This energetic string band have upped their game with their new album. Bringing in producer Mike Herrera (of MxPX and the excellent Tumbledown) gives their sound an new edge and added dimension that makes their self-written songs and multi-vocal assault work that much better than before. They've also added texture with the array of acoustic instruments including banjo, guitar, bass, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, harmonica and on three tracks drums, played by Harley Trotland of Tumbledown. These are song that take a age old form and give it a new lease of life as these song deal with the band's life and travails rather than being rooted in the songs of the past that many similar bands use as the basis of their set. Telegraph is a less frantic tale of meeting people in specific places. The vocals are shared between the four players and are often delivered in unison creating a punk like fusion of action and vision. The country break-up tale of Since You've Been Gone could easily find space on a straight country album. London Breakdown highlights their instrumental skills which are pretty damn good. Their hundred-mile-an-hour street gang bluegrass is full on in Blackbird Pickin' At A Squirrel, while the more measured Sunday Night Roast is another strong contender. Kenny Feinstein, Josh Rabie, Cory Goldman and Walter Spencer are the Water Tower Bucket Boys and they are doubtless picking up fans as they go and with the albums getting better with each release it can't be two long before they get the same interest as bands like Old Crow Medicine Show or Chatham County Line. They just need the right breaks and a little more exposure to help them on their way from Their Portland, Oregon base to the world at large. www.watertowerbucketboys.com
The Avett Brothers 'I and Love and You' American
This trio have been building a strong following in the USA through some strong live performances and an increasingly sophisticated set of albums. They have brought their music from it's acoustic string band roots to a full sound that has seen erroneous comparisons to the likes of Coldplay. The foundation of these songs is still rooted in their original intentions but has, in the studio, been expanded and built on to the point where now with a major label and having their album produced by Rick Rubin has brought them wider attention (and criticism) for what they do. The piano and percussion are all much more in evidence on this album, which, not unexpectedly, has a greater sonic footprint within it's sound than on previous albums, although it's immediate predecessor the indie Emotionalism is not that far behind in terms of overall direction. The trio are multi-instrumentalists and also employ a team of additional players to give this album it's layered and textured range. What has been apparent all along is that these guys can write a good song and give it a good lyric. There is a sense of a set of songs that have a high lyric content that are both literary and likable. From the title song to the telling Ten Thousand Words to percussive dynamic of the more upfront Kick Drum Heart. Then there's the sibling harmonies which grace many of the their melodic and memorable songs. Many of these songs will find a place on rock radio as they are filled with hooks and choruses that lodge with the music memory cells. The word is spreading and it won't belong before they start to play in bigger venues and many more will know who the Avett Brothers are in the way the Kings Of Leon built on their original inspirations to reach their own sound and audience. The Avett Brothers are coming from a different place but could end up standing on the same stages but you getting the feeling that whatever way it turns out that these guys will continue to their music. As the song says It Goes On and On.
Mike Bartlett 'Truth & Love' Self-released
A singer/songwriter with a big presence, a big voice and some big songs. His influences range from outlaw country heroes like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard through to rock with connections to his native Ireland that included Thin Lizzy and The Waterboys, as well with a meaningful band like Pearl Jam. That manifests itself with a rock heart and a country soul, with rock songs delivered in a roots style. Built around the central core of acoustic guitar and voice the arrangements feature a full sound with rhythm section and electric guitar and keyboards. The songs deal with life, reflections on how people deal with its tribulations. How the small man deals with bigger issues is shown in David And Goliath. The title track is a direct appeal for truth and love as the bedrock of any relationship, and is given a sparse setting that works very well in the context of the song. Song That Changed The World looks a the wider issues of hoping for some lasting peace in the world at large. Bartlett doesn't have a hugh vocal range but he still conveys the emotions he intends. The albums is one which has a depth that requires several listens to gain the most from Bartlett's songs. Truth and Love is a engaging debut from a artist who will undoubtably grow and develop as he gains performance and experience. In the end you come away with the impression of a big man with a big heart. It's a shame then that he hasn't conveyed that on the album cover which is one of those that lacks and real connection with him or his music. Find more about him at myspace.com/mikebartlettmusic
Stone River Boys 'Love On The Dial' Cow Island
The tragic death of Dave Gonzalez's Hacienda Brothers partner Chris Gaffney left him with options. Options which he has decided to persue with his new band Stone River Boys which, to a degree, pick up from where the Hacienda's left off with further explorations of the country/soul music that they had at their core. This time out Gonzalez has teamed up with former Hollisters singer Mike Barfield, who has a strong soulful voice well able to bring the depth of soul and the heart of country music to the mix. He also brought a bunch of songs that he'd written solo or with others to the table. Dave Gonzalez is a reknowned guitar player, singer and songwriter himself and this makes them a perfect frontman combination. But in the engine room there are players like Kevin Smith and Hank Mainger on bass, Justin Jones and Damien Llanes on Drums as well as having the textures of Dave Biller's sensitive steel guitar to top it all. Gonzalez has done a excellent job on the peoduction, a meaty one that keeps all the elements balanced. One strong package. The songs rum from Biller's instrumental Steel City to the soul covers Can I Change Your Mind and the Goffin/ King song Take A Giant Step. The original are right up there with the steel led Lover's Prison right next to the sad ballad 40 Acres which has some nice steel and baritone guitar interplay. The title track is the band at it's most soulful with Hammond organ swirls around the compelling vocals. Fans of the Hacienda Brothers will love this. It's not that band with Barfield replacing Chris Gaffney, but rather a somewhat different take on that timeless soul country theme. It the sort of album that grows with listening and is an album in the best sense of a complementary set of songs creating a greater whole. Tune in.
