing fi ve of the dozen songs. “When I was growing up, you know, my mother grew up in Kentucky on a farm, and she kind of raised me with the older “I’ve been writing songs since I was a youngster and I remember country music. The CD player in the car, when you’re driving writing, especially in my younger high school teenage years, you around had that kind of music, country oh and . So I know the break-up songs. I wrote from the boy’s side, and all the grew up with the older styled music for sure. You know, I love that girls got all mad at me and kind of created a civil war between the traditional sound and we try to put that in the record.” girls and boys, you know within the school. So this was a really cool thing for me, to fi nally have a chance to pen these songs and “I would say Conway Twitty was defi nitely a huge infl uence and put them on a record and let the public listen to what’s kind of Elvis was a huge infl uence on me. When I was about fi ve or six going on in my head, and what I’m thinking. So I’m excited for years old, my grandma gave me a book saying How To Be Like them to hear this.”

48 Maverick “COLLEGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON MY HORIZONS SINCE WHEN I WAS A KID. I THINK IT’S A PART OF BECOMING A WELL-ROUNDED PERSON.”

The fi rst album was full of almost exclusively feel-good, Krauss guest on positive, almost lightweight pop-country songs … the kind that background vocals. are two-a-penny on mainstream country radio. This follow-up set gets a little deeper into relationship issues. We all know that life is “We put down a vocal for that song, we cut the track and you not all rosy … there’s thorns as well as roses, and Scotty explores know I remember listening to it back with Frank, and I said: the thorny side of life in such songs as Forget To Forget You which ‘Frank, you know what would really take this song over the top, explores the heartache of a break-up and Feel Good Summer Song, would be if we had a voice like Alison on this record.’ And the cool which in reality is the antithesis of the title as a forlorn guy tries to side of Frank is that, he’s been at it for so long and being as overcome the pain of heartache and move on. accomplished as he is, he’s worked with all of these stars and of course he worked with Brad Paisley on Whiskey Lullaby. So once I “Mark is a great guy, he’s got that sound to him, but I think that told Frank that, I think he just sent her a quick text and she said Frank has done … you know he’s worked with Brad Paisley, Josh she would be more than happy to … it just kind of happened like Turner, Trace Atkins, just a little more kind of dirty country sound I that. It was really awesome and really good of her to do this with would say. We were looking at kind of getting that in this record me, and I think it really made the song even more special than it and I think that we got that with what he was doing in there. What already was … took it over the top.” we’re aiming for is developing and progressing my music and then when I’m older, I’ll get the chance to look back and everybody kind of wants to look back at 17-year-old Scotty, at “IT REALLY MADE THE SONG 20-year-old Scotty, 25-year-old Scotty and kind of see me grow up EVEN MORE SPECIAL THAN through my music … so it will be interesting.” IT ALREADY WAS...”

Very much down-to-earth, Scotty is a professed Christian and doesn’t see himself performing drinking and cheating songs. We then moved on to talk about aims and goals Though he hopes to pursue a career in music full-time, he is also for the future and of course the possibility of aware of the benefi ts of a good education and is currently developing a career internationally and more attending North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North specifi cally in the UK. It transpired that Scotty Carolina where he studies Media and Communications whilst had already been to Britain, back in 2005 on a working diligently at his music career. family vacation.

“I’m not really necessarily looking for a back-up plan when I’m “We actually arrived in London the day in the education. Education, I just think is so important and kind of the subway bombings, so it was a really of, if you have the opportunity to go, I think it’s huge. I had scary time for us, those two hours. But grandparents that didn’t have the opportunity to go and they told once we got past that it was you know, it me: ‘Scotty, you go no matter what.’ So college has always been was just an awesome time being there on my horizons since when I was a kid. I think it’s just a part of and meeting folks and seeing the city becoming a well-rounded person. I think that college helps you and the country. It was really special.” out in that aspect. I’m not looking for a job as an offi ce worker somewhere, I really wanna do music for the rest of my life, but I “I’d love to come back. I loved it over think that college has just kind of helped me out. I’m studying in there so hopefully we can get over there Media and Communications and that plays an integral part in the again for the career and the music side. I music industry, so it’s helped me out.” think that’s the really cool thing about how music is broadcasted to all these countries As with his fi rst album, Scotty has unearthed an old song for his around the world … there’s a big audience out latest album, Carolina Moon, a song written by Jon Randall there, and a lot of folks that are out there liking what Stewart some eight years ago. For his version, Scotty has Alison we do … sure we’d love it.” Alan Cackett

Maverick 49 new to you … babajack

ention power or energy at this particular epoch, and Pretty apt considering Babajack has been kicking up quite a you may well get dirty looks; with the big six energy storm. In 2012 they were nominated for several British Blues mproviders increasing their bills yet again, ahead of Awards. Becky won Instrumentalist Of The Year and they were what is forecast to be a bad winter. But for Trevor Steger and runners up to Ian Siegal for Best Acoustic act. This year Becky Tate, a couple at home and on stage as the celebrated Babajack got fi ve nominations and again, Becky won the acoustic duo Babajack, that word ‘energy’ is how they would Instrumentalist Of The Year award. In the annual European describe who they are together and what they do. Blues Challenge earlier this year in Toulouse, France, Babajack It would seem their powerful fourth and recently released were fi nalists. album RUNNING MAN, backs that up too. As do a clutch of Their music is a blend of early blues, roots, folk and awards and nominations. Their fan-base has grown massively ethnic beats. as a result of schlepping their kit around the UK for many “It is very simple, passionate music about people,” says hundreds of gigs since they formed in late 2008. In fact, after Becky. “We really wanted to do something different with this just 18 months together, they had notched up 300 gigs alone. album. We wanted to make an album that really made the So their profi le is refl ected by the fact that they funded the most of Trevor’s home-made wine-box guitars, to have that recording of their new record entirely by a pledge campaign to distinctive sound. I wanted to bring in some new rhythms, fans. In just one month of the crowd funding appeal, they some folky rhythms. We also wanted to expand the sound we raised 120% of the unnamed sum needed. had as a duo. So we brought in 19-year-old drummer Tosh RUNNING MAN is 10 tracks that grab your attention from the Murase and Adam Bertenshaw on bass.” off. Becky’s primitive percussion from her Cajon and stomp Cellist Julia Palmer-Price also plays on the album. All but one box, and her soaring country-folk vocal, blend well with of the songs is penned by Tate and Steger—the sole cover is the Trevor’s technically adept acoustic and his subtle Son House classic Death Letter. “We have had wonderful brush strokes on harmonica. They packed the famed 100 Club ground roots support, which has been overwhelming really. in London for their album launch recently, plus a VIP bash on We got into the blues scene and it took a little bit of doing, home turf in Great Malvern to say thank you to their investors. because we are not strictly blues and we are very acoustic. We The pair fi rst met 12 years ago when percussionist Becky come from an end of the blues that is not that common on the joined a blues duo that Trevor was in. She began writing music UK scene, which is dominated by the electric blues guitar. But with him and eventually they recorded the album ROOSTER, we have been pretty much adopted by the blues scene.” which came out at the end of 2008. They went on to release They packed out the huge beer marquee stage at this year’s the albums EXERCISING DEMONS and THE MAKER. They popped Acoustic Festival of Great Britain at Uttoxeter Racecourse and up at lots of open mic nights and jam sessions, before deciding won an ovation. TV celebrity Lloyd Grossman likes what they to get out there as a proper act to promote the record. do. He was a guest at a private event they were performing at, Babajack was formed in early 2009. and he enjoyed their set so much he coughed up as one of They have been full-time musicians for the last three years their fi rst pledgers. Paul Jones raved about Babajack when he since Becky took redundancy from her job as a teacher in the played their track Rock’n’Roll Star on his Radio 2 blues show. probation service. They have four children between them. They are due to record a session for that show soon. The title of the new CD comes from a trip to France about Becky refuses to reveal her age, but says she is older than nine years ago, when the sky darkened and they saw this country sweetheart Taylor Swift and younger than blues amazing cloud formation, in the shape of what looked like a Queen ! Like Bonnie, Becky shares the bright red huge man striding across the sky. Becky jotted down the lyric hair. So is she fi ery by nature? “The fi re in my nature is that came into her head: ‘There ain’t no one that was born, channelled into my performance,” she says. Well, I predict a that can out run the running man.’ red hot 2014 for Babajack, so sound the alarm! Simon Redley

50 Maverick

Ayla Brown Scores in country music

hen country singer Ayla Brown arrived in “When I sang it for her, she totally related to everything in that Afghanistan to entertain the troops, the soldiers song,” explains Ayla. It was the warm memories attached to a pair W proved gracious hosts. One enterprising group had of her daughter’s basketball sneakers that moved her mother to used their downtime to prepare a special welcome for the young tears. Snapped up at a yard sale, those shoes now score points for American. Proudly, they shared a photograph of entertainment another family. “When I saw her cry,” says Ayla, “I knew that I had mogul Simon Cowell taped to a small explosive device, then a special song. It reminds me of The House That Built Me [Miranda handed Ayla the detonator. Kaboom! Lambert]. I have to put that on my album, no doubt.” There is a bemused tone to Ayla’s voice as she tells the story; she confides that she never found Mr. Cowell very intimidating. At ‘THIS AIN’T GOODBYE FOR A MOMENT six feet tall and then 17-years-old, the contestant towered over OR TWO; THIS AIN’T GOODBYE ‘TILL THE the American Idol judge and considered him a coach rather than an adversary. Her exit from the competition came too early, but NEXT TIME I START MISSIN’ YOU. THIS Brown remains grateful to the Idol machine. She credits her 13th TIME IT MEANS WHAT IT SHOULD - place finish on the show’s fifth season for creating opportunities GOODBYE, GOODBYE FOR GOOD.’ that she could never have imagined. Unlike her fellow contestants, Brown could not leverage her television fame at the conclusion of the 2006 season. Her Could Heartbreak Yard Sale be Ayla Brown’s breakout song, the university commitment wouldn’t allow it. A scholarship basketball one that catapults her to the top of the country music charts? It’s player, Ayla practised and played throughout her teenage years possible, but Ayla’s primary goal is to write songs that get people and a four-year college career. Those years of dedication were talking and that command the respect of her colleagues in the rewarded this past summer when the singer was inducted into the music industry. When asked, Ayla agrees with ACM (Academy of regional Basketball Hall of Fame. Country Music) entertainer of the year Luke Bryan that: ‘it’s Her love of sport and a competitive spirit are not limited to the difficult to break a woman right now on country radio.’ Ayla takes court; that same energy is found in Ayla’s original music. Beat By A a philosophical approach to the challenge, however, explaining Girl is an in-your-face nod to girls who win at the boys’ games, that the music business runs in cycles. Duets were popular for sung with familiarity and delivered with relish. It’s a crowd several years, and now men dominate the charts. The cycle will favourite, the song that mothers know their soccer or basketball eventually turn in favour of female artists, she reasons, and when playing daughters will repeat, the song that the men pretend not it does: “I’ll be raring to go,” ready for the new opportunities that to like, but join the merchandise queue to purchase. will come her way. Songwriting is a skill that Ayla has developed since moving to Ayla is not one to sit idle, however, waiting for her chance. She Nashville where she now makes her home. She is an avid writer creates opportunity, following the good advice that she offers and collaborator, embracing songs with a subtle emotional other aspiring singers: take every gig, sign every autograph, undercurrent. With preferred writing partner Morry Trent, Ayla diversify and smile. Keep smiling. In the seven years that have recently penned Heartbreak Yard Sale, a song likely to be included passed since her American Idol experience, Brown has been a on her next album, and one that struck a sensitive chord with her featured entertainer and reporter on national television, started own mother. her own , taught herself to play guitar and released

52 Maverick AYLA BROWN

and Darius Rucker. It was a wonderful experience, and Ayla is grateful to have had the opportunity to grow her craft and perform for thousands. She credits headliners like Lee Brice and for their kindness to a rising new artist. Turner and his crew shared their dinner and their friendship. Brice sent a message to the stage: ‘Tell her to take as much time as she needs at soundcheck; I know what it’s like to be an opener.’ Along with her guitar, Ayla brought a new set of songs to the stage this summer, drawn from newest release HEROES AND HOMETOWNS, a patriotic album that shares her love of country and salutes those who defend freedom. For her May debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Ayla performed Hero In Her Hometown, the upbeat story of a small town girl and homecoming queen who joins the Army, serves her country and is welcomed home as a hero. During the performance Ayla was flanked by 15 female soldiers from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The audience responded with a standing ovation that began as the women took the stage and was sustained throughout the performance. It was an experience that both the singer and the soldiers are sure to remember, and as Ayla saysL “I have the photos to prove it!” What the audience may not have realised is that every purchase from the first pressing ofHEROES AND HOMETOWNS sent a small donation to Hugs for Heroes, a non-profit organisation two country albums to good reviews and enthusiastic audiences. dedicated to supporting the military. Through shipment of care Self-titled country debut album, AYLA BROWN, was a 2012 packages and notes of love and appreciation, this is an release on her own independent label, Ambient Entertainment. organisation that remembers every soldier on mail day. Ayla is Of the ten songs on that disc, Ayla co-wrote seven. She is also the proud that for the veterans remembrance holiday this autumn, album’s producer. Common themes of longing, loneliness and she will present a generous cheque to Hugs for Heroes. She is also that old cheatin’ heart are found here. There are the requisite pleased to partner with Texas Roadhouse restaurants in support references to tobacco, whiskey and honky-tonks. Despite, or of the military; lead single Pride Of America will play from perhaps because of these clichés, the songs on AYLA BROWN fit jukeboxes across the country this autumn and beyond. easily into the mainstream of country-pop music with radio ready Just in time for Christmas, Ayla will release a new three song EP beats, solidly constructed hooks and an equally solid vocal of classic holiday music to iTunes. She’ll begin work on a music performance. video for original song Country Found Me from AYLA BROWN. Standout tracks include Miss You Already and Goodbye For Good. She’ll continue to write and demo songs for a new solo album due The latter finds an emphatic Ayla insisting: ‘This ain’t goodbye for out next spring. Maybe she’ll get a day off to rest, just maybe. If a moment or two; this ain’t goodbye ‘til the next time I start she does, Ayla says she’ll use that day to answer email, update her missin’ you. This time it means what it should—goodbye, goodbye website and social media, and plan her business travel, because for good.’ as an independent artist she does it all, from promotion to Ayla has a clear, pure tone that covers an impressive vocal performance to sales. It’s hard work, but work that has begun to range. There is no country twang, but at the lowest end of her yield results. This year Brown has been nominated for four IMEA register there is a faint huskiness that adds character. This is clear (International Music and Entertainment Association, Inc.) awards, on the album’s final cut, the acousticCan’t Make Up My Mind. Here including Country Album of the Year for HEROES AND she debates whether to leave or stay in a relationship gone flat, HOMETOWNS, and Record Label of the Year for her own Ambient and the emotion and vulnerability in her voice are convincing. It Entertainment, LLC. probably helps that the song was drawn from personal The talent, drive and passion that led Ayla Brown to score more experience; Ayla admits to a few sniffles in the recording studio. than 2,300 points as a high school basketball star have made her Her early experience on the road touring AYLA BROWN was an equally determined musician. After a recent performance, Ayla intimidating. Offered the chance to open for an established agreed to a one-on-one interview. The reporter was an eight- country music star, Ayla quickly agreed. Then her agent called to year-old child with a school project to complete. As the pair say: ‘Hey, they want you to do a 40 minute solo acoustic set,’ and walked through the parking lot toward the backstage entrance, the jitters began. It was yet another new challenge, but after two the little girl asked: ‘Which one is your tour bus?’ Replied Ayla: weeks of solid practise, the novice guitarist and newly-minted ‘Honey, I don’t have one yet, but someday I will,’ while pointing to country artist successfully played a ten-song set with sweaty the blue Chrysler sedan that was her only ride. Later, when she palms and a determined voice, leaving the stage exhausted. Now, recalled the child’s question and her own answer, Ayla says that it: Ayla laughs, if she’s asked for a 40-minute set. “I guess I’ll have to “…brought me back to reality, put a fire in my belly, because that’s cut some songs off the list!” the goal. If I could go on tour with a bus like that, then I’ll know Summer 2013 found the singer back on the road, performing in I’ve made it.” It will be just another scoring opportunity and a support of artists like , Charlie Daniels, , game winning shot for Ayla Brown. Holley Dey

Maverick 53

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DEANA CARTER?

US country star Deana Carter is back with a sparkling new album—her fi rst for six years. She tells Simon Redley why she dropped off the radar for so long

eana Carter has sold at least seven million records and is a household name in her America homeland. As a very talented D country singer and songwriter, she has released a total of eight albums in her career with much success, including three American number one singles, a top fi ve hit and a gaggle of top 20 tracks. As a songwriter for other artists, she has done well too; most recently with ’s 2011 smash hit, which she penned with for her own 2003 album, I’M JUST A GIRL. Chesney’s version was nominated as CMA’s Song of the Year, as well as two Grammy nods, notably the coveted Song of the Year. But her work was recently rewarded with every country artist’s dream booking on Saturday September 7, when Deana was invited to stand in that hallowed circle on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, following in the famous footsteps of hundreds of legendary country stars—including her famous musician Father, Fred Carter Jr. Fred started off his guitar playing career with and other major rock and roll stars, until he became a fi rst call session man in Nashville in the 1960s. For two or more decades, playing on country recordings for the likes of Willie Nelson, and , and on many other genres of music. He played on Simon & Garfunkel’s The Boxer, he played bass on Dylan’s Lay Lady Lay, and lead guitar for Muddy Waters, , and many more huge stars. He was also a Nashville label boss for ABC Records, a sought- after producer—Fred produced Levon Helm’s AMERICAN SON on MCA Records— and he was a top songwriter. His songs were cut by such artists as Dean Martin and Chet Atkins. Fred, who passed away after a stroke on July 17, 2010 aged 76, had a hand in the fi rst record deals for such stars as and Dolly Parton. He was very proud of his talented daughter Deana, and was always happy to give her advice. Deana’s massively successful fi ve times-platinum debut albumDID I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR THIS (which must be one of the very best titles of any record ever, eh?) was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. Deana lived in that globally famous street for about six months in the mid-1990s, while she toured the UK’s theatres with her British band and actor turned singer Jimmy Nail. “I fl ew over there in my mid-20s with just a guitar and a suitcase. I went straight to a rehearsal space with a British band, and we toured the theatres all over the country. It was a real swan dive for me at that age. I lived there about six months and I didn’t know anything. The voltage is different…The washer and dryer were all together and I ruined some clothes, and I almost burned down the fl at. I had no one to teach me how to survive, but I learned quickly, I can tell you that.” Her debut album was on EMI’s Nashville country boutique Patriot Records, but when the label was shuttered she was moved across to Capitol-Nashville. But when she returned to the USA, Capitol-Nashville dropped her before the debut record was even released in Stateside. Deana was understandably upset and mightily hacked off after all that hard work. So she decided she would return to the UK to live. But before she could re-pack her bags, with some pressure from the guys from EMI in the UK, the US label relented. The UK version of DID I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR THIS was drastically remodelled for the American market. Only three of the original tracks survived for the American release, much of the lush string orchestrations were stripped off and the

Maverick 55 DEANA CARTER

whole thing was ‘countrified.’ It went out over there in late and she told me that for one operation last year, they had to slice summer 1996 and bang! The record debuted at number two and her throat at the front to go in to her neck. This involved moving soon hit the top spot in the pop and country charts, selling more her voice box. She was told she could possibly lose her voice than five million units in America alone. completely, if they accidentally damaged each side of As a follow-up, Deana released 1998’s EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE the vocal box, a potential risk with that op. ALRIGHT, then in 2003, I’M JUST A GIRL, and 2005’s THE STORY OF “I was freaking out over that. But they did an amazing job. I am MY LIFE. Finally 2007’s THE CHAIN, a covers album tribute to her just learning to re-sing again. By the Grace of God, the only thing I Father’s career (who performed guitar on many of the original have lost from what I had before, is my lower register. A lot of the versions of the covers found on the album). Many of the tracks lower end has gone. But I am so grateful I can still sing.” Deana is featured the original artists as duet partners, such as Dolly Parton still in a great deal of pain with her knee though, and was told by (Love Is Like a Butterfly) and Willie Nelson (On The Road Again). Her her surgeon she would never run again. As a golfer and marathon LIVE IN CONCERT album was released in early 2007. runner, she was not pleased to hear that news. Deana’s albums have spawned 14 singles, including three “He said, you will never run again, so do not even think about it. which reached number one on the Billboard country charts: But it put a fire in my belly, and I was thinking: ‘no way.’ I used to Strawberry Wine, and How Do I Get There. run all the time. I am working on it, I go to the gym every day working with my trainer, and I think I will run again.” A typical “I could not get a deal. Capricorn ‘mountain goat’ mindset; both eyes firmly set on the top of the mountain, by plotting their own a course, they usually No one would sign me. If you get there! are not 25 or under 30, well... Deana was divorced from her first husband Chris DiCroce in 2001. She then dated music video director Chris Hicky and had a Deana, born and raised in Nashville with her two brothers Jeff son during their relationship; Hayes, who is now nine. On October (her former lead guitarist) and Ronnie, began her career by trying 3, 2009, she re-married, tying the knot with boyfriend Brandon out her own songs at writer’s nights around Nashville. At 17, she Malone in Malibu. In November 2012, she filed for legal went to the University of Tennessee, majoring in Rehabilitation separation from her husband. But she tells me she really hopes Therapy. After she graduated, she worked with recovering stroke they can work it out, and get back together on a stronger footing. and head injury patients. She eventually decided to pursue the “I am hopeful we can sort it out. I don’t want to go through music career she had started as a teenager, and left nursing at 23. another divorce. I want to stay in this to figure out what it is I need Deana eventually signed a writing deal with Polygram and to learn, and not just bale out. I think I am being taught some then a record deal with Capitol Records. One of her demo tapes things and need to say, hold on a second…I need to look at got to Willie Nelson, who remembered Deana as a child and was myself. I think we honestly moved a little bit too soon, and that is impressed with what he now heard. He invited her to perform why we need to be sorting through it now.” along with , Kris Kristofferson and Neil Young Deana really was brutally honest during our conversation, and as the only female solo artist to appear at VII in 1994. even revealed the intimate background to the most personal But between those heady days of mega success and today, song she has ever written. A gorgeous and emotional track on her Deana has had quite a life, and not all champagne and new album. limousines. She has dropped off the radar somewhat since her “I’ll Save My Love For You, is really written about saving yourself last album in 2007. No new DC CDs. Until now… Giving her very for marriage. A thought no one even thinks of these days. Being first interview for several years, speaking from her Studio City married and divorced, having a child, going into it all again I was home in California, 46-year-old Deana revealed that after a really wanting to do it right the second time around. We waited turbulent few years she has decided to “get back on the horse” until our wedding night second time around. People laugh. I and cut a new album. But despite her fame and previous success, waited two and a half years with him, and four and a half years in when she shopped a record deal on it, no one wanted to know. total between relationships.” “I could not get a deal. No one would sign me. If you are not 25 “That’s as personal as anybody can get, but that’s important; or under 30, well…So I decided to pay tribute to my Dad and have it’s like God gave me a white wedding even after all my mess ups my own label and call it Little Nugget.” Her late Father had a and all of my mistakes, he gave me the strength to do that. To studio and label called Nugget Records, which famously released have that experience was special; because that was something I music from some of the best in country music some 40-odd years grieved. I think it affected a lot of my decisions throughout my ago. “He would be over the moon about it. I thought, I’m not dead whole life, because I felt bad about myself on a deep level; yet and no one else wants to do it. I know how to do it; I’ve done because I didn’t do the right thing. That song is a message that is this for 20 years, so let’s just go do it.” laughable to the world, but it’s important to God, and it’s Well she has gone and done it with the super new album, A something I got to experience that was amazing.” SOUTHERN WAY OF LIFE, due for American release in November Deana revealed her heartbreak at losing six good friends who and UK release in February 2014. Deana aims to play shows here each committed suicide, during the time period while she was out in the spring. But not being in demand by the major record labels of the spotlight. “They were all dear friends. One was my was the least of her worries. Not only her career but her life was drummer. There has been so much grief, and I literally did not almost over in October 2010, when she was involved in a terrible know how I was going to get through that. Going through all this car crash, just a few months after losing her Father. It badly loss, hurt and grief, there was no outlet. So I was just writing messed up her back and her knee. She’s since had major surgery, songs, and I must have a whole two or three records of songs still

56 Maverick to sing. It has been six or seven years of a lot of grief, and man it has been challenging.” “The first and monumental thing is my dad passed. The songs Before You Left and Waiting For You To Come Home are both about him. Waiting For You To Come Home I wrote two weeks after he died, and that was the most harrowing challenge I have ever had. I have never created anything without him here. Always had him to run things by, and it felt like I wouldn’t be able to do it without him. That was so hard. I was a mess that day; balling. I have four or five versions ofWaiting For You To Come Home. It started out so sad, and now after we re-recorded it a few times, it sounds like a ‘moving on’ song.” “That’s what all these songs are…another record of music therapy,” Deana howls with laughter. “Yeah, when something’s gone, I’ve been the Queen of: ‘Oh my gosh; should I have done that, said that, thought that…’ living in hindsight instead of foresight most of the time.” We spoke, 17 years to the day that she released her biggest hit, Strawberry Wine, for which she was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The song, incidentally, was written by Matraca Berg, who co-wrote You And Tequila with Deana. The royalties from that Chesney hit helped Deana fund her new record and launch her own label. Of the 10 songs on the new record, which Deana produced, she wrote one on her own and co-wrote the rest with Kimberly Perry, Sean McConnell, Kacey Musgraves, Anne Preven, Lindsay Ray, Tyler Hilton and Damien Elliott (son of Dionne Warwick). The players are Craig Macintyre (drums), bassist Cary Beare, piano by Matthew Schmitt plus guitarists Shawn Jones, Deana’s brother Jeff Carter and Joel Schearer. “That’s what all these songs are... another record of music therapy”

The famed Hollywood Sound studio in Los Angeles closed down before Deana had finished her album, to be converted into a museum! She had to move the project to another studio, and dump plans for various overdubs using vintage instruments laying around at Hollywood Sound. Deana spent almost two years on this album. But the ‘less is more’ vibe on this record really works, and avoids the risk of smothering some really lovely songs and spine-tingling vocal performances. The night before we spoke, Deana had been called out on stage by at a concert in Los Angeles and she told me the crowd went wild at the mention of her name. “They roared when they called me out, I was like what; because I’ve been gone for so long. There has been this strange kind of murmuring: ‘What happened to Deana Carter? Where did she go?’ So I couldn’t believe it last night.” “That place was full and screaming for me. Going through the stuff I’ve been through, expecting the shoe to drop at some point now—kind of trying not to get accustomed to that, as I don’t like that mentality—I needed that last night. I really did.” Deana Kay Carter is “determined and grateful” in the current phase of her life and career, and this Southern gal’s ambitions are simple: “My plan is to get back in the saddle and rock the house.” Well, Miss Carter, we want you to come over here and do just that real soon—maybe shave your legs first!Simon Redley

Maverick 57 Will Hoge never gives in “most people from Texas think what we do in Nashville sucks...”

© Kristen Barlow

hen you stare death in the face, fi t in the Texas music gotten the Ray Charles box-set THE COMPLETE COUNTRY & scene, write a song that Taylor Swift never sees, have WESTERN RECORDINGS. Dylan being from Jersey hadn’t a clue Wa number one song on the country charts, have a what country music was and me being from Nashville realised major automaker from Detroit want your song, and are about to that an Otis Redding song and a Hank Williams song are the same release a new album, you are not only busy but also also a breath song other than melody or chord progression. Dylan’s dad had of fresh air in the singer-songwriter world. That’s Will Hoge who’s this piano which we used on this song and it was just out of tune about to release NEVER GIVE IN this winter. enough to be funky and threw the song down in short order and Strong, written by Will, and Ashley Gorley speaks it’s one of my favourites.” to the hard working salt of the earth types who get up everyday, “Thirty Tigers felt like the right fi t forNEVER GIVE IN, they work their tails off and don’t expect anything in return. Chevrolet were willing to take a song to country radio if it was a country found the song for its new Silverado campaign and the song type song and to rock radio if it was more of a greasy rockin’ found yet another meaning. song. I am a country artist, a rock artist, and a soul artist and I’m “Zach and Ashley and I wrote Strong, and a couple days later unapologetic about it. The people at Thirty Tigers were with GM was in Nashville sniffi ng around for a song. Everybody in me on that.” town was trying to write and sing for it. All I try to do is write a Co-writing was something new to Hoge. He met Eric Paslay for great song. We cut a scratch demo of it. Chevy said they wanted his fi rst co-write and the hit songEven If It Breaks Your Heart came the song. So a bunch of big time singers sang it, But Chevy goes: from that meeting. “We got put together by another friend of ‘We want who sang it.’ Well that was the demo, so we sold the mine. I’d just come off of some downtime and had never really song solely on the demo and that really is an amazing feeling.” done a co-write so I’m like: ‘Okay cool.’ We went in and wrote a Breaking into the Texas music scene when you are from song called Highway Wings, which made it on the WRECKAGE Nashville isn’t the easiest, nor the most effi cient way to get your album and the song was great and the next time we got together music heard. But when you treat Texas as its own country, buy was for Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” into it fully, you fi nd out that you can do things nobody thinks you “We wrote the song in 25 minutes. For the fi rst 10 minutes we should be doing. were just talking about growing up. I was talking about a “It’s a truly unique thing. I really wanted to approach Texas like transistor radio that my folks used to put me to sleep with. Eric another country. They’ve got their own music stores, radio comes up with: ‘way back on the radio dial...’ We played the fi rst stations, music charts. Though most people from Texas think chords and it was done 15 minutes later. We argued a little. Eric is what we do in Nashville sucks, but they’ve bought into what we a very positive guy, he comes up with: ‘Keep on dreaming...’ Then do. We released a single Another Song Nobody Will Hear, only to I came in with: ‘even if it breaks your heart.’ He says: ‘Man that is Texas and it went number one. So to treat Texas as its own so sad.’ It was awesome dealing with me being the sad guy and country, musically was the one stroke of genius I’ve had in my Eric being the happy guy. I really am happy we’ll always be career,” Will laughs. connected because of that song, Eric is one of my Going back into 12 years worth of music you fi nd progressions favourite people.” in sound, lyrics, melodies. Hoge’s new album NEVER GIVE IN shows When a new artist is looking for songs, all the songwriters get such richness in its songs, equal parts Detroit soul and southern pitched or asked to write a song for said artist. But when it’s for a rock’n’roll. 16-year-old girl’s debut album, well that is just strange. “There is a fortunate thing and an unfortunate thing when it “CAA contacted me looking for some songs for this girl’s debut came to writing the songs on this record and the two weeks album. I had written Silver & Gold, I wasn’t sure it was for this girl or leading up to recording them. This Time Around, I wrote with Dylan not. Well thing is she never got the song, but it seems she [Taylor Altman who I’ve written with quite a bit. We’ve been in bands Swift], has done pretty good for herself …” he laughs. together, and writing with him isn’t like a co-write where you go Will Hoge has come through the other side after his scooter in trying to write a hit song, Dylan and I get together to write ‘a accident in 2008 and his new release NEVER GIVE IN shows all song.’ With This Time Around, I told Dylan I wanted to write those scars, all the triumphs and all the ways life have been one something simple as I had half the song written already. I had just surprise after another. Chuck Schultz

58 Maverick Fran McGillivray Band Some Luck

“Mighty good” Maverick magazine

THE FRAN MCGILLIVRAY BAND ARE RAPIDLY GAINING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES WITH THEIR BEAUTIFUL TRADITION RICH MUSIC. THIS RELEASE SHOWCASES THE BAND’S SONGWRITING TALENTS AND THEIR SOULFUL, DYNAMIC AND POWERFUL INTERPRETATIONS OF SONGS FROM A BROAD RANGE OF GENRES FROM FOLK THROUGH TO COUNTRY AND BLUES.

www.franmike.com COVER FEATURE

EXCLUSIVE taylor FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH TAYLOR swift IN NASHVILLE 2013 has been a whirlwind year for one Taylor Swift. Continuing to sell millions of copies of RED worldwide; digital downloads of more than 70 million; Charting more that 12 songs and selling out arenas and stadiums across North America in support of RED: The numbers are staggering, and all of this with the fact that Taylor is 23. Never has there been a musician at such an age take control of not only her career and genre (country) but music in general. She’s beautiful, bright, positive, creative, hilarious and humble.

