tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202400572024-03-13T14:00:07.429-07:00Tradewinds Music ReviewsAlbum reviews of east coast & southern regional artists with a few national acts thrown inCharlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-91706436007961410702023-02-24T11:56:00.005-08:002023-02-25T06:23:14.231-08:00Blind SHELLEY<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7PI1sqz9geQAgCexbeSAl0csBYuook05DYrFbLLFkyCO2McGISeRTCA_JbZ5sORo61mn_K5kAppZJlmgKAfVm8XAGgeRvfTH10R8RqcgfATqPMgJHsAhtD0Ul3TN1z0hVb6hWbvjiwjOKXXXG1JNLb5dVqmnrJM4djUA_MW6gYaq4s9taPE/s720/Blind%20Shelley%20-%20Tenderly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="720" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7PI1sqz9geQAgCexbeSAl0csBYuook05DYrFbLLFkyCO2McGISeRTCA_JbZ5sORo61mn_K5kAppZJlmgKAfVm8XAGgeRvfTH10R8RqcgfATqPMgJHsAhtD0Ul3TN1z0hVb6hWbvjiwjOKXXXG1JNLb5dVqmnrJM4djUA_MW6gYaq4s9taPE/s320/Blind%20Shelley%20-%20Tenderly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20px;">Blind SHELLEY - "Tenderly"</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">– A review by <i>Charlton Wiggins</i></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> When I saw on Facebook that Kevin Jones, a friend from my college days at Freed-Hardeman College (now University), was working on a new album I was intrigued. I contacted Kevin to have him put me down to buy one when it was released. Fast forward a few months and the CD for <b>Blind SHELLEY</b>, titled <i>Tenderly</i>, appeared in my mailbox. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> The group name is born of the tradition instituted by other artists (such as Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Willie McTell and The Five Blind Boys Of Alabama) of including their handicap in their name. Even though Kevin is not blind he does have a significant vision impairment which he choses “to regard as a feature and not a flaw.” While “Blind” references Kevin’s sight issues, the SHELLEY comes from his middle name and one inherited from his grandfather.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> I couldn’t wait to hear the album so I popped it into my car’s CD player and gave it a listen as I drove about town. What I heard was beautiful music, mostly a more refined blues sound with a folk flavor to it, yet a hint of nostalgia too that reflect myriad musical influences. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> The collection of mostly original songs is a fun listen. Kevin either wrote or co-wrote all the music and lyrics on the album with the exception of musician Walter Gross’s 1946 hit “Tenderly,” and an excellent cover of the Beatles “Dear Prudence.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> <i>Tenderly</i> opens with “Mean Molly,” a tune flavored with a Tom Petty vibe as is another song titled “Mary Margaret.” Other highlights on the album include the eponymously titled “Blind SHELLEY,” a heavy blues instrumental with a very haunting harmonica, and “Woke Up Dreaming” also with a harmonica, though very wistful and lonely.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Bringing to mind a sound of the 80’s akin to the likes of the Squeeze, “Out of Luck” is one of those tunes with a hint of another musical era. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Probably my favorite song on the album from the title alone, “Wiggle Giggle” just made me smile and how can you not with a lyric like “she got a wiggle when she walks, she got a giggle when she talks.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Where “Wiggle Giggle” might make you smile it is followed by the very somber, plaintive song in “Agnus Dei” with a sound which would be perfectly at home in some dramatic film-noir flick. Almost chant like in tone the song is one of redemption and going home, taking its inspiration from the ancient Latin Mass.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> As the album closes out we’re treated with the up-beat number “Up, Down, Sideways,” a happy little song that just makes you feel good. Kevin began writing the song several years ago as a wedding song inspired by the marriage of his wife’s niece.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Throughout the album each song is unencumbered with frivolous lyrics. Instead the lyrics are descriptive without being directly so. The lyrics create an imagery, a technique Kevin describes as “show, don’t tell.” When Kevin sings “Mean Molly” we can actually see in our mind the subject being lost “like a lizard on a limb, in a fire.” Not only do we see that loss but we feel the hopelessness of the loss.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Kevin Jones has indeed crafted a fine collection of songs on this album, songs which may be different and far afield of each other in subject matter and feel, but all have a thread of connectivity in their seeming simple manner and the mastery with which Kevin’s lyrics are “understated and whimsical.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i> To purchase your copy email <a href="mailto:sacul24@me.com"><span style="color: #dca10d;">sacul24@me.com</span></a> with your shipping address and payment preference. Put Blind SHELLEY in the subject line. You’ll have to pay the $20 (which includes shipping) by PayPal or CashApp. Plans are being made to make the album available on both iTunes and Spotify so if digital downloads are your preference keep checking there.