Lilly Drumeva 'Loving You' Music Author
Proving that music crosses many borders Bulgarian Lilly Drumeva and her band Lilly of the West (and guests Monogram from the Czech Republic) are playing quality bluegrass and acoustic country. The songs are from the pen of such traditional stalwarts as Bill Monroe, Hank Williams Snr, Jimmie Rodgers as well as from Tim O'Brien, Townes Zan Vandt as well as contemporary writes like Gillian Welch. The versions here are not pushing any envelopes but are delivered with skill, verve and understanding. Drumeva, in her sleeve note, say her passion for this music came from hearing Emmylou Harris' Live At The Ryman album and that is a pretty good compass point for what's happening here. She also mixes thins up a little by choosing to cover a 1930's jazz standard Pennies From Heaven in a way that nods to it's source. While the closing song, her take on Tennessee Waltz shows that her range could easily extend to traditional country as easily as the acoustic bluegrass base of much of the material. What comes across is a singer and set of musicians enjoying what they are doing and exploring the music they love. It shows that in the future that if it was decided to seek out some less well know choices and expanding on original writing abilities that Lily Drumeva should be able to take her music to another level. In the meantime Loving You is here to be enjoyed.
Tim O'Connell 'It's My Song Dammit' Tall Man
The title refers to the fact that O'Connell wrote a song he wrote was recorded by Johnny Cash but only got a release on the Unearthed box set. Rick Rubin commented that it was a song that Johnny Cash had brought in but didn't know who wrote it, Rubin felt it summed up Cash. That song A Singer Of Songs is not included here instead we get ten new songs that range from acoustic styled country to the full bluesy rock riffing of Little Radio, a song that sums up O'Connell approach to life, family and music. About finding his love for music on a little radio and about finding something you love to do. Other songs run from the uptempo upfront Thank You For Being A Friend to the duet with Jill Walsh on Talkin' About Love, a theme that permiates the album with other titles like This Must Be Love, Without You and There's Nothing You Can Do. There's a soulful track That Rightous Road that features the Vanderbilt University's Voices of Praise
Gospel Choir that is another uplifting song. O'Connell produced the album with P.G. Banker in Nashville but other than that there are no musician details. Overall O'Connell has a warm and expressive voice the music is a mix of rootish music, mainly uptempo with a full band and is a good listen that will please many with it's positive attitude and catchy song craft.
Mark Wayne Glasmire 'Life Goes On' Traceway Music
A singer songwriter who plays music that hints of 70's crossover country/folk storytelling that was epitomized by the likes of John Denver or Dan Fogelberg. In other words gentle, easy listening tales that are melodic and musical. It's produced by Glasmire and John Albani in Nashville and features a selection of players including Wanda Vick who brings a folky, bluegrass element to the easy-on-the-ear proceedings. On occasions the song take on a harder theme as on Everything Is Gonna Be Alright a song that deals with job loss and a father's protective title mantra to his worried family, but one that turns out to have a positive message. Positivity is a key element of the music on offer here, an undemanding, life-affirming set of songs that would find favour with many who were fans of the aforementioned Denver and Fogelberg's style of music. Glasmire does what he does well but some of us may be looking for something with a harder edge and deeper roots but there are many others looking for the kind of lighter relief that Mark Wayne Glasmire so obviously delivers with style.