Photo courtesy of CMA

60 Maverick COURTCOVER YARD FEATUREHOUNDS

et us go to the highlight reel to take making Taylor Swift the musician for everyone. You start a look at the year Taylor has had. to lose count as to how many of Taylor’s songs are on which chart or how many digital downloads are sold, she consistently The North American portion of Swift’s RED makes sure her fans are happy and that new music or singles TourL played to more than 1.36 million fans, with 66 shows continue to be released. (including 13 stadium stops), in 47 cities, in 29 states, and three provinces spanning six months. Inviting such unique The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee guests to share the stage with her including; , officially opened the Taylor Swift Education Center on Luke Bryan and Sara Bareilles among others, proving again October 12, 2013. Swift’s $4 million gift to endow the Center she loves to give her fans the best show. Having a chance is the largest artist gift in the museum’s history. Included to see Taylor in both a stadium (Toronto’s Rogers Centre) in the Center: three classrooms with built in technology to and an arena (Nashville’s ) I witnessed facilitate distance learning and outreach programmes; family entertainment, musicianship and showmanship that I’d only and student art gallery space, and an interactive exhibit ever seen in a Rolling Stones concert. This may sound crazy, gallery. Once again Ms Swift not only is humble and positive but I’m telling you straight away, Taylor Swift is not only the but bringing more eyes to Nashville and country music, the Entertainer of The Year, but the entertainer of an right way. The following night (October 13) she received the entire generation. Nashville Songwriters Association International Songwriter of The Year for the 6th year. She remains the youngest to win Having four charted singles in 2013; 22, Red, Everything the award. Kris Kristofferson has said: ‘She blows me away. Has Changed (with ) and The Last Time, Red It’s amazing to me that someone so young is writing such continues to chug on. Each of these songs is something great songs. She’s got a great career ahead of her.’ Recently completely different, across so many different platforms you Mick Jagger has said: ‘Taylor has such an amazing stage really have no idea where they are going to pop up, again presence and really connects with her fans.’

Maverick 61 COVER FEATURE uring CMA Award Week in early November, We are witnessing a once combination of Taylor was honoured with what only can talent, spirit and grace in the music world. Having a chance be termed as one of, if not the, highest to talk with Taylor, you realise just how unpretentious, honours. On Tuesday November 5 at the graceful and genuinely real she is. Mark Twain once said: DCMA International Press Reception, Taylor was awarded ‘Write what you know.’ Taylor does that, over and over the International Artist Award. But the honour that was again. She has put together a band that plays with such bestowed on her on Wednesday November 6 at the CMA fury, and vigour that you would normally see in a rock’n’roll Award ceremony was the Pinnacle Award. The Award band. Her musicianship, to me, is drastically underrated. recognises an artist who has achieved both national and Check her out playing acoustic 12-string. So as an exclusive international prominence through concert performances and interview for Maverick Magazine, we discuss songwriting, record sales at levels unique in country music. The artist touring, UK fans, philanthropy and her cat Meredith. I for has also attained the highest degree of recognition within one have been a fan since 2006 and will continue to be. I the broad expanse of music worldwide. The artist’s talent am keenly interested to see what 2014 brings, but for now and presence will have a long-term positive impact on the … Here’s Taylor!! appreciation of country music for generations to come. You are such a passionate person and songwriter, you rarely “I can’t think of a better opportunity than Country leave much to the imagination (in a good way). Do most of Music’s Biggest Night™’ to present an award of this your songs start lyrically or with a melody, and do you write magnitude to an artist of this calibre,” said CMA President with a specific instrument (type of guitar, piano)? of the Board Ed Hardy. “I’ve known Taylor since she was 16. She came to my office with her mom to play her music “I don’t have any specific rituals—the fun part is that I and I was amazed. Taylor’s outstanding career epitomises the never write songs in one particular way. An idea could hit definition of the Pinnacle Award.” you in the middle of the night from out of nowhere and all of a sudden you grab your phone and record the idea so you Taylor went on to win two additional awards; Best can go back to it the next day. You might say something Video and Best Musical event for Highway Don’t Care, in conversation and realise it would make a great lyric. I’ve which featured Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. The written songs in airports, tour buses, hotel rooms, and on highlight of the award show was Taylor calling on musical my bedroom floor. The unpredictability of songwriting legends Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer is my favourite part. Writing songs is my way of coping and Eric Darken for a stripped down and amazing version of with love, feelings and relationships. These things are so Red. There are not enough adjectives to describe complicated and songwriting usually helps me simplify what this performance. I’m feeling.”

The Red Tour was such a huge success in North America, you gave your fans two different versions (arena, stadium). How long did it take to come up with the set (design) and the set-list itself. And at any time did you completely change the set list just to keep it fresh?

“I really love the feeling of a theatrical show with tons of big moments and choreography, but I also like to leave room in the show for spontaneity and surprises. I like to have an acoustic set where it’s just me and a guitar and I can play different songs every night. I also like to invite other artists out to my shows to come out and sing one of their songs. I love creating unique, different moments in each show, so it keeps everyone on their toes, including me.”

You are such a positive person and role model. Did you ever imagine you’d be the guiding light to people of all ages at age 23?

“I did not, but I love getting to make music, and knowing that other girls are listening to my songs and relating them to their own lives. I always consider those girls when I’m out in the world living my life. They’ve given me this life by standing by me and caring about me, so I’m always going to think about them. The truth of it is, my choices actually do matter to more than just me now. They do affect people, so I have to try and make the right ones.”

62 Maverick COVER FEATURE Female troubadour, recently told me, she loves how positive you are and if she knew half of what you know (at age 23) back then, things might be different. What was/is the impetus that got you to start your own management company and how ‘hands on’ are you today?

“I read what Shelby said about me, and I was so touched and honoured. She’s been one of my heroes in the confessional songwriter world, and getting her stamp of approval was really wonderful. I made the decision to hire my own management team because it just felt like the right thing to do. I guess I didn’t want one person running my career, so I just picked people who specialised in different areas. Every week we have a call or sit down together and make the choices ourselves. I like to plan things out, like album release strategies or creative ideas for music videos and commercials, and my team is excellent at making sure those ideas get heard and realised.”

How many guitars do you own and which are your favourites?

“I’ve lost count. I think my favoorite is the Baby Taylor I take everywhere with me. It’s all beaten up and has my friends’ writing all over it. Once came to one of our shows and I asked him to sign it.. He picked it up and played and sang Dancing In The Dark and then signed it. Possibly the coolest moment of my life.”

Maverick 63 You learned to play on a 12-string guitar? Playing sold out stadiums in Australia and New Zealand How hard/easy was that and how does that and you had to add a couple dates to your February influence your writing (or does it?) London shows. What about the fans of Europe and Asia. What is the difference from North American crowds? “I like to try different instruments to conjure up different ideas for songs. I tend to write differently on piano “I am so fortunate to have fans all over the world, and than I would on guitar. I learned on a 12-string guitar I love getting to meet so many of them when I’m on tour. because I was told it was harder, and a guitar teacher of Getting to stand onstage and sing my own words and mine told me my hands would be too small to play it. That stories to giant crowds is the best feeling I’ve ever felt, and might let you in on my personality a little bit …” I love the different accents and the energy. So many of the fans I meet are just like me, wherever they are … fascinated You donated four millions dollars to the recently opened and confused and frustrated by love, but it’s all we Taylor Swift Education Center. First off, that’s an amazing think about.” gesture and you told the crowd in attendance that you want kids to have access to all those artistic types of things. Are We are both huge Kris Kristofferson fans, tell me there any other philanthropic things you are involved in? what it was like playing in the round with him and that fact he presented you with your first CMA? “When it comes to philanthropy, I don’t really think first. When something hits me and I can’t shake the feeling “Meeting Kris was one of the coolest experiences of that I could help out with something, that’s when I decide my life, because finally I met someone whose life I would to step in and help. It’s never the same cause and never in aspire to, not just his career. He seems to really appreciate the same way. Sometimes it’s donating a guitar or going how epic and wonderful his life has been. Some people to see a little girl in the hospital or donating a wing of grow so bitter with time, but he just seemed like he was an education centre or buying speakers for a school that so full of life and enthusiasm after all those years of doing can’t put on their school play or something. But it’s never this. I could only hope to end up like that.” the same thing. I think you should help when you can in whatever way you can, and I guess I’ve just tried to Any chance we could see you doing some acoustic do that.” shows in theatres? You know just you and your guitar?

64 Maverick “I love those kinds of shows and I would never say never. Right now I’m in this phase where I love playing stadiums and arenas and feeling that rush. But there’s a different rush in a theatre, a closeness. I still play acoustic shows, but mostly for my friends in my living room, or whenever my friend Ed [Sheeran] and I are at the same party. He always makes sure everyone who knows how to play or sing gets up and plays or sings. I love the acoustic element so much, that’s why I always do a few songs like that in my big shows. Just me and my guitar and everyone singing along.”

The Giver with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges … not exactly a light movie … how did they find you for that and tell us a bit about your character.

“I was offered the role of Rosemary after a few of the people in charge of making the movie went to see my Red Tour in LA. It was very sudden and unexpected and thrilling to get that news. My character is a very small role as far as screen time goes, but the story kind of revolves around her in a way. She’s very open and sensitive and that ends up being her weakness in the end. I’m so excited to see it when it’s done!”

Being the owner of two white cats, Meyer and Travis Mcgee, I really appreciate your love of Meredith. How often does she travel with you?

“Meredith travels pretty much everywhere with me if at all possible. She doesn’t seem to know or care that we’re in different places every day.”

It started with two shows in February and is now five! Great job by the way. What can you say about the fans in the UK that hasn’t already been said ... and did you realise that not only you but country music in general has gone global?

“This will be my sixth year coming over to the UK and I really love how gradually and steadily things have built here for me. Getting to play five sold out shows at the O2 is sort of in the realm of my most fantastic dreams. I used to have nightmares about showing up and walking onstage and looking out to zero people in the crowd. It’s really wonderful that the fans have never let that happen. I can’t wait to spend two weeks in London playing shows at the O2, because UK fans are some of my favourite people in the world and I’ve missed them terribly!”

You’ve got the Vamps opening for you, what or who brought them to your attention?

“They actually covered a few of my songs on YouTube and I thought they were wonderful. I got to meet them at the Radio 1 Teen Awards and they seem so sweet and very excited to join The RED Tour.”

Any sneak peeks you can give fans, readers for the tour?

“I’m going to try my best to have some tricks up my sleeve. You’ll have to come and see for yourself!” Chuck Schultz All photos © Kelly E. Schultz Editor’s Top Picks: ANDREA GLASS LAURA CANTRELL MEG HUTCHINSON

A Guide To ­ e Star Rat- ings In Maverick:

H Avoid

PETER COOPER REBECCA FRAZIER DONNA ULISSE HH Poor

HHH Good

HHHH Very Good

HHHHH Excellent

JOEY & RORY THE BANKESTERS

Achilles Wheel – 83 George Strait – 103 Lee Koch – 96 Si Kahn and the Adrian Du y & & Lee Roy Parnell – 107 Looping Brothers – 99 e Mayo Brothers – 96 e Rumour – 79 Linda ompson – 90 Skylar Elise – 97 Andrea Glass – 67 Grassoline – 98 Lisbee Stainton – 88 Star Lane – 82 Hank Mowery – 98 Lorraine Jordan & – 90 and the Lowriders – 85 Hannah Rose Platt – 98 Carolina Road – 96 Suburban Dirts – 96 Audrey Auld – 67 Heather Myles – 78 Luke Bryan – 75 Suzie Brown – 99 Babajack – 86 Heidi Feek – 78 Martyn Joseph – 74 Tanya Tucker – 109 Big Sandy and His Heirlooms of August – 96 Mary Kaye – 99 Terry Lee Hale – 91 Fly-Rite Boys – 85 Howe Gelb – 92 Mediaeval Baebes – 110 e Band – 109 – 68 Irene Kelley – 86 Meg Hutchinson – 71 e Bankesters – 73 Carl Smith – 100 Jake Owen – 87 Miss Tess and the Tailbacks – 89 e Diablos – 84 – 76 James Keelaghan – 104 Nick Lowe – 110 e Lucky Strikes – 91 Chase Tyler – 98 – 104 Nora Collins – 84 e Mike Eldred Trio – 96 Chauncey Bowers – 86 Jimmy LaFave – 87 Patricia Vonne – 74 e Oak Ridge Boys – 110 Chris Jones & the Jimmy Webb – 70 Patty Larkin – 80 e Rising – 98 Night Drivers – 68 Jitterbug Vipers – 88 Peter Cooper – 72 e Wardens – 98 Christy Moore – 100 Joe Brown – 105 Phillip Henry & omas Rhett – 91 David Rotheray – 69 – 106 Hannah Martin – 80 Tia McGra – 74 Deborah Holland – 94 – 70 Poor Old Shine – 94 Tish Hinojosa – 84 Donna Ulisse – 75 Joey + Rory – 78 – 108 Tony McLoughlin – 79 Dubi Handi – 96 Johnny Cash – 106 Rebecca Frazier – 72 VA: Alabama & Friends – 76 Durwood Haddock – 96 Josephine Foster – 76 – 110 VA: Classic Banjo – 100 DVD: Joe Bonamassa – 111 Josh Taerk – 98 Richard Dobson – 81 VA: Dim Light, ick Smoke DVD: e Blues Band – 111 Jules Winchester – 88 Richard Durrant – 110 and Hillbilly Music: Country Eddi Reader – 83 – 90 Rick Shea – 97 and Western Hit Parade Eddie Noack – 102 Kayleigh Leith – 80 Robin & Linda Williams – 79 1966-1970 – 102 Elizabeth Mitchell Kayton Roberts – 68 Rocky and the Natives – 82 VA: High Cotton: and Friends – 110 Kendall Beard – 71 – 108 A Tribute to Alabama – 76 Emerald Rae – 96 Kris Kristo erson – 107 – 93 VA: Legacy Christmas – 110 Fabian Holland – 97 Laura Cantell – 72 Scott Miller – 95 Western Avenue – 97 Foster and Lloyd – 103 Laura Cortese – 93 Scotty McCreery – 82 Winter Mountain – 92 George Ducas – 70 Laura J Martin – 73 Scowlin Owl – 99 Zachary Lucky – 98

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and notably more soulful vocal delivery. favourite artwork of the year so far. Audrey Andrea Glass One of the most musically rewarding Auld’s voice and songwriting skills are PARTY OF ONE albums to cross my path this year. talents to behold in a very shallow musical Operando/Haven Alan Cackett world. Alan Harrison Records OPCD02 www.operando.com www.audreyauld.com HHHHI Andrea’s songs bursting with romantic Audrey Auld Laura J Martin longing, tenderness and painfully felt TONK DAZZLE DAYS commitment to love and hope Reckless Records Static Caravan Records If you’ve seen the ever-smiling Andrea RECKO14 VAN265 Glass at one of her low-profile gigs you HHHH HH wouldn’t expect her to be a lonely lady, but Yes! They do make More psychedelic judging from the lyrical content on this country music like pop than folk long-awaited second album, it seems as if they used to! It has to be a bit of a handicap to be born she’s seen enough heartache for a dozen Even though I’d not heard of Audrey within a couple of years of, to have a very people. Each and every song here is unique, Auld, I would have bought this album on similar name to, and to be in the same area and deals in some way with Andrea’s the strength of the cover alone; and of the market as someone as good as Laura experiences. Her lyrics venture boldly into thankfully Audrey Auld certainly puts the Marling. Although easier now that Marling the shadowy areas of emotional life with ‘honky’ into the TONK, which is spelled out has tired of the UK scene and gone off to the emphasis mainly on deep and cutting in neon lights. The album opens with an live in Los Angeles, comparisons are still songs of self-made loneliness. A born old-school country duet Bound For Glory, inevitable and, judging on this release, romantic, she is constantly searching for a before Audrey takes the lead on Broken Laura J is some way short. meaningful relationship and a settled place Hearted Woman, a 90mph foot-tapper that Martin has continued the theme of some to call home. But having spent the past few wouldn’t have been out of place on any of rather bizarre song subjects started in THE years traversing the highways and byways the classic Dolly and Porter albums that HANGMAN TREE, her first album which was of the British Isles, sharing sofas, spare defined a generation in the 1970s. Many of released last year and did quite well. bedrooms and the occasional cheap hotel the best Americana albums of the last ten However, there was much more of a folk as she took her music to the length and years have been made by Canadian and feel about the previous album, this one is breadth of the UK, she’s encountered European acts and here we have an laden with a faux oriental style of vocalising all-too-brief friendships and relationships Australian singer-songwriter giving and far too dominant orchestrations. that have obviously left her slightly bruised Nashville what the people want—classic Martin is a talented instrumentalist, and battered. country songs with melodies, tunes and contributing on flute, mandolin and piano Andrea is clearly an intelligent romantic, stories backed by guitars, a mandolin, a and there are also weighty offerings from like nearly all the best creative music people banjo and a pedal steel. Gillian Wood on and several others, and she has used her experiences to create The cheeky and well-crafted Drinking but it is the overuse of the synthesiser an impressive collection of songs. Say It Problem is a song that could easily have which turned me off most tracks. I should Ain’t So is a particularly fine of her been sung by , but sounds as have read more into the opener Thaw, all 46 craft: A sweet, soaring melody coupled with fresh as a daisy today and goes to show seconds of it, which is, I suppose, designed words that describe the most abject what a clever songwriter Audrey Auld is as to bring us into Laura’s world … it just loneliness. Killing Time is another eerily she pays homage to the music she adores. passed me by. The lyrics of the next two sorrowful item. There’s no mention in the Nashville #1 could only have been written tracks Red Flag and Dream Of Sin hint at the album booklet, so I’m assuming it’s Boo by an outsider looking in on the minutiae of dark side, and the overall sound is distinctly Hewerdine who provides the second voice a town that they have fallen in love with, as eastern, a legacy maybe from Laura’s time on this sad but beautiful duet. I should a born and bred local would have missed living in Japan. Sour Grapes is a load of ‘la la point out that Andrea is no professional too many things lurking in the shadows. la’ nonsense built around a lover’s tiff. whiner; the defiant Matter Of Time The heartachingly beautiful Nashville #2 The title track comes mid-album and has exemplifies her optimistic side. Her voice is takes a different route and tells an all too no lyrics and is several ethereal voices, choir as gorgeous as ever, adding a golden touch familiar tale of a young woman struggling like, with the combined collection of to songs like See Me Through. Production by to make her mark in the recesses of the city undeniably skilled instrumentalists and the Boo Hewerdine is quietly superlative and that can make and then break dreams. ever present synthesiser. I just couldn’t the accompanying musicians, especially Lonely Town and Sweet Alcohol are 100% recognise what it was trying to get across. Stuart Nisbett (pedal steel, baritone guitar), classic country and deserve a much wider Good luck to Laura, who is touring all over Mick Slaven (guitar), Gustaf Jjunggren audience than what this self-released the UK during the latter part of this year (guitar, piano) and Hewerdine (guitar, album will sadly achieve. promoting DAZZLE DAYS. Sorry to say I did ukulele, keyboard, glockenspiel) surround Not everything works perfectly, with the not find this album easy to listen to. All too the songs with exquisite soundscapes. With final track, Bury Me At Walmart Rack Off!, not convoluted so, perhaps, it’s just not for me. PARTY OF ONE Andrea has broadened her being quite as funny as it thinks it is, but Paul Collins musical scope to reveal a far more confident all-in-all, TONK is a great album with my www.laurajmartin.com

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and neither genuine country nor soul music drivin’ favourite from 1974 and featuring Billy Currington should ever be described as ‘easy-listening.’ the vocals of Claire Lynch and Sierra Hull WE ARE TONIGHT Guaranteed to be a big-seller methinks. (the ‘Wolf Creekettes’) and turns it into a Humphead Records Alan Cackett six-minute epic album closer. Alan Cackett HUMP149 www.humpheadcountry.com www.chrisjonesgrass.com/ HHH chris-jones-the-night-drivers Feel-good music that is more easy-listening Chris Jones & the than is good for itself Night Drivers Kayton Roberts Album number five from Billy Currington LONELY COMES VALLEY OF is a happy, positive collection of feel-good EASY THE ROSES songs. Though in the past he has penned Rebel Records Buffalo Skinner Music many of the songs he has recorded, this REB-CD-1847 HHHH time there’s not a Currington song to be HHHH Veteran lap steel heard, and the blues-tinged country vibe Jones and his band present superb player revisits country that he specialised in is totally missing as he performances with a great touch of music’s rich roots with goes straight for the feel-good factor. bluegrass and country a modern studio quality Alongside the usual Music Row writers, he Chris Jones has been around making Kayton Roberts is one of the finest reaches out to beach-bum, Jack Johnson, music for many years and founded the lap-steel players of them all. For older for Banana Pancakes, a gentle hypnotic Night Drivers back in the mid-1990s. Over country fans, he will be familiar as the guy tune with a swirling, pretty melody and a the years the band has undergone the odd who toured for years with as lyric that will melt every female heart who personnel change, but has maintained its one of the Rainbow Ranch Boys. To be hears it. Rather surprisingly, with Paul strict adherence to the bluegrass canon honest, I didn’t even realise that Kayton Franklin’s pedal steel and the acoustic blending in traditional bluegrass and was still alive, but he is and now we have guitars, it sounds more country than most country influences into a powerful and this wonderful little album recorded in of the other tracks and the Shy Carter rap distinctive sound and style that is very Nashville with special guests fits in like a comfy pair of flip-flops. Carter much their own. This is their first all-new and his Fabulous Superlatives, Chris steps up to produce the reggae-styled collection in four years and sees them Scruggs, , , Hallelujah, with a melody-line similar to return to the Rebel label with their Ranger Doug Green and Rob McNurlin. As Steve Miller’s The Joker; This is a catchy little strongest album in a series of great releases. you would expect, the musical number penned by Carter with Nashville’s Many of the songs are penned by Jones and arrangements hark back to the distant Warren Brothers. The recent hit single, Hey various band members and all are of a past, and occasionally, in the midst of all Girl, which opens the album, insidiously uniformly high quality. They also throw in a the current country sounds, it’s quite invades the brain cells, but the easy vibe is couple of original instrumentals to refreshing to listen to how country music ruined by an unnecessary and strident demonstrate their deft playing skills. Pickin’ used to sound. He opens with a stunning electric lead break. highlights include the mandolin-led Swine rendition of A Fool Such As I, with Marty Billy’s bluesy tones come to the fore for Flu In Union County, and Don’t Blink with Neil Stuart taking Hank Snow’s part of Wingman, but I’m getting more than a little Luberecki playing real good banjo and flat-picking acoustically. This transported tired of country singers using the in-word jamming with mandolin player Mark Stoffel me back to a Sunday evening back in 1969 ‘bro’ … it has no place in country music, End and guest fiddle player Jeremy Garrett to at the London Palladium when Hank and of! One Way Ticket sounds more Jimmy really stretching it out. The Rainbow Ranch Boys made their Buffett than the old Coral Reefer himself … The title song is a killer; most of us have British debut. but I still enjoyed it. Can’t say the same for wandered into this thicket at one time or Naturally the ghost of Hank can be heard the title song, yet another backroads, small another, and Jones finds an entertaining on several of these tracks. This comes town, truck, freedom clichéd themed song; way to remind us. He teams up with veteran through on the rhumba rhythm of Santa The kind that are just a little too prevalent in songwriter, Tom T Hall, to create the Domingo Woman, the Hawaiian vibe of today’s country music with the predictable homespun Where I Am, whilst Too Hard To Beyond The Reef and the bluesy Blow chorus tailored for the tiresome arms-in- Say I’m Sorry is a Jack Clement song that Whistle Blow. The vastly underrated Chris the-air waving that is expected at concerts Charley Pride included on his first album in Scruggs takes the vocal honours on Long these days. That is followed by the equally 1967 and was later a minor 1969 hit for Murv Gone Daddy, possibly one of the best predictable Hard To Be A , with all the Shiner. It suits Jones perfectly and is a versions you’ll ever hear of this old Hank usual lyrics and guess what, the near-perfect example of country-meets- Williams classic. Roberts lap steel playing is granddaddy of them all, yeah ol’ Willie adds bluegrass, Just as good is Jones’ own Then I pure magic and plays off Kenny Vaughan’s his twopenneth worth. 40 years ago, Close My Eyes, with ethereal harmonies by tasteful electric lead perfectly. Out of step maybe, but today it’s such old hat. Maybe young Emily Bankester; this could so easily with today’s country music, but essential I’ve been a little harsh on this album, have been a major country hit in another listening if you want to hear how it used to because it’s never less than pleasant, but time. Obviously, as deeply rooted in be done, but with the modern studio like those old Philadelphia ‘soul’ records of country as in bluegrass music, Jones revives sound quality of today. Alan Cackett the 1970s, pleasant equals easy-listening, CW McCall’s Wolf Creek Pass, a huge truck www.kaytonroberts.com

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characters from existing classic songs (highlights include the steel and Dobro- David Rotheray (Daniel, Maggie May, Roxanne, Jolene, Bobby tinged country ballad Marie’s Song as ANSWER BALLADS McGee, Mrs Jones—you get the picture) and Josienne Clarke extends the tale of Chuck Navigator 086P uses artistic licence to develop—or Berry’s Memphis, Tennessee, Jackie Oates’ HHH ‘answer—’ their respective stories. It’s not a Mrs Avery’s Song, whose nice vocal and Musically exquisite but new concept, having been used before in string arrangements are paired with the cerebrally dubious both music and film, but as the album is of a sad fiddle of Bella Hardy’s Sylvia’s Song, collection of story high standard I’ll park my gripe here. and the doomy piano piece Jolene’s Song songs from the Beautiful South guitarist So to the music . . . The opening Mrs Jones’ by Julie Murphy), , John Smith David Rotheray is well-known in the Song, based on the Billy Paul hit, sets the tone and Alasdair Roberts also make world of pop and rock as the guitarist and with an establishing piano part respectable contributions with Daniel’s founder member of The Beautiful South, accompanying Knapp’s fragile, Melanie Song, Billy-Joe’s Song and Dino’s Song who scored hit singles and albums over a Safka-esque vocals and some sweet backing respectively. nearly 20-year period starting in 1989. At voices, and is one of the best songs on the ANSWER BALLADS is a difficult one to sum the same time, Rotheray formed his album, while Carthy’s earthy delivery on the up . . . Rotheray is clearly a gifted writer acoustic side project Homespun, which toe-tapping Maggie’s Song (I said they who can excel as a songsmith without yielded three albums, before releasing his weren’t all ballads), is all we would expect, looking to old hits for inspiration. Having critically acclaimed solo debut THE LIFE OF matching piano and acoustic guitar to said that, the songs on offer here are BIRDS in 2010. His new album, ANSWER Carthy’s plea to: ‘Make the most of me.’ unquestionably solid (although he could BALLADS (they’re not actually all ballads), Delicately sung by , have included a couple of cheerful boasts sublime music and singing, solid Roxanne’s Song comes in on a thumping numbers) and perfectly performed. Fans songwriting and a prestigious roll call rhythm and a Johnny Cash-style acoustic of both the South and the individual artists of collaborators including Lisa Knapp, guitar rhythm, and the up-tempo mood will doubtless enjoy the album, while Eliza Carthy, Mary Coughlan and continues with Gemma Hayes’ rendition of newcomers to the work of Rotheray and Kathryn Williams. Pearl’s Song featuring mellow keyboards and his collaborators could do worse than The only flaw here lies in the basic an understated drum line. check it out. Jeremy Isaac concept, whereby Rotheray takes While the women have the stronger hand www.davidrotheray.com NEW RELEASES

mindless Y’ant To fiddle-driven southern Joe Nichols romp that segues into the similarly-styled George Ducas CRICKETS Hee-Haw for the album’s low-points. He 4340 Red Bow Records RB gets back on track as his flirtatious side gets Loud Ranch 76887 ample rein on Love Has A Way and the sly HHHHI HHHH Smile On Mine. Then it’s into the nearest Genuine Texas Ol’ Joe returns with a honky-tonk for the social commentary mainstream country new vitality and Open Up A Can and the self-explanatory Old guy deserving of expanded soundscape School Country Song that leads into a revival widespread success and acclaim After a couple of years and a few detours, of Merle Haggard’s underrated Footlights. Texan ,George Ducas, was the standout Joe Nichols re-emerges—re-energised, Though lacking the pathos and world- act at the ill-fated 2012 Wembley Festival. refocused and re-loaded with a more weariness of Hag’s original, this is still a The guy’s one of the great ‘country’ singers cohesive batch of songs. These make up his pretty good rendition and hopefully it will and writers; his melodies are straight from first album for Nashville indie Red Bow, after lead to many seeking out the Hag’s version. honky-tonk heaven. That this man isn’t a a brief stop-over at Toby Keith’s Show Dog Alan Cackett major star while so many lesser talented Records. Nichols cites artistic differences for www.joenichols.com are, tells you something about the state of the change, and the move from the major country music today. Writer, picker, singer, label scene to the indies is due to the lack of personality, hunk; George Ducas has got urgency in the way the major label Jimmy Webb all the ingredients. Is this a Vince Gill thing? machinery turns these days. I can fully STILL WITHIN Is he ‘too good’ to make it until years down understand his frustration with the suits. THE SOUND the road? There was a time, back in the 1960s and OF MY VOICE He released two albums on Capitol 1970s when top quality albums by country Membran 233795 Records; his self-titled debut in 1995 acts would be released at least once every HHHH received high critical acclaim. After year—and often more frequently—and New interpretations of charting a top 10 hit with Lipstick Promises without a bloody committee in sight. Now some of his best-known songs, recorded in it looked as though Ducas had arrived but it’s at the whim of radio playlists as to when Nashville alongside an impressive cast of that success was short-lived. He was we music fans see a new country album collaborators dropped by Capitol in 1998 and has been released by the majors. All I can say, is thank That Jimmy Webb is one of the finest knocking around, ever since earning his god for the indie labels. songwriters of the past 50-odd years is living writing songs and gigging wherever Joe also gives us value for money with 16 beyond dispute. This latest all-star guest and whenever he can. As a songwriter he tracks as he rings the changes, blending the collection is ample proof of his craft if any has penned hits for the likes of the Dixie more traditional sounds he is renowned for was needed, He is joined by an eclectic Chicks, Garth Brooks, George Jones, Sara with more contemporary stylings that group of vocalists to add extra depth and Evans, , , could bring him back to a more consistent their own touch to Webb’s vocals as he and the Randy Rogers Band, run on radio. The die-hard traditionalists mainly reprises some of his greatest and among others. Three years ago he will probably complain, but they don’t most successful song creations. The musical produced a low-key six-track mini-album, support the Nichols’ family and he needs styles covered here are as wide in scope as but this full-length album marks the first consistency and longevity to maintain a the artists that contribute. I was taken aback serious attempt at returning to the healthy lifestyle. And we should never by opener Sleepin’ In The Day Time … a big-time and it’s an absolute gem. overlook the fact that traditionalist artists driving banjo atop a stomp beat, I had to He has written or co-written a dozen of the past—Ray Price, Merle Haggard, check that I had the right CD in the player. songs brimming over with energy and etc—all modernised their music with joins Webb for a dynamic track good vibes. There are no iffy tracks on this strings and horns to earn extra bucks and that sets the bar high for what is to follow, masterful entry, the material is well- fans. In keeping with the album title, you’ll but in the main, this album delivers with balanced and features a number of fresh hear the sound of crickets on the opening one stunning performance after another. lyrics. CowTown opens with a driving Just Let Me Fall In Love With You and the The smooth seductive tones of Carly Simon rhythm and a powerful vocal delivery closing title song. In-between the best on Easy For You To Say and Keith Urban which pops with the first of several lyric moments for me come with Billy Graham’s providing the perfect counterpoint for hooks that makes you want to kick-up the Bible, a story ballad of redemption that Where’s The Playground, Susie? are just two sawdust in the nearest honky-tonk. It’s though hackneyed, gets me everytime, and highlights. English chanteuse Rumer with more beat-heavy trad country with Come the equally reflective Better Than Beautiful. her near-perfect Karen Carpenter vocals on Down, with again a swirling chorus that But I’m a sucker for this kind of stuff, so I fall the brilliant Still Within The Sound Of My drags you into the twanging guitar mix. for it everytime. Then there’s the hit single, Voice and the underrated Justin Currie, who White Lines & Road Signs is a classic Sunny And 75; the haunting melody that will adds superb vocals to You Can’t Treat the highway song, one that you need to have be with you long after its swirling Wrong Man Right are also impressive. A up full and loud as you thunder down the harmonies fade. The track transports you to quality listening experience that is highly M1 late at night. There’s more of a trad a balmy summer night on a beach with a recommended. Alan Cackett country sound on Ain’t That Crazy, a loved one. Those crickets return for the www.jimmywebb.com cleverly-written reflective song with real

