Brant Croucher ‘Blanco Country Lights’ - White Cat

The debut album from the Houston born singer-songwriter is an accomplished body of work that is testament to the life experienced by this much traveled troubadour. Produced and recorded by Jack Saunders in Houston, Texas it finds Croucher as an assured vocalist and interesting writer. His songs cover a range of rootsy sounding songs that run from the electric charge of 84 Boxes, a song that considers the nature of physical work to the sadder sentiments of Free Will an acoustic rumination on being free to love and to lose. A hopefulness is inherent in the opening song When You Come To Me wherein Croucher’s voice manages to give the necessary depth of meaning. “I guess it hasn't been as easy as I had hoped that it would be and the wins don't come as often as the many mercy pleas” sums up the hope of finding something to hang on to through the hardship. From that first track all the sings are there to let you know your likely to enjoy the album as whole. And that indeed is the case. 

The group of players here included seasoned percussionist Rick Richards, fiddler Eleanor Whitmore, guitarist Sam Austin and guests such as Riley Osburn and Lloyd Maines. These are players who you know that you are in safe hands with, both as artist and as listener. The gentle setting of Drink (Drink Drink) belies the thoughts of the protagonist who wished to lose a memory before he looses his mind. A song that takes the classic 'drinking to forget' template but delivers in a way that gives you empathy for the outcome if not exactly the process. Time I Walk Away takes a difference stance both musically and philosophically. It is a nicely paced track with some strident lead guitar. The title track is a sombre piano ballad - played by Croucher - suggests an underlying melancholy that sums up many of the songs. This however is done in a way that is musically positive and perceptive.

All in all one can applaud the efforts of all involved and hope that Croucher may get some of the attention that thus album deserves. However, he is in a pretty crowded segment of a small market and quality does not always get the breaks it deserves. But the lights of Blanco County are capable of drawing you in and bringing you to the place where another of those Texas singer/songwriters shines bright. Well worth looking over the horizon to find.

Good Luck Mountain ‘Too’ - At The Helm

This is the second album under the Good Luck Mountain name for Mike Ferrio, former front man of the band Tandy. That band explored the boundaries of alt-country and beyond. In his current guise Ferrio has moved into a broader more reflective direction. In fact the track White Calico Flower reminds me (and maybe it’ll be just me) of It’s Immaterial’s Driving Away From Home. From then on it’s safe to say that this journey has brought Ferrio’s music to a different sonic landscape. This is a musically varied place that has a channel of celticness close to its soul amongst other sources and directions.

As producer Ferrio has employed selection of strong players who alongside his own multi-instrumental capabilities employ trumpet, cello, viola, banjo, tubular bells and more to add texture to the bass, guitar and drums foundation. Overall the mood is thoughtful and considered, sometimes even pastrol at times, with elements of folk, rock, soul and ambient sound all interwoven.

The song Apollo uses transmission voices to give it context. While The Seawall is the first time we hear some strident reverbed guitar on the albums longest track that runs over 7 minutes but manages to never loose attention. Another song that runs over the 5 minute time that is often associated with such an album is Angels that employs a drone-like violin over a vocal meditation that builds towards the end as additional vocals join in.

The penultimate songs are The Blue and Out Of The Blue. The former is a gentle and effecting violin focused instrumental while the later has a folkish tone with just voice and guitar that emphasises the strengths of Ferrio’s vocals. The album closes as it opened with Morning Moon a circular motioned slice of ambient music that manages to sum up the mood of the album overall. Not normally what we would consider a part of our "country music" brief but an album that is rewarding and righteous, one recommended to former Tandy fans.

Cris Cuddy ‘The Best Kept Secret’ - Self Release

A musician who resides in Toronto who has played in a number of bands through the years before releasing several albums as a solo artist. His latest is a pretty mixed bag in terms of the musical inspiration on offer. Obviously it is all held together by Cuddy’s vocal and his songwriting. While he may not qualify as the best singer you will ever hear he is more than equal to the task of delivering his songs here.  

There are ballads (The Honey Tree) neo-rockabilly outings(The Best Kept Secret) bluegrass inspired songs (The IBMA Blues) hints of jazz (Amy - a tribute to Amy Winehouse), folk (Whiskey Train) blues (The Luck Of The Draw) and country (Got a Brand New Heartache). There’s also a compelling tale of a gunfighter (The Big Chill). Heartache is in full acoustic and vocal mode is especially memorable with fiddle and mandolin taking the lead. There is much to admire on this thirteen track album that also includes the darker Drive-Thru Daiquiri Bar and shows that despite the various influences at work here the end result is still essentially a Cris Cuddy album. 

