On Friday night (10/14) the ladies of red hot Wheelhouse Records act Runaway June showed a packed Grand Ole Opry House exactly what country music fans are quickly discovering. The hit-making trio – comprised of Naomi Cooke (lead vocals, guitar); Hannah Mulholland (vocals; mandolin; and Jennifer Wayne (vocals; guitar) – performed their debut single, “Lipstick,” as well as heart-wrenching … Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
New Country: Brooke Eden — ‘Welcome To The Weekend’
Brooke Eden — Welcome To The Weekend Girls just wanna have fun, as the ’80s pop anthem stated. Well, some things never change because all these years later, we have Brooke Eden. She is a new presence on the country stage and she is a name you’ll hear a lot more of. Her new country/soul/pop … Continue reading
New Country: The Time Jumpers — ‘Kid Sister’
The Time Jumpers — Kid Sister Label: Rounder Records OK, so it’s not the world’s most exciting album cover. Open it up and take out the disc. What really matters is the music, and that’s where this album comes through. What more could anyone who loves Western Swing ask for than the stellar musicianship surrounding … Continue reading
New (Authentic) Country: Shane Owens — ‘Where I’m Comin’ From’
Shane Owens — Where I’m Comin’ From Label: Amerimonte Records God bless Shane Owens, for he is a beacon of hope in the disappearing history of country music. His sound harkens back to when country music and lyrics reflected an authentically rural world, and when the songs on a country radio station could never be mistaken … Continue reading
New Blues: Paul Reddick — ‘Ride The One’
Paul Reddick — Ride The One Label: Stony Plain Records Canadian blues musician who got his start playing the harmonica at the age of 12. He’s all grown up now and has added vocals and a whole lot of charisma to his list of talents. His latest album, Ride The One, is a gritty, poetic … Continue reading
New Soul/Blues: The Fabulous Thunderbirds — ‘Strong Like That’
The Fabulous Thunderbirds — Strong Like That Label: Severn Records Yes, they’re still pretty fabulous, if perhaps a tad too smooth. With their fusion of blues, rock & roll, and R&B, the Fabulous Thunderbirds popularized roadhouse Texas blues in the ’80s and became one of the most inflential bands in that subgenre. Since then, they’ve continued … Continue reading
New Blues: Colin James — ‘Blue Highways’
Colin James — ‘Blue Highways’ Label: True North Records (release date: October 14, 2016) “Colin James” is the answer to the age old question, “Do Canadians ever get the blues?” If you doubt it, then get James’ new album, Blue Highways (his eighteenth), and believe. On Blue Highways, Colin James takes us on a journey … Continue reading
New Blues: Sugar Ray And The Bluetones — ‘Seeing Is Believing’
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones — Seeing Is Believing Label: Severn Records (release date of October 7, 2016) Sugar Ray and the Bluetones are consistent as can be. This time, the East Coast-based blues band fronted by harmonica man extraordinaire/vocalist Ray Norcia and featuring Monster Mike Welch (guitar), Anthony Geraci (piano/organ), Michael Mudcat Ward (bass), and … Continue reading
New Rhythm and Blues: Si Cranstoun — ‘Old School’
Si Cranstoun — Old School Label: Ruf Records Wow. Here’s a reason to believe that the entire music industry has not completely failed us in 2016. I’m talking about Si Cranstoun and his riveting new album, Old School, which relies on the tried and true infectious energy of rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues to … Continue reading
New Soul: Tami Neilson — ‘Don’t Be Afraid’
Tami Neilson — Don’t Be Afraid Is Tami Neilson real? Take a listen to the Canadian-raised, New Zealand-based roots singer/songwriter’s new album, Don’t Be Afraid, and you’ll wonder as well. She’s quite a discovery for those of us who are just catching up with her successful career (if you want to know what you’ve been … Continue reading
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