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depth and meaning. He moves into for TV audiences. That explains why this An insistent, almost 60 second long, heartbreak territory with This One’s Gonna album is all over the musical map, and can piano led melody launches album opener Hurt, a powerful emotional ballad, whilst in no way be defined as ‘Texas Country.’ Beyond That. There’s mention of Gimme Back My Honky Tonk is a The steel guitar-laced Drinkin’ just about November at the outset, concurrent with lighthearted ode to the old-fashioned fits in that category, but the bluesy freight the narrator’s request: ‘Don’t let the honky-tonks that are fast being replaced train roll of Run Back To You, despite fiddle darkness in.’ Whether ‘the darkness’ is by upper-crust bars with expensive wines way back in the mix, is —plain seasonal or personal may be explained by rather than cheep beers on offer. and simple. Out Of My Skin travels even the subsequent: ‘I’m already beyond that,’ It is his twists on traditional country further down into rock territory as she and the later upbeat invitation to: ‘Meet icons and themes that makes George fesses up right away that when she’s out me on that sunny hill.’ Only Just Begun Ducas’ music rather special. It has been with her friends that good time music surveys the future with optimism, while way too long since this gifted singer- makes her let her hair down. Her vocal the lyrically sensual Making You A Place songwriter last graced the world with his personality shines through as she delivers contemplates the future and suggests music. Get on board children. The boy has the lyrics with strength and sassiness relationships remain fresh and vibrant waited long enough. Alan Cackett tinged with a trace of hurtful regret. But where they: ‘…stay open to the changes,’ www.georgeducas.com you need to be advised, this ain’t the adding: ‘let’s try to choose amazement.’ country music as advertised. But don’t let The ensuing Yellow Room was inspired that put you off, if you want to sample an by a surreal real-life dream, while Kendall Beard eclectic mix of country, rock, soul and pop Nowhere delivers another ALL AROUND by a young and talented singer and celebration of love. GIRL songwriter, then this might just suit. Penned by Meg and Eric Fawcett—he Vallejo Music Group Alan Cackett produced her contribution to A NOD TO KB0913 www.kendallbeard.com BOB 2—Osa is a lyrically heartfelt eulogy HHH to Meg’s recently deceased, four-legged, Not the Texas Country much loved companion and friend of ten I was anticipating Meg Hutchinson years—‘I was never lonely, now I’m always Sometimes it’s best not to read the BEYOND THAT lonely.’ It’s book-ended by instrumentals; publicity sheet that often arrives with CDs Remembrance a three-minute long by a new artist before you play the actual HHHHH prelude and June the considerably CD. ALL AROUND GIRL is described as ‘Texas Ploughing new sonic shorter piano and synth finale. Where Osa Country’ and that conjured up thoughts of territory, Meg delivers mourns irreplaceable loss, the exquisite traditional, honky-tonk styled country. As a serene masterpiece beauty that is Let’s Go celebrates creation. Can’t Hold Me Down, blasted out of the Meg Hutchinson breaks a three-year Large stones for (constructing) a rustic speakers, I had to re-calibrate my mind. silence with this 14-song collection, her fireplace are gathered from the ‘almost This wasn’t quite what I’d been tuned in to seventh solo album and fourth frozen’ shores of Lake Superior, another hear. Very contemporary-sounding consecutive set produced by Crit Harmon year end is celebrated with ‘the right tree,’ country with a rock edge was what I was (Martin Sexton, Mary Gauthier), though on while the chorus finds the narrator listening to. But as the album played on, it this go-round Western Massachusetts contemplate kin—‘One family you’re drifted further and further away from what bred, Boston based Meg shares the latter born in, one family you make—one I would generally classify as ‘country’ credit. Hutchinson (vocals, piano, acoustic family you gain, already in place’ adding: bringing in expansive rock-styled guitar, synth programming) is supported ‘All I know is I’m home—whenever I’m arrangements with Kendall’s lead vocals on this occasion by the tightly-knit trio of near you.’ increasingly taking on more of a pop-soul regulars Harmon (synth programming, When The Lights Went Down turns the attack than the Texas twang that graced drum programming, acoustic guitar), spotlight on the ‘battlefield behind stage the first couple of tracks. I was confused, Richard Gates (bass) and Jeff Berlin (drums, lights,’ and it’s followed by Turned To You. so I read her biography and then it all percussion), plus adept string-man Duke Wooden Cages by 13th century Persian became clear. Levine (electric guitars, lap steel, poet and Sufi mystic Rumi inspired the She was raised in a small East Texas town mandolin). It’s not that Hutchinson has latter. The melodically gentle Safe imparts on a diet of Muscle Shoals and totally forsaken the acoustic guitar, rather a feeling of wellbeing and joyously sounds, supplemented by powerhouse that she explored sounds and composed celebrates love, while the ensuing ballad females from to fellow Texan (new) songs employing a different lead Everything More Beautiful praises the Miranda Lambert. Recruited at 15 by instrument. In the latter regard, BEYOND miracle of life. The melodically cyclical, members of Boyz II Men for Sahara Lane, a THAT involved a rapprochement with the five-minute long closing selection girl group they helmed, she sang with that piano. As a schoolgirl, Meg took piano Epilogue: Paradiso is credited to soul trio for three years. Whilst studying at lessons for three years. Running for just Hutchinson/Fawcett. It’s a gem, the lyric the University of Texas for her short of 60 minutes, BEYOND THAT is an adapted from Paradiso, the third and final communications degree she auditioned ethereal symphony, replete with words part of Dante Alighieri’s DIVINE COMEDY. for season 8 of American Idol, making it to that finely balance loss, hope and Arthur Wood the top 36 and performing several times optimism. www.meghutchinson.com

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Home is pure magic and so timely as I sit here Laura Cantrell Peter Cooper welcoming the onset of autumn—Julie Lee’s NO WAY THERE OPENING DAY harmonies are as warm as glowing embers. FROM HERE Red Beet Records RBR Time threads its way through this album with Spit and Polish CD016 the characters often interloping from one song HHHHI HHHHI to another. The way that Peter creates these Songstress takes a Peter Cooper may character studies reminds me of Tom T Hall, and step backwards to never be the best like Tom T’s classic albums from the 1970s, this make a huge leap forwards known singer-songwriter in the world, but album is timeless and, like those albums, needs As a long time fan of Laura Cantrell this with albums like this, we can rest assured he’ll to be treasured for future generations to enjoy. album has taken a much longer time to always be known as one of the best I was pleasantly surprised to hear Peter’s review than I’d hoped, because, Laura has I’ve known of Peter Cooper as an American version of Hall’s A Million Miles To The City, one of made quite a deep and introspective journalist for what seems like years. He is one my favourites by the Kentucky storyteller— album. But, now I’ve listened intently of the most perceptive music journalists I’ve more old T’s songs need to be brought back several times, the penny has finally ever come across. For the past five years, into contemporary music to give younger dropped, and I feel Laura may have alongside his full-time work at the Tennessean people the opportunity to appreciate one of actually created her finest album to date. in Nashville, Peter has been pursuing his country music’s greatest songwriters. OPENING Sounding uncannily like at musical interests both solo (this is his third DAY is the sound of a man who’s found the times, Laura takes us on a mature trip album) and in partnership with fellow sweet spot—where creativity, passion and through her life as it is now, with wry singer-songwriter Eric Brace. Between the talent all overlay each other on the Venn observations that only a ‘grown up’ brisk, autobiographical Much Better Now that diagram. Alan Cackett can make. opens the album, and the sublime Bill www.redbeetrecords.com The piano and militaristic drum-led -penned Birches that concludes it, Driving Down Your Street is a tale of Peter offers us a compelling set of thoughtful unwanted love that borders on stalking, and thought-provoking songs that demand Rebecca Frazier but will ring true for many people who repeat listening. Self-produced, he keeps the WHEN WE FALL hear it. On Letter She Sent, Ms. Cantrell production simple and clean thanks to the Amtoco Records recounts the sad lives of a number of expert assistance of Thomm Jutz who plays HHHHI different lonely women and must surely guitar and is one of the finest sound engineers This woman’s voice is a count as one of her finest songs to date. in Nashville. When you add in the sympathetic nearly perfect bluegrass The title track, No Way There From Here, is a steel guitar work of Lloyd Green that weaves instrument—both simple folk song with a mandolin and wafts throughout in perfect tandem to powerful and delicate punctuating the choruses and helping Jen Gunderman keyboards and accordion Rebecca Frazier, a skilled guitarist, singer and make a far from ordinary love song alongside additional colouring from Richard songwriter, has been performing around the extraordinary. Many songs touch on Bennett (guitar), (mandolin) atop American bluegrass scene for close on ten subjects the songwriter has used before, the solid but subtle rhythm provided by Paul years, but having moved from Colorado to East but as a Mother and successful Griffith (drums, percussion), Dave Roe, Dave Nashville a few years ago, she has recently businesswoman in her own right, Laura Jacques and Mark Fain (bass), you have what recorded this amazing debut solo album. now sees things in a new light and Barely can only be termed as musical perfection. Co-produced with the great Brent Truitt, the Said A Thing and Glass Armour are all the Cooper possesses a rich, passion-filled voice dozen tracks showcase her songwriting—with better for that insightfulness. and a penchant for penning songs that are ten great originals—and her prowess on With that in mind, the younger Laura more personal and perceptive than much of acoustic guitar, as she takes the lead honours Cantrell couldn’t have written Washday what gets played on modern country radio. His throughout and even throws in the Blues as she didn’t have the experience of style is so mellow and understated that his instrumental tracks Clifftop, Coastline actually having to keep a job, run a home; barbed truths will often twist right in under and 40 Blues. The musicianship throughout this bring up a baby and still be a wife. But your cognitive/emotive guard. Wearing his album is exemplary, which is to be expected many mothers will smile knowingly when journalist’s hat, Quiet Little War turns the when you have pickers of the quality of Barry they hear that Laura ‘found herself crying/ spotlight on the new, and somewhat Bales, banjo genre-bender Scott Vestal, Dobro to the sound of the washing machine/you frightening drone war that is currently being genius Andy Hall, fiddle virtuoso Shad Cobb, know what I mean?’ Sound familiar ladies? staged by American, British—and who knows banjo innovator Ron Block and her musical The album and Laura’s life is neatly whose—military. Most of the songs are much partner John Frazier on mandolin summed up on the bluegrass-tinged folk lighter than that, but are still universal in their and vocals. song Beg Or Borrow Days, in which the messages and themes. I had to smile at both The real surprise for me, though, is her vocals. singer tells us firmly that she’s changed Feel Much Better Now and Part Time; clever little I’d never heard her before and she is in a league and everything’s going to be okay and songs about having worked through either of her own with a voice that falls somewhere she’s never going back to her Beg Or Borrow mundane or the wrong jobs. Both have a very between Alison Krauss and Days. Hopefully this album will be such a familiar, not-so-funny ring if you happen to still without sounding at all like either. In songs like success that that is the case. Alan Harrison be there, and that mixture is what real Love Go Away From This House and Darken Your www.lauracantrell.com songwriting is all about. The wistful Feels Like Doorway, she explores love gone wrong

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scenarios with brutal honesty. But there is you’ll hear. Several of the songs have been co-written by also optimism to be found in songs like Walk In short, the Bankesters are using the Lisa Shaffer, a Music Row writer who’s This Road and Morning & Night. Overall this is bluegrass vehicle to drive something new experienced much success in bluegrass one of best blends of bluegrass, country and without making it feel forced. Not only that, circles. Love Don’t Give Up On Me, featuring Americana that I’ve heard all year, and there’s they portray a hip, youthful appearance with Alysha’s emotional lead vocals, is a near been some rather good ‘uns in 2013. sisters Emily, Melissa and Alysha Bankester perfect blend of country and bluegrass with Alan Cackett sporting shorts or mini-dresses as they Alysha’s mandolin, Emily’s fiddle, Kyle’s banjo www.rebeccafrazier.com produce down-home rootsy music that is and Phil’s acoustic guitar trading off Rob Ickes appealing both to a younger audience and Dobro. The girls show-off their vocal skills the older traditionalists. In addition, all three superbly on One Room, with each of them The Bankesters women are distinctive vocalists and superb taking the lead in turn and coming together LOVE HAS WHEELS instrumentalists. 2012 IBMA Momentum with hair-raising harmonies on the chorus. 7 4614 2 Vocalist of the Year Emily contributes fiddle They revive Sally Barris’ Reluctant Daughter HHHHI and claw hammer banjo, Alysha plays the with mum Dorene handling lead vocals and Home-inspired music mandolin and fiddle, and Melissa plays the Melissa and Phil adding harmonies. Melissa that resonates Southern upright bass. Melissa’s husband, Kyle Triplett, and Kye showcase their own songwriting with roots with a passionate plays banjo, guitar, mandolin and tenor guitar the fast-paced Time And Love, again with a and youthful attitude parts while parents, Phil and Dorene superb harmonised vocal figure and the This is the first international release by this Bankester, hold down rhythm guitar and passionate Found that is full of pure mountain six-piece family band that has previously vocal duties. soul. Mixing elements of country, folk, self-released four albums that were home- The material has been well-chosen, most bluegrass and gospel into their own recorded. Produced by Compass label boss notably the infectious cover of When I’m Gone delightful sonic stew, the Bankesters knock it Alison Brown and featuring special guests (also known as The Cup Song from the hit film out of the park with LOVE HAS WHEELS. Please Sierra Hull, Rob Ickes, Jim Hurst, Larry Pitch Perfect). The melody of this can be someone get them over to the UK. I guarantee Atamanuik and Kenny Malone, the music traced back more that 80 years to the that they’ll be not just much appreciated but here is about as forward thinking as any legendary and the video of the also highly successful. Alan Cackett backwoods country/bluegrass record Bankesters’s version is highly entertaining. www.bankesters.com NEW RELEASES

Dreams, Thunder Road, Factory and Happy recalls Billy Idol, Blue Oyster Cult and Martyn Joseph are among the highlights, while a gentle Tarnation while supporting Vonne’s low, TIRES RUSHING ukulele accompanies the aptly titled closer impassioned vocals. The album’s other BY IN THE RAIN No Surrender, as it sums up the social two singles continue in the same vein, Pipe Records PRCD023 conscience found in all the titles here. Dark Mile taking a slower pace and HHHH It would have been easy for somebody to featuring a resonant guitar solo, and The critically make a throwaway populist Springsteen Ravage Your Heart, penned with Escovedo acclaimed Celtic folk tribute album and completely muck it up, and guitarist La Roche, picking up the singer and Springsteen fan delivers a lean but Martyn Joseph is not that person. tempo with Vonne’s now-established homage to The Boss Instead, he takes classic but off-the-beaten- twang sound running rampant over Welsh singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph’s track Springsteen material and presents it supporting organ runs. Perhaps the best 30-year career has been prolific to say the anew, throwing fresh interpretations on The of the twang rock-styled numbers is the least, including 18 studio albums, 11 live Boss’ vintage observations in a sparse, raunchy This Cat’s In The Doghouse, albums and a clutch of EPs and pensive package. Fans of both Joseph and co-written with Flores and featuring collaborations. His characteristic writing Springsteen should be delighted with this Johnny Reno’s uncompromising and performing style invariably focuses on set, which can also act as an introduction to saxophone. social comment or protest, and his maverick both artists for those new to either. The singer’s Latin influences come take on performance often includes Jeremy Isaac across strongly on the self-penned skipping intervals or running over time. www.martynjoseph.net number Que Maravilla, But he’s a music fan as well as a musician, featuring David Perales’ lovely , the and his live and studio work over the years maraca and acoustic guitar-laced Dulce has often featured covers of one of his Patricia Vonne Refugio, the raucous, repetitive Tequileros, major influences, Bruce Springsteen, RATTLE MY CAGE produced and engineered by Rick Del himself no stranger to social issues. No Bandolera Records Castilla, and the atmospheric closer, an surprise, then, that Joseph’s 19th studio HHH instrumental track entitled Mexicali De album, TIRES RUSHING BY IN THE RAIN, should The Austin roots rock Chispa that mixes Hispanic sounds with be a 17-track paean to The Boss, or rather his troubadour returns Vonne’s Tarnation-styled signature subject matter, running the gamut of with a fifth album guitar twang. well-known Springsteen favourites to mixing Latin and alternative sounds RATTLE MY CAGE is an album of two lesser-known gems. It’s also no surprise that San Antonio-born singer-songwriter halves. The rock aspect is guitar-laden, even before its release, TIRES attracted Patricia Vonne began her career on the New twanging alt.rock, highly reminiscent of glowing reviews from broadcasters Simon York music circuit in the late 1990s, but 1980s rock, and is derivative of many Mayo, Tom Robinson and Bob Harris, not to returned to Austin in 2001 where her other bands such as Tarnation, although mention Springsteen biographer and self-titled debut album was warmly received Vonne’s gutsy vocal and solid music critic Dave Marsh, who provided the by critics in 2003. Three further albums, songwriting skills give it a new twist. For sleeve notes. GUITARS AND CASTANETS (2005), FIREBIRD this reviewer, the Hispanic-influenced Fan or not, Joseph is not the type to make (2007) and WORTH IT (2010) cemented her tracks are the stronger ones, a perfect a populist tribute; consequently, those reputation as a hot Latin roots act, and her fusion of traditional Latin sounds, basic looking for new takes on hit singles such as fifth album RATTLE MY CAGE features Vonne rock and Vonne’s sultry vocal tones. Blinded By The Light, Born To Run, Rosalita, co-writes with such prestigious names as Perhaps there should have been more of Dancing In The Dark, Born In The USA, I’m On and Alejandro Escovedo. Top these, and some slower, softer, more Fire or Streets Of Philadelphia on this musos contributing to the album include understated ballads might have been a stripped-down acoustic collection, will be former Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan, good idea. The production and mixing on disappointed. Indeed, their inclusion would guitarist and longtime collaborator Robert the album are exemplary, resulting in a be to miss the point. Singles are La Roche from The Sighs, among others. As vibrant, exciting sound. Jeremy Isaac represented, but they are thoughtfully well as writing, recording and performing, www.patriciavonne.com chosen and in keeping with Joseph’s Vonne is also an actress, having appeared in unique viewpoint. Badlands, The River, movies including and Sin City and, Brilliant Disguise, One Step Up, If I Should Fall most recently, and the sequel Tia McGraff Behind, The Ghost Of Tom Joad and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, both directed by BREAK THESE Springsteen’s latterday 2002 offering The her brother . CHAINS Rising all benefit from the Joseph Written while on tour in Europe, RATTLE Bandana Records treatment, preserving The Boss’ MY CAGE is Vonne’s fourth album to be HHHH observational gift re the issues while produced and engineered by Carl Thiel, and You will find BREAK bringing a new sensitivity to the material. his unique approach is heard on the THESE CHAINS quite Of these, the downbeat take on The River opening title track’s thudding drum rhythm enjoyable if you like polished folk-country and The Grapes Of Wrath-inspired Tom Joad and multi-layered electric guitar chords. The with a strong message really shine. Of the remaining songs, the first single to be taken from the album, it Canadian singer-songwriter Tia opening Growin’ Up, Land Of Hope And delivers a delirious mix that McGraff seems to have been absent from

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the recording scene for a time, but now worrying, as I made the mistake of reading fact, she contributes just two self-penned she returns with this new album and is still a few advance reviews from the American songs, the opening title song and the mining the sensitive and intelligent lyrical press, and the general opinion is that Luke closer I’ve Always Had A Song I Can Lean On. ground that’s earned her an army of Bryan is ‘coasting somewhat’ on this They book-end 11 classic songs that were a cultists. Once again she’s worked very album. If that’s the case, then I have to say huge influence on a young Donna and closely with hubby Tommy Parham that I rather like ‘coasting’ … no … more range from the catalogues of , sharing both production and songwriting. than that, I love it! Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton and Tammy The thoughtful folk-country singer leads There is an abundance of ballads, and Wynette, through to the Stanley Brothers off with the sublime Nighthawk which despite what other reviewers have said, and Bill Monroe. With such musicians as compares a wounded bird with a her own most of them are rather good and Bryan Sutton, Rob Ickes, Scott Vestal, Andy broken heart. The imagery continues with certainly connected with me both lyrically Leftwich, Sam Bush, Viktor Krauss plus Conductor For A Day about constructing and melodically. Okay … it’s true they guest vocalists Fayssoux McLean, John sweet memories of childhood that remain hardly break any new ground … but what Cowan, Larry Stephenson, Larry Cordle, as fresh as yesterday. The songs mostly are the heck, sometimes it’s so damn good to Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley and her husband slow but richly textured and melodic and just lay-back and let the songs wash over Rick Stanley, this is something extra at times rising to the dramatic, such as the you, leaving you with a good warm special both musically and vocally. heartache tune Between The Bed And The feeling. That’s how I felt with Rollercoaster, Especially when you factor in Donna’s Door. I enjoyed the hooky, propulsive We Run This Town and … superb ‘country’ voice that lies somewhere rhythms of Reckonin’ which pulls the body swaying, singing along, yeah, this is between Loretta and xx. listener in with its rootsy instrumentation fun. The killer came with Play It Again. I was The two self-penned songs are heartfelt and compelling musical arrangement floored! Especially the line ‘Oh my God tributes to what drives Donna musically. married to a clever lyrical attack. Abigail is this is my song’ … proof to me that a great This lady has a passion for music that, all another well-written story ballad that will song can capture a moment and take the too often, is missing from many of the have you hooked in … hushed and listener there … and this album did that mainstream country acts driven by the reverent, this is soul-piercingly spiritual. for me time and time again. It reminded greed for commercial success rather than Tia McGraff has developed into a clever me of why music and my whole life are so following their heart. Both Showin’ My and mature tunesmith capable of reaching closely entwined and just how much Roots which name-checks Loretta, Merle miles beyond the average folk-country those people who don’t embrace music and Bonnie (Owens), and I Always Had A singer-songwriter and this album solidly are missing in their lives. Song I Could Lean On, which recalls the showcases her sophisticated style, as well CRASH MY PARTY establishes Luke Bryan influence of her mother and the music that as her ability to craft sweet yet probing as one of this generation’s most she instilled in her, should get into your lyrics. Alan Cackett expressive country voices. For too long very heart and soul. Equally as impressive www.tiamcgraff.com he’s relied on good-time southern is Donna’s version of the well-known anthems, but this time he’s turned the songs like the Stanley Brothers’ How spotlight on reflective songs about life, Mountain Girls Can Love, Tammy’s Your Luke Bryan love and people … for me this epitomises Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad and Dolly’s In CRASH MY what country music is all about. Country The Good Old Days When Times Were PARTY tradition neatly modernised for future Bad, which is based on Merle Capitol/Decca generations in much the same way Haggard’s version. HHHH greats of the past used to do, as they The highlight of the album, though, is If this is coasting … contemporarised the music to attract her rendition of Loretta’s Somebody I love it! a larger and younger audience. Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missing I have to admit that this is the first time Alan Cackett Tonight). Depressed and tortured; that I’ve sat down and really, really listened www.lukebryan.com weeping Dobro, moaning honky-tonk to a Luke Bryan album. This is his fourth, delivery and completely against the happy and though I have all of ‘em, for whatever mainstream country ditty trend of today. reason, I’ve rarely played them. As the Donna Ulisse In complete contrast, but equally opener, That’s My Kind Of Night, began I SHOWIN’ MY impressive, is ’s One Way feared the worst. It’s yet another one of ROOTS Rider. A splendid driving country-rock those up-tempo, good ol’ boys songs that Hadley Music Group song performed in classic up-tempo have been dominating the country HMG1012 bluegrass style; Linda and Emmylou will airwaves these past few years and, to be HHHHH smile the smile of recognition. Producer, honest, I wasn’t in the mood. But the Country music, plain Bryan Sutton’s, unique artistic sense and rhythm, the hand-claps, the banjo and the and simple! vision has helped to make this one of the overall vibe got to me and, as the album Since discovering her songwriting best-sounding country albums of the year. unfurled, I slowly but surely got hooked in muse and moving across from Donna possesses the purest country voice and over the past few weeks … using an mainstream country to a more rootsy and that little catch in her throat gives it antiquated term … this album has rarely bluegrass style, this is the first album by just a touch of hillbilly soul. Alan Cackett been off the turntable. It’s all a bit Donna Ulisse to feature outside songs. In www.donnaulisse.com

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acts on HIGH COTTON have been inventive The album begins on a high—Good Various Artists and adventurous and, in the main, come up Times is definitely the song to start off any ALABAMA with unique and quite distinctive good party. It’s charming, saying & FRIENDS renditions of Alabama songs to produce a everything we all think about in a song Humphead Records richer and more absorbing album. Old and putting it out there ‘It ain’t about HUMP150 Crow Medicine Show give Dixieland Delight lonely heart, did you wrong, leaving song, HHI a folksy, slightly bluegrass treatment that is this ain’t one of those nights.’ A song HIGH COTTON: fresh and invigorating and simply about happy events is definitely A Tribute dedicated to the notion of having fun and something we all need sometimes. to Alabama giving pleasure to the listener. Jason Isbell Champagne is fun but has no real message; Lightning Rod Records and John Paul White bring just the right it is just plain confusing. Wasting All These LRR-95575 degree of pathos to Old Flame; Amanda Tears On You was incredibly real, I cried HHHHI Shire’s fiddle is the final ingredient that listening to it each and every time. It is The right and the makes this version so special. The Texas realistic and perfect. I Wish I Could Break wrong way of producing a tribute album beauty takes centre stage for her Your Heart will be a genuine reality to Cards on the table. No bullshit. I’ve been a heartbreaking rendition of I Can’t Love You many young women who face difficulty fan of Alabama for more than 30 years. I’m Any Less, which is not only the highlight of with trust—however, some people are just pretty sure that I have every one of their the album, but a perfect example of how to too nice, like Cassadee. Everybody Sings albums, initially on vinyl and now on CD. So I take a well-known song and completely does what the title tells us. It will make you come to this pair of tribute albums quite turn it around and give it a fresh and sing and tap your foot; definitely knowledgeable and passionate about their dynamic arrangement. I just love it when memorable. This Car will make the listener music. The first album is what it says on the artists can do that and pull it off so feel homely and with a catchy tone, along label, the three remaining members of successfully. does the with her heartfelt voice, it is truly Alabama (Randy Owens, Jeff Cook and same with her droning version of I’m In A enthralling. One Song Away goes perfectly Teddy Gentry) teaming up with various Hurry (And Don’t Know Why). Other with I Wish I Could Break Your Heart; women friends … mainly big country stars of today standouts include Lady Down On Love by all over have similar feelings, tell no one, such as , Luke Bryan, Rascal Ray Benson with Bob Schneider & Texas yet wish to express those feelings—she is Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line Bluegrass Massacre, Feels So Right turned an extremely brave woman; inspirational. and Toby Keith. Coldly calculated for the into a masterful duet by Todd Snider and Prove You Wrong is full of so much energy biggest possible commercial success, they Elizabeth Cook and Love In The First Degree put into it that it just screams girl power! have selected nine of the group’s best- by and Music Row songwriter ‘Tellin me I’m not strong’ well, whoever known songs and carbon-copied the hit Brandy Clark. If only the country told you that, Miss Pope, has definitely arrangements with no hint of originality. In mainstream acts had approached their been proved wrong! The character of the fact, as I listened to Luke Bryan’s rendition of tribute album with as much integrity and album just creates a whirlwind of Love In The First Degree, I really couldn’t innovation, then I’d be able to recommend emotions which sends you going crazy to distinguish his voice from Randy Owens … a couple of high quality tribute albums. hear more from this remarkable lady. I love sorry but a totally pointless exercise. Even Unfortunately, I can only really advise you it! Jade Sydenham Rascal Flatts bring little of themselves to Old most strongly to buy the one and sadly www.album.cassadeepope.com Flame, in fact, if anything, they show the avoid the other. Alan Cackett debt that they actually owe to Alabama. www.humpheadcountry.com The first sign of something a little www.lightningrodrecords.com Josephine Foster different came half-way through with Trisha I’M A DREAMER Yearwood’s definitive reading of Forever’s As Fire Records Far As I’ll Go. She totally owns the song and Cassadee Pope FIRECD284/ this one track stands head and shoulders FRAME BY FRAME 809236128423 above the rest. Close behind are the two Republic Nashville HHH new songs by Alabama. That’s How I Was B0019173-02 The aptly titled 13th Raised, an impassioned ballad about deep HHHHH album from the Colorado singer- southern roots, Owens shows that vocally Made me want to be songwriter is an acquired taste he still has what it takes and shows up most happy and cry all at the Not that you would guess, from the of the other vocalists here. All American is same time. Topical, inspirational and risibly unintelligible press release that one of those rallying around the flag songs heartfelt accompanied the album, but Josephine that country music seems to thrive on, but This album really has some highs and Foster is a successful singer-songwriter, unlike say Toby Keith, Jason Aldean or lows. However, Cassadee’s singing and the musician and interpreter of the works of , Owens vocal is not just musical arrangements are always on top others, who has released 12 albums of heartfelt, but subtle and never strays over to form. Her voice suits all styles of music and widely varied styles in 13 years. the wrong side of good taste. she sounds brilliant on all levels. You can Hailing from Colorado, Foster’s work has As the mainstream Nashville country acts hear the pure emotion in her voice as she covered everything from jazz to pop, have played the safe and lazy card, the indie sings these genuinely composed lyrics. including adaptations of poems by Emily

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Dickinson and the works of Spanish poet guitars provide a dark foil, and the title belt, Josephine Foster has found success Garcia Lorca with her husband Victor track takes another lonely, folky turn, with a dedicated if hi-brow following, Herrero. Her 13th album, the ten-track I’M with Hulscher’s almost classically styled but those new to her work may find this A DREAMER, sees her returning from piano lead melding with a subtle set somewhat inaccessible. Some of the Spain to cut a collection of largely harmonica closing passage. compositions here are pretty solid, even self-penned material with established The classical keyboard sound pretty, and retain something of the best Nashville musicians, while still retaining continues on Amuse a Muse with its of country and folk, while others are artistic links to Rudyard Kipling and the dodgy wordplay title and equally dodgy weak and even comical. While the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin In The Sky, eccentric vocal (I was not amused), and playing is of a very high standard, the which was filmed in 1943 by director there is some nice cello from Gyoa arrangements are not sufficiently varied Vincente Minnelli. Valtysdottir. But Blue Roses, the listless to prevent the album having a samey Dave Roe’s double bass notes spoken word intro and shuffling musical quality. Foster’s singing voice is definitely introduce the album’s downhome arrangement of Kipling’s poem of the an acquired taste which, when viewed in country opener Sugarpie I’m Not The same name, is a definite no-no, despite the light of what seems a deliberate, Same, and are joined by a shuffling drum more lovely steel from Scruggs. Pretty self-conscious preoccupation with the rhythm and Micah Hulscher’s tinkling Please is a laid-back western shuffle piece arts, adds to the album’s air of piano. Reminiscent of the saloon from a on which the singer gets her vocal more pretentiousness. Not bad enough to rate Western movie, Foster delivers a fragile, under control, while the funereal ‘poor’ but definitely not good enough to wistful vocal, while No One’s Calling Your Magenta returns to the now-familiar be, well, ‘good,’ I’M A DREAMER really Name is sensitively sung to a simple tremulous piano and voice pairing. should be filed under ‘average’ which plodding acoustic guitar intro that Another nod to culture results in disaster would rate 2½ stars. Tricky, so I’ll give it moves easily into more well-placed as an initially promising playful piano three for a few nice songs and some piano chords. Chris Scruggs contributes arrangement of the title song from superb musicianship, which are sadly a lovely instrumental break on steel Vernon Duke and John Latouche’s 1940 undercut by a lack of variety and guitar. Foster’s voice takes a quavery play, Cabin In the Sky, ends up merely as questionable vocals which get zanier as eccentric turn on the doomy My a murdered classic. the album progresses. Jeremy Isaac Wandering Heart, as piano and electric Obviously, with 12 albums under her www.josephinefoster.info NEW RELEASES

tough to know where to begin because Evans some 15 years or so ago with Joey + Rory they are all superlative creations, and echoes of Patsy Cline running in and out MADE TO LAST totally different in their own way, yet each of it. Heidi’s sweet-lipped vocal soothes Farmhouse one deals with everyday life. It took a little and soars on this emotional track, which Recordings FHR- while to realise that he wasn’t talking gently resides somewhere between a CD-8002 about a girl in the emotional Good Truck country ballad and soft pop. HHHHI … these Americans really love their cars She closes the album with a re- Personalised lyrics and trucks. I’ll Sing For You is a love interpretation of Heartbreak Hotel, and sentimental mood of music serve to song—plain and simple. Rory co-wrote it replacing the rock’n’roll beat of the enhance this couple’s performance with Tony Martin, specifically for Faith Hill Presley classic with a painfully slow, Husband-and-wife duo, Joey + Rory, and Tim McGraw, but they never recorded syllable-stretching groove, and manages just keep coming up with good records. it. That’s their loss as the lyric is well- to deflate the song of much of its original Their latest—and first on their own crafted and sweetly sentimental, but not bravado and replace it with a Farmhouse label following three for too mushy. In A Cowboy’s Dream is a heartbreaking emotionalism. I Like The Sugar Hill—features a dozen songs that captivating co-write by Joey and Rory Way has a dramatic tension with its they’ve featured on their successful with Jenny Yates, in which they weave an full-bodied blues vibe enhanced by the American TV series the Joey + Rory Show. intriguing fabric of the western code with strident electric lead and Heidi’s powerful Seven of the songs have been penned by great skill and straightforward lyricism. vocal. Bone-deep lyrics, a little moody, a Rory, who was a hit songwriter for the Elevated by the musicianship and little dark, but presented in a sparkling likes of Blake Shelton, Easton Corbin, and craftsmanship of the skilled studio musical environment, the thing I really others, before the couple launched their players, including Larry Franklin, Tammy like about this album is the production, own career. His own material and that of Rogers-King, , Scotty which enhances Heidi’s distinctive and other chosen for the album Sanders, , Mike Rojas, emotional vocal to perfection. reflect an attention to lyrics and feeling Larry Beaird and Troy Lancaster, the Alan Cackett that is often missing in today’s vocals and harmonies balance perfectly www.heidifeek.com\ mainstream country music. Having said along the attractive melodies and that, not all of these songs are new. They sweeping rhythms throughout the open with a beautiful rendition of Townes album… Alan Cackett Heather Myles Van Zandt’s If I Needed You. This is a song www.joeyandrory.com LIVE ON I’ve heard literally hundreds of times and TRUCOUNTRY often it’s treated more as a throwaway by CD/DVD so-called ‘easy-listening’ singers. Here it’s Heidi Feek Floating World given the soulful emotional treatment THE ONLY Records FREED5046 that Townes intended when he wrote it Western Pin-up HHHHH more than 40 years ago. Records At last, a real country album! Another old song, one not so familiar to HHHH With all the pop country trash that is most, is Stephanie Davis’ Just Another Cup Irresistibly emotional flooding out of Nashville, it is just so nice Of Coffee, which Joey totally owns … no music that to be able to listen to country music as it mean feat as I’m a huge fan of Ms Davis, transcends time and musical styles should sound—simple and genuine. who can do little wrong in my book. Rory Daughter of country duo Joey+Rory, Heather Myles has never strayed from the takes the lead on Jamie O’Hara’s 50,000 Heidi Feek shows that she’s definitely real country path and this CD/DVD is a Names, giving the song the heartfelt inherited the family genes when it comes treat for all true country music fans, who treatment it needs. If I hadn’t been to music, having written or co-written like me cannot stomach the constant hooked in by Jamie’s version some 20 nine of these eleven songs and co- dross of the newer acts, especially as they years ago, this would be definitive. In my produced with her father Rory Feek. A all tend to sound the same. In fact, I have book, both versions are better than the stylish, hard-to-categorise set, THE ONLY, just thought, perhaps they are all clones? more well-known George Jones harks back to the golden age of Patsy Nashville may have become another rendition. The final song here that I’m all Cline and Roy Orbison, reflected through Stepford! Sorry, let’s get back to reality (or too familiar with is Tim Johnson’s To Do a Chris Isaak vibe and more than a is that the reality?). What I Do. Alan Jackson used it as the title glancing hint of Mandy Barnett for good Heather has been one of the regular song of his 2004 album, but I’d heard it measure. Heidi’s musical influences come guest stars on a weekly specialist country before then by Johnson, who came to the very much from her father’s LP collection music show on US cable TV over the last UK some ten years ago for a short tour. It’s and the sounds she heard and dreamed few years. This CD contains some super a songwriter’s song about songwriting, about are stellar. They inform this album live performances from Heather and her but to be honest it can just as easily be ranging from the Orbison-esque One band. Many favourites are here, including; applied to other professions. It gets to me Night With You to I Didn’t Know About You, Big Cars, Broken Heart For Sale, Vaya Con everytime and is the epitome of what a song that veers from catchy old-school Dios (featured on Volume 7 of Maverick country music is all about. pop to country heartbreak. There Lives A Music CD), , Kiss An Angel Good And what of Rory’s songs. It’s really Fool is a song that Rory co-wrote with Sara Mornin’ and, her dig at the country scene,