Lynn Miles 'Black Flowers (volumes 1-2)' True North
The convincing voice and the strong sons of Lynn Miles are the core of this album which features Miles accompanied only by her guitar or her piano playing on a set of new and old songs delivered in their rawest and purest setting highlighting the songs in the fashion that they were, doubtless, first conceived and played. The effect is that of listening to Miles in an intimate setting and hearing the songs in that light. There are 20 songs featured on the two CD which makes it a pleasurable listen for those acquainted with her music or those who like their songs of love, life and location straight up. Otherwise it may be a little too much for new listeners who may find any of her previous, well received and fuller sounding albums a better place to start but either way these songs testify to Miles' talent and her take on human traits. wwwlynnmilesmusic.com
Emil Friis 'The Road To Nashville' Southern Imperial
This Danish artist is releasing his third album of Americana styled original songs. The album opens with a voice and piano track that is, in truth non to enticing, but starts proper with the title track a compelling song that features some mariachi styled trumpet that adds much to the atmosphere. Recorded in a studio in southern Sweden over a two-day period which results in a lose and effective mood across the entire album. The overall sound might be described, loosely as David Gray singing alt-country, but that only gives a superficial idea of his music. Friis has produced the album with a tight set of like-minded musicians who give Friis' self-written songs the depth they require. This could easily have emerged from the USA, or even from the fringes of the city of the title track. Friis writes and sings in English and if you weren't aware you not know that this was not his native language. But that the language of roots American music is pretty universal and travels well as evidenced here. It is a strong and intriguing album that makes you want to hear Friis' earlier efforts but this, by all accounts is a looser more soulful take on the music he makes a perfect introduction to his muse. www.myspace.com/emilfriis
Mark Bates 'Down The Narrow' Self-release
That Bates only cover here is a version of Townes van Zandt says a lot about his aspirations and intentions. It's a pretty good interpretation too. His own songs are good too. That he has the talent Duke Levine on board suggest that Levine thinks so too. Bates posses a voice that does his songs justice and a way with words. His songs as delivered can loosely be described as Americana and beyond. Some of the songs make hard choices. Go On is about leaving while the final track Death Sucks is fairly self explanatory. But the song itself is delivered with not a little humour and a little touch of New Orleans. Other songs start for an equally downbeat premise but are delivered with some panache. A Drunkard's Holiday would be one such song. The other songs are equally full of nuances and angles. The playing and production are, throughout, a perfect match for bates singular take on life. Shotgun With The Devil has a banjo to give the songs a certain mood while the songs expands and illuminates the unsettling nature of the song. Down The Narrow is an album of fairly wide open music and an one that is a strong listening experience for those with a broader view of roots music but one worth the effort to discover. Judging from this I begin to wonder if he's any relation to Norman. myspace.com/markbatesmusic
Steve Mayone 'Long Play Record' Hi-N-Dry
An Americana artist and veteran of several bands this is Mayone latest release. There is something of the old school about Mayone that suggests The Band or Dylan, without ever sounding like them and he may have a way to go to reach their artistic heights. He touches on country with High Lonesome, while at other times a roots rock is rampant while other songs are pure rock like the jumping Secret Garden. Dirty Old Town has some blues harmonica at it's heart, the song is about big town blues and is a Mayone co-writer and nothing to do with Ewan MacColl's song of the same name. As indeed is Help Me Make It Through The Night, another original song with a existing song title. Mayone has produced and engineered this album using a variety of home studios to get what is a remarkably full sound, full of percussion, brass and keyboards as well as pedal steel and mandolin. This is the kind of album with hidden depths that need to be explored for it's full potential to become apparent. The sensitivity of Dear Dad, a more stripped-down ballad express what many would feel but may not be able to express, all of which points to Mayone's growth as a songwriter and an album that is available from his site as your unlikely to come across it elsewhere. www.stevemayone.com
Becky Schlegel 'Dandelion' Lilly Ray
This album covers a number of different bases from stripped down piano-based songs like They Way You Are to the touches of bluegrass of Don't Leave It Up Top Me to country music of I Never Loved You Cowboy. But what is most prominent is Schlegel's voice, an instrument with hints of Alison Krauss and, on occasion Dolly Parton. Schlegal plays a key role in this album from co-production, with Brian Fesler. to writing all the songs on the album. playing rhythm guitar and adding her on-the-money vocals. She can be rightly proud of the work she's put in. The album has a lot of strong points but a couple of songs like When It Rains have an instant attraction not least for it's fine resonator guitar solo. With the right exposure Schlegel could reach the a wider audience but as she is currently on an small independent label she will need a lot of luck to connect with that audience. But in the meantime anyone who encounters this album will doubtless find themselves captivated.
