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
Category Archives: Music
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
New Classic Country: Gary West — ‘For The Love Of Cash’ (Vol. 2)
Gary West — For The Love Of Cash, Volume 2 The actual Johnny Cash may have left the building, but the love of his music remains. The most entertaining way to satisfying that craving for hearing Johnny Cash’s sound again is to listen to Gary West. His album, For The Love Of Cash, Volume 2, is … Continue reading
New Country: Bradley Walker — ‘Call Me Old-Fashioned’
Bradley Walker — Call Me Old-Fashioned Label: Gaither Music/Farmhouse Recordings Did you miss going to church last Sunday? I have a solution; put on Call Me Old-Fashioned, the new album from Bradley Walker. It’ll do you good. The church crowd will ove it too, of ocurse, but it’s the kind of singin’ that reaches much further than … Continue reading
New Country: William Clark Green — Live At Gruene Hall
William Clark Green — Live At Gruene Hall I confess: the main reason I often avoid going to live country concerts is… well… is because I love country music. The last thing I want to hear is a great song drowned out by a bunch of random drunk people… or someone near me who isn’t … Continue reading
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