Long time associate Keith Glass adds guitar and harmony vocals along with a selection of fine players including Jim Hurst and Steve Conn who, with the other musicians, add a range of instruments that includes keyboards, pedal steel, accordion, harmonica, bass, drums and guitars. All in all a solid roots music outing that has enough variety to keep it from ever getting samey or one-dimensional. Something often only a seasoned performer can bring to their work. Cuddy is also the producer here and he gives his players the room to contribute their best efforts but always in the service of the song. Songs that are built around stories of life, love, loss and lost times.

Cris Cuddy can be added to the list of rewarding Canadian roots musicians who make music that seems less controlled by the dictates of any prevailing mainstream industry and more from the heart. There is no doubt that Cuddy's heart was fully in this music. He has been making music long enough not to be a secret and this album should help to spread the word.

Terry Penney ‘Once Upon A Blue Moon’ - Citadel House

After a number of critically albums that highlighted Penney’s strong writing and vocal delivery he has, like many an artist before him, decided to take a break and make an album that is a tribute to the artists he grew up with. Inspired by those whose music came from the speakers of car radios, jukeboxes and the record player at home during the 1950s.

Produced by Penney himself it delivers the songs with affection, appreciation and with a clear articulation. However the danger always here is that it is very hard to make these songs totally your own. Often, even at their best, they are too readily compared to the classic songs which have survived in the public consciousness simply because they are so iconic. With names like Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry associated with the song choices you can see the possible conflicts.

However taken within it’s parameters and as a whole it is an enjoyable, well executed album that celebrates the simplicity and satisfaction of the songwriting and production of that era and if it serves to introduce any new ears to some timeless music then job well done. It is not however the music that Terry Penney will be remembered for. He, no doubt, enjoyed making this album and it may perhaps serve to reconnect him with the skills required to write great songs and to understand the power of a story well told and sung. Something he already knows but may serve as a refresher course. In that light it will be interesting to see what his next step is. In the meantime this will be something that fans of these songs and of Penney himself will raise a smile and tap a foot along with.

Christine Albert 'Everything’s Beautiful Now' - Moon House

Living in Austin, Texas this singer songwriter has released six albums as a solo artist. In addition, with her husband Chris Gage, there are an additional six albums available from the creative inspiration that has seen both musicians develop a true craft and longevity.

Co-produced by Christine and Chris, the eleven songs speak of enduring love and the cycle of life, remembering those who have passed to the other side. Many of the song titles give clues to the content with titles like On That Beautiful Day, At Times Like These, Keep Me In Your Heart and the opening song Everything’s Beautiful Now.

There are guest appearances from Eliza Gilkyson (a friend and neighbour) and Jerry Jeff Walker. The songs fall mainly in the folk arena and are played beautifully by the studio musicians, with inspired contributions from Chris Gage on various guitars and keyboards. There is a fine cover of the Jackson Browne song For A Dancer, with harmony vocals supplied by Troupe Gammage and his band, Speak. An appropriate inclusion, given the concepts that run through this worthwhile release.

Lee Gallagher & the Halleujah - Self Release

A debut album from this rock band who are based in San Francisco and labelled as five musicians with a leaning towards a psychedelic-soul feeling. There are elements of Adam Duritz and Counting Crows on a number of these songs, especially the craving delivery of Empty Stars. The playing is both loose and studiously tight, as with a number of bands who try and channel a Stones vibe. There is some impressive guitar breaks from Jacob Landry which raise the song arrangements onto another level. The keys of Kirby Hammel also impress and fill out the song arrangements.

The vocals of Lee Gallagher can be a challenge and his delivery is on the verge of being strained on a few tracks, like Gloryland and Shallow Grave, where he comes off as trying to sound like Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes. An energetic effort with some nice playing, but this has been done by too many before and repeated by too many after the coming of Pearl Jam.

Amanda Rheaume 'Keep a Fire'- Self Release

A third release from this Ottawa based singer songwriter with a country folk influence. These ten songs are written by Amanda and her musical partner John McDonald, with the project being produced by Ross Murray.

The vocals are very distinctive and her roots are based in the Metis people, one of the aboriginal settlers of Canada. The songs pay tribute to her ancestors who endured sea voyages, navigated around North America, lived in mixed-race relationships and who framed early legislation in the province of Manitoba. Titles like Strongest Heart, Write You a Letter, Passed Down the Line and You Walk Beside Me give a sense of the look back through family history and the need to keep the heritage alive.

These story songs are well arranged and delivered with a sound that is based around an ensemble of musicians that serve the songs with an impressive economy in the playing.