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Nashville’s Gone Hollywood. The CD titles—namely This Is The Real Thing, sweeping sweetly throughout, the twin covers four seasons of the show with 23 Green Summertime, The Other Side Of guitars dart and weave with Steve tracks. The DVD has exactly the same Town and Seventeen Years Old. Goulding’s drums snapping effortlessly track listing and is just fantastic to Linda takes the vocal lead on their behind. And Parker’s strangled vocals watch. One of my favourites has to be melancholic ‘urge for going’ co-write are as unmistakeable as ever. One of the the song This Time I Know We’re Gonna Dixie Highway Sign, while their The Old great—and most unlikely—reunions, Make It, a beautiful duet with Justin Familiar House On Christmas Day fulfils after, what, 30 years, and a great, Trevino. Thank-you Heather for showing the seasonal song quotient. Robin softly-rocking album. Splendid. me that country music is still alive. penned Daughter Of MacLeod and the Nick Dalton David Knowles ensuing Adam Rude, both historically www.proper-records.co.uk www.heathermyles.com based tales. In the former Linda leads (vocally) and recalls the frontier life of a pioneering woman who ‘… tilled her Tony Robin & Linda land and she built a home.’ The latter is McLoughlin Williams narrated by cavalryman—Robin leads— THE BACK 40 who remembers with bitterness his CONTENDER Red House Records dealings with a crooked Indian Bureau Wild Eye Records HHHH employee. Robin and Linda opened this HHHH New interpretations; album with one of their own This is McLoughlin’s Robin and Williams compositions, and close with another. most accomplished and satisfying trawled their back pages Set in Asheville, Henry Brown & Jane album yet … for the songs featured Saroo is a love story wherein ‘a lady of I’ve been singing the praises of Husband and wife, Robin and Linda firm stature and fair’ tames ‘a rover, a Irishman Tony McLoughlin for a number Williams’, BACK 40 is a 14-song fiddlin’ free man.’ Arthur Wood of years now. This is his fifth solo album celebration of their four-decade career www.robinandlinda.com in some dozen or so years. By now he as professional musicians. The BACK 40 should be up there with the greats, but twist being new interpretations of is still sadly regarded more as a cult songs the duo previously recorded, Graham Parker hero, known to just a handful of us where, vocally, on occasions they & discerning listeners prepared to listen individually take the lead, and at times THREE CHORDS with open ears and disregard musical harmonise in unison. The disc was GOOD genres. Co-produced by Tony and Ben produced by the estimable Jim Rooney Primary Wave Reel, the album was recorded in and recorded at Signal Path Studio in CEOL02 Northern Ireland, with a superb band of Nashville. Robin (acoustic guitar, vocals) HHHH players that bring his well-written songs and Linda (banjo, vocals) were Great singer returns with a great record to life with stunning results. It’s very supported on the sessions by Al Perkins Graham Parker’s output in the 1970s much a guitar-driven album with the (Dobro, pedal steel, Kona slide guitar), and 1980s was often marred by lead guitar honours shared by Todd Phillips (upright bass) and, from inconsistency; the ordinary alongside McLoughlin, Thomm Jutz, Ben Reel, the duo’s Fine Group, there’s Chris the extraordinary, never quite Timo Gross and Mick McCarney. There is Brashear (fiddle, mandolin) plus a maintaining the heights that it should a very welcoming - harmony vocal from long-time alumni have. Here, however, a complete reunion influenced number called Turn The Jim Watson on The Other Side Of Town. of Parker and the original five members Music On, a song that could easily be This reprise is leavened by a trio of of the Rumour—guitarists Brinsley compared to anything that covers, respectively Hank Williams’ My Schwarz and et al—take did in their best years. He adapts a Sweet Love Ain’t Around, the early career things to a new level, creating a rumbling bass line, a locomotive classic Urge For Going from Joni Mitchell grown-up, sometimes world-weary, drive, deep twang guitar for Keep Your and Dylan’s accessible and much sometimes delightfully happy record. Powder Dry, whilst there’s a lazy drawl covered Boots Of Spanish Leather. The From the guttural reggae swing of approach to the tale of Two Riders, with love/road themed, bluegrass paced Snake Oil Capital Of The World, there’s just piano and a petulant harmonica Robin and Linda co-write On And On one great rootsy performance after showing up in perfect counterpoint to launches the disc, and additionally the another; relaxed but never needlessly Tony’s voice in this jogging trail lyric fits, totally, the premise underlying laid-back. The great tunes of Long homage. The album closes with the this project. One of their regular Emotional Ride, Stop Crying About The driving story of Tennessee Rose as he co-writers is Jerome Clark, a researcher Rain, She Rocks Me, That Moon Was Low tackles the lyric with a funky energy. THE and writer, who, when not penning and The Last Bookstore In Town are CONTENDER is a pretty broad listen, songs, specialises in unidentified flying amongst the best that Parker has ever lyrically and sonically, and deserving of objects and other paranormal subjects. written. The title track just makes you the widest possible acclaim. He co-wrote Pine Country with Robin, want to sing along with your arms in the Alan Cackett and with the duo composed four more air. The band, with Bob Andrews’ organ www.tonymcloughlin.com

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loops, organ, keyboards) is supported here verse, of those girls, she sings ‘I would lay Kayleigh Leith by core players Berklee School of Music down my own life, Without asking why or THIS WOMEN professor Catherine Bent (cello), Joe what it is.’ Arthur Wood Amazing Records McMahon (upright bass) and Dave Brophy www.pattylarkin.com AE55321 (drums), with support vocals on three HHHHH songs each by Jonatha Brooke and Merrie A perfect album for Amsterburg. Trio Birdsong At Morning, aka Phillip Henry & any woman, old or Alan Williams, Darleen Wilson and Greg Hannah Martin young; this woman Porter, add their voices to one song. Patty MYND will give you it all! Perfect! co-produced with Mike Denneen (Aimee Dragonfly Roots Kayleigh Leith writes (or co-writes) all Mann, Guster, Fountains of Wayne) and it DRCD001 her own beautiful music. She makes it all was partly recorded in his Somerville HHHH incredibly exciting. THIS WOMAN doesn’t studio and Patty’s home facility on Folk duo’s second change anything; it is daring, witty and the Cape. set that’s several cuts bold. Born Ready creates an exquisite vibe As far as human kind is concerned, we’re above most of the competition to the beginning of the CD. In my opinion, constantly full of the Best Of Intentions, but Not just another male/female acoustic this should have been the title track—it is Larkin asserts on the album opener, at the folk duo, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin’s captivating and catchy and it makes you close of each verse, that those intentions: debut album, SINGING THE BONES, smile and encourages hope for a wide age ‘all get up and leave before long.’ In the garnered significant praise in 2011 and range of ladies. Feelin’ Bout You is a song handful of years since WATCH THE SKY this, their second outing, builds on that which will make you ponder about love surfaced Larkin’s parents passed and a to excellent effect. The material is the affairs from long ago! This is trailed by Feels sister suffered a stroke. That’s usual mix of originals and trad.arrs but Like Letting Go which is a beautifully sung acknowledged in the aforementioned the songs are a cut above and the love song. The title track, This Woman, lyric by: ‘The man in the hallway is cleaning performances outstanding, both makes you want to dance with all the up grief, While travellers chase after time catching attention and holding it. enjoyment from your body; it just creates like a thief’ and the later heartfelt: ‘This Martin has a beguiling voice and an ever-lasting beam due to how ain’t goodbye, just so long.’ The opening Henry is a beautifully understated significant it is in many women’s lines of Down Through The Wood guitarist, whether on Dobro, steel or memories. All Night is purely paraphrase the minimal sustenance acoustic. The overall effect is phenomenal, it inspires hope, and carried by 19th century Scottish-born otherworldly, music from a place at the formulates a grin but also makes you want American naturalist, John Muir, when edge of vision, at the edge of the world to cry some deep emotional tears. The journeying through the countryside. Muir even. Opener Silbury Hill sets the tone, a album finishes on an incredible high note wrote: ‘Throw some tea and bread in an song that juxtaposes the present day with Bet You. Indeed we will remember her old sack and jump over the back fence.’ and prehistoric times. The album title is from now—with this innovative album, Further pursuing the recent darkness, It old English for memory, remembrance or Kayleigh Leith will be almost impossible to Could Be Worse features an electric guitar commemoration and the original songs forget. Incredibly stunning. solo by Peter Linton, while Soon As I’m all have that in common, with pieces Jade Sydenham Better hints at fairer weather ahead. recalling a fiancée whose husband died www.kayleighleith.com Bon Vivants hints at possible recovery, in the Arctic (Silver Box) and the first which gathered pace when Patty read woman to win a Gold Medal from the award-winning poet Kay Ryan’s The Royal Astronomical Society (Song For Patty Larkin Niagara River (2005). Green Behind The Ears Catherine Herschel) amongst others. STILL GREEN merges a Larkin melody with Ryan’s Henry and Martin are not averse to a bit Signature Sounds words, wherein an adult wrestles with of political comment either, with Last Recording Company childhood memories. Witnessing that Broadcast dedicated to Marie Colvin, the HHHHI even the rural landscapes rarely stand still, journalist killed in Syria in 2012, and their 13th solo album in New Hotel the narrator muses: ‘Just a version of Banks of The Nile that, as they celebrates life’s year ago, cows were standing here.’ note in the liner booklet, is sadly an complex journey in a dozen songs Highlighted by the latter lyrics, the album evergreen soldier’s lament, on which 2008’s WATCH THE SKY was the last solo title’s essence isn’t naivety rather it’s an Martin’s clear, mournful, barely recording by Iowa born, Wisconsin bred, affirmation, even in dark times, of life’s accompanied vocal shivers the soul. Massachusetts based Patty Larkin to splendour. Patty’s long had a thing for It’s always good to hear something a feature new material. The 2-CD Signature percussion—Metal Drums debuted on LIVE bit different, and Henry & Martin, while release 25 in 2010, found her celebrating IN THE SQUARE (1990)—and here the they know their roots, use them as a basis quarter of a century in the music business, lyrically whimsical Mando Drum maintains for music that is as contemporary as it is vocally accompanied on her back a tradition. Closing STILL GREEN and written traditional. A very good album indeed. catalogue by fellow male and female folk for her two daughters, Because Of This Jeremy Searle singer-songwriters. Larkin (vocals, guitar, verifies that Larkin has weathered the www.philliphenryand bass, piano, mandolin, octave mandolin, storm with a positive outlook. In the fourth hannahmartin.co.uk

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there’s magic in the air.’ The western, The high fashion in the hokey but energetic Richard Dobson Stage At Leipers Fork, is narrated by a man hoedown Tractor Supply, while the album’s HERE IN THE with a truly guilty conscience. Having killed second gem, I Hear Singing, is a meditation GARDEN ‘an innocent man’ while robbing a upon the passage of time and the Brambus Records stagecoach, he heads west. Taking up with generations who have witnessed alterations HHHHI a ‘Spanish girl in a Texas town’ in time he in familiar landscapes. The earth and becomes a father, buys some land (with One To Run The River With focuses on its environment his ill-gotten gains), but cannot find peace friendships that last for a lifetime. On his web themed album is one of of mind. Bluegrass flavoured, The Moon Is site Dobson writes: “I started this song after Dobson’s finest song collections For Lovers lyric contains the caution: ‘She watching a performance by Noel McKay and HERE IN THE GARDEN was co-produced by waxes and she wanes, she’s ever going to Brennan Leigh at the Old Quarter Acoustic Dobson and long-time associate Thomm change, She’s got a dark side, and she Café in Galveston,” and adds that: ‘in a twist Jutz in the latter’s Nashville studio. don’t let it show.’ of fate’ he ended up co-writing it with McKay. Supporting Richard’s vocals are Jutz (guitar, It’s About Time was co-written with Co-written with Jutz/Stefl, the closing song is piano, mandolin, vocals), Mark Fain Charley Stefl; the ensuing Tequila And credited on the gatefold card liner as a (upright, electric bass), Lynn Williams Chamomile Tea with Mark Wise. In the ‘bonus track.’ A one-armed American Civil (drums, percussion), Justin Moses (fiddle, former, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, War veteran returns to his Mississippi farm mandolin, banjo) with minor contributions Dobson concludes: ‘You can’t hurry time and family, sells it ‘for a wagon and two from Aaron Till (fiddle, mandolin). Richard along; it’s beyond your control,’ while the mules’ and carves on the cabin door launches his 20th country/folk album with latter, a tale of love long lost yet still GTT—Gone to Texas. Originally released in the title song, and in the chorus, focusing remembered, is one of two gems in this 2011 on Vol. 1 of THE 1861 PROJECT, to date a upon mankind’s life journey, he sings: ‘Here collection. According to Richard, Brave New two-volume collection of American Civil War in the garden there’s light and there’s World Out There is ‘a man’s end-of-the- songs by contemporary Nashville writers … shade.’ Co-written with Jutz, the avian world rumination’ albeit one that closes you can read about this worthy project at study Black Crow is similarly symbolic: ’You with the eloquent and affectionate: ‘You’re www.1861project.com/about. Arthur Wood watch as someone’s dying, someone’s looking good tonight.’ The narrator’s www.richard-j-dobson. being born’ and ‘You remind me every day preference for comfortable clothing trumps www.myspace.com/richarddobsonmusic NEW RELEASES

roams, rattles and rolls good naturedly and important song to him as it lasts just under Rocky and the darker Wedding Day Blues. A pounding five minutes—incredibly sweet. Roll Your the Natives rhythm and organ figure prominently Window Down is all about the exhilarating LET’S HEAR alongside searing, swampy guitar in freedom of summer and how you just want IT FOR THE Hoodoo Voodoo, whilst Oyster Girl is a to roam where you have never been before, OLD GUYS concise and catchy track that contains a it needs to be played in hot summer Yard Dog Records healthy dose of distinctive guitar and violin weather. This album was absolutely HHHI riffs and cheery rock vocals. There is a perfect in my opinion and Scotty has a Their music may be a little generosity of spirit, a feeling of basic diverse voice, which fits both fast and slow bit different but is always interesting goodness, that lies at the heart of this songs. He may be slightly new to this but he and entertaining, which is their intent down-home album. Alan Cackett puts emotion into every song, which If there ever was an act that named an www.lets-hear-it-for-the-old-guys.com emphasises his brilliance as an artist. album perfectly it’s this five-piece Jade Sydenham Kent-based outfit. They are all, for lack of a www.seeyoutonight.scottymccreery.com better word, veteran musos. They started Scotty McCreery out individually in the late 1960s and have SEE YOU TONIGHT served their time treading the boards and Hump Head HUMP 155 Star Lane gracing the studios with the likes of John HHHHH BUCKLE UP! Lennon, George Harrison, Sly and the Exciting, sweet, happy GNR Records Family Stone, , Carly Simon, and sad all in a single HHHH Eric Clapton, , Gene album. A genius Honest, from the heart Parsons, , Chris DeBurgh, Ozark Having never heard Scotty McCreery songs filled with Mountain Daredevils, and before, I had no idea what to expect other optimism and hope also been integral members of Caravan, than guessing from the front cover and the Kent-based duo, comprising Sarah Lucy Aesop’s Fables, The Way, Tarquin, Winkle press release sent. When he started to sing I Dole and Brian J Langsdon, deliver an Bill and Pass the Buck. They got together in got a slight shiver through my body, I did impressive debut album that is way above this current line-up just a couple of years not expect such a voice to come out. It was most British country recordings. Rather ago at an age when they should’ve been just sensational. than covers of American country hits, they using their bus passes, rather than The first song Now, is a fast, thrilling start have opted for totally original material, all traversing the motorway network playing to the album. A catchy beginning that dozen songs penned by Sarah, with Brian one-night stands. makes you feel happy inside. The next four assisting on three of them. They have Malcolm Barnard (lead vocals) and Chris songs are also brilliant. See You Tonight is so worked diligently in the studio to bring the Godden (electric guitar) are the main heartfelt, I began to be entirely lost in the songs to life with Brian playing no less than songwriters and are joined by Geoffrey song. It is incredibly adorable and fulfils 13 different instruments; everything from Richardson (violin, mandolin, banjo), Andy many girls’ dreams. Get Gone With You is bass and various guitars through to cajon, Newmark (drums) and Jim Leverton (bass, personally one of my favourites on this banjo, mandolin and even salt and rice acoustic guitar, keyboards) who also sat in album. He has the perfect voice for slower, shakers. For her part, Sarah, who has been the producer’s chair. The band culls its emotional songs. I loved how it entirely singing in various bands for more than 20 infectious sound from a trick bag of captivated me. I stopped everything I was years, emerges with the confidence and swamp-rock, country-rock, straight doing just to listen. Feelin’ It creates a good command of a woman who knows exactly country and rockabilly that challenges the music of perfect summery music, which who she is and what she wants to say. slickness of today’s modern country music. coincidentally is followed by Feel Good Several of these songs are like pages torn Unlike other elderly ‘country’ bands you Summer Song which surprisingly isn’t so from chapters of her life. My Life concerns might see around the scene, Rocky and the happy. It is about heartbreak over a finding the strength to walk away from an Natives don’t sacrifice what makes country summer romance and how he can’t stand abusive relationship, written and sung with music great, but they also avoid coming off the radio love song— ‘sunshine only lights great power and emotion. Slammin’ Door like a cheap wild west costume party. In up what is wrong’ shows genuine pain in explores a similar scenario as a bruised and short, they have opted for a grungier sound the heartbreak suffered, it is so easy to battered woman seeks a loving and made sure it’s not too slick. Plus there is connect to. The Dash looks at young people relationship following a series of disastrous genuine talent involved here blended with who live their lives too fast and die too entanglements. integrity and a passion for the music. soon. It has a pretty piano accompaniment, It takes great courage for anyone to open There are just three outside songs: John which makes it relaxing and soothing. Blue up their heart and inner soul like this, but Lennon’s Tight As, which opens like a classic Jean Baby delivers a good message for the Sara does it with an element of hope and country-rocker, Bob Rafkin’s gently younger generation in a creative manner. optimism for the future, rather than melodic Lazy Waters with ethereal steel ‘Other girls rockin’ them miniskirts, but wallowing in a sad and heartbreaking past. guitar and Gram Parsons’ Hot Burrito # 1, they can’t hold a candle to her’ suggests Her faith obviously plays a part as she which is a pure delight. There’s a sly sense that being seductive is not about showing explains in Getting Over You, a soulful ballad of humour to be found in several of their as much as you can but more about being and the spiritual You Shine On with its own songs like Friendly Man In Blue which different. I felt Carolina Moon was an inspiring lyrics and lush arrangement. The

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mainly uplifting arrangements fit well with 19 minute Revelation—but I guess include , Sarah Vaughan, Sarah’s interpretative abilities, especially succeeding generations continue to desire Frank Sinatra and Diana Krall, and this on the catchy Hitting The Road Again, a extended solos as their preferred musical torch song launches VAGABOND. stunning slice of modern pop-country. ‘meat.’ Despite his folk credentials, on 13 Featuring the voice of her maternal, Tralee Through The Rain And The Red Lights is a HOURS Kamm’s compositions suggest jazz bred, grandmother, Madge Nammock, slower travelling song about a girl who extemporisation, while Flores consistently Reader’s Back The Dogs (Dancing Down can’t seem to put down roots, no matter indulges in country licks and their zippier Rock) recalls a seasoned gambling where she goes, until she finally wakes up bluegrass cousins. As for the song lyrics ancestor. Adapted from the John Masefield and heads off home to her loved ones. the intellectual depth varies, while I’d poem Vagabond (it appeared in the poet’s Highly recommended. Alan Cackett acknowledge that, to a man, the five debut Salt-water Ballads (1902)), the title www.starlane.co.uk players are individually accomplished. song was co-written with Douglas. Therein Flores pitches in titles such as Down In The the narrator reflects upon God and life on Mine, Comin’ Home To You and the ‘the dusty road.’ Eddi’s current Irish Achilles Wheel intricately finger-picked/bluesy Slow Train, songwriter of choice is undoubtedly 13 HOURS while Kamm’s offerings include Monkey Declan O’Rourke, and Married To The Sea, a Achilles Wheel Records House, Ilithia and First Step In The Wrong wistful tale of love that, over time, is HHH Direction. Paul’s anthemic Let Love Remain fulfilled, follows (O’Rourke’s title Marrying Debut set from a previously appeared on the Kamm/ The Sea). VAGABOND is the third talented Northern MacDonald 2003 release FOOL’S PARADISE, consecutive Reader studio release to California jam band and, as mentioned earlier, replete with a feature a song from O’Rourke’s SINCE Based in Northern California’s Nevada MacDonald support vocal it closes 13 KYABRAM (2006). City, according to their Google entry HOURS. Arthur Wood The Reader/Douglas waltz paced, love Achilles Wheel is a ‘psychedelic rock, blues www.achilleswheel.com ode Edinah, is one of those compositions and bluegrass’ quintet, although their web that Eddi undoubtedly relishes site mentions Achilles’ growing status as a performing, amply confirmed here by her jam band. The combo’s principal Eddi Reader vocal extemporisations. There’s also a songwriters are Jon ‘Jonny Mojo’ Flores VAGABOND dreamlike quality to the ensuing Reader/ (lead guitar, mandolin, Dobro, harmonica, Reveal Records Douglas/Hewerdine ballad Snowflakes In vocals) and Paul Kamm (rhythm guitar, HHHHH The Sun. Adding Carr’s name to the vocals), aided here by Marty Holland (bass), Eddi Reader, the foregoing trio of credited writers, the Gary Campus (drums) and Mark McCartney songwriter, rises percussive Baby’s Boat was inspired by (drums, vocals). The 13 songs on, this, their Phoenix-like with this American children’s author Alice Riley’s debut collection were recorded during a gem encrusted, sonically dreamy effort Slumber Boat, a lullaby co-written, circa single 13-hour session on October 17, 2011, Where previous solo releases have each 1898, with friend and composer Dorothy at the historic downtown Nevada Theatre. featured a few Reader writing credits, Jessie . Gaynor. Dundee musician/ As for the composer credits, in terms of the doubtless inspired by husband/composer composer Michael Marra passed in late disc’s running order, Kamm composed the John Douglas, the Glasgow born October 2012 as Reader was about to seven odd numbered songs while Flores songbird’s name is appended to eight of undertake her 2012 end-of-year UK tour. A supplied the six evens. the 14 VAGABOND selections. 26 songs tribute to the literate and musical Scot, she Spanning a quarter of a century, the duo were recorded—let’s just say that the includes Marra’s love themed Macushla of Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald residue will eventually enjoy public (My Darling). have released nine albums and in the exposure. Produced by Reader (lead Gustav Ljunggern’s saxophone and process become established folk festival vocals, guitar, piano, concertina, Cunningham’s accordion introduce favourites as well as song contest winners glockenspiel) she’s supported here by Reader’s 30 year plus memory Midnight In at Kerrville, Telluride and Rocky Mtn. Folks. Douglas (guitar, ukulele, piano, clarsach, Paris 1979. Shifting from contemporary MacDonald supplies a guest vocal on the vocals), plus stalwart regulars Boo covers to traditional tunes, there are closing number, and 13 HOURS opens with Hewerdine (guitar, piano, vocals), Alan arrangements of Buain Na Rainish (Fairy her life/musical partner’s Got A Tattoo. The Kelly (accordion, piano), Ian Carr (guitar), Love Song) featuring a Matheson backing song was a finalist in a recent ‘Race to TRI’ Ewen Vernal (double bass, piano, vocals) vocal, followed by the better known In Ma song contest sponsored by Bob Weir’s TRI and Roy Dodds (drums). Recorded mainly Ain Country. Credited to Reader/Douglas Studios. Weir’s status as a founding at Kyoti Studio, guests include John Pray The Devil Back To Hell finds the narrator member of The Grateful Dead, meshes McCusker, Michael McGoldrick, Phil repeating ‘It’s a wonderful life,’ and is totally with the combo’s jam band Cunningham and . followed by the seasonal and cyclical Here credentials. The arithmetic proof—13 I’ll Never Be The Same deserves the Come The Bells. An Eddi Reader album HOURS closes out at 69 minute duration accolade American Songbook Classic devoid of a Hewerdine original would be with songs varying in length from just over having begun life as the Matt Malneck/ incomplete, and VAGABOND closes with three to a tad under eight minutes. Frank Signorelli jazz instrumental Little his slow-paced, starlit delight It’s A The jam band musical approach last held Buttercup. Circa 1932, Gus Kahn added the Beautiful Night. Arthur Wood my attention half a century ago—eg. Love’s lyric. Eight decades later, cover artists www.eddireader.co.uk

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other worldly beings: ‘It wasn’t one, But enjoyable if tracks had been shortened and Tish Hinojosa maybe two or three,’ and replete with a if fuller accompaniment had been utilised, AFTER THE FAIR chirping chick singer chorus, Tish and because the lyrics are so beautifully sung Varese Sarabande long-time sideman Marvin Dykhuis and written so well I feel they deserved a Records co-wrote the 1950s sounding Tu Cancion much better treatment. In all honesty I HHH (translates as Your Song). The lyric to the can’t wait to hear more! Jade Sydenham Hinojosa’s first penultimate Fall Again is love themed, and www.noracollins.com non-Texas recorded it’s followed by the philosophical and album and you can tell worldly Crazy Old Dream. AFTER THE FAIR Texas bred Hinojosa breaks five years of may not be Hinojosa’s finest solo collection. The Diablos silence with the 11 song AFTER THE FAIR, Arthur Wood RIDING THE recorded in Berlin, Germany with www.mundotish.com LONG ROAD production and arrangements credited to Wrong Guy Records Moe Jacksch. Tish (vocals, guitar, piano) is HHHH supported here by Jacksch (guitar, bass, Nora Collins Better late than never drums, keyboards and other mischief), with ONLY THE …well worth the wait minor additions by Marvin Dykhuis BEGINNING Brighton-based band revisit their very (mandolin), Matthew Sever and Martin Self-released first album; recorded ten years ago, but Wenk (), Anja Clarissa Gilles HHHI never released. They’ve now given the (cello), Stephan P. Gatti (Dobro, lapsteel), Delightful voice, needs album a modern face-lift and added three Andreas David (banjo, lap steel), Minas some more excitement bonus tracks recorded earlier this year with Suluyan (percussion) and Kerstin Have you heard of the lovely Nora the current line-up. Still intact from the Kaernbach (saw). In July, this year, Tish Collins? She has a beautiful voice, but if you original line-up is Francois DeVille, Chris ended nine years living in Hamburg, and haven’t heard her before—definitely do Nieto and Geoff Ansell with ‘newcomers’ returned to Austin, Texas’ familiar streets. not start with this album. Her second Danny and Terry O’Loughlin, who’ve been Pursuing the latter insight, Cobblestones, album, 2012’s RUN AWAY WITH ME, recorded with the band since shortly after the ‘long the opening song, co-written with son with a band gives her angelic voice the lost’ album was recorded. Original lead Adam Hinojosa Barker, finds the narrator excitement she needs for a whole album. guitarist, Chris Mansbridge, who moved to walking around: ‘this city where I am’ and This acoustic album sounds sweet and Turkey in 2003, returned to assist current musing: ‘I’m feeling that I don’t belong,’ peaceful, but also on the sleepy side. producer Al Scott and the current line-up in while the ensuing Infinity Times Ten Opening the album, Harley is quite slow giving this album its 2013 make-over. amounts to a happy-go-lucky love song. and relaxing. However, we don’t really need Unlike the majority of British ‘country’ Replete with brass interlude, Tish and to hear about her being driven crazy for bands, the Diablos perform all their own German journalist/musician Detlef over five minutes. The songs seem too long material. It’s hard to hear this album Diederichsen wrote the waltz-paced, for just the sparse acoustic guitar without bobbing your head or at least European sounding album title song, accompaniment, the lyrics are quite tapping your toes. Maybe it’s the searing wherein love is found at a street fair. Paul repetitive and they lose their entertainment lead guitar, Hammond B-3 organ, the pedal McCartney’s A Certain Softness appeared on value very quickly. I found myself skipping steel, thoughtful lyrics and four-part his CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD some songs after three or four minutes. harmonies, or the groovin’ stomp rhythm (2005) and here it’s Me Captivo Con Su Mirar, Nothing To Do With Me picks up the mood section. Whatever it is, the sound is a Spanish translation by Hinojosa. Austinite rather well, not just another love song but a quintessentially the Diablo’s very own. This Matthew Sever, aka Matt The Electrician, one about heartbreak and secrets that band conjures up modern country magic penned I Will Do The Breathing, and it’s makes the album appealing because it is with rollicking rhythms that challenge the followed by Woody Guthrie’s Deportee incredibly relatable for a lot of women, moribundity of so much British country obviously a song close to Hinojosa’s heart, however they wish to interpret it. Fastest music served up around the club scene. considering her past involvement with Girl In Town brings an even better mood Typical of their individuality is the driving migrant worker’s rights. The song recalls with an interesting tone and a faster beat I’m No Good, which features tight Poco-like the 1948 Los Gatos Canyon plane crash in which is more appealing in comparisons to harmonies and a twanging guitar-led which 28 migrant workers perished (as well the three previous songs. The title track, arrangement. Lightning guitar rumbles as four crew) in the process of being Only The Beginning, is one of the slowest and wails over a country-rock vocal on the deported to Mexico. Not credited in the songs here, but something about her voice up-tempo Wrong Guy, whilst more liner, Guthrie’s poem was set to music by makes it a must listen all the way through similarities, vocally to Poco, emerge with I schoolteacher Martin Hoffman during the and leads you to want to listen to it on Think Of You. A stylish, hard-to-categorise late 1950s and it’s performed in Spanish, repeat. First Heartbreak has an incredibly set, what counts is that the Diablos’ another Tish translation. captivating chorus, but I still found myself modern fusion of country, rock and pop Hinojosa excels at bouncy, melodic flicking a little earlier than the full time. feels deeply authentic without being dated up-tempo tunes and Doing What I Can Holding Out For A Hero has a more or ‘too Americanised.’ Oh, and I love it! lyrically pursues a relationship theme. The I interesting title than the song delivers. Alan Cackett Saw An Alien narrator tells of the sighting of Altogether the album would be more www.thediablos.com