Kim Richey 'Wreck Your Wheels' Lojinx
I really liked Kim Richey first couple of albums when she was considered to be a part of a more expansive set of Nashville writers. However commercial success didn't follow and she moved on recording music that was well outside the umbrella of country music. On this new album there is something of a slight return in that pedal steel is used within the mix on four tracks but you are not going to mistake this album for a Music Row production. Rather that is handled here by multi-instrumentalist Neilson Hubbard who gives the songs some multi-layerd settings that uses a variety of keyboards, brass and strings to elaborate the songs. If you like your music with hints of a whole range of music and some complex arrangements then this album will be for you. Richey has powerful upfront voice and used it well. There are a number of guests who add to the vocal choruses and one who add additional instruments. Players like Will Kimbrough join here for a couple of songs all of which were co-written by Richey and other established writers like the aforementioned Kimbrough, as well as Boo Hewerdine and Marl Olson. Those who have followed Richey through here various stages will find much to admire here. And with songs like In The Years To Come and the banjo-tinged Once In Your Life you can see why.
Dave Gunning 'We're All Leaving' Wee House
An accomplished craftsman, Canadian Dave Gunning is a storytelling singer/songwriter who latest album is a rootsy, rocking album with a full band adding weight to the songs. Communities are a focal point of this album with songs about abandoned hopes as in Ashen Town, songs about moving on with the title track. Songs about arriving,Sorry For The City and songs for those who stayed, As Far As This Town Goes. Gunning looks at and observes the coming and goings of the ordinary men and women who seek solace in small towns or in big cities. Gunning sings with the conviction of someone who understands the rivers and tributaries of humanity. Producer and sometime co-writer Justin Robinson gives the album a warm B3 filled sound that has rhythmic undertow and sense of melody. Dave Gunning is a part of the Canadian songwriter community and a proud one. He has released a number of albums and all are worth hearing and getting to know. Gunning sense of affinity with lives that may seem on the surface unexceptional but are as profound in their own way are reflected in his music which is not breaking any new ground but stands (or falls) on his ability to tell the story he intends to. Here he does a fine job. www.davegunning.com
The John Henrys 'White Linen' 9LB
The latest album from this accomplished Canadian five piece band is a mix of rock, roots and country influences that is a times a little Tom Petty and at others takes a harder edge that approximates to the rockin' sound of the 70's. The band include some pedal steel, mandolin and banjo to flavour the robust roots rock. The songs are written by the band, in the main, by Rey Sabatin Jr. The also can do slower atmospheric songs like Cold Chill, which takes a different perspective on the traditional ballad The Banks Of The Ohio. The title songs os a little more Band like with upfront organ and it shows off the harmonies well. Stars Align is a vibrant guitar riffed song that picks up the positive mood. While a solid ballad like Good Man is blessed by a strong vocal that tells the story of a break-up with empathy. The song Dawson City, another complentative ballad, is a new version of the song which appeared on their first album and shows how much they have come together as band. The final songs Patriot Song is based around a factual event and has a folkish theme with some military percussion and it closes what is a strong, varied album that highlights the strengths that this self-produced band have.
Eddie Clendenning 'Is Knocking At Your Heart' Ventrella
This is an album that is rooted in 50s rock 'n' roll both in sound and vision. The mini-gatefold sleeve is a well crafted homage to the design of that era. As is the music, which is given a fresh take on that time frame too. Clendenning has played Elvis in the Million Dollar Quartet musical which will give you a big clue as to where he's coming from, but it's the lesser know names like Hayden Thompson and Billy Lee Riley who are his primary influences, alongside the playing of key guitarists like James Burton and Scotty Moore. His backing guitar, drums, bass trio - The Modern Sounds are tight and accomplished and to mush to make this album what it is . The songs range from ballads to rockabilly styled uptempo numbers with one excursion to the country music sounds, with pedal steel guitar, of Six Feet Under which shows that Clendenning could easily follow that path if he choose to. He can take on many vocal nuances with ease and is totally into music made in the 50s to which he brings his knowledge, enthusiasm and skill to. All of which gives fans of this genre something to check out, as well as the music released by the Ventrella label. As Eddie himself says in his sleeve note "If you don't dig it - well, you only have yourself to blame".