David Shelby 'Oh Yeah' - Highway South

This six song EP is the second release from Detroit born artist who defines his sound as Rust Belt Country. The songs bear this out with the opening Southern Drawl nailing down the stereotype of beer-drinkin’, truck drivin’ redneck brotherhood. The title song is a nod to the ritualistic chase and desire in rural bar-room USA. Podunk is a rocking rendition of chest-beating pride at the rural chains of living in a small town enclave. The songs are all arranged with a radio friendly emphasis and the playing is perfectly in line with this direction. Trouble is that this road is already overcrowded with too many other wannabees.

The Show Ponies 'Run for your Life' - Self Release

A five song EP from indie-folk, bluegrass band that formed in 2011. With two previous releases this five piece, based in California, bring energy to the songs that are steeped in traditional roots music.

Fiddle duels with mandolin and guitar underpins all the arrangements, which also include harmonica and some fine drum/bass accompaniment. The singing is excellent also with the harmony vocals very buoyant and bright.

Get Me While I’m Young  is a fine song that has hit written all over it and trades opinions between a couple that are sparring over marriage pressures. Some Lonesome Tune finishes off the recording with an insight into farming, hard toil and enduring debt - a belief in the Good Lord and a plea to be made new. 

Jane Kramer 'Break & Bloom' - Self Release

The debut release from Portland Oregon resident and American Folk artist. The eleven songs featured here are very impressive and point to the emergence of a serious talent. Previously a member of bands like The Barrel House Mamas and Firefly Revival, this voyage towards a solo career is well made and perfectly timed to benefit from her experience and maturity. She has a wonderfully expressive vocal and the insights of a life lived and reflections of lessons learned are perfectly captured in songs like Nobody’s Woman Tonight, Hold My Whiskey, One Precious Life, That Muddy Water and the album closer, the traditional song, How Far Am I From Canaan.

The Claire Lynch Band ‘Holiday’ - Thrill Hill Records

My first encounter with Claire Lynch was an interview I did with her for Lonesome Highway following my mind-blowing listen to If Wishes Were Horses, the opening track on her 1997 album Silver and Gold. We have kept in touch over the years and there is seldom a programme on my radio show that doesn’t include a track from one her albums to date. But for all the albums that I have this “Holiday” one really is the icing on the Christmas cake.

Ten tracks with a voice as pure as the driven snow all leading straight to “Goose Bump City”. All the Claire Lynch Band are the featured musicians with some additional help from old pal Jim Hurst, Engineer Todd Phillips and daughter Christy Lynch. 8 old familiars and 2 originals make this a tight collection of holiday music that just might not get put away when all the glitter comes down after Jan 6. 

The Claire Lynch Band are a total package and all members deserve equal billing when the praise is being dished out. I think that's what makes this CD so special to me. The titles are all familiar but the CLB treatment lifts then all to a level that keeps the repeat button permanently pressed down. While it’s hard to pick out any particular track maybe White Christmas  and the instrumental  We Three Kings  manage to just nose a bit ahead of the bunch.

To my mind Claire Lynch has the finest voice in music today, not just in bluegrass but right across the whole musical spectrum. This album is only available from the band at live performances or from her website and make sure you get yours because as the slogan goes "The Claire Lynch Band Holiday album is not just for Christmas, it’s for life”

Rick Lang  ‘That’s What I love About Christmas’ - RLM Records

Rick Lang was a class mate of mine when I did the Leadership Bluegrass programme a few years back and I knew then he was a fine songwriter. But this little collection of self-penned seasonal gems took me just a little by surprise. Each track is a stand alone trip through Rick’s thoughts and very personal feelings on the Christmas season and just about every musical genre is featured at some time over the ten tracks. After the first few opening chords I half expected Harry Connick Jr or Michael Buble to jump in but what I got was a stellar set of performances from singers and musicians some of whose names I had never heard before.

But my bluegrass ear was quick to recognise Ron Block, Darin and Brook Aldridge and the amazing Sierra Hull. This is not your usual Christmas album with the artists giving us their renditions of all our old favourites but a total newbie with well written words and melodies that could well feature on some of our Christmas listening over the years to come. It’s a credit to Rick and all the gang involved that this one got uploaded to my trusty iPod and has been on constant rotation with the other albums on this set of reviews.

Darius Rucker ‘Home For The Holidays’ - Hump Head Records.

Darius Rucker first entered my musical world when he played Ireland as support to Brad Paisley a few years back and some where in my photo archives is a shot of them with Darius using a bottle of Guinness to help Brad play some pretty mean slide blues. So when I put this album in the player I wasn’t quite expecting what I got to listen to. 