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band-tinged Unclouded Day—that recall the back 25 years)—all acoustic, reinterpreted with Andy Fairweather Welsh valleys and there are cheery rockers fresh new arrangements, rhythms, and Low & The that rekindle the spirit of Duane Eddy. Low instrumentation, so say the press release—new Lowriders sounds like just what he is—a pop star with an old songs then. Previously, I had only come ZONE-O-TONE innate understanding of rock, pop, soul and across Big Sandy in reverential tones on printed Proper country down the decades. The Lowriders are page, so what would the aural experience be HHHH pretty special, too—Clapton’s bassist Dave like? Not up to the hyperbole but pretty damn Another high from Low Bronze, drummer Paul Beavis (who’s played good I’d say. Those of you already familiar with Andy Fairweather Low, fresh from pop with the likes of Robbie Macintosh) and sax/ the back catalogue will, no doubt, discuss the stardom in Amen Corner, became an clarinet star Nick Pentelow (whose merits of the original against the new unexpected roots rocking champion in the 1950s-inspired licks energised ’s arrangements, but those new listeners starting 1970s with his string of solo albums and hits, Wizzard), with guesting on here waste no time in purchasing said beast. collections of hummable new songs mixed up Hammond. The result is sharp and exciting, I love the simple, almost naive, lyrical style with classic ditties, from his own gem Wide music that has absorbed plenty yet owes that seems to hark back to Eyed And Legless to Hank Williams’ My Bucket’s nothing to anyone. Nick Dalton and Ricky Nelson. Musically we are, Got A Hole In It. He’s spent much of the time www.proper-records.co.uk predominantly, in rockabilly style, although the since then organising and playing guitar in album opens with a burst of acoustic reggae, Eric Clapton’s band but has never lost the Big Sandy And His takes a wander through Asleep At The Wheel knack of making pop-tinged roots rock to Fly-Rite Boys territory and, my particular favourite, Don’t make you smile and the hairs on the back of WHAT A DREAM IT’S Desert Me is done almost a capella. your neck stand on end. BEEN Don’t look to this album to cure the biblical The opener, Dance On, makes you grin from Cow Island Music CIM 022 plagues that roam this planet, it won’t; but the first bars and would be a hit if we still had HHH what it will do, for half-an-hour or so, is lighten hits—a romping mix of twanging guitar, Splendid album of your step and put a smile on your face. Lord yelping vocals and bouncing rhythms. To original re-recordings knows we all need that—here’s to the next 25 follow there’s Americana and there are WHAT A DREAM IT’S BEEN is a collection of the years. Ian Ambrose hymn-like numbers—specifically the brass band’s favourite original numbers (going www.cowislandmusic.com NEW RELEASES

Mr Cooder and Mr Lindley are obvious and sing.’ The aforementioned Bowers/ Babajack influences, but I am pretty sure his record Turner co-write is Lighthouse, while The RUNNING MAN collection goes back a heck of a lot further Wicked is a soulful affair that alludes to Adam, -R-R Records than those cats. His aggressive attack on Eve, Cain and more. The penultimate Stray HHHH guitar and Becky’s soothing vocals (but Trombone attempts humour, and in closer Blues and a whole lot she’s ballsy when called for) are a good fit Stupid And Bloody a deceased drunk driver/ more as they explore on this material. No one song leaps out at war veteran reminisces: ‘When I was born, I roots music in their me, and some of the lyrics could do with was stupid and bloody, Crying from the own way tightening up perhaps, but overall it is an shock of seeing the world.’ This is an album Funded by their fans via an on-line even listen and will do well for them. that is interesting, but only in parts. Small pledge campaign, BabaJack’s RUNNING MAN Deservedly so. Simon Redley parts. Arthur Wood is an impressive calling card for this UK duo www.babajack.com www.straytrombone.com/fr_home.cfm and real life couple, who have been turning heads and creating quite a buzz in recent Chauncey Bowers times. Constant gigging in the UK and RUMORS OF Irene Kelley Europe, in their own right and opening for REASON PENNSYLVANIA bigger acts, plus a trio of well-received Back 9 Records COAL self-released albums since 2009, has helped HHH Patio Records them build up a pretty formidable profile Time served California HHHHI and an impressive fan-base. based cellular biologist This woman is The blues industry has taken notice too, issues his debut album making the best with nominations and wins at the British It wouldn’t be untoward to describe music of her career Blues Awards for the last two years. Earlier RUMORS OF REASON, California based A successful Nashville songwriter since this year they did very well against a strong Bowers’ debut album as, principally, a the early 1980s—Alan Jackson, Trisha field of international blues acts at the ‘game of two halves.’ Annie Miles and Ed Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Greene, Ricky annual European Blues Challenge in France; Tree (Spencer Davis, , Juice Skaggs, Claire Lynch are just a few who’ve impressing the prestigious judging panel Newton, ) separately produced recorded her songs—this is Irene Kelley’s and the assembled bookers, who grabbed six songs, and collaborated on the first album in ten years and is possibly one them for festivals and gigs all over the place remaining trio. Tree mixed the album. of the best and most rewarding albums in 2013 and 2014. Paul Jones is a fan and Bowers, a Harvard-educated Ph. D. in I’ve heard this past year … and there have wants them for a session on his famed BBC cellular biology, penned the 15 songs, one been quite a few special ones. She’s always Radio 2 blues show soon. TV celebrity Lloyd with support vocalist Lisa Turner. Released written from personal experiences, and Grossman was among the people that by Back 9 Records, Bowers’ label-mates for this one she travels back in time to her coughed up cash to help fund the album, include Bob Cheevers and Brad Colerick. Pennsylvania roots as she pays tribute to after he saw them live. Opening with only an acoustic guitar and her coal-mining grandfather. Both literary Singer and percussionist Becky Tate and building into a meaty rocker, in the opening and accessible in the southern simplicity guitarist and harmonica player Trevor selection ‘All dressed up in human skin’ the storytelling sense, there’s nothing forced Steger have expanded their usual duo narrator warns potential victims off a or mannered here, just a crystal clear talent line-up to include Tosh Murase on drums, Demon on the loose. Melodically gentler with something to say. Adam Bertenshaw on bass and cellist Julia fare, memories of a lover who has passed The toe-tapping opening You Don’t Run Palmer-Price (who usually plays for Aston pervade Smile On The Wind, while the Across My Mind is driven by plaintive fiddle Villa-supporting violin superstar Nigel ensuing I Come Home To You recalls the and exquisite mandolin. The atmospheric Kennedy) for this enjoyable ten-track ‘lucky fools’ who once fell in love. Tree’s Feels Like Home again features excellent album. All but one of the songs penned by bluesy guitar propels Last Thing I Remember interplay between Tate and Steger. It’s bluesy, it’s rootsy, it’s wherein at the close ‘being in love’ is what Stuart Duncan’s fiddle, Adam Steffey’s got folk vibes maybe, and you can hear the the narrator remembers. Having mandolin and Bryan Sutton’s acoustic ethnic influences from the African rhythms. committed murder ‘There’s a darkness, and guitar with Irene’s vocal being particularly All very honest and the use of home-made it surrounds you’ encapsulates the main captivating and evocative. Weaving writing instruments in the form of Trevor’s character’s current mindset in Something To styles both sweetly poetic (My Flower) and ‘winebox’ guitars and Becky’s box drum Cry About. defiantly hopeful (Breakin’ Even) she’s totally Cajon, adds an extra earthy dimension. The gentle folk-rock strum God Bless Your convincing and deserving of much wider The album has plenty of light and shade, Children features an ageing, battle-scarred recognition. From the driving bluegrass- it has power and it has sensitivity; it pokes veteran who unequivocally states: ‘I believe flavoured Rattlesnake Rattler to the gentler and it strokes. But above all else, it grooves. in the raging righteous, and I believe there’s acoustic country-pop of Angels Around Her The production is understated and the love in soldiers and whores.’ Rhythmically Irene’s vocals are intimate and impassioned. players are left with lots of space, free reign Running Helpless charges out of the starting Her two daughters, Justyna and Sara Jean to feel their way rather than working to a gate and barely slows, while the narrator of join in on the bonus track, You Are Mine, a rigid structure, it seems. Trevor’s slide the melancholic Anything Could Happen gorgeous yearning ballad. Alan Cackett playing is as good as anyone else in the UK. bids the listener: ‘Try and be happy, Just try www.irenekelley.com

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happened to the feel-good frenzy, pieces of a jig-saw, avaricious fans crave Jake Owen Owen brings it right back with Tipsy. such information. Once these discs are DAYS OF GOLD This track will go down well with officially released that information may anyone of a loved-up disposition. The enter the public domain. There’s HHHHH romantic vibes are continued, albeit certainly a note in each liner that An adventurous new with a long-distance relationship twist, indicates: ‘For more information … visit album from one of with Drivin’ All Night. DAYS OF GOLD is www.jimmylafave.com’ An the brightest talents rounded out nicely by Sure Feels Right, accomplished songwriter in his own on the country music scene another contribution that conforms to right, fellow composers quake in their Jake Owen’s DAYS OF GOLD is likely the well-thought-out yet energetic style shoes when LaFave interprets their to be received as one of the hottest of the album. Owen has been daring tunes—Walk Away Renee, The Moon’s A country albums of 2013 and for good enough to try a few new things on DAYS Harsh Mistress and On A Bus To St. Cloud reason. The Floridian could easily have OF GOLD and the gamble has paid off. (not featured here) are cases in point. attempted to put out a collection similar Following up a breakthrough album TRAIL TWO and THREE merge already to 2011’s highly successful BAREFOOT can be one of the toughest things that familiar LaFave originals with covers, BLUE JEAN NIGHT, but instead has an artist has to do, but this effort has familiar and new. It’s the latter new branched out from the style set by his avoided all nasty pitfalls and should element that I’ll focus upon. acclaimed breakthrough effort. What cement Owen’s reputation as one of the On TRAIL TWO Jimmy delivers a we’re treated to on DAYS OF GOLD is a brightest talents in country music. raunchy rendition of Sonny Thompson’s high-quality mixture of chart-friendly Ian Horne Tore Down first covered by Freddie King anthems, offset by a handful of songs www.sonymusic.com in 1961, in LaFave’s hands Jackson that offer emotion without hinting at Browne’s Your Bright Baby Blues is over-indulgence. The title track, which heartrending and there’s a reading of the is to be the first single from the album, Jimmy LaFave late J.J. Cale’s Don’t Go To Strangers. gets things off to a characterful and TRAIL TWO/TRAIL Closing TRAIL 2, I’m Ready the 1959 Fats rocking start. It doesn’t bear a great THREE Domino US Top 100 and r&b chart hit, likeness to any of Owen’s past material, Music Road Records co-written with Al Lewis and Sylvester yet existing fans and newcomers to his HHHHI Bradford, receives an energetic band music should enjoy this catchy offering. Two, almost 70-minute treatment. On TRAIL THREE the closest call The positive vibes continue with Beachin’ long, live recordings to a 21st century composition is Secret and 1972, both of which are immediately from the ultimate song Garden the 1995/96 Springsteen hit likeable tracks that could turn out to be interpreter single, plus there’s the Eric Clapton/Leon country music chart-toppers. Jimmy LaFave’s final Russell co-write Blues Power from the DAYS OF GOLD takes a more reflective release of the 20th former’s eponymous 1970 solo debut. turn with Ghost Town and Life Of The century was the two Elsewhere Milt Jackson’s Blues In C Minor Party, a duo of songs that switch things CD live collection TRAIL is paired with Jimmy’s familiar Deep up but don’t cause a significant drop (1998). The rear tray insert bore the South 61 Delta Highway Blues. in tempo. We’re then treated to Good legend: ‘Recorded in Texas and around LaFave is the finest Dylan vocal Timing, a triumphant and chilled number the world.’ A decade and a half later interpreter bar none, and THREE leans that outlines the upbeat golden days Jimmy has, once again, delved into his heavily on the Minnesotan’s back pages. theme of the album. This is followed by mountain of in-concert band recordings From the historic BLOOD ON THE TRACKS Tall Glass Of Something, an experimental for the 65 minute TRAIL TWO and the 69 (1975), the disc opens with a chugging offering that might split opinion, but minute TRAIL THREE. Released as treatment of Meet Me In The Morning. shows that Jake is willing to offer individual discs, and only sold at BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME (1965) something a little unique to separate concerts initially, they respectively furnishes slow-burning readings of Love himself from the rest of the crowd. feature one-dozen and 14 songs. Minus Zero/No Limit and Mr. Tambourine Order is restored with Leavened by four songs that have not Man. LaFave’s treatment of the obscure (Never Killed Nobody), another of Owen’s previously graced a LaFave recording, Dusty Old Fairgrounds, which Dylan first more sentimental tracks. Again, the eight tunes on TWO appeared on Jimmy’s aired April 1963 in New York Town Hall, pace is maintained, this time thanks to a studio releases between 1995 and 2005. opens gently and gathers pace as it powerful chorus. The real lighter-waver On THREE, the split is five familiar songs unfolds. Both penned during the late on DAYS OF GOLD is the following effort, from 1988 through 2005 and nine that 1960s, THREE closes with a righteous What We Ain’t Got, which could turn out are new to this Texas born musician’s eleven-minute plus segue of Robbie to be a big hit further down the line. oeuvre. Robertson’s classic and Bob’s A combination of intelligent lyrics and Unlike the TRAIL liner booklet, and Rainy Day Women #12 & 35. In closing let’s soulful delivery elevates this tear-jerker, relative to each song, the gatefold card just say, TRAIL 2 and TRAIL 3 may not be enabling Owen to demonstrate his range liners are short on song-by-song detail of Jimmy’s final trawl through his extensive of delivery. where, when and whom—Jimmy has in-concert archive … Arthur Wood In case you’d forgotten what consistently recruited great players. As www.jimmylafave.com

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STRANGER IN YOUR HOME TOWN will achieve Jitterbug Vipers Jules Winchester this for her. After all, they do say that good PHOEBE’S DREAM A STRANGER IN things come to those who wait. Nick Jitterbug Vipers/Flying YOUR HOME Dent-Robinson High Records TOWN www.longman-records.com HHHH LongMan Records Ltd The thin line between HHHHH jazz and western This first Lisbee Stainton swing gets very blurred some days professionally produced album from Jules WORD GAMES Two years ago a friend visited SXSW and Winchester is utterly beguiling Marionet Music brought a bag full of CDs back to Blighty. He From the very first notes on this HHHHH eventually loaned me TELL ‘EM JOE SENT YOU album—played as the introduction to the Exquisite words and by the Jitterbug Vipers and I nearly wore it title track by multi-instrumentalist Richard melodies from Ms out that summer. So, when their latest Durrant on an exotic Paraguayan harp—it Lsibee recording dropped through my letter box I is evident this record is special and I usually come over all warm and fuzzy was giddy with excitement as I slid it into delightfully different. Jules Winchester’s when I hear Ms Stainton’s dulcet tones. Or the CD player; I was mighty relieved to hear first self-produced album, SOMETHING IN rather, I did when I first heard her fantastic PHOEBE’S DREAM is more of the same old THOSE EYES, was impressive and attracted album GO in 2011. I still play that lovely timey western swing music with lashings of much acclaim. But this second release has album on a regular basis at home. The track quality midnight jazz licks filtering through taken Jules to a whole new level. How wise Wrench is one of my all time favourite songs every track. she was to take the advice of Sam Brown by any artist. The album opens with the delightful title and choose Richard Durrant as her So I was a little nervous when this one track, which wouldn’t have been out of collaborator. Richard is one of the most dropped on my mat, as GO would be a hard place in a pre-WWII Berlin nightclub, a New respected session players and producers, act to follow in terms of songwriting York Speakeasy or a Bourbon Street bar. As comfortable playing any guitar, banjo, quality. After just a few tracks in, I breathed with that previous album a couple of bass, cello, harp, mandolin, ukulele, a deep sigh of relief. It’s really quite regular themes permeate throughout: harpsichord, piano, accordion, Hammond beautiful. A more ‘produced’ album ‘Vipers’ which are used as metaphors quite or percussion. And on this album he uses perhaps than her previous offerings and it a bit and also ‘smoking’ to get high … most of these skills to stunning effect. His benefits for it. The subtle string which may or may not be a drug reference; help with arrangements, his production arrangements are sublime and add but I doubt it as the band all look so sweet values and his use of six other superb tremendous value to Lisbee’s songs. It’s one and innocent. backing vocalists and musicians has of those slow burners, where you need to The songs are genuinely timeless with worked brilliantly. Though Jules has hear it a few times while it all sinks in and Billie’s Blues being absolutely stunning as retained her distinctive, expressive grows on you. A cohesive collection of 12 Sarah pays homage to Ms Holiday while country-influenced style as the lead songs of equal strength that show Lisbee Slim Richey performs the first of his Django singer and all Richard’s efforts have has grown in maturity as a songwriter, while Reinhardt impressions (the second is merely enhanced her performance of displaying far more confidence as a Django’s Birthday). With a gentle change of her own cleverly crafted songs without performer. Constant touring in her own pace Viper Moon and That Was The Sauce ever intruding—which is exactly as it right, as support to bigger names or as part Talking are the coolest western swing songs should be. of Seth Lakeman’s band has definitely had a that I’ve heard since I discovered the And the quality of Jules’s writing is really positive effect on the 25-year-old red head. Hotclub of Cowtown many years ago! Sarah something! There are a lot of stand-out Production on the dozen songs here is Sharp’s voice just oozes class throughout tracks here. Probably my favourite is The exemplary, with a double dose of talent and the magnificently coiffured Slim Richey Day Has Come, a bittersweet love lament from Mikko Gordon (Lana Del Ray, Chris plays a mighty fine guitar, combining with a beautiful acoustic arrangement Difford, etc) and Rupert Christie (, subtlety and flair in equal measures. The featuring guitar and accordian. Soul has , , etc). Seth Lakeman other two members - Francie Meaux Jeaux some attractive vocal harmonies and on pops up on vocals, viola and bouzouki on double bass and Masumi Jones on Sweet Madness Richard Durrant’s cello and throughout the album, and he co-wrote drums-manage to keep time in the mandolin provides the perfect two tracks with Lisbee. background better than a Swiss watch. melancholic colouring to a very beautiful She co-wrote the cracking anthemic PHOEBE’S DREAM is an album that melody and poignant lyric. But opener Red Dog Running, with Rupert sounded just as good when played on a car throughout the album, the combination of Christie and her guitarist Simon Johnson. It journey from Hell … it managed to calm my fine musicianship with Jules’ attractive is the first single to be released from this, nerves … but equally in the dead of night vocal delivery and the expert her fourth album. Lisbee has previously with a cool drink in my hand as I stared arrangements of her very fine songs, just given us FIREFLY in 2006, GIRL ON AN longingly into my lover’s eyes; and there works so well. Jules has been writing and UNMADE BED in 2010 and GO two years aren’t many albums you can say that about! singing around her native Sussex for over ago. For WORD GAMES, she co- wrote Make Alan Harrison 20 years. She really is long overdue for big Me Stay with Irish star Eleanor McEvoy, www.jitterbugvipers.com success— and, if there’s any justice, A Lisbee’s special guest on her nine date UK

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tour this autumn. as an artist. A unique genre-less artist who musical project as: ‘Homage to some of The whole vibe is in a calming, soothing is slowly but surely making her global my favourite songwriters.’ and gentle mode; effortless and uber cool mark. The suits who choose the Mercury In terms of vintage and their first without trying to be. Lisbee’s songs are prize nomination albums should take appearance in the public domain, the slightly infectious and her voice has a note… Simon Redley half-dozen cover tunes date from 1949 strange hypnotic effect, in the same way www.lisbeestainton.com through 1982. The youngster in the set, that the brilliant of Clannad the late Ted Hawkins’ Sorry You’re Sick does. In fact; this album has a opens the EP, wherein the narrator subconscious Celtic core for me. I noted on Miss Tess & The enquires of her infirmed lover : ‘What do GO that Lisbee sometimes had a slight Talkbacks you want from the liquor store, Judie Tzuke timbre to her voice, and that THE LOVE I HAVE Something sour or something sweet.’ It’s crops up again a few times here, especially FOR YOU followed by the title selection a on Dance With Me. This CD is a real coming Signature Sounds blues-tinged Miss Tess composed torch of age for her. She’s not treading anyone Recordings song. The second cover is the oldest else’s path. Lisbee has a natural and HHHH composition here, The Alabama Waltz effortless sound all of her own. Highlights Miss Tess merges covers having been composed by Hank are the Kate Bush-ish Running Up That Hill with one original on this EP Williams. From Randy Newman’s nods on Red Dog Running, the glorious A year on from the release of SWEET TALK self-titled debut album there’s Bet No Eloise, with stunning strings (arranged by her debut recording for the Signature One Ever Hurt This Bad, then there’s the Rupert Christie) from the London Sounds imprint (seven Miss Tess releases 50-year plus and still going strong Willie Metropolitan Orchestra. The title track preceded it), this New York based musician Nelson classic Night Life, while Give It Up closes in fine form and builds into a returns with a new band, The Talkbacks— Or Let Me Go opened Bonnie Raitt’s mini epic. Will Graefe (guitar, vocals), Larry Cook sophomore GIVE IT UP (1972). From Despite the fiery red hair, Elisabeth Ruth (electric/upright bass, vocals) and Matt AMERICAN STARS ‘N BARS (1977) Neil Stainton is in laid back mood for most of Meyer (drums, percussion, vocals)—and Young’s Hold Back The Tears closes. this record; an album which defines her an EP that mainly features cover tunes. Arthur Wood not just as a singer and as a songwriter, but Tess’ web site characterises this bluesy www.misstessmusic.com NEW RELEASES

here have a bleak, lonely sound that is songs seven and ten! Stephen Fearing accentuated by the sparse arrangements, Bend To My Will, is the first single, which BETWEEN but that’s no bad thing, as it draws the opens with tinkly piano and steel. Priscilla HURRICANES listener’s attention to the rich observational nods to McCartney’s Wings and solo work. LowdenProud Records life commentary that is Fearing’s stock in But Justin’s best track for me, for mature Lowd20131 trade. The album also features a bonus track joined-up songwriting and an emotional HHHH tribute in a respectful, low-key rendering of vocal delivery is, Into A Pearl. The Mumford Canada’s acclaimed Fearing’s countryman ’s style, On My Conscience is a jolly jaunt, while singer-songwriter returns with a classic Early Morning Rain, a minor hit for Half Of Me, is another strong song, putting clutch of lived-in, worldly story songs Peter, Paul and Mary, which once again me in mind of the classic 1980 Korgi’s track, Stephen Fearing is a Canadian singer- features eerie synthesiser sounds to great Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime. The songwriter raised in Dublin who returned effect in a beautiful, sensitively performed closer Little Stars, is another solid piece of to the land of his birth and founded the closer to a grand collection of astutely the songwriting craft, and likely to get JUNO-Award-winning band, Blackie and drawn story songs. Jeremy Isaac covered by others in the future. the Rodeo Kings. After his self-titled, www.stephenfearing.com Justin has the nickname ‘Ruby,’ after self-released 1986 cassette-only solo ‘Ruby Murray,’ the cockney rhyming slang debut, he released seven albums for True for ‘a curry’ dish. Well for me, this album is North Records, beginning with 1988’s OUT Justin Currie the pickle tray, the poppadoms, the onion TO SEA and culminating in the critically LOWER REACHES bhaji starter and a big plate of rice and curry acclaimed YELLOWJACKET (2006). There has Endless Shipwreck/ sauce. Waiter, I am missing the meat? also been a Best-Of compilation, THE MAN Ignition Records Simon Redley WHO MARRIED MUSIC, and a collaboration HHH www.justincurrie.com with Belfast musician Andy White, FEARING Unfulfilling solo & WHITE (2011). The entrancing collection of album from the observational songs that makes up Del Amitri man Linda Thompson BETWEEN HURRICANES is Fearing’s first solo Mega US songwriter Jimmy Webb hails WON’T BE album for seven years, and sees the artist Scottish singer Justin Currie’s voice as world LONG NOW breaking new ground. class, and features him on his latest The two things that stand out about star-studded album. Justin formed HHHH HURRICANES are the varied spectrum of successful band Del Amitri some three Classy folk from a arrangements and the lonely, laid-back decades ago, fronting them as lead singer, genuine British icon mood of the whole thing. From the bassist and main songwriter ever since. I recently had the privilege of spending shuffling, mid-paced bare-bones acoustic He wrote many of their biggest hits some time with folk icon Richard opener As The Crow Flies, on which Fearing’s including , Always The Last To Thompson, for an interview and photo vocals range from whispered to Know, and . During shoot. A very nice bloke who is part of impassioned and soulful, and the wry their career, Del Amitri released four top ten British ’s foundation stones. He catalogue of ‘images and memories’ that is albums, including , which pops up on this lovely little gem of an Don’t You Wish Your Bread Was Dough, with sold over a million copies in the UK. After album, on a duet with his ex-wife Linda on its ghostly layered synths and Tamara various hibernation periods, the band has her first album for six years. Well worth the Silvera’s backing vocals, to John Whynot’s announced their first tour for more than ten wait it is too. Their kids get in on the act extended, appropriately distant piano intro years. Meanwhile, Justin formed his own here; that’s Teddy and Kami and even on Cold Dawn and the high octane boogie label and has just released his third and grandson Zak Hobbs. It is a star-studded of Keep Your Mouth Shut featuring John most successful solo album to date; with affair to celebrate Linda’s folk roots and Dymond’s rumbling bass, the song the apt title of LOWER REACHES—it peaked features British folk royalty , arrangements are truly innovative. at 46 in the UK album chart. and his daughter Eliza, John Other highlights include Wheel of Love, Recorded in Austin, Texas, with producer Kirkpatrick, and American violinist/ which finds Fearing in more strident tone, Mike McCarthy, we get ten Currie-penned mandolin player David Mansfield, with its chugging acoustic guitar rhythm songs. It’s a lo-fi vibe and in some cases, the singer-songwriter Sam Amidon, cellist Garo and repeating chorus line, The Half-life Of material comes across more as a demo than Yelin and organist Glenn Patscha. And Childhood which evokes memories of lost a finished album track. There is a smattering others. early years (‘Suddenly childhood is gone,’) of Americana with pedal steel and stuff, but Recorded here and in the States, Grammy and the bouncing These Golden Days, that in the main it is a stripped down affair, nominated songwriter Linda’s voice is still a casts a kindly eye on the usually terrifying where Currie’s distinctive voice doesn’t get very fine instrument at 66-years-old, and subject of ageing and the passage of the vehicle he deserves. It is also quite a she is very much at ease—at her very best time—‘Light a fire and shed your mish mash of styles. The opener Falsetto, here on these 11 songs, a mix of originals preconceptions and throw them all to the like a few more here, has a slight Beatles- and traditional material; a hand-in-glove fit blaze, you’ve got nothing but your birthday esque ethereal quality to it. A moody start. for her. An even listen and an essential suit now in these golden days.’ That’s truth. He says men should not sing falsetto in this purchase if you are seeking quality folk With the exception of Mouth, the songs lyric. Ironically, he goes on to do just that in music, from a name you know will usually

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deliver something honest and quite special. maudlin acoustic guitar solo, and the release which once again follows their And only the fourth solo album of her saturnine mood continues with The Sad favourite device of being a concept album career. Simon Redley Ballad Of Muley Graves, with its lonesome of sorts. Now, before one starts to think of www.topicrecords.co.uk harmonica trills and recollections of ‘empty Rick Wakeman or Yes, while this release arms’ and ‘old disappointments.’ Three Days appears to have had its conception in prog/ is an upbeat meditation on the downtown rock territory I can assure you it is anything Terry Lee Hale scene of Portland, Maine, featuring only but. Songwriter Matthew Boulter has used THE LONG DRAW Hale’s lightly strummed acoustic guitar and his experience writing a couple of solo Glitterhouse GRCD 775 Jack Endino’s bass accompanying a vocal albums, as well as spending time in the HHHH that has echoes of Dylan and . The company of Simone Felice, to craft a The gifted Texan Central brings us back to 1980s Seattle, with collection of image-drenched songs that singer-songwriter its historical and contemporary references makes you look over your shoulder as the returns after a to and Ronald Reagan, and the CD spins in its player. three-year absence with a gently jaunty L.A. 9th & Grand describes the Taking a number of stories and legends collection of graphic life portraits City of the Angels in 1981 with the aid of from around the Essex area the band Texas-born singer-songwriter Terry Lee some carnivalesque organ reminiscent of inhabit, you get to hear the rollicking Hale’s unique song-poetry draws on a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. hornpipe Goldspring about Goldspring lifetime of observation that began with an The album closes on Gold Mine, on which Thompson a press gang escapee from the Army brat upbringing that took him all over the solo Hale brings us up to date with 1800s who lived on a diet of corn and the US, from Washington State and San reported snatches of a conversation ditchwater as he hid out in the fields of Francisco to Maine, all the while listening to overheard in a street café in his adopted . Then there is the epic The the Beatles and fooling around with a home city of Paris—the picking here is Beast Burnt Down which tells of the fire that variety of guitars. He returned to the Pacific particularly delicate. It’s a downbeat choice burned down the famous Southend Pier. Northwest in 1984, where he became a to go out on, but it serves to focus the While this only happened in 2005, the fixture on the Seattle music scene playing listener on the reflective portaits that Strikes give it a musical wash that evokes a clubs and bars and opening for acts such as permeate the album. What’s nice about THE Victorian tragedy with muffled, rolling Soundgarden, Skin Yard, Screaming Trees LONG DRAW (apart from its great tunes and drums and hearty choir like singing. Many and Walkabouts. Despite this, and despite incisive lyrics that come back again and of the songs, according to the press bio, are the fact that Seattle had suddenly become again to imagery involving trains and ‘the linked to another great Southend the city to be discovered in, thanks to the cold’) is the sparse approach to the landmark—The Grand Hotel—spiritual advent of , Hale was unable to material. Not sparse in the now much- home of Dr Feelgood. etc. But there is attract the attention of US record labels, vaunted Unplugged oeuvre as popularised nothing feelgood about the spooky song with the exception of his inclusion on 1980’s by MTV—there are electric instruments Ghost And The Actress based around the SUB POP 200 compilation. However, in 1993 here—but rather in the simplicity of the aforesaid spectre that haunts the place. The he accepted an invitation from his old pals arrangements. It’s really just Hale and his highlight for me is the gorgeous Ballet the Walkabouts to open for them on their vocal and guitar, never joined by more than Shoes which highlights Boulter’s fine vocals. European tour, and it was not long two musicians at a time, who serve to add This release is one that needs a little afterwards that he got the call from the subtle colour to the artist’s earthy life perseverance but if given enough time you German Glitterhouse label. This kick- portrayals with the lightest touch of organ, can start to appreciate the many shades started a string of albums released over a steel or bass. Fans of Terry Lee Hale will love and layers this album possesses. THE EXILE period of more than 20 years on the this set and newcomers hearing him for the AND THE SEA joins the other worthy material Glitterhouse, Blue Rose and Borderdreams first time may also learn something that is The Lucky Strikes output and labels, as well as one independent entry. (including the opportunity to sing and play deserves pride of place. John Jobling Now based in Paris, Terry Lee Hale has the songs, as the accompanying lyric www.theluckystrikes.com returned after three years with an album of booklet also includes guitar tuning). Nice, eight uniquely American story songs but a bit dark. Jeremy Isaac produced by Bob Coke of the Black Crowes www.terryleehale.com fame. IT GOES LIKE THIS THE LONG DRAW kicks off with the slow Valory Music observational title track, on which Hale’s The Lucky Strikes VMCTR0100A graphic vocal and acoustic guitar are joined THE EXILE HHI by Nicholas Chelly’s plodding bass and AND THE SEA Disappointing debut Glenn Slater’s rippling organ, but this soon Harbour Song Records … as it is, the few gives way to the strummed country rhythm HHHH glimmers of hope will have to do of What She Wrote, featuring some nicely The Lucky Strikes Son of 1990s country star and now understated from Jon return with another successful songwriter Rhett Akins, Thomas Hyde. The funereally paced Black Forest folk/rock infused album telling tales true Rhett has been surrounded by country Phone Call recalls the ‘suicide of a friend’ (ish), embellished and downright ghostly music his whole life. In his early 20s, he has and is dark indeed, thanks to a somewhat This is the Lucky Strikes fourth album made his mark as a writer with hits for Jason