Sally Spring 'Made Of Stars' Sniffinpup
A strong songwriter and singer this is Spring's follow up to 2006's Mockingbird release and it is a good one. Produced by Ted Lyons, who also plays drums and guitars has palced Spring at the centre of the music allowing both her voice and her songs the focus that they require. This is also highlighted by the albums cover choices which include a striking, slow paced version of Johnny Cash's much covered I Still Miss Someone which is one of the best given the way it gets the deep loss of the song across in a powerful way. Short Side of Nothing is a Los Lobs songs and there is a live version of Willie Dixon's It Don't Make Sense. But it says a lot for Spring's own songs that they stand up next such an cherished song. Her song Mercy is something that is on a par with Mary Gauthier as indeed are many of her other songs which make it a rounded and reflective album. Her voice reminds a little of Natalie Merchant but is distinctive in itself and delivers there often mournful but uplifting songs with confidence and heart. The band also includes James Masteo of the Bongos and ex-Joe Jackson bassist Graham Maby. Those adding the harmonies include Caitlin Cary, Gurf Molix, Susan Cowsill and producer Lyons. The musical textures include strings, keyboards and accordion over a core of guitar, bass and drum as appropriate. All of which makes this an album that is made by stars and one that shines bright
No Comebacks 'Back In The Saddle Again' Ocean
With Special guest P.J. Proby - now there's a blast from the past. As indeed is much of the music here. The album opens with Proby introducing the album before launching into Corrine Corrina one of 8 tracks that Proby adds his still strong vocals to. But after a while the programmed synthesized sound grates. The drum machine particularly is at odds with the feel of the music. The end result doesn't swing it judders sounding like a country karaoke night at your local disco. Something that's fun at the time but not something that you may want to repeat in the cold light of day. Even the presence of real pedal steel hasn't managed to redeem the overall sound. The closing song, always one of my favourites Ghost Riders In The Sky is just about saved by the icon guitar riff and Proby's over the top vocal. No comebacks primary members Mark Dean Ellen and Johhny Podd doubtless enjoy country music and have made an album on a tight budget but the end result described as "quirky" will not be to everyone's taste but maybe the line dancers will enjoy it.
Chet O'Keefe 'Game Bird' Self-released
This album is packaged in a distinctive Jon Langford illustrated cover. O'Keefe is a bearded troubadour who vocally is reminiscent at times of John Prine. His songwriting similarly has an easy observational/conversational style exemplified by a song like Good Friends. But what really counts here is the strength of the song writing allied to the tight musical ensemble that includes some of Nanci Griffith's band (including Nanci herself on backing vocals), Thomm Jutz and Pat McInerney are joined by Robby Turner on pedal steel, Jimmie McEachern on upright bass and Brent Moyers on trumpet - a highly accomplished set of players who add depth and texture to Game Bird warm and inviting easy-going sound. A sound that has been co-produced by the aforementioned Thomm Jutz and Pat McInerney. But as mentioned the songs are the kind of story songs that breath life into their cast of characters such as the abandoned trailer living Charles (The Ballad Of Charles) or the songs about those who live to a ripe old age (Some Swedish Men) or closer to home a song about the endless stream of Nashville hopefuls (Nashville Star). There is no doubt that those who enjoy classic story/songwriting of this kind which is a little harder to find these days will enjoy this welcome and welcoming album.
Lee Harvey Osmond 'A Quiet Evil' Latent
Something of a side project for Cowboy Junkies members Margo and Michael Timmins though it's a more rounded project that that might suggest with some 17 musicians involved with this multi-facated roots orientated music which runs from the country styled duet between Margo Timmins and (I assume) singer Andy Maize on I'm Going To Stay That Way through the brushed drums and clarinet, smoke-filled laid back musings of Lucifer's Blues through to the rough shod VU motivated cover of Lou Reed's I Can't Stand It. Production is helmed by Michael Timmins, Josh Finlayson and Tom Wilson ( who also is a member of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings). There is a dark hearted ambience at work here that mingles a darkness at the edge of town with strange journeys. For an idea of how non-mainstream this is have a look at the video for I'm Going To Stay That Way on their website as I doubt you'll see it anywhere else. Tom Wilson is the main songwriter here, in tandem with other members and outsiders. So it is largely his shared vision that is at work here. In fact Wilson leads the five piece version of the band who are currently playing live gigs. But the recorded version of Lee Harvey Osmond has much to recommend it to those who like their music edgy, varied and subtly intense with some fine playing making it an album to experience in totality to appreciate what Lee Harvey Osmond has to offer the uninitiated. www.leeharveyosmond.com