This is a holiday album that will be around for years. His voice keeps reminding me of both Dean Martin and Nat King Cole and that is some compliment coming from me. But he still has his own unique approach to these songs that lifts them above a simple homage the the “old masters”.

Twelve tracks include many of the old regulars but different enough to deserve lots of listens. Then there are two that Darius was involved in writing that to me have the makings of new standards. What God Wants For Christmas and Candy Cane Christmas are two great new tracks that I’ll be surprised if they don’t get covered in years to come. You’re A Mean One Mr Grinch and Baby It’s Cold Outside with Sheryl Crow are two other tracks that deserve an honourable mention.

This album probably leans a little more to Memphis then Nashville and that suits me fine. It’s a late night, lie on the floor with your head between your speakers and drift away sort of album. Just the sort that I really enjoy.

Pinecastle Artists ‘Christmas In The Smokies’ - Pinecastle Records

Where would we “grassers” be if it wasn’t for Pinecastle Records. They have been my go-to guys for my bluegrass education since I first got bitten by the bug many years ago. This Christmas collection gathers a lorry load for all their finest artists for a bluegrass bonanza of Christmas cheer. 15 great tracks to keep every bluegrass DJ and die hard fan fully enthralled over the holiday season. 

Unfortunately I’m reviewing from a downloaded mp3 album so I don’t have a clue who sings or plays on each of these fine tracks. I do recognise most of the performers but I’m not going to risk my radio reputation by trying to name names. But all the great Pinecastle superheroes are there somewhere in the mix.

You’ve heard all these songs before but to hear them “grassed up” is a special treat for me and a great addition to my seasonal playlist on my radio shows. Plenty of banjo, mandolin, high lonesome tenors, and watertight harmonies to keep the old fans happy and a great way of introducing some new pals to fastest growing musical genre on the planet.

I can’t finish without mentioning the amazing Phil Leadbetter who features here with his friends and who looks like he has kicked his second bout of “The Big C” out of the field and should be out there touting his own album The Next Move when he tours with new Pinecastle recruit Dale Ann Bradley in the new year, so “slainte” and good luck to you Phil in 2015.

Ryan Bingham 'Fear And Saturday Night' - Humphead

          After his Oscar award winning song The Weary Kind from the film Crazy Heart many listeners have wondered if Ryan Bingham would return to that understated and reflective mode that contrasted with the full-on band sound of his live shows and of his last album. For them the good news is that, in part, there are songs here that stand alongside that acclaimed song. The opening Nobody Knows My Trouble has a great mix of acoustic and electric guitar over a subtle brushed rhythm under Bingham’s older than his years seasoned and gritty voice. It's a telling song about a man who carries troubles with him through life. It has an believable autobiographical feel that makes it a great opener and an album highlight. Broken Heart Tattoos continues the theme with another top notch song that speaks of what can lie before you in life and end up marking you.
         Things get heavier on Top Shelf Drug a “love is the drug” song that highlights its addictive nature. Islands In The Sky offers hope with a mid tempo song laced with harmonica and features another strong vocal performance. There is a border feel to the accordion-led rocker Adventures Of You And Men, it gives a call out to Flaco Jiminez and the Texas Tornados. it’s a further album highlight and a instant toe-tapper. Next up we’re back in that contemplative mode with the title song. It is a reflection of a life lived as best one can under what would be a set of adverse circumstances. My Diamond Is Too Rough is a fairly self explanatory title for how the world treats and outsider and underdog. It incorporates some subtle organ and maraca playing before the electric guitar cuts an emotive shard into the song.
          A in-car radio is causing some static for a man driving to or from his girl in Radio. Next up, Snow Falls In June, seeks solace in love and offers true love if reciprocated. Darlin’ is a pure declaration of love and need. this is again give a soulful underplayed backing, perfectly reflective of the song's mood. Hands Of Time kicks up the dirt again with a Bo Diddley styled beat and a guitar driven lively bedrock. The album’s final track is Gun Fightin’ Man a tale that underlines a “live by the sword die by the sword” ethos of the title. A brooding mid-tempo song it closes what is a powerful and primal album.
         Produced by Bingham and Jim Scott it is arguably the best album from Bingham yet. It’s cast of players include guitarists Daniel Sproul and Jedd Hughes and a rhythm section of Nate Barnes and Shawn Davis. By making changes and bring in this new set of players Bingham has found a sound that is both rewarding and relevant. His voice is his own and his songs tell tales of hard worn lives and tainted love.