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Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. As a singer Produced by Sam Lakeman, its 11 songs the characteristically cool Vortexas, which he has already achieved notable success showcase the duo’s soaring harmonies and features laid-back vocals (including those with , Something To Do With marvellous melodies. of Bonnie Billy) against a gentle background My Hands and the chart-topping It Goes Like It’s light without being fluffy and, in a of keyboards and chimes over a perky drum This. This is his debut album and it falls very world where most singer-songwriters rhythm—the late JJ Cale’s OKIE album much into the current country ‘soundalike’ bleed their angst all over the place (not immediately springs to mind. Left Of Center, artists Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Kip that’s there’s anything wrong with that) the on the other hand, is a sort of cross between Moore, etc. It’s a great pity, because young light and upbeat music that Winter the Spaghetti Western twang of Calexico Thomas is a fine songwriter as he shows on Mountain make is a welcome and delightful and the echo reverb technique of Sam the better tracks on offer here. Make Me change. Paul and Art, Jackson, CSN, their Phillips’ Sun studios, while Running Behind Wanna is a good ‘young guy in love and full touchpoints are referenced throughout but reverts to gruff vocals and a reassuring bass of testosterone’ song with an infectious the music is original not just pastiche. As line that underpins some subtle pedal steel vibe. There’s a definite Eric Church feel to with all music though, it’s not just about the runs. The 3 Deaths Of Lucky opens on a both In A Minute and Beer With Jesus, which sound, it’s about the songs, and here too spoken introduction followed by assertive though a slight plus sign, they beg the Winter Mountain shines. The album was piano chords, with Gelb being joined on question: ‘do we need a Church clone’ … I two years in the making and in that time the both shared lead and duet chorus vocals by think not. duo has produced 11 excellent songs. From Scottish singer KT Tunstall, and also The real downside of this album comes the upbeat Shed A Little Light that opens features a jazzy piano break in the middle. firstly with Front Porch Junkies (Remix), with proceedings via the intense Wherever You The pace is picked up on the up-tempo, all these weird sound effects and a kind of Lay Your Head Down, a beautiful ‘does she, strummed Unforgivable, with its fuzz guitar country rap and an awful ‘oop oop woop di doesn’t she love me’ piece, to the plaintive and compressed vocal, before the mood do.’ All American Middle Class White Boy and emotional Let Me Tell You that finishes winds right down for the title track, a lazy strings together every redneck cliché you things off it’s a lovely listen. Winter ballad featuring some tasteful guitar and have ever heard and is a rallying call I’d Mountain make ‘em like they used to, and violin teasers from Ward and Bird, along rather not hear. While there’s some good three cheers for that. Jeremy Searle with some ethereal chimes—mellow or material here, too much of it is mediocre www.wintermountain.co.uk what? and based on stale ideas. There is nothing Triangulate offers more of the Calexico/ wrong with Rhett’s vocals, they would just Sun formula along with a lead vocal sound much better wrapped around some Howe Gelb reminiscent of and some good songs and much better, more THE eccentric, discordant backing, while the sensitive musical arrangements. With a COINCIDENTALIST self-consciously titled An Extended Plane Of better focus on what Thomas Rhett is and New West NWA3070 Existence, recorded in Spain at Madrid’s Red less on trying to be commercial and please HHH Bull Studios and Eureka Studio in Cordoba, faceless radio controllers, this youngster A mixture of roots, offers a slow, gentle bluesy feel with a nifty may have some staying power. jazz, blues and pure electric guitar solo. The album closes with Alan Cackett experimentation from the Tuscon-based the instrumental Instigated Chimes, which www.thomasrhett.com king of desert folk cleverly juxtaposes a slow jazz/Tin Pan Prolific multi-instrumentalist and Alley-styled piano part with upright self-professed ‘desert-folk iconoclast’ Howe double-bass playing double-time, recalling Winter Mountain Gelb, he of , Arizona Amp And the work of French classical/jazz swinger WINTER Alternator, The Band Of Blacky Ranchette Jacques Loussier. This is one of the best MOUNTAIN and OP8 fame, is back with what Wikipedia tracks here although, typically, the Charcoal Records indicates is his 52nd album (Gelb himself eccentric Gelb fails to actually instigate any HHHI admits only to its being ‘between his 40th chimes on this track—his little joke. Delightful retro set and 50th release, but who’s really So what to make of it . . . While the idea of that recalls the glory counting?) Recorded at home and in Gelb’s ponderous experimental desert singer-songwriter days studios in Tucson, and also partly in Spain, cooperatives combined with some off-key of the 1960s and 1970s THE COINCIDENTALIST sees Gelb joined by instrumental sounds and daft titles such as Three cheers for serendipity! If it wasn’t M Ward on guitar, Sand bassist Thoger Existence and Chimes (which doesn’t have for a chance meeting on a train in America, Tetens Lund and former any) give the project a dizzily pretentious Cornishman Joseph Francis and Irishman drummer Steve Shelley, with guests image, THE COINCIDENTALIST holds up Martin Smyth would never have met, would Andrew Bird on violin and John Rauhouse very well when compared with some of his never have discovered their shared love of on pedal steel guitar, and featuring guest more freeform endeavours. He has here Simon & Garfunkel and the Laurel Canyon vocal appearances by KT Tunstall and presented us with a thoughtful collection singer-songwriter sound of the early 1970s Bonnie Billy. of cohesive, well-written Americana and would never have decided to form a Compared with some of the more featuring well-played and simple but band. Fortunately all these things did free-form material Gelb has performed effective arrangements drawing on the happen and their eponymous debut is a with, say, OP8, THE COINCIDENTALIST essential Americana roots bases of folk, delightful and immensely enjoyable listen. opens in a much more traditional vein with blues and jazz. The nods to Calexico, Sun, JJ

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Cale and Louissier are welcome touches, have no benchmark by which to compare, and the set is sufficiently accessible to but, nonetheless, I boldly took up the attract new listeners while keeping faith challenge—so pleased I did as it’s full of top Laura Cortese with Gelb followers in particular and the drawer stuff. 11 self written songs of wisdom INTO THE DARK ‘desert sound’ in general. Jeremy Isaac beyond her years, and sung with a maturity HHHI www.howegelb.com through which vulnerability oozes like The latest solo release treacle. If you could mix up a cocktail of by this Boston based Gillian Welch, and Sheryl fiddler/songwriter is Samantha Crain Crow you would have a glass full of Samantha musically intriguing KID FACE Crain. and lyrically impressionistic Full Time Hobby Song wise, I think the album is closest to Laura Cortese (vocals, fiddle, viola, bass) HHHI the spirit of Gillian Welch, although the is aided on INTO THE DARK by her ‘sisters of First UK release for accompaniment is not as sparse, with some the string’ Hanneke Cassel (fiddle), Brittany Oklahoma born of it being reminiscent of Neil Young’s more Haas (5-string fiddle), Natalie Haas (fiddle, singer-songwriter country offerings. Overall the songs seem to cello), Mariel Vandersteel (fiddle, Faced with an album from someone that give impressions of thoughts, feelings, Hardingfele aka Norwegian fiddle) and you have never heard of, what is the first moods etc. whilst buried within are the sort Valerie Thompson (cello), plus recent Anais thing you do? Obviously you visit the of details that you come across, Mitchell collaborator Jefferson Hamer website in order to read the biography and unexpectedly, in all the great paintings. All (vocals, tenor guitar) and Matt Malikowski find out the details of the thing you are the names are merely pointers in the general (bass, electric guitar)—Cortese co- about to listen to. In this case not much direction, for Samantha Crain has something produced the album with Matt. As for vocal help, where next—of course the publicity unique and I, for one, feel better for having support that’s supplied by Jocie Adams that comes with the CD. Tells me, pretty had the privilege of hearing her. If your (ex-Low Anthem), Nova Scotia’s Rose much, what is on the website. Sod it; I’ll just appetite has been whetted, a free download Cousins, and local songbirds Rose play the thing. Listening blind is not my is available from her website. Ian Ambrose Polenzani and Jennifer Kimball, and from favourite thing for, at the very least, you www.samanthacrain.com this side of the pond, Kris Drever. NEW RELEASES

In the dark opening gambit, For Great North Sound Society studio in What do you do when your life’s turned Catherine, recalling her multiple-rape the Parsonfield, Maine. Formed at the upside down—you’re suddenly living in narrator addresses her friend and initially University of Connecticut during 2011 this another country, your family’s been split in intimates: ‘Richmond boys they cheat and Mansfield, Connecticut based quintet is two and you’re torn between what you’ve steal.’ Allusions to love and dying currently composed of Antonio Alcorn lost and the promise of what you’ve constellations merge in the album title (vocals, mandolin, banjo, guitar), Chris gained? If you sing for your living, you song lyric, and in spite of the line: Freeman (banjo, guitar, saw), Harrison write about it. All of which pretty much ‘Without a witness, on his own knife he Goodale (bass, glockenspiel, vibes), Erik sums up VANCOUVER—Deborah fell,’ a wife, well aware of her husband’s Hischmann (drums, percussion) and Max Holland’s fourth solo album and first cheating, narrates (the murder ballad) Shakun (vocals, guitar, organ, piano). On celebrating her new home on the other Brown Wrinkled Dress. Village Green this release, Kassirer assists on keyboards side of the US border. The first thing you’re portrays a bustling day in a long-ago time, and percussion. impacted by on this disc is the rich quality while the first of five covers, Life Is Good Musically speaking Poor Old Shine are of Holland’s voice. Some may recall her Blues, was penned by Colorado-born musical cousins to The Avett Brothers, tenure with Stewart Copeland and Stanley Laura Viers and appeared on her JULY Mumford & Sons, and The Clarke in the somewhat futuristic and FLAME (2010). Low Anthem. There’s a consistently sadly short-lived, pop-fusion supergroup, The fifth (and final) Cortese original rambunctious edge to this quintet’s sound Animal Logic, in 1989-1991. Holland retains here Take Your Time is a soothing ode to and that’s certainly apparent on album all her vocal power from those heady days love. Launched by an arrangement of the opener Weeds Or Wildflowers,although but, with four solo records under her belt, traditional Train On The Island, INTO THE their overt energy is leavened by a trio of she’s a self-made singer-songwriter who’s DARK finishes with a quartet of covers. glockenspiel interludes and soaring busting to get out. And so she should be. Raised in the Scottish Highlands, poet multi-voice (la-la) harmonies. Introduced This 12-track release ripples with John Beaton migrated to Canada in 1979. by a machine-gun drum roll the three highlights and any seams between smart The sensual, musically inspired I Am The verse Footsteps In My Ears recalls love that covers and her own seductive originals House employs Beaton’s words, and is has gone, while the drum figure that remain invisible, given the quality of followed by Sean Staples’ Cajun flavored introduces Country Pocket, a paean to Holland’s songwriting. As an hoedown Heel To Toe. A Shaker hymn family and inheritance, partially recalls The autobiographical concept, it’s equal parts arranged by John Tams, Lay Me Low was Supremes You Can’t Hurry Love. funny and sad—yet entirely lovable, if not the B-Side of an Albion Band single in The rhythmically gentler, sonically downright addictive. Canada’s Tourism 1978, here, joined vocally by Hamer, it atmospheric Ghost Next Door is a redux department would do well to embrace her closes INTO THE DARK. Cortese recently having appeared on the combo’s 2011 I Want To Be A Canadian—half-hilarious toured the UK as part of the all-star self-titled EP, while Punching The Air, which except for the fact she’s making a true Boston based Session Americana. Their follows, restores the hi-energy coefficient statement about her newfound home. local show, by a six-piece version, was a and previously appeared on both EPs. The Frankly any attempt to set Canada and the thoroughly entertaining musical feast of instrumental and vocal attack by Poor Old title track, Vancouver, to rhyme merits a covers and originals. When they return to Shine continues apace on Right Now, and medal. Yet, Holland’s strengths also these shores, I’d make a point of catching adopts a gentler approach on the lovelorn include her smart, incisive (and oft- a show. One of the finest live Empty Rocking Chair and the ensuing The humorous) lyrics—a writing parallel in Jill performances I’ve witnessed in many a Hurry All Around. Rhythmically true at the Sobule, perhaps—with equally bright, year … Arthur Wood outset, by the close the latter builds into hook-bearing arrangements. On occasion, www.lauracortese.net their A Day In The Life. Considering the the lyrics overpower the message but proliferation of the genre, their Love Song you’d be hard-pressed to find a clunker contention that ‘…it’s hard to write a love here. Aside from both Canadian and Poor Old Shine song’ has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Vancouver, exceptional tracks include That POOR OLD SHINE The combo’s energy level is restored with Ain’t Love, which bristles with energy— Signature Sounds blistering effect on closer Tear Down The with its killer chorus and hint of Dobro, Recordings Stage which previously appeared on their showcasing her vocals in their brightest HHHHI 2012 TREADLESS SOLES EP. Arthur Wood light. Likewise, her paean to California is The energetic debut www.pooroldshine.com built on a great chorus and includes a studio album by this keeper high note you’ll not soon forget. Connecticut quintet delivers original There’s a wide range of moods here—as songs with an old feel Deborah Holland you’d expect with the highs and lows Preceded by a trio of self-releases—a VANCOUVER associated with her predicament, but pair of four-song EPs (2011 and 2012) and RageOn Records somehow everything works nicely. Of a summer 2012 live album—this string HHHH special note is her refreshing cover of the band’s self-titled Signature Sounds debut Well-established US potentially tired Beatles’ Norwegian is a ten-song collection of band penned singer-songwriter Wood—reworked with brilliant guitar and originals produced by Sam Kassirer (Josh now stands on mandolin accompaniment, the song Ritter, Mark Erelli, Joy Kills Sorrow) at his guard for Thee receives a serious facelift, serving as the

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ultimate complement to the exceptional has much less time for his music career maven Rayna Gellert whose skills add quality of Holland’s powerful—and these days but this latest album is well another sonic layer to the proceedings. ever-elastic—voice. Musical backup varies worth waiting for and indeed his fans A slight gripe and nothing to do with the with the song but clear acoustic guitar and demanded it, showing their support and music. The presence of the definite article her lush voice fall out of the album’s impatience by putting up the necessary in the title of Scott’s helpful and smooth yet relatively lean production— finance. The title track runs along a fair lick informative website seems an ever so the strongest takeaway any singer could and advises everyone, in a pleasant way, to slight touch of impudence. It is hope for. The album closes with an odd fit get out more and use everything that is presumably to differentiate him from his of a track that seems an unwitting tribute available to find out how things work. I namesake and fellow countryman, the to Kirsty MacColl and in Lucky also liked the questioning How Am I Ever revered ex Game Theory frontman and So And So, yet it’s another demonstration Gonna Be Me, the emotional Heavy On My very descriptive lyricist. I understand his of Holland’s diverse range of talents. Mind which is so descriptive of the problem but he could have been more Eric G. Thom break-up of a partnership and on a fairly sensitive and tried a bit harder. www.deborahholland.net similar theme but from the other side I The final item is the only one of the ten Can’t Go Back To Her Love Anymore. By all tracks not written by Scott, a delightful reports Scott is a feisty individual and that rendition of the Country Gentlemen’s Scott Miller comes through in those three songs. Goin’ Home. Not many will have heard of BIG BIG WORLD However I didn’t care for the vaunted but the Country Gentlemen let alone know .A.Y. Recordings F.A.Y. to me fairly bland Freight Train Heart or anything about them, it is going back a 008 Cold War Veterans which frankly is a lot of long way, but it matters not as this HHH rambling unconnected scraps. particular song is quite well-known and a Country-rock and There is a marvellous supporting cast good choice for inclusion here as it takes some blues too and special credit must be given to John Miller, who does a great job on it, right Having taken over the running of the Hiatt band member Doug Lancio who back to his musical roots in East Tennessee. family farm in Virginia this veteran front produced and weighed in with guitar, Paul Collins man of the early 1990’s band The -Roys piano and drums and old time fiddle www.thescottmiller.com

The Epstein MURMURATIONS We weren’t looking to catch the live performance, which is what we obsessed over in previous recordings. We wanted this to be the style of us in the studio with the time and thought that go into the process. We wanted this to be grand, to be sweeping, to be epic and to be cinematic in scope. The Epstein

‘The Epstein play in another league - in a vast, desert like land of the soul.’ Magazine

www.theepsteincontact.com SHORT CUTS

Heirlooms Of August - DOWN AT fans won’t want it. Youngsters today are Rae grew up in a musical family in which THE 5-STAR (Caldo Verde Records CV025) generally not into this kind of music. It her parents played in a country-rock band. HHH Second album from four-piece might appeal to rock’n’roll revivalists, but She naturally pursued a career in music, group is a luscious collection of story songs it’s so easy to get the Presley originals, so but ventured back to the very roots of deeply rooted in Americana. The title song why bother with these covers? My bet, it’s country music, the Celtic sounds of the is inspired by American truck stops, with one of those albums which will probably UK. During her studies of early Scottish Bruce Kaphan’s pedal steel very much sell in vast numbers at the trio’s gigs. Full music she travelled from her Boston home to the fore and Jerry Vessel and Frances marks though for succeeding in being to Cape Breton Island and also across the Everett’s voices blending in perfect country original. Oh and by the way, Eldred’s Atlantic to Glasgow to study musicology. harmony. This is the kind of song that used guitar playing is sensational. Here she came across the ancient medieval to be commonplace in country music some www.mikeeldredtrio.com Welsh fiddle the crwth, which she plays on 30-odd year ago, but sadly something of this album along with guitar, fiddle and a lost art form. All songs are penned by Dubi Handi – UP LIKE THE CLOUDS vocals. The result is an absorbing mix of Jerry Vessell, who also handles the lead (Self-released) HHH I’m sorry to be the Americana, Appalachia, Celtic, country, pop vocals. He is joined by Terry Vessell on bearer of bad news, but I now believe that and folk, which she has blended into her harmonica with guest musicians Jessica we’ve become over-saturated by these very own unique sound. Indeed a talented Ivry (cello), Alisa Rose (violin), Irene Sazer old-time outfits. It’s time to say enough young lady with her own musical vision. (viola) and Charlie Rose (double bass). is enough. It’s a bit like boy bands in the www.emeraldrae.com The stories of Cleopatra’s Eyeliner and mid-1990s, one has a little success, so then Annabelle are particularly absorbing and we have dozens of them all coming out of Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road will have you hooked in from beginning to the woodwork to the point that it’s nigh on (Pinecastle Records PRC1186) HHI It seems end. A gorgeous chamber-country album impossible to tell one from another. This a little strange that Lorraine Jordan, who that demands repeated listening. outfit is basically a duo comprising Brian plays a fine mandolin, only takes lead www. Caldoverderecords.com Geltner (drums, washboard, electric guitar, vocal on her own co-penned Livin’ Like I’m mellotron, marxophone, harmony vocals) Dyin’. Most of the lead vocals are down to Durwood Haddock – KEEP ’EM and Hilary Hawke (banjo, guitar, vocals). guitarist Tommy Long, who possesses a DANCIN’ (Eagle International Records) They are joined by Zara Bode, Ross Martin, fine country-bluegrass voice, but doesn’t HHI In a music career that stretches back Sam Kulik and Gary Levitt. The songs are stand out. Musically, they are a tight band, to the early 1950s and includes penning mainly old chestnuts from the repertoires more traditional than most and very much hit songs for Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, of , Wade Mainer, Cousin a workmanlike outfit. They mix in band Carl Smith and many others, Durwood Emmy, Molly O’Day, Roscoe Holcomb. originals like I Heard You Call His Name Last Haddock has released just seven albums. Hilary offers three self-penned numbers Night, Hold Me One More Time and Suitcase The reason could be that, though he’s that fit in so well with the old-timers that Of Your Heart with older country tunes like a talented songwriter, he is not a great you can tell she’s absorbed the influences Ernest Tubb’s You Won’t Ever Forget Me and singer. Though, at close on 80 years old, I well. It’s all well done but as I say, nothing Merle Haggard’s Living With the Shades guess that maybe we shouldn’t expect his new and now, at least for me, getting a Pulled Down. All well done, but nothing voice to be great shakes. At all times, this is little tiresome. By the way the name stands special. www.carolinaroadband.com pleasant, old-fashioned country. He mixes for ‘happens to be’ … so it does. in some of his own well-written songs (I’d www.dublhandi.bandcamp.com Suburban Dirts – A TINY LITTLE Go Crazy With You, On the Road To Ruin) ISLAND IN THE BIG BAD SEA with a few old classics (Too Many Rivers, Am Lee Koch – WHOLE HEART (Self- (Operando OPCD03) HHI A mish-mash I Losing You, Fool Number One). The musical released) HHHI Listening to this album of sounds from this six-piece outfit that accompaniment, though dated, is really it’s hard to believe that Californian Lee appears still to be looking for their own good with un-credited twin fiddles, pedal Koch appeared on the second season of sound and style on this second album and lap steel, electric and acoustic guitars, The Voice in America. He doesn’t sound in less that two years. They refer to keyboards and excellent harmony vocals. or look like ‘a talent show contestant.’ themselves as ‘electric trailer trash country If you like the old stuff, this is the one, but Definitely not! He is a skilled singer- blues’ and I must admit to coming close be warned, vocally he’s not the best you’re songwriter rooted in Americana, folk and to ejecting this disc half-way through the gonna hear. www.durwoodhaddock.com country-soul and this is a most impressive repetitive and raucous Hose Ban Blues, collection of songs. Production by Jesse which followed the powerful gospel The Mike Eldred Trio – ELVIS Siebenberg allows the songs to breathe number Fire On The Campsite, but soon UNLEADED (Rip Cat Records) HHH The and the full soulful emotion of Koch’s slipped back further into mediocrity with pedigree of this trio is second-to-none. voice to shine through. He offers life- Everybody’s Friend, which sounds like a Eldred is a renowned guitarist who used changing stories some of them inspired by third-rate Dylan out-take. Maybe it’s just to play with the ’ Lee Rocker his own spiritual faith with Shining On Me me, but in the wake of Mumford & Sons, and John Bazz and Jerry Angel are both and My Father’s House being particularly there’s been an endless stream of UK from the Blasters. They are joined by convincing. He also moves into social and based bands coming out of the woodwork pianist Gene Taylor, the horns of Jerry economic situations with Guns And Blessing, ploughing this rootsy Americana-based Donata and Scott Yandel and the JOBS Breathe Deeply and Being Broke. Good stuff style. Only a small minority are really Quartet, They offer 20 Presley classics, from a troubadour with a bright future. special, and sadly to my ears Suburban all given high-performance treatments. www.leekochmusic.com Dirts are not one of them. The arrangements, in the main, are quite www.suburbandirts.com different to the originals, which is a definite Emerald Rae – If Only I Could plus. But as I played this, I kept thinking, Fly (Green Jewel Music) HHH Young Adrian Duffy & the Mayo Brothers who is this aimed at? Long-time Elvis fiddler, singer and songwriter, Emerald – SOMEONE LIKE YOU (SR Records)

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HHHI Comprising Adrian (vocals, acoustic Killing Floor Blues, an old Skip James song www.facebook.com/skylarelisemusic guitar, mandolin, bass) and brothers Chris from the 1930s and a couple of lesser- Western Avenue – WESTERN (drums, percussion) and Melvin (pedal known traditional English folk songs in AVENUE (Self-released) HHHI Canadian steel, slide and electric guitars, bass, vocals) Banks Of The Dee and the witty Dr Price. trio who have more than a hint of Lady this new EP is a forerunner of an album due But it’s Fabian’s own songs that impress, Antebellum about them both vocally and next spring. Their sound is probably best- especially the lengthy tale of The Landlord’s in the musical arrangements on this classy described as a countryish acoustic pop Daughter and Mad Eric. I’m sure we’ve all seven-song mini-album. Vocals are shared driven by well-written lyrics, distinctive come across the latter character on the by all three—Nikki English, husband Keith vocals and their superb musicianship. They streets of our town and Fabian captures the Robertson and Matt Williams. They also are the nephews of the Duffy Brothers drunk’s persona perfectly. share the writing credits on all seven songs, (Ray and Leo)—see November/December www.fabianholland.com and between them play piano, acoustic Maverick—and have been creating a buzz and electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, bass both here in the UK and in the States for Skylar Elise – SKYLAR ELISE (Sugar and drums. They’ve been together for a few years. Melvyn is probably Britain’s Money Records) HHH Texan teenager seven years, and it shows in the skilled finest pedal steel guitarist—currently plays Skylar is just 14, but has almost ten years vocal interplay and the sheer quality of this with Robbie Williams—and this is a nifty performing experience behind her, and little collection. Highlights would have to little release with a slight Poco-ish sound has been recording in Nashville for the be the free-flowing Highway Headin’ Out detected in both the title song and the past five years perfecting her studio and Of Town and the dramatic Wherever You excellent Push Those Keys. songwriting skills. This six-track debut EP Are which they reprise with an acoustic www.adrianduffy.com showcases a confident singer with bags version. Highly recommended. of potential, especially with her sole self- www.westernavenue.ca Fabian Holland – FABIAN HOLLAND penned song, the gutsy You Wish, which (Rooksmere Records RRCD110) HHH Gifted could very easily give Taylor Swift a run for Rick Shea – SWEET BERNADINE (Tres singer, writer and guitarist, Fabian Holland her money. Vocally, she has some maturing Pescadores Records TPCD-9) HHHI Long- has a typically English folk voice. Nothing to do, but she has age on her side and time guitarist in ’s Guilty Men, wrong with that, but it’s the kind of voice her rendition of the 1960s pop oldie Get Rick Shea is a near fixture on the California that has never really appealed to me, so Together and the Rachel Proctor co-write country, honky-tonk and roots rock scene. I’m going to try and ignore the voice and Gypsy Soul shows that this youngster is on This latest album is a more stripped-down concentrate on his songs and his wonderful the right track. A possible country-pop personal collection than his previous sets guitar playing. He has selected Hard Time star of the near future. as he bares his soul in such story-songs SHORT CUTS as Mexicali Train, Time To Say Goodbye and Tyler’s second album and the press release HHHI Liverpool-born singer-songwriter My Darling Lives In Darlington, the latter states that: ‘the disc includes 12 songs Hannah’s debut release is an attractive co-written with the Good Intentions’ Peter penned by some of the country’s best set of four London-produced songs plus a Davies. John Shea From Kenmare is a true songwriters.’ Well apart from Sandy Ramos bonus song, Daughter, that was recorded in story about his great-great-grandfather and Drew Smith, I didn’t recognise any Nashville under the production of Michael from County Kerry and his involvement in of the 20 or so writers listed and apart Bonagura (Baillie & the Boys) and features the American Civil War. Rick is accompanied from Love In A Bottle, none of these songs Andrea Zonn (violin) and Alyssa Bonagura by some of the top West Coast players made much impact with me. But that piano). Hannah specialises in lyrical story including Don Heffington (drums); Tony might well have been because of Tyler’s songs that unfurl atop softly strung Zamora, David Jackson and Bob Glaub voice, which to my ears sounds like a melodies and subtle musical arrangements (bass); Skip Edwards (accordion); and Danny poor imitation of Garth Brooks, but isn’t that leave space for her captivating vocals McGough (keyboards). www.rickshea.com particularly distinctive or convincing. Harsh to reel you in to the well-constructed words I know, but to put it in perspective, lyrics. Though 1954 is a moving story told The Rising – COMING HOME if country music acts were divided into through the eyes of a woman suffering from (Renegade Maverick Records RMRCD001) divisions, then Chase Tyler would probably dementia, it’s never morbid or depressing. HHI Belfast four-piece playing modern reside in the 5th division south … very far In fact, all these yarns are sad, but instilled ‘country’ with a definite rock influence. south. www.chasetylerband.com with optimism and an uplifting vibe. There are no writing credits on my copy, www.hannahroseplatt.com but the songs mainly have huge stadium- Grassoline – HERE BUT NOT AT rock choruses that owe more to classic HOME VOL. 1 (Shillito Records) HHH A Zachary Lucky – THE BALLAD OF 1970s heavy rock than country. Nothing highly-regarded British ‘Americana;’ band, LOSING YOU (Missed Connection Records wrong with that, but maybe they could this is the first of a series of three EPs to be MC-001) HHHI This is the Canadian’s sixth be criticised under the trades description released over the next few months. The album and it’s quite an absorbing listen. by the trad country police. I can imagine five-piece are rootsy with a mainly acoustic In his self-penned songs he explores loss, audiences waving their collective arms in instrumental line-up of guitars, banjo, travel and change in simple, country-folk the air to the booming Break The Chains, mandolin, violin, lap steel, Dobro and arrangements that borrow from English Calling You and Still Coming Home To You, upright bass. Lead singer Jonathan Titley folk traditions, Americana-styled singer- whilst aspiring guitarists would probably certainly fits the ‘Americana’ tag, as he songwriters and old-school country. The be playing air guitar in their bedsits. doesn’t sound English at all; in fact I get the opening Ramblin’ Man’s Lament melodically Though they utilise banjo, mandolin feeling that he’s been listening a little too owes much to The , but and Nashville-based Molly Thomas on much to Bob Dylan. The songs are lyrically it’s all Zachary’s work. In fact it’s violin, they are buried so deep in the mix desperately miserable, and the first two his lyrics and natural story-telling narrative underneath the pounding bass, heavy Antelope Wells and Waltzing Alone drone a that are his obvious strength, as these songs drums and electric lead as to be almost little. Luckily the tempo picks up a notch for meander melodically one into another non-existent on most of these tracks. the more musically adventurous To A Blind with little in change of pace or meter. It’s www.therisingmusic.com Man, with neat steel and fiddle. They close Aaran Goldstein’s pedal steel that weaves with the plodding October Old, and at seven and wanders through the background, Josh Taerk – JOSH (Misty Creek Records) minutes, it was all I could do to stop myself assisted by Karrnnel Sawitsky’s fiddle that HHI Canadian singer-songwriter with his pushing the eject button. Americana music adds the much needed colouring to keep debut album, following three UK tours that should be rich in melody and full of you hooked in to the wistful and somewhat has seen him build a following this side of inspiring, life-like lyricism. Sadly Grassoline introspective lyrics. www.zacharylucky.com the Atlantic. He’s a good singer-songwriter; have yet to catch on to that. Maybe next though he’s been likened to a young time. www.grassoline.co.uk The Wardens – THE WARDENS Springsteen, I don’t hear it. His songs (Bunkhouse Records) HHHH The Wardens are reflective, often poignant love tales Hank Mowery – ACCOUNT TO ME are a trio of real-life park wardens who developed with memorable melodies that (Old Pal Records 102) HHHI Singer/ work in Canada’s Mountain National Parks. hook the listener in. More pop than rootsy, harmonica player Hank Mowery’s latest Bradley Bischoff, Scott Ward and Ray it’s unfortunate that guys like this reside in album features five songs written by the Schmidt, long-time singers, guitarists and music’s no-man’s-land. They don’t belong late singer/harmonica player Gary Primich, songwriters got together as the Wardens in pop, folk, soul, jazz or country music so including two previously-unrecorded in 2009 and this six-track EP is their debut they have to hope that one of their songs tunes. This ia a rootsy collection that recording, though they’ve performed many breaks through big on radio so that they embraces hints of blues, soul, country shows across Canada over the past four can perhaps reach the masses in the way and old school rock’n’roll. Mowery’s self- years. The songs reflect the wild country that has … but that’s a tough penned Spend a Little Time is barroom that they patrol with Spring Of ’85, sung nut to crack, and there’s nothing here to honky-tonk with an old-fashioned by Bradley, being the true story about a suggest that young Tosh Taerk is going rockabilly flavour. There’s an old-world feel horse barn that burned down early in his to be that lucky. Workmanlike is possibly to Tricky Game one of the newly discovered park career. Ya Ha Tinda Bound is another the best description of this album … but Gary Primich songs that is one of the compelling yarn about the horse ranch definitely not ‘maverick’ material. album’s highlights. The album closes with which provides training and over wintering www.joshtaerk.com Hank’s bluesy rendition of Rev. Robert of the horses used by parks staff. The song Wilkins’ That’s No Way to Get Along. depicts a park warden riding his horses up Chase Tyler – JUST ADD BEER (Self- www.hankmowery.com the old Cascade trail, a three-day ride from released) HH Now Banff across wild and rugged country. For … unfortunately not particularly good, Hannah Rose Platt – 1954 … AND lovers of western country music this is a real though. This is Louisiana-based Chase OTHER STORIES (Mayflower Records) gem. www.banffwardens.com

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Mary Kaye – THE DAWN AND THE pages from her life and cover joy, fears, much to songs like When The Morning DUSK (Don’t Fence Me In Records MK-005) optimism and vulnerability. The title Breaks and Wild Rose Of The Mountain. HHHI Texas born Mary Crawford song should ring true for many dealing The accompaniment of guitar, banjo, Knaphus (aka Mary Kaye) now lives in Utah with reaching for attainable goals. Space mandolin, fiddle and bass is tasteful and and her music is very much western-styled. Between explores the complexity of a totally sympathetic to the songs. On this latest album of self-penned songs relationship seemingly falling apart, www.sikahn.com she takes the listener through a myriad whilst Fallen Down is a pained lament for of experiences, mainly connected with those gunned down in the Connecticut Scowlin Owl – THESE STRANGE the western life-style, as in Arizona In Her school shooting. An absorbing listening COMPANIONS (Strange Records) HHH Eyes, a beautiful love story and the self- experience from start to finish. London-based Scowlin Owls are an explanatory Take Me Back To Texas swing www.suziebrownsongs.com all-female folk band that plays a mix of number. She’s accompanied by skilled English folk and Americana music with musicians with plenty of great fiddle, Si Kahn and the Looping Brothers the emphasis being on exquisite and acoustic guitar, Dobro, banjo, piano and – ARAGON MILL The Bluegrass gorgeous vocal harmonies. Two years in, steel guitar. There’s just one outside song, Sessions (Strictly Country Records SCR- and having built a following around the the cowboy oldie Git Along Little Doggies 72) HHH Recognised as a fine folk singer London music scene and several festival which is quite delightful. and songwriter for more than 40 years, appearances, they have now released www.mary-kaye.com Si Kahn is not automatically considered this six-song debut EP. The four women in the same breath as bluegrass, but over specialise in the age-old folk tradition of Suzie Brown – ALMOST THERE the years many of his songs have been storytelling, but these are contemporary (Self-released) HHHI A cardiologist who recorded by bluegrass acts like the Red yarns wrapped up in modern musical turned to singing and songwriting just a Clay Ramblers, Robin & Linda Williams, arrangements utilising acoustic and few short years ago, Suzie Brown has made the Dry Branch Squad, etc. For this kind electric guitars, flute, violin and quite an impact and you can see just why of ‘greatest hits’ set he has re-recorded keyboards. There’s a traditional folk feel when listening to this her second album. some of his best-known songs with to Grey, whilst Poker Alice has Appalachian The songs, all self-penned, are top-drawer. Germany’s acclaimed Looping Brothers, echoes in the way the fiddle drones The recording, which was produced at regarded as one of Europe’s finest behind the vibrant vocals. Dark, haunting, Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium is also bluegrass bands. Nearing 70 years of age, ethereal but at all times interesting and first class. The songs are very much like Kahn’s voice is a little ragged, but it adds absorbing. www.scowlinowl.com DUSTY RELICS

manner both in his vocals and mannerisms, which they were written and recorded. Carl Smith utilising a hard honky-tonk style driven by a The above may have painted the great THE BEST OF strong steel guitar sound, with his smooth man as somewhat dour and earnest, but I 1951-1970 voice rounding it all out. This is Carl Smith at must rectify that as humour is a large part of Hux Records HUX 128 the height of his craft and the reason why in Christy’s arsenal, as those who’ve seen him HHHH 2003 he was finally inducted into the in concert will readily testify, although it A treasure trove of Country Music Hall of Fame. He left us with often serves to make a point as in On The great recordings a real treasure trove of great recordings and Mainland. But if you want whimsy then look One of the most underrated country this compilation is one of the best examples no further than the tales of Me & The Rose hitmakers of the 1950s and 1960s, Carl of his work. Alan Cackett and St Brendan’s Voyage, both things of Smith was easily recognised for his dynamic www.huxrecords.com wonder. Of course the concert finale voice, smouldering good looks and country Lisdoonvarna is present in a lyrically love songs. Sadly he’s been neglected by updated form which includes some pithy his record label (nowadays known as Sony Christy Moore comment about the current state of the Music) who have reissued just one 2-CD WHERE I COME Celtic tiger. Essential collection of his classic recordings FROM To be objective (at last!) if you are new to on CD (and that was years ago). If it wasn’t Sony Music the music of Christy Moore then there are for the early post-war country pioneers like HHHH easier entrance points, but if you have a Smith, , , An absolute joy more than passing interest you are sure to Ray Price and Marty Robbins, Sony Music Usain Bolt would discover some gems such as my two new would not have been able to sign ‘Johnny- have come a poor second in the dash from favourites Easter Snow and Viva la Quinte come-lately’ Johnny Cash, whose back my letterbox to CD player, once it became Brigada. Ian Ambrose catalogue has been reissued time and time apparent that I had something new from www.christymoore.com again, and kept the company’s coffers Christy Moore to review. What do you need topped up on an annual basis. So it’s left to to know? The man is a legend whose status indie labels like Hux and Bear Family to keep stretches far beyond his Irish music roots. Various Artists Carl’s classic recordings out in the Whilst I confess to not having bought CLASSIC BANJO marketplace for long-time fans and everything the man has committed to disc, I Smithsonian Folkways newcomers alike to enjoy. am a fan. SFW CD 40109 This 20-track compilation covers the But that is far too much sycophancy, HHHHH period from 1951-1970 when the what are we dealing with here? Here is a An absolute treat for Tennessee-born singer was signed to three-CD set (45 songs in all, although two fans of vintage banjo Columbia Records. During that period he appear twice) of songs written or co- music, and a worthy introduction to those charted 80 singles in the country charts written by the man himself over the course new to the instrument’s history and with five reaching number one and a of his long career, all have been re-recorded practitioners further 27 making the top 10. So there are for the occasion and some have been Founded in 1948 by Moses Asch, obviously going to be several omissions lyrically updated. Smithsonian Folkways is the non-profit here, but to point them out might just be Many of the songs present can be divided label of Washington’s Smithsonian nit-picking, so I’m going to avoid that. It into the categories of political or humorous, Institution, the national museum of the would have helped, though if the tracks but, taken as a whole, they provide a neat USA, and is dedicated to preserving and had been arranged chronologically. As it is overview of Irish social history during the making available the many forms of vital this set opens with In The Back Room Tonight last half century or so, although I doubt that music that the country has spawned. This which peaked at number 17 in 1963 and the establishment endorsed textbooks fabulous 30-track collection is drawn from then the tracks dart all over the place with would agree. more than 300 albums of banjo music no apparent rhyme nor reason. Of course a major problem with the recorded and released by the Smithsonian It was in June 1951, that Carl Smith scored political stuff is that, generally speaking, it over more than six decades, and includes his first major hit with Let’s Live a Little, was written about a specific event and is rare examples by such well-known names followed by Let Old Mother Nature Have Her therefore of its time, so if you cannot as Pete Seeger, Dock Boggs and Doc Way, Are You Teasing Me, Back Up Buddy, remember, or have no knowledge of the Watson, as well as many less well-known Loose Talk, There She Goes and Hey Joe!. In event, the song can become a little artists. Starting in the early 1940s, it 1952 Carl put together his road band The meaningless. Although, with Christy songs, captures admirably both the history and Tunesmiths, which included later session there is always a little nugget of universal diversity of the instrument, including its legends Junior Huskey and drummer Buddy truth that we can all carry with us. That said I roles in shaping America’s musical identity Harman. That summer he married June certainly can remember songs such as The and its influence on the 1960s folk revival. Carter, of the famed Carter Family. They had Time Has Come, The Wicklow Boy, and The The range of styles here is breathtaking: one daughter, , before they Birmingham Six and the controversial The set starts with Pete Seeger’s racy divorced in 1957 and that year he married nature of them all. In all honesty it’s great to recording debut, the traditional medley Fly singer Goldie Hill, a marriage that was to hear these songs again and feel the Around My Blue-Eyed Girl/Cripple Creek/Ida last until Carl died in 2010. He had a casual righteous indignation and anger with red/Old Joe Clark, recorded in 1943, while

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Rufus Crisp offers a second 1940s entry with an instrument and some artists that can Town (both by Johnny Darrell), Gentle On My the gentler instrumental Walk Light Ladies. often be overlooked. Jeremy Isaac Mind (John Hartford), Guitar Man (Jerry The next decade is better-represented and www.folkways.si.edu/classic-banjo-from- Reed), Me And Bobbie McGee (Roger Miller), includes Pete Steele’s Coal Creek March folkways/american-folk-bluegrass- A Good Year For The Roses (George Jones) (1957), about a 1902 mining disaster, Bill country-old-time/album/smithsonian and Misty Blue (Wilma Burgess). Cornett’s scrubby Buck Creek Girls (1959) All told there’s 149 tracks spread across and Willie Chapman’s fussy, incisive Jaw these five CDs and each CD comes Bone (1959). The 1960s features Various Artists packaged in a gatefold hard-back booklet contributions from Dock Boggs (Bright DIM LIGHT, THICK with 72 pages of details on each song, Sunny South, 1963), Doc Watson and Frank SMOKE AND colour photos and also historical facts Proffitt (Smokey Mokes and Johnson Boys HILLBILLY MUSIC: about the particular year. An essential from the same year) and Wade Ward’s Country & collection and well worth investing in the Peachbottom Creek (1961), while Bill Monroe Western Hit whole series to see and hear how country and The Blue Grass Boys pop up on Parade 1966 music progressed from 1945 through to Bluegrass Breakdown (1964). All make for Bear Family BCD 17261 AR 1970. Alan Cackett fine listening. The 1970s usher in the HHHH www.bear-family.com raucous vocals and sparse styling of Dink Country & Western Hit Parade Roberts and blind picker Josh Thomas on 1967 Coo Coo and Mississippi Heavy Water Blues Bear Family BCD 17262 AR Eddie Noack respectively, along with Ola Belle Reed’s HHHH GENTLEMEN feisty 1978 rendition of the traditional Country & Western Hit Parade PREFER BLONDES favourite Foggy Mountain Top and Watson’s 1968 Bear Family BCD 17142 Rambling Hobo from 1976. Bear Family BCD 17263 AR CH There are some fine multi-instrumental HHHH HHHHI collaborations from the 1980s, such as Mick Country & Western Hit Parade PSYCHO Moloney’s banjo/accordion/fiddle 1969 Bear Family BCD 17204 breakdown Skylark/Roaring Mary and Ken Bear Family BCD 17264 AR AH Perlman and Bob Jones’ banjo/guitar duet HHHH HHHHI on St Anne’s Reel/La Renfleuse Gorbeil, both Country & Western Hit Parade Chances are that from 1983. The late Mike Seeger gives a 1970 you’ve never heard of sensitive reading of Josh Thomas’s Bear Family BCD 17265 AR Eddie Noack. I first Roustabout (1997), while Don Vappie really HHHH came across his name back in the mid-1960s hits the spot with his New Orleans The latest and final five releases in this via songwriting credits and a few years later jazz-inspired Gut Bucket Blues, a fascinating excellent series of CDs, that started with I got the opportunity to interview him for a foil to the instrument’s rural origins, and volumes that covered 1945-1965 now feature in a leading UK country music Tony Trischka and Bill Evans’ 2007 comes to the end of what many would publication. As a writer, he is probably performance of Joe Morley’s 1919 tune probably refer to as ‘the golden era of best-known for writing These Hands, but Banjoland simply shimmers. And all this is country music.’ Of course, it’s all subjective over a 30-year career, he also penned just a taster . . . and I’m sure that future generations will dozens of other songs recorded by George Compiled and annotated by Greg C refer to 1970-1990 in similarly glowing Jones, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, etc. He also Adams and Jeff Place, the CD is terms. The late 1960s were a tumultuous recorded prolifically for various smaller, accompanied by a chunky booklet time not just in America, but around the indie labels, including a lengthy stint with containing encyclopaedic notes on the world, and that is reflected in many of the Starday plus Gold Star, TNT, Faith and D. He history of the instrument and the individual songs and performances to be found here. stuck very much to a ‘pure country’ artists and performances featured, as well It’s not just about the hits, there are also approach with his music and refused to be as some gritty photos of musicians from important, ground-breaking recordings drawn into rock’n’roll or rockabilly and bygone days. Usually I refrain from that were to have a major influence years steered well clear of the smooth, awarding five-star ratings because musical later. On the 1968 set you have the orchestrated Nashville Sound of the 1960s. appreciation is such a personal thing that International Submarine Band’s Luxury GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES is a 3-CD set over-enthusiastic recommendations can Liner, featuring Gram Parsons, The Byrds’ that covers his recordings from a teenager lead people to material that isn’t really their Hickory Wind (again with Parsons) and in Houston in 1948 through to 1961 when bag. However, while this wonderful time Douig Dillard & Gene Clark with the original he briefly recorded for Mercury Records via capsule may not appeal to those with more version of Train Leaves Here This Morning, his deal with Starday. Alongside his accessible populist, radio-oriented tastes, later recorded by the Eagles and one of the commercially released recordings such as its treasured contents are of such essential earliest examples of country-rock. You’ll Fair Today, Cold Tomorrow, Don’t Trade, The significance that I’ve awarded it the highest also find original versions of There Goes My Price Of Love and Too Hot To Handle, there’s accolade. Fans of old-time music will be Everything (), Only Daddy That’ll also many previously unissued recordings ecstatic on hearing it, and, of course, it is a (Jim Alley), The Son Of Hickory that have lain hidden in the vaults for more great introduction for newcomers to both Holler’s Tramp, Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To than 50 years. The whole set is classic 1950s

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country. Occasionally the production is move to Music City, where he also turned debut DEL RIO, TEXAS. That story can be kind of rough and ready and leaves much to up at MTM as a songwriter. found in the pages of Maverick’s November/ be desired, and Noack’s vocals are a little Soon they were writing together, December issue. shaky, but at all times it is honest, emotional penning hits for artists such as Sweethearts While Foster & Lloyd did not come close country or hillbilly music with genuine Of The Rodeo and Tanya Tucker, and after to the megasales of artists such as Garth heart and soul. five dues-paying years their unique Brooks, they were pioneers of the genre PSYCHO features recordings made for publishing demos won them a recording that would come to be known as new -Ark and AllStar between 1962-69 and contract at RCA in 1987, with a debut album country, combining solid songwriting and again stick to a strictly country sound. Eddie release the same year. Featuring musicians downhome country traditions with rock is featured prominently as a songwriter Vince Gill, , Tommy Wells and and pop influences. This is demonstrated with such familiar songs as Barbara Joy, Too , FOSTER AND LLOYD reached admirably by this long overdue reissue of Hot To Handle and When The Bright Lights number 33 in the country chart and their fine twin albums which, as always with Grow Dim. The main thrust of the album spawned four singles, the shuffling Crazy SPV’s priceless retro series, also contains though has been driven by the Leon Over You, the lovely Sure Thing and Texas In encyclopaedic sleeve notes and some fun Payne-penned title song that Eddie 1880 in 1987, with What Do You Want From photos from the period. A quality set and an recorded for K-Ark in 1968. Described as Me This Time? following in 1988. Sure Thing essential purchase. Jeremy Isaac ‘the darkest of all country records’ it sunk reached number eight in the country www.spv.de without trace at the time, but six years later singles chart and Crazy number four, but little-known Jack Kittell recorded a cover Texas and This Time failed to chart. However, version that was played on college radio in the pair had received crucial exposure, both George Strait America. But it was ’s 1981 on radio and via the new medium of CMT STRAIT version that turned the spotlight on Eddie with videos of Crazy, Texas, This Time and COUNTRY/STRAIT Noack’s far superior original and turned it another rockin’ song from the album, Hard FROM THE HEART into something a cult record. It was To Say No, which doesn’t seem to have had a Hump Head Records completely out-of-step with all the other single release—although it jolly well should HUMP 152 recordings that Eddie Noack has made and have. HHHH in fact he never lived to see the acclaim the In those years, before the advent of The start of the remarkable George Strait record received as he passed away in 1978 petulant country superstars saw country story at the relatively young age of 47 … record companies demanding sky-high Classic traditional country, and what a disillusioned and broken by the hard sales figures, the performance of FOSTER great opportunity to revisit superstar knocks of battling a country music business AND LLOYD was deemed more than George Strait’s first two albums now that never paid him the respect that his sufficient justification for a second outing. thoughtfully re-released complete with talent deserved. Alan Cackett Released in 1988 and featuring Gill, Sam detailed and updated liner notes on a www-bear-family.com Bush, and Beth Nielsen two-for-one by MCA which, after 30 years, Chapman, FASTER AND LLOUDER once again remains Strait’s only label. The brief early spawned a clutch of singles. Fair Shake chronology of George’s career is that in Foster & Lloyd scored top five, while Before The Heartache 1975 following his service in the US Army FOSTER AND Rolls In and Suzette only managed the lower Strait enrolled for an agricultural degree at LLOYD/FASTER & reaches of the chart, and Fat Lady Sings the University of Southwest Texas and LLOUDER didn’t make the rundown at all. But once during this time he answered an SPV 266292 CD again the pair made their mark; critics and advertisement placed by a country band HHHH radio liked them, and CMT screened videos looking for a singer. By 1980 and many The long-awaited of the songs. honky-tonk dates later he was leading the reissue of the ground-breaking duo’s F&L waxed one more album for RCA, Ace in the Hole band and was interesting sensational late 1980s new country releases VERSION OF THE TRUTH, before calling it a MCA in Nashville. Both Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd were day. Lloyd moved to RCA’s New York office STRAIT COUNTRY came out in 1981 and the well established as singer-songwriters as a talent scout for a while, also writing and first track Unwound became George’s before their eponymous 1987 debut album releasing solo projects and joining The Sky maiden single and didn’t do too badly on RCA Records. Born in Bowling Green, Kings, a mainstream country outfit that either reaching number six on the country Kentucky, Lloyd grew up listening to included former members of Poco, charts. There were a couple more single bluegrass and honky-tonk and was already Newgrass Revival and . releases taken from this album Down And writing songs in his teens. Quitting He still writes, records and performs, and in Out which didn’t trouble the charts too University for music, he arrived in Nashville 2011 reunited briefly with Foster for a fourth much and one which certainly did, George’s in 1982 and was signed to MTM Music as a album, IT’S ALREADY TOMORROW. While first monster hit and still much played If songwriter, also releasing his solo debut Lloyd was a solid songwriter and performer, You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger (There’s album FEELING THE ELEPHANT in 1986. Foster, it was clear that Radney Foster was a One Coming Home). There are several more as his debut solo album testifies, hailed prodigious talent who was destined to go great tracks on STRAIT COUNTRY including from Del Rio, Texas, and played extensively places. In 1992 he was signed to Arista the first of many subsequent forays into the in local clubs before also quitting college to Nashville and released his astonishing solo area south of the Rio Grande Blame It On

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Mexico and my particular favourite from the session players. One leaf of the card liner HISTORY. Five years after the event and now album Her Goodbye Hit Me In The Heart. exhaustively details: ‘Had it not been for close to death Cold Missouri Water is MCA, fully realising the potential hot these people I would not be doing what I narrated by lead fire fighter Wag Dodge, property that they had, wasted no time in do.’ who recalls the August 1949 Mann Gulch releasing the follow-up album and so A University of history graduate, forest fire in Montana. Growing up in began George’s dominance of the country across; quarter of a century James has Calgary, according to James, you were charts. The archetypal honky-tonk song consistently embraced lyrics that portray either a mountain guy or a plains guy and Fool Hearted Memory, the first track on contemporary as well as century old that’s the thrust of My Skies. The eight- STRAIT FROM THE HEART, became George’s (historic) events, renowned and less so. The minute long Captain Torres remembers the first number one single and his second 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham and vessel that foundered in the Cabot Strait in chart topper is also here, the aching story of Abraham Martin (1589-1664) a fisherman 1989. With no hope of rescue the crew the heartbreak of first love A Fire I Can’t Put and river pilot, after whom the plains were gathered in the radio room, each allowed Out. Good as those tracks are I also loved named, is recalled in opener Abraham. On ‘five words’ to a loved one at home. The hearing again the western swing influenced the DVD Keelaghan admits to a fascination penultimate Gathering Storm appeared on I Can See Texas From Here and George’s with Richard Nixon—‘my guilty pleasure.’ the Compadres sophomore BUDDY WHERE terrific version of Guy Clark’s Heartbroke. Describing, in interview, the former YOU BEEN (2007), and from James’ most Also here are two still regularly heard songs, president as the King Lear of the United recent collection HOUSE OF CARDS (2009) and goodness knows why they were not States, the Lazarus lyric also chides spin McConnville’s recalls the Portadown number one singles at the time, Marina Del doctors who, post death, rewrite history in hostelry and its exclusive house-brewed Rey and Terry Stafford’s abiding song of good ways and bad. whisky. Arthur Wood hitting the road Amarillo By Morning. James admits to being an urban guy by www.keelaghan.com/Keeloweb/ After these two albums MCA stopped nature, who occasionally yearns for KEELOWEB using George’s surname in album titles, just Canada’s endless ‘big sky’ plains. Sweetgrass too easy I suppose, until the hits Moon recalls walking on those plains on a compilations that is, and after 60 number hot autumn day—‘the smell of home.’ Jerry Lee Lewis ones there have been quite a few of those. Co-written with Karine Polwart during a SOUTHERN However, this two-on-one recalls and 2008 Celtic Colours Festival songwriters ROOTS displays how the extraordinary George retreat, the focus of Medusa is veterans and Bear Family BCD 17312 Strait recording career got going. These the ultimate sacrifice made fighting wars. BH tracks are timeless, to be much savoured The concept underpinning Medusa is that in HHHHI and in this package, great value. Paul contemporary conflicts deceased soldiers THE ESSENTIAL Collins are turned to stone by virtue of their JERRY LEE LEWIS: www.humpheadcountry.com headstones. The chorus to the blue collar The Sun Sessions anthem Boom Gone To Bust includes the Legacy 88883706092 line: ‘For the labouring man the road never HHHH James Keelaghan ends.’ Fires Of Calais portrays the flotilla of SHE EVEN WOKE HISTORY: THE small vessels that sailed from the Channel ME UP TO SAY FIRST 25 YEARS ports to Dunkirk in late May/early June 1940 GOODBYE/THERE Borealis Records to evacuate Tommies trapped on the MUST BE MORE TO HHHHH beach. LOVE THAN THIS A quarter century of Featuring the Compadres duo with Oscar BGO Records inspired songs from a Lopez, Red River Rising is a fictional tale set BGOCD1083 writer of true substance within the 1869 Riel Rebellion, while the HHHH A retrospective, HISTORY draws 18 songs ensuing Rebecca’s Lament, set in , is a THE RETURN OF from Canadian Keelaghan’s numerous solo retelling of a bittersweet love story of ROCK/SOUL MY and two Compadre duo recordings. I’ve Native American Tecumseh and settler’s WAY avidly followed Keelaghan since purchasing daughter Rebecca Galloway. In Kiri’s Lament BGO Records a 1992 reissue of TIMELINES— Keelaghan remembers those of Japanese BGOCD1089 originally released 1987. Given his skill with origin resident in North America who, post HH word and melody, reducing over 100 Pearl Harbour, became internees. On the TOUCHING HOME/ original songs to 18 seems an impossible eve of internment, Keelaghan mentions on WOULD YOU TAKE ask. Housed in a four-way fold-out card the DVD how the women consciously ANOTHER liner, the CD is accompanied by a superbly destroyed their property—Kiri’s pushes her CHANCE ON ME? insightful 70-minute interview DVD piano off the dock into the harbour— BGO Records wherein James relates ‘the stories behind leading the songwriter to conclude that BGOCD1102 the songs,’ and a 28-page full-colour liner sometimes we have to endure ‘sacrifices in HHHH booklet. Therein, James relates his life story, the name of dignity.’ A plethora of recordings from the ‘last obviously, with an emphasis on music, lists Performed by Compadres Spanish Is The rocker standing’ touring companions, recordings and Loving Tongue is the only cover song on Louisiana-born Jerry Lee Lewis was

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probably the most colourful and and for those younger music fans who have There’s more of the same with 1971’s flamboyant of all the 1950s rock’n’rollers. yet to savour the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, TOUCHING HOME and 1972’s WOULD YOU When he auditioned for Sun Records in this is as good a place as any to start. TAKE ANOTHER CHANCE ON ME? The former 1956, Lewis was only performing country In the years after leaving Sun Jerry Lee again revisits Jimmie Rodgers with a songs and was told they didn’t need was foundering a little seeking commercial heartfelt rendition of Mother, The Queen Of another country singer and was asked if he success. 1965’s is, as the My Heart, and a distinctive reading of Help did any rock’n’roll tunes. Jerry Lee said that title suggests, a rock’n’roll record that was Me Make It Through The Night. The the latter he wasn’t into rock’n’roll, but returned a few completely out-of-step with what was includes his rockin’ version of Me And Bobby weeks later and sang a rockabilly version of happening in pop music at the time. There McGee and a bluesy run-through of For The the old Gene Autry song, You’re The Only are dynamic versions of Chuck Berry’s Good Times which is light years removed Star In My Blue Heaven. Suitably impressed, Maybelline, Jesse Stone’s Don’t Let Go and from the Ray Price country hit. he was signed and at his first session cut a ’s Flip, Flop And Fly. It’s all In an attempt to broaden the base of souped-up version of the Ray Price country good stuff as the piano comes alive once his Jerry Lee’s appeal, producer Huey P. Meaux hit Crazy Arms. But it was a few weeks later fingers hit the keys, pumping out that was brought in by Mercury, resulting in the at a second session, when he recorded distinctive Lewis groove that is part album SOUTHERN ROOTS: BACK HOME TO Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, that Jerry Lee honky-tonk, part boogie-woogie, part juke MEMPHIS that’s considered by many as one hit pay dirt. Wild and raw, the very blood joint and all magic. The piano seems to take of the Killer’s finest. The sessions, recorded and adrenaline of rock’n’roll, the song raced something of a backseat on 1967’s SOUL MY September 24-26, 1973, are spread over two to number one on the country charts, and WAY. -driven arrangements dominate, CDs in this collection and include music and made number three on the pop charts. A but not the soul songs you’d expect. Mickey chatter never heard at the time of the legend was born. Newbury’s Just Dropped In, Bruce Channel’s album’s original release. Of course Jerry Lee In the ensuing 55 years ‘the Killer’ (as Hey Baby and Roy Orbison’s Dream Baby are was always an innovator and started to take Jerry Lee is affectionately known) has lived hardly soul tunes and the whole thing is liberties, adding those distinctive touches the rock’n’roll lifestyle like no one else, quite dated and very disappointing. that had made his music unique. This comes before or since. But despite his headline- When Jerry Lee Lewis, the wild man of through on his version of ’s grabbing personal life, it has always been 1950s rock’n’roll, turned his hand to When A Man Loves A Woman as he ad-libs the music that has come first and here we mainstream country in the mid 1960s, no the lyrics and changes the crucial line ‘if have a treasure-trove of goodies. Let’s start one could have predicted the success he she’s bad, he can’t see it’ to ‘when she’s bad, at the beginning with those Sun recordings would enjoy for the next 20 years on the he can see it’ … but that’s Jerry Lee! At the and the 2-CD ESSENTIAL set. Compiled by country charts. Between 1968’s top ten time the album was a commercial disaster. Gregg Geller with informative sleeve notes country smash Another Time. Another Place Though 19 songs had been recorded only by Robert Gordon (author of Jerry Lee and 1981’s Thirty-nine and Holding, Jerry Lee ten were released and the balance were Lewis: Last Rocker Standing) this features scored two dozen country top tens, making ‘lost’ by Mercury. Luckily Huey P. Meaux 40 recordings from the singer’s seven-year him one of the most successful country acts recorded the whole session onto a stint with Sun. Eclectic from the outset, of the time. The pairing of 1970s’ SHE EVEN two-track recorder, including all the studio Jerry Lee served up a vibrant mix of country WOKE ME UP TO SAY GOODBYE and 1971’s chatter. And that’s what we have here and and wild rock’n’roll, driven by his own THERE MUST BE MORE TO LOVE THAN THIS it’s quite an amazing document. Over the dynamic piano pounding and raucous are two of his finest ‘country’ albums. years, the album has become something of vocal delivery. ‘You shake my nerves and Produced by Jerry Kennedy and recorded in a cult classic and now with this 2-CD release you rattle my brain!’ he shouts at the Nashville, they feature well-known session plus the 32pp booklet with extensive beginning of , one of the players Ray Edenton, Jerry Shook, Chip background information it makes for an lustful tunes that made anxious parents in Young, , Buddy Harman, Bob essential package for all roots music fans. the 1950s thankful for the less-threatening Moore, Kenny Buttrey and ‘Pig’ Robbins Alan Cackett Elvis Presley. Running the full gamut from plus Jerry Lee’s distinctive piano and his www.bear-family.com; www.bgo-records. solid boppers with admirable gusto (It’ll Be band members Ned Davis, Kenny Lovelace com; www.legacyrecordings.com Me, Mean Woman Blues) and bluesy country and Ed DeBruhl, balladry with intimate longing (You Win At a time when the string-laden Again, ). His finest vocal countrypolitan recordings of Joe Brown achievement comes with the likes of Great and Ray Price were scoring big with THE UKULELE Balls Of Fire and Breathless, rife with at the pop-country fans, Lewis took country back ALBUM—DELUXE time taboo allusions to dangerous sexual to its honky-tonk roots with a mixture of EDITION exploits. Songs that rip it up, crawl and country classics from the likes of Jimmie Absolute UGCD 009 slide, holler holy madness, and wakes the Rodgers, George Jones and Faron Young HHHH sublime devil at the crossroads in each of and newly-written hardcore country songs More ukulele for your us. Jerry Lee’s vocals are controlled with an from the pens of Glenn Sutton, Jerry money underlying edge of abandon. Though these Chesnut and Don Chapel. Standouts A beautifully expanded version of an recordings have been repackaged time and include Kristofferson’s Once More With album that’s barely a year old, more time again over the years, it’s great to have Feeling, and Mickey Newbury’s She Even ukuleles than you can shake a mandolin at, the cream of them all in one CD package, Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye. and there are plenty of those, too. Firstly the

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original album, 15 tracks of uke-led rock music encompasses traditional roots forms boasts six songs including the title track, and roots that veer from a cheery run such as honky-tonk, Tex-Mex and rock’n’roll the harmonica-tinged Saint Valentine, the though of McGuinness-Flint’s When I’m while adding his own unique vision. As well acoustic guitar picking of Ranches And Dead And Gone to a deft take on as cutting his own songs, Ely has also Rivers and ’s lilting Gallo Del Motorhead’s The Ace Of Spades alongside covered artists such as Cielo. TWISTIN’ IN THE WIND is represented by (even) older numbers such as When I’m and (his former bandmates the lonely Up On The Ridge and the abrasive Cleaning Windows, all brought together by in 1970s outfit The Flatlanders who still Workin’ For The Man. the dexterous performances of Brown, reunite from time), and worked with fellow The remaining ‘extra’ songs are available guitarist son Pete, the accordion of Texan observational poets Guy Clark and elsewhere. Five are live tracks, the first two, daughter Sam, a nifty band and the massed . He has also crossed numerous Midnight Shift and ’s Not Fade ukes of the International Ukulele Club Of musical genres with his collaborations with Away, having been recorded in London for Sonning Common. The original tracks are artists such as Springsteen, , the 1980 album while touring boosted by four bonus numbers, notably Los Super Seven, UK punks The Clash and with The Clash. Not Fade Away did not the 1920s frivolity of the Beatles’ Honey Pie, , and penned songs for feature on the album at the time, being featuring on tuba. Robert Redford’s highly acclaimed film The released simultaneously on the TEXAS Then there’s a bonus CD, a 14-track live Horse Whisperer. SPECIAL EP, but did appear on a later CD set recorded on Brown’s spring 2013 tour. The MCA albums are pretty well reissue. Drivin’ To The Poorhouse In A And while he has had a number of live sets represented here, starting with his Limousine and Row Of Dominoes are taken released, this manages a rare rootsy charm, eponymous 1977 debut, as Ely’s own, from the 1990 LIVE AT LIBERTY LUNCH SET, bringing new life to a wealth of songs. It’s fabulous Mardi Graz Waltz, with its while I’m A Thousand Miles From Home from ukulele at heart, but with mandolin and foot-tapping rhythm and mix of accordion LETTER TO LAREDO, is culled from LIVE Brown and son’s effortlessly stylish guitar and steel guitar, leads into a slew of great CACTUS (2008). The two remaining studio playing. It kicks of with a child-like Big Rock roots tunes, the best of which include the tracks are much more recent: Sue Me Sue Candy Mountain, creates a music hall racy Gambler’s Bride, Hancock’s heartfelt comes from HAPPY SONGS FROM rock‘n’roll gem out of his half-century-old Tennessee’s Not The State I’m In and If You RATTLESNAKE GULCH (2007), while the 2011 gimmicky hit I’m Henry VIII I Am, and turns Were A Bluebird, which again features a single You Can Bet I’m Gone is lifted from U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking lovely mix of steel guitar and accordion. His SATISFIED AT LAST, the last two albums being For into a swaying, laidback gem. He does debut single All My Love is conspicuous by released on Ely’s own Rack ‘Em Records his own pop classic A Picture Of You, a its absence, as is She Never Spoke Spanish To imprint. uke-tinged Pinball Wizard, the tinkling Me, if only because of the inclusion later on Like the aforementioned Humphead Italiano of Souvenir d’Alvilo and a of its ‘answer song’ She Finally Spoke Spanish compilations, THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION marvellously relaxed go at Clapton’s Lay To Me from 1995’s LETTER TO LAREDO. has its omissions and curious inclusions, Down Sally (with superb electric guitar) in a There’s also a great clutch of songs from and obviously cannot take in the material set that reels, rocks and rolls with musical (1978), including Ely has recorded on a raft of labels other accomplishment. A masterpiece of the title track, Gilmore’s Tonight I Think I’m than MCA, but it’s a solid career understated taste, style and imagination. Gonna Go Downtown, Ely’s shuffling I’ll Be retrospective that should please both Nick Dalton Your Fool and the thumping humorous devotees and new audiences alike. As usual www.joebrown.co.uk Fingernails, while Hancock’s moody Fools with Humphead’s collections, the sleeve Fall In Love, the reflective BBQ & Foam and notes by Alan Cackett are comprehensive, Crazy Lemon speak for the 1979 album although a couple of photos would have Joe Ely DOWN IN THE DRAG, whose title track also been welcome. Jeremy Isaac THE DEFINITIVE appears. The high point here is the lovely www.ely.com COLLECTION Time For Travellin’. The tonguetwisting Humphead Records MUSTA NOTTA GOTTA LOTTA (1981) scores HUMP134 four entries, Gilmore’s jaunty Dallas and Johnny Cash HHHH Ely’s Hard Living, with its grating slide guitar 20 ORIGINAL A cracking if and yakety sax making good company for ALBUMS incomplete testament to the talent and the rocking title tune. Strangely, 1984’s Columbia 88883765862 longevity of the veteran Texas troubadour HI-RES hardly gets a look in, the bluesy Cool HHHHI Coming hot on the heels of Humphead Rockin’ Loretta with its smooth chorus The commanding aura Records’ ambitious reissues on fellow vocals being the only song to appear. and tone of Cash’s former labelmates George Strait and Steve Disc two hits the 1990s with five tracks untrained baritone remains timeless on this Earl, this two-CD set covering Joe Ely’s from 1992’s LOVE AND DANGER, including essential collection various stints at MCA is a must-have. Like its the slow twang and organ of the masterly Johnny Cash was one of those few artists predecessors, it suffers from omissions, but Slow You Down, the belting Every Night who could without exaggeration be overall it is an accurate snapshot of the long Around This Time and Highways And termed an American legend. While there career of one on the Lone Star State’s most Heartaches, and the storytelling of The Road are innumerable compilations for sale, talented performers. The Amarillo, Texas, Goes On Forever, while the lovely, Latin- none can really do justice to his prodigious native is a gifted singer-songwriter whose influenced, 1995 set LETTER TO LAREDO output. This year, to commemorate the 10th

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anniversary since his death Columbia have international and crossover success very Woman Left Lonely, Everybody Loves A re-released 20 classic albums in this special much on his own terms, never once Winner and My Crew as well the beautiful value-for-money boxed set that includes an compromising his music or ideals for Jesus Song. Sound quality is faultless and at introduction from his son commercial aspirations. Unlike the many 59 minutes, the CD represents excellent and liner notes by noted journalist Rich Johnny Cash compilations that have been value. The album is well packaged with first Kienzle. They span from THE FABULOUS put together over the years, this boxed set class liner notes making it a must for all Kris JOHNNY CASH, the first album Cash made for provides country music fans with a chance and/or Rita devotees. John Roffey the Columbia label in 1958 after leaving Sun to hear some original records by one of the www.kriskristofferson.com Records through to HEROES, a duet album giants of country music. Among them they with Waylon Jennings released in 1986 include many of Cash’s best-loved songs, shortly before Cash left Columbia to join but by no means all— anyone wanting a Lee Roy Parnell Mercury Records. This box provides a rare round up of hits would do better with one LEE ROY PARNELL/ opportunity for fans to buy in one of the many excellent compilations. What LOVE WITHOUT collection some of the crucial records on compilations tend to lack, however, is MERCY which his considerable reputation was coherence. It is precisely because they were SPV 266252 CD built. recorded at a particular point in time, that HHHH There’s not enough space her to go into these albums have a sense of identity The Texan guitarist detail of each album, so I’m just going to absent from compilations. They are a and singer-songwriter’s unique talents are pick out personal highlights. RIDE THIS snapshot in time, dated in a positive sense. perfectly showcased in his first two vital TRAIN, a concept album from 1960 is not Alan Cackett albums strictly railroad songs, instead the train is www.sonymusic.com Texas-born Lee Roy Parnell may not have the vehicle which enables Cash to made much of an impression when he criss-cross the country through narration released his extraordinary self-titled debut and song. It is a varied collection from Kris Kristofferson album in 1990. However, his talent was not Loading Coal, a Merle Travis song about LET THE MUSIC long in being recognised with his second mining families, to Dorraine Of Ponchartrain, PLAY entry the following Cash’s own doom laden song about a girl All Access AACD0111 year. Since then, he has released six albums drowning in a Louisiana lake. BALLADS OF HHHHH and 22 singles, seven of which have gone THE TRUE WEST, as the title suggests, is much At last! This classic live country top ten, and is now preparing for more than just a collection of cowboy radio broadcast from his first independent release. songs. Originally a 2-LP set it includes such 1972 has finally surfaced on CD When he first appeared on CMT in 1990 moving songs as Hiawatha’s Vision, The Recorded before a live audience at RCA with his Oughta Be A Law video, many wrote Shifting Whispering Sands and the dramatic studios, on April 25, 1972 and Parnell off as just another in the wave of 25 Minutes To Go broadcast by WPLJ-FM, the show finds the here today-gone tomorrow country artists By the time ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL was singer-songwriter and star of countless who were swamping the new country released, also in 1965, Cash had met Bob movies reaching the peak of his singing media at the time. But Parnell was made of Dylan and this album includes three Dylan career. It’s hard to believe that this concert altogether more substantial stuff. songs, the first being It Ain’t Me Babe. This was recorded over 40 years ago and yet Kris An original singer-songwriter and was the first of many classic duet recordings is still including many of these numbers in multi-instrumentalist who mixes country by Johnny Cash and June Carter. The other his live shows today; and they sound just as traditions with soul, delta blues, roots and two Dylan numbers are almost as good, good! Supported by Terry Paul (bass), gospel influences, Parnell grew up on his namely Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright and Donnie Fritts (piano), Stephen Bruton parents’ ranch before appearing on country Mama, You’ve Been on My Mind. Naturally (guitar), Mike Utley (organ) and with Rita legend ’ radio show at age six, both of his acclaimed prison concerts are Coolidge taking the lead on four numbers then going on to play drums and guitar in a included—FOLSOM PRISON and SAN at the end of the show, this really is a classic local band, joining Kinky Friedman’s Texas QUENTIN—and both sound just as release. Gentle country is the order of the Jewboys while still in his teens, and hitting electrifying as when first released in 1968 day with Duvalier’s Dream setting the scene Austin in 1974. After playing clubs for 13 and 1969. The 1970s was a less-successful for what follows. Concert staples Loving Her years he moved to Nashville in 1987 where period for Cash, in commercial terms, but Was Easier, Casey’s Last Ride, Sunday Morning he landed a Polygram publishing deal and a artistically he still produced some excellent Comin’ Down, Help Me Make It Through the regular spot at the fabled Bluebird Café, albums, the best of which has to be JOHN R Night (a duet with Rita) and a medley, Billy and was finally signed as an artist to Arista CASH from 1975 with songs from the pens Dee and The Law Is For The Protection Of The Records. of Randy Newman, Chip Taylor, Tim Hardin People (although the latter is not listed) His eponymous debut album was a funky and Billy Joe Shaver. illustrate perfectly what has made Kris mixture of soulful horns, slashing country- The very name and image of The Man In Kristofferson such an enduring entertainer. rock guitar chords and driving rhythms, Black has inspired awe in his fans and critics Highlight in an album that is all highlights is best exemplified by the album’s second alike for more than fifty years. Johnny Cash Jesus Was A Capricorn. Rita joins the single Oughta Be A Law which, despite was quite simply a music icon. An artist of ensemble to deliver three ballads from her critical acclaim, inexplicably only reached unparalleled integrity, he achieved 1972 album THE LADY’S NOT FOR SALE, A number 54 on the country singles chart (its

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predecessor, the slower-paced Crocodile acclaim, it’s instructive to revisit the roots Everything That’s Beautiful (Reminds Me Of Tears, had done even more poorly), while from which those good things sprang, and You) is something of a minor classic. There’s the chugging foot-tapper Family Tree had this superb pairing of Lee Roy Parnell’s first also classy versions of Hank Williams’ I Can’t also mysteriously stalled at number 73. A two entries is the perfect showcase for his Help It, Jimmy Webb’s Didn’t We and Jack fourth track, Mexican Money, was the unique fusion of country tradition with the Clement’s A Girl I Used To Know. This is subject of a music video, but was not other seminal genres of American music, quality stuff, whether or not it can be released to radio. Despite these worthy professionally delivered by a gifted writer classified as country is debatable, but up-tempo single releases and some and musician. Jeremy Isaac there’s little doubt that these lushly- beautiful ballads such as Where Is My Baby www.leeroyparnell.com arranged country-pop ballads are the Tonight? and the bluesy Let’s Pretend, epitome of countrypolitan music—a style featuring Parnell’s teasing guitar licks, you’ll either love or hate. Alan Cackett and the presence of Nashville music Ray Price www.huxrecords.com supremos Glenn Worf, , WELCOME TO MY Harry Stinson, Jonell Mosser and Jim WORLD: The Love Horn’s inimitable horn section, LEE ROY Songs of Ray Rod Stewart PARNELL’s warm reception by critics was Price RARITIES not matched by enthusiasm from the Hux Records HUX 139 Universal 3728513 record-buying public, and the album HHHH HHHH failed to chart at all. Things would be The classiest exponent of countrypolitan Forget American different next time. In the 1950s Ray Price was the epitome of Songbook and listen to Two years later Parnell returned with the classic honky-tonk singer. His country this for covers his sophomore outing LOVE WITHOUT shuffles My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You, Back at the beginning of the 1970s, some MERCY, and the story was entirely Crazy Arms, Heartaches By The Number, I’ve of the best roots music outside of the Band different. Of the album’s four singles, Got A New Heartache, etc, kept the was being made not in the backwoods but three, the jangling What Kind Of Fool Do dance-floors of Texas busy. But by the by an ex-mod named Rod. Rod Stewart’s You Think I Am? the deliciously MOR- mid-1960s; his driving honky-tonk sound early solo albums, backed by Ron Wood flavoured title track and the deceptively had been revamped by the West Coast and an unlikely group of ex-Small Faces, titled up-tune , went top sound and though he was still having hits, have more than stood the test of time, ten, the last two also enjoying high they were not as frequent nor as big. His reflective, soulful and with a depth that the exposure as CMT videos. Along with musical inclinations were also shifting, Faces—who were recording at the same musicians from his first album, Parnell’s bringing him closer to the crooning styles time—couldn’t hope to match. This powerful supporting band also included of traditional pop singers. He abandoned collection is a treasure trove of material John Jorgenson, and the cowboy suits and brought in strings to from those days, 24 tracks, some of which Delbert McClinton, with the album’s accompany him, making him one of the are singles and have been heard before, other highlights including some fabulous first to fully explore a smoother, while many of them are new—certainly guitar work on Ain’t No Short Way Home, orchestrated sound. The result was a series unheard versions. the rockin’ boogie of Road Scholar and the of pop-crossover hits during the early At the set’s heart, you won’t be surprised raunch’n’roll of the aptly titled Roller 1970s; Kris Kristofferson’s For The Good to learn, is Maggie May, twice. There’s a Coaster, whose jaunty drumbeat and Times, re-established him at the top of the lovely Radio 1 session version but the one edgy slide guitar take the album home. charts. I Won’t Mention It Again, I’d Rather Be that catches the heart and mind is an early As noted, after an unfairly Sorry, She’s Got To Be A Saint and You’re The version, Stewart improvising the lyrics, disappointing start with his innovative Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, kept almost rapper-like, over the already silky, first outing, Lee Roy Parnell achieved him there. softly-rocking backdrop with its elegant huge success with his second, continuing This 21-song collection concentrates on bass and tinkling mandolin. This sound with a raft of hit albums and singles, those countrypolitan recordings, but follows through on an early version of You including collaborations with Diamond alongside one of his biggest hits of the Wear It Well, Stewart telling the band when Rio, Steve Wariner, Trisha Yearwood, period—She’s Got To Be A Saint—the to come in, when to switch to the middle Tex-Mex king Flaco Jimenez, Asleep At majority of the song here are lesser-known eight, always knowing where the track is The Wheel’s Ray Benson and Charlie album tracks, many of which are appearing going even though it’s far from finished. Daniels, with respectable placings in the on CD for the first time. Possessor of one of There are singles tracks that we blues charts as well as those for country. the smoothest voices in country music, but know—the warm barroom singalong of He has been honoured as a wordsmith by also a true stylistic innovator, he took the Jerry Lee’s What Made Milwaukee Famous the Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Hall Of new songs being written by then ground- and the moving take on Hendrix’s Angel, Fame, and his skill and preoccupation breaking songwriters like Kris Kristofferson, one of a number of alternate versions, with the guitar is reflected in his Jim Weatherly and Hal Bynum and making including an exquisite I’d Rather Go Blind. developmental work with manufacturer them totally his very own. He turns in There are more examples of Stewart’s Gibson. definitive readings of Weatherly’s Some ability as an interpreter of other people’s But that’s all history. As with many Things Never Change and Between His songs—a bleak but beautiful run through artists who go on to find fame and Goodbye And My Hello, whilst Hal Bynum’s of Dylan’s Girl From The North Country, and

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Country Comfort ( and Bernie released on Capitol between 1988-1991 freewheeling, joyous Like A Rolling Stone Taupin). when Tanya could seemingly do little with their former paymaster, Bob Dylan, The 2-CD set takes Stewart from his wrong in terms of chart hits. Across these it is them painting their masterpiece. You early solo days and highlights not only his 30 tracks no less than a third were top ten name it, they play it—The Weight, Cripple ability to write material a world away from hits and her superb revival of Jimmie Creek, Rag Mama Rag, The Night They what he had just finished with in the Jeff Rodgers Daddy And Home was a top 30 Drove Old Dixie Down—in a package Beck Band, but also the classic ability of entry. They were all produced by Jerry containing a version of every song the musicians that he, by chance, found Crutchfield, a well-established songwriter played over those four nights. himself surrounded by. Ron Wood had and music publisher. Here was a man who Then we have the mega edition, four brought everyone together to record an knew a good song and the choice of CDs and a DVD enclosed in a beautiful album for his brother, Art, and they had material on these albums is top drawer. 48-page hardback book. The first two clicked. So the stylish bass of , But it still needs an expressive and CDs are the collection mentioned above the rich keyboards of Ian McLagan (who distinctive vocalist to bring a song to life, while the other two are the complete, went the whole hog and became an Austin and when on form, Tanya Tucker is one of unedited recordings of the final night; a sessioneer) and the delicate drumming of the best around. Just listen to Strong New Year’s Eve special. There are 27 the late Micky Waller, also ex-Jeff Beck Enough To Bend, an early Beth Nielsen tracks, 16 are previously unreleased Group, all come together to create Chapman song, just one of Tanya’s many recordings. In between is minute something you’d never have expected chart-toppers. You’ll also hear Chapman amounts of chatting and just enough from musicians fresh from the pop charts. providing background vocals. The 1990s thrumming and strumming to give a feel Every bit as entrancing now as it was way saw Tanya back at her peak with a string of of a real live event. back then. Nick Dalton hits, ranging from the bounce of Walking The evening kicks off with a previously www.umusic.co.uk Shoes (a duet with T Graham Brown) to Oh unheard Cripple Creek, with eight of the What It Did To Me, the latter a sad-edged following nine tracks, an adrenaline- ballad, showing that Tucker’s forte has fuelled romp, being previously Tanya Tucker remained a broken-hearted tone in that unreleased. The Band being the Band, STRONG ENOUGH husky voice enhancing her ability to weep the music comes in an amorphous, TO BEND; through vowels and cry through stream of consciousness way so it’s hard TENNESSEE . An essential collection that to pin down whether any one version is WOMAN; WHAT any modern-leaning country fan should better than the one already released— DO I DO WITH ME own as a matter of course. Alan Cackett suffice to say they’re the same but BGO Records www.bgo-records.com different. The Band are in the form of BGOCD1116 their lives, driven by the helter-skelter HHHH keyboards of Garth Hudson, at times Classic Tanya! The Band sounding like a fairground organ, at Tanya Tucker has built one of the LIVE AT THE others threatening (but never quite) to longest careers in country music through a ACADEMY OF veer into prog-rock tendencies. diligent determination and undeniable MUSIC 1971: The The evening comes to a pre- talent. Her success began just as she was Rock of Ages conclusion with I Don’t Want To Hang Up entering her teen years and continued into Concerts My Rock ‘n’ Roll Shoes, a more rampant adulthood. Now some 40 years after Capitol/UME take than the one on the original album, making her chart debut at 13, Tucker is 06025-37375271 (4CD + DVD) 06025- before Dylan joins in. His contribution— among the all-time best-selling female 37375356 (2CD) Down In The Flood, When I Paint My vocalists in country music. But when she HHHHH Masterpiece, Don’t Ya Tell Henry and signed to Capitol Records in 1986 her The biggest, best ‘rock’ of all Rolling Stone—were part of the original career seemed to be in tatters. There had The year’s best re-release by far. This is album; but none the more extraordinary been a high profile and tempestuous, the Band’s classic live album ROCK OF in their brilliance for that. drug-fuelled relationship with Glen AGES revisited and reborn in spectacular Added to that is the DVD by Howard Campbell—who was old enough to be her fashion. The album was originally 18 tracks Alk and Murray Lerner, with beefed up father—and a massive decline in her culled from four nights at New York City’s sound, of all the first two discs, plus two record sales, not to mention some Academy Of Music in 1971. It was previously lost tracks. The 2-CD set’s ill-advised pop and rock-styled recordings expanded to 28 tracks as part of the 24-page book and the big boy’s that alienated her staunch country remastered album series in 2001. Here the 48-pages both contain an essay by audience. But the move from Arista to 2-CD version is basically that, with some guitarist and singer Robbie Robertson, Capitol in 1986 saw not only a return to her new mixes. It also features an added but the latter is packed with extra rootsy country sound, but an overnight unreleased Strawberry Wine—29 tracks photos. The former set is pocket sized return to radio and the charts with a string that comprise of possibly the best live and perfect for the car stereo, the latter is of number one singles. tracks ever recorded. From the opening needed, not least to adorn the bookshelf. These three albums, gathered together bars of The WS Walcott Medicine Show A beautiful project. Nick Dalton for a two-CD reissue, were originally through to the dying embers of a www.universalmusicenterprises.com

Maverick 109 Christmas Reviews

Trafalgar Square. And it all ends with the Restless Heart • A gentle partying of Roy Wood’s I Wish It Could Richard Durrant • RESTLESS HEART Be Christmas Every Day. Unexpected and CHRISTMAS GUITARS • CHRISTMAS • Red River marvellous—and the silver-haired Lowe LongMan 062CD • HHH RRE-CD-069 • HHHH looks more and more like a slimline Santa Probably not Maverick Why this band isn’t on a every day. Nick Dalton • material, this ambitious major label is a mystery to www.proper-records.co.uk album takes in threads of me. One of the finest country-rock harmony classical, folk, chamber, and choral music. outfits to grace mainstream country, they Elizabeth Mitchell and Durrant is a skilled guitarist and he has pulled bring their distinctive vocals to bear on a mix Friends • THE in various guests to add to the rich tapestry of well-known seasonal classics—Jingle Bell SOUNDING JOY • of sound including Amy Kakoura who brings Rock, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy— Smithsonian Folkways her haunting vocals to Emmanuel/Gloria, the alongside some new creations like joyful SFWCD45074 • HHHHI all-too-brief A Christmas Eve Lullaby and A opener Season Of Harmony, which is a A Christmas album that Northern Winter Night with its ethereal perfect fit for this five-piece harmony group radiates with the true spirit of the season, Clannad-type arrangement. Veteran comedy and album closer Santa’s Prayer, a gorgeous this is a joyous collection of folk carols drawn star Barry Cryer steps up to the microphone song about the true meaning of Christmas. from Ruth Crawford Seeger’s 1953 American to recite the tale of The Polar Bear. Definitely There’s also a delightful version of Roger Folk Songs for Christmas songbook. one for the more adventurous music lover. Miller’s’ Old Toy Trains and the evocative Elizabeth Mitchell is joined by musical Alan Cackett • www.richarddurrant.com Tennessee Christmas, penned by Amy Grant friends, family and neighbours including and Gary Chapman. If you enjoy the music of Peggy Seeger, , Natalie Mediaeval Baebes • OF Restless Heart you’ll love this collection, and Merchant, Amy Helm, Aoife O’Donovan and KINGS & ANGELS • if you’re a fan of country Christmas songs many others There’s over 70 minutes of Self-released • HHH you owe it to yourselves to give a listen to music along with a 32pp booklet with Making inroads on the UK this wonderful music. Alan Cackett • photos and essay about the music. And what folk scene, the six women www.restlessheartband.com music! The affair is a joyous one, with every that make up the Mediaeval song arranged imaginatively and performed Baebes have brought a Nick Lowe • QUALITY with due reverence for the holiday season. soundscape to folk music. I’m not entirely STREET • Some of these songs I’ve not heard in years sure if what they do should actually be Proper PRPCD114 • HHHH and highlights for me would have to be termed folk music, but it seems that the folk Yes, it’s a new Nick Lowe January, February (The Last Month Of The scene has embraced what they do, so what album (always a treat)—and Year), with its gospel arrangement, the do I know. Here they mix in beautiful it’s a Christmas album! A dozen tracks with a simple rendition of Christmas Day In the renditions of English and European carols … variety of centres, from rockabilly to smooth Morning (aka I Saw Three Ships) and the most are very familiar and I really cannot jazz, somehow managing to tread the fine closing Children Go Where I Send Thee. An fault their interpretations of The Holly And line between Lowe’s quiet, sometimes album that will bring the true meaning of The Ivy, Ding Dong Merrily On High and In The nearly silent, rock‘n’roll country crooning Christmas back in to your heart. Alan Bleak Midwinter. Alan Cackett • and good seasonal fun. From the off, the Cackett • www.folkways.si.edu www.mediaevalbaebes.com traditional Children Go Where I Send Thee, set to a rockabilly thrum, you know it’s not • Various Artists • going to be your usual Christmas album. It’s CHRISTMAS TIME’S LEGACY CHRISTMAS • proven again when we get the man’s own A-COMING • Gaither Music Living Waters for the World • Christmas At The Airport, a timeless holiday Group CD SHD 6316 • HHH HHHI soundscape yet with lyrics about being Commencing with a lively A delightful collection of stuck in the terminal. opener Let It Snow: Let It Snow: Let It Snow, we mainly traditional Christmas carols, The collection is a strange concoction, then have a new and unusual song Peterbilt sub-titled ‘Treasured carols of the Kirk.’ brought together by Lowe’s regular Sleigh, which leads into some Christmas Recorded in Nashville it features such sidekicks— (splendid on chestnuts such as the old Gene Autry hit well-known musicians as Deanie Richardson Christmassy keyboards), drummer Robert from the late 1940s Here Comes Santa Claus (fiddle, mandolin), Sam Levine (flute, whistle), Treherne, bassist Matt Radford and twang and White Christmas. The old Bill Monroe Russell Davis (keyboard, melodica) and guitarist Johnny Scott. Add a horn section bluegrass tune Christmas Time’s A-Coming is Melissa Du Puy (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, and you find you have an unlikely, sub- given a rousing and very acoustic and tenor banjo, bodhran) with Irish singer Alyth bluebeat version of Silent Night. Ron appealing rendition. Getting Ready For A McCormack (of the Chieftains) providing the Sexsmith’s Hooves On The Roof emerges like Baby and the album closer Glorious gorgeous vocals on O Holy Night and the late-night smouldering jazz, the traditional Impossible are new to me. I was rather Wexford Carol. Many of these well-known Rise Up Shepherd gets a touch of sitar while disappointed with their rendition of the favourites can be traced back hundreds of the Lowe/ tune A Dollar Short Of Mark Lowry classic Mary Did You Know?, but years like the 15th century God Rest Ye Merry Happy is so laid back it almost comes to a overall I found much to enjoy on what is a Gentlemen and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel halt. It’s like a 1950s-1960s US TV special, fresh sounding and enjoyable Christmas from the 13th century. Exceptionally well oozing warm feelings and sincerity yet there release. Fans of the Oaks will want to add this done. Alan Cackett • are enough sparkling eyes to light up to their collection. David Brassington www.legacychristmas.net

110 Maverick DVD REVIEWS

Joe Bonamassa talking about Joe and the concerts. None TOUR DE FORCE (LIVE IN LONDON) of which manages to really hold the Provogue attention; especially his ‘management;’ HHH who don’t ever talk about ‘music.’ I can Back in March the current Crown Prince understand why Bonamassa and his of the Blues, Joe Bonamassa, played four ‘team’ felt that the original concept of concerts on four consecutive nights at four very different gigs spread over five four different venues in London and this nights was a great idea; and in many ways box set contains each gig in all its it works—he really does come alive with a powerful glory. In the interests of guitar in his hands; but a four DVD box set professionalism I put a whole day to one really will stretch the hardcore fan’s side and with some judicial use of the patience and wallet. Alan Harrison fast-forward button managed to watch everything (in 8 hours) and here are my thoughts. London was selected for the concerts as each venue has played a major part in LIVE AT ROCKPALAST CD/DVD Bonamassa’s career; so, starting in Repertoire Records –REP5283 chronological order the first DVD is a HHHH return to the 200 capacity Borderline Club The Blues Band are legends of British with just Joe, Anton Figg on drums and forward button was used; especially blues music and can still play the blues Michael Rhodes on bass in front of a during the long and intricate guitar solos better than a lot of their younger specially invited audience; that also (I must be getting old!) but I did enjoy contemporaries. Rockpalast is a famous includes a smattering of fans. By far this is this version of The Ballad of John Henry. German music TV show that has featured my favourite, with Spanish Boots, Miss You/ By the time I got around to watching some amazing acts. LIVE AT ROCKPALAST Hate You and Story Of A Quarryman all the fourth DVD, Live at I is a series of good quality CD/DVD sets being scintillating; although I could have really was suffering from guitar fatigue; released through Repertoire Records. I lived without the pub-rock version of but I forced myself to watch it from have been a fan of the Blues Band since Jimi’s Are You Experienced. The club beginning to end (fast-forwarding about they released their first LP; OFFICIAL atmosphere is genuinely ‘electric’ and at 45 minutes). This concert was billed as BLUES BAND BOOTLEG ALBUM in 1980, times the normally cool and demure ‘showcasing Bonamassa’s most well but unfortunately never got to see them guitarist looks like he could known songs,’ but the ones I recognised live until many years later. spontaneously combust with excitement; were all originally written and recorded This CD/DVD captures the guys in their as do the fans packing the front of the by other artists. After sitting through the youth at the Grugahalle on April 19, stage. three previous concerts it is ridiculously 1980, with terrific energy and brilliant The concert at the bigger Shepherd’s difficult to pick out highlights; but Slow musicianship. All the favourites are here Bush Empire is a blues-themed set, Train, Django and Just Got Paid got with Paul Jones in magnificent vocal form allowing the guitarist to pay homage to watched with less use of the fast-forward on songs such as the tremendous Can’t his heroes; with Slow Train, So Many Roads button than the rest which was some Hold On Much Longer with some superb and The Great Flood really showcasing the feat on my behalf. slide guitar from Dave Kelly, Tom New Yorker’s skills, but this was also when Each DVD also has about an hour of McGuinness on lead guitar and the tight the fast-forward button first got used, as ‘exclusive’ behind-the-scenes interviews rhythm section of Gary Fletcher (bass) several tunes went off into meandering and hand-held style films of Joe and and Hughie Flint (drums). Dave’s slide solos. I was pleasantly surprised that a various members of the entourage features magnificently on Death Letter horn section came into play a few times and he also takes turns at lead vocals on and it’s an area I’d like to see Joe songs such as Someday Baby. Other great experiment with; but I guess his fan base songs featured include; Come On In, would probably disagree. Flatfoot Sam, Maggie’s Farm and Boom, Next up is the powerhouse rock and Boom, Out Go The Lights. roll gig at Hammersmith Apollo; which I The DVD runs as the CD with 14 tracks, guess is the one Bonamassa’s fan base will plus the extra bonus of a backstage enjoy the most. The gig starts with some interview with the band. Fantastic live acoustic songs: Bad Company’s Seagull recording and the DVD is also in surround and The Faces’ Richmond being sound (although the picture is at times a particularly memorable but when he bit dark). It is great seeing them in their launched into ’s Cradle early days, they are probably more Rock he recreated the Irish rocker’s fire polished now but of course the energy and brimstone; taking the night off into a was very high then. David Knowles whole new direction. Again the fast- www.repertoirerecords.com

Maverick 111 BOOK Reviews

Simple Dreams presents a detailed analysis with Dolly Parton and in A Musical Memoir of how her career some detail and describes how she had to developed and diversified persuade her record company that (Simon & Shuster) from folk, country, rock, recording albums of Mexican Mariachi Generally regarded as standards, Mariachi and in music was a viable proposition. Whilst her the top female singer in the the twilight of her career, popularity eventually started to wane, she 1970s and certainly the first collaborating with was undeterred and gives a graphic to have four consecutive celebrated Cajun singer account of the production of her most platinum albums, Linda Ann Savoy, which was her recent albums right up to her final solo Ronstadt has concentrated final recording venture. offering HUMMIN’ TO MYSELF in 2004, of her efforts since retirement Linda recounts the which she is justifiably proud. Her last live on producing a very treadmill of releasing performance came on November 7, 2009 readable account of her successful albums annually performing with her beloved Mariachi Los career in a male dominated for Asylum Records and the Camperos. environment. Quite inevitable constant touring, The book, which contains deliberately focussing on her distinguished performing in massive arenas, often with comprehensive details of all her albums, and versatile musical career as an sub standard sound quality. comes in a variety of formats and Linda’s interpretative singer, she recalls with the Linda’s European tour in 1976, where she publishers have done an excellent job. help of friends, musical compatriot John played in smaller venues convinced her that Relying on memory has inevitably meant Boylan and famed music critic John at some time in the future she would love to that there are gaps. No mention of her Rockwell, the many hurdles she had to perform ‘on a stage with a curtain.’ She surprise hit SOMEWHERE OUT THERE with negotiate in order to achieve the success describes playing Mabel in The Pirates of James Ingram for example, nor is there any she deserved. Linda recounts her happy Penzance as a revelation and how a film significant reference to the hundred plus childhood in Tucson with her family which version together with a less successful spell contributions she has made as a backing was dominated by the sounds of Frank on stage as Mimi in La Bohème followed. vocalist on other artists’ recordings. Several Sinatra, Hank Williams and her favourite Linda makes no secret of the fact that she of Linda’s close friends and musical Mariachi music from across the border in always had a passion to record standards associates have sadly passed on at an early Mexico. Singing from an early age with her which led to her teaming up with producer age. , Andrew Gold and brother and sister as The New Union Jerry Wexler to record a little known for example could surely Ramblers, she left for Los Angeles with $30 unreleased album of standards. The have provided even more detail to what is a from her father and teamed up with Bobby setback couldn’t deter her and led to frank and first class piece of work. Sadly, Kimmel and Kenny Edwards to form the Nelson Riddle agreeing willingly to since completing the book Linda has been Stone Poneys. collaborate on three superb albums with diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and at Linda’s career from then on has been well WHAT’S NEW becoming an instant if the age of 67 has completely lost her ability documented but she adds much that has somewhat surprising smash hit. Linda to sing. A sad end to a glittering career. never appeared in the music press and covers the production of TRIO and TRIO 11 John Roffey

said Sevenoaks??) We were not disappointed by this hard Letters to the editor... working female duo, they gave us a superb cross section of their music and we enjoyed I have been a subscriber to Maverick idea of the effort you and your team put in it so much we purchased their latest CD for a number of years and would not miss to get each issue out and it is thoroughly COME AS YOU ARE—LIVE (as reviewed in the it for quids! Always a great read and your appreciated! Country music represents so latest Maverick). The promoter plans to CD reviews cost me a small fortune every much these days and you guys are making put on further similar artistes at this venue month! Like yourself I have been in the a great feast of letting us know who is and we are planning to go along for more music industry for years mainly, in retail doing what. Keep up the good work! especially as it’s only a stones throw from in Australia when ‘record stores’ were still Martin Blackmore, our house. viable (was GM of a chain of around 120 Christchurch, New Zealand Dana Wiffen, Bexley, Kent stores many years ago) and currently run www.rootsofrock.net which started out as Just to say thanks to Maverick Magazine, I will be posting my writings on my a hobby, but with which I am pursuing a I purchased a CD some time ago called personal website – www.alancackett.com viable online business with new changes THE GOOD IN GOODBYE by Madison Violet You can also contact me on my personal in the future (I often mention Maverick from Canada. I tried to see them last year email address – [email protected] reviews on albums with stars and place link but The Union Chapel date was cancelled. and I will also be utilising my facebook and to your Home page), and play in a band. Anyway on seeing that they were playing twitter accounts, which I’ve tended to neglect in I read the letters from your subscribers the nearby Dartford Mick Jagger Centre, with interest … ignore the negative ones my brother-in-law and I got tickets for recent months due to lack of time. about Maverick Magazine! I have a fair October 10, 2013. (although your listing Alan Cackett

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