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Blind SHELLEY</b> is: Kevin Jones (vocals, guitar, piano, Hammond organ, harmonica); Mark-Aaron Hilliard (Drums)</i></span></p>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0Elon, NC, USA36.1029836 -79.50670237.5590826957948991 -114.6629523 64.6468845042051 -44.3504523tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-61050234734670926332021-05-06T09:00:00.010-07:002023-02-24T12:14:02.425-08:00Cliff Waddell - "When She Prays"<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRfjXujZEQM/YJQQORUTb_I/AAAAAAAACXI/cKvYYK61VQ8-N1UV9kJXwUD_bbYSoVPaACPcBGAYYCw/s960/139273838_793040621423507_5666100424628194819_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRfjXujZEQM/YJQQORUTb_I/AAAAAAAACXI/cKvYYK61VQ8-N1UV9kJXwUD_bbYSoVPaACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/139273838_793040621423507_5666100424628194819_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cliff Waddell<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> From the first guitar strums on Cliff Waddell’s new single release, “When She Prays,” you know you’re in store for something special. Then the vocals come in with Cliff’s baritone voice entoned with just the right amount of twang and you really perk up. Waddell’s country sound is a pleasure to enjoy and instantly is reminiscent of country music from the era when country music had a heart. “When She Prays” would easily have been at home on a George Strait or Alan Jackson album of the 90’s. The song reflects on the power of Christ to fill the holes and cracks in a woman’s life ‘when she prays.’</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> Hailing from Rolesville, NC, a small community northeast of Durham, NC, Cliff honed his skills first playing in numerous bluegrass bands but it was his love of country music and songwriting which led him to segue into country music, performing his own music and making a name for himself in 2016 with the release of his first solo Christian country album “Restored.” That release scored three top ten singles (including “The Church Pew” and “That’s What I Keep My Bible For”) on various industry charts, including Cashbox Magazine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Fast forward to 2021 and Cliff, now based out of Nashville, TN, finds himself at the outset of his newest project with “When She Prays” being the first of several forthcoming releases. Based on the strength of his past charted songs and “When She Prays” Cliff is positioned at the forefront to keep authentic country in country music.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>-by Charlton Wiggins</i></span></p>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-19585647118819301352020-01-23T12:35:00.003-08:002023-02-24T12:14:53.309-08:00Anna Rose Beck - Glass House In Outer Space<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna Rose Beck - "Glass House In Outer Space"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">—A review by </span><i style="font-size: 12px;">Charlton Wiggins</i></div>
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Anna Rose Beck is to me quite literally an angel. Her voice is angelic, supple yet teeming with depth and feeling. Her guitar playing is malleable yet strong. <br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
I suppose I should by way of disclaimer state that I was introduced to Anna and her music at a juncture in my life when I was quite low and in the hospital after serious surgery. As a volunteer at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. she roams the halls to rooms where she is invited to play and sing songs for patients as part of their music therapy. I was privileged and blessed to have her come through my door twice and her voice lifted my spirits to great heights. So maybe this review is a little prejudiced but I don’t care for I feel it also to be accurate.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<b><i>Glass House In Outer Space</i></b> is Anna’s second album and available for purchase in CD format on her website - AnnaRoseBeck.com. The nine tunes on the album are cohesive in tone, each sounding and providing a feel of being a building block on the one before it.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
The first and last songs on the album, <i>Bandaid</i> and <i>Carolina Moonshine</i> are dissimilar in tone from the rest of the album yet nicely bookend the other seven songs included.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<i>Bandaid </i>introduces the album with the intricate sounds of a classical guitar played with a Spanish flair which adds to the sad theme of the lyrics which speak of the chasm between two lovers who “lay alone in the dark” and psychological abuse when “every stone you have thrown leaves a scar.”<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<i>Carolina Moonshine</i> on the other hand is plaintive song relying solely on Anna’s lucid vocals and a simple piano. Just as you get comfortable with the sound Anna throws a curveball when she joins in as her own vocal accompaniment.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
My favorite song on the album is the second tune “Where The River Ends.” When in the hospital I enjoined Anna to play an original tune (she was performing mostly covers as I’m sure that was what most patients identify with) and this was the song she played and sang. It is such a beautiful song and for me is a superb example of her music.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
I suppose next to her vocals, it is the imagery that appears in my mind from the lyrics in Anna’s songs that enthralls me most. Her songwriting paints images and the images gathered together paint a story. The poetic beauty of her writing and singing is reminiscent of the wonderful works of Tish Hinojosa, a Hispanic singer/songwriter.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
Am I prejudiced towards Anna’s music? Absolutely. Am I wrong about her music? No. No I’m not. Buy her album and see for yourself.</span></span></div>
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Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-88150647110046669742020-01-21T12:34:00.000-08:002020-01-21T12:34:29.718-08:00Jimmy Fortune - God & Country<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zfn3aMVpiM/Xidftf6ggAI/AAAAAAAACH0/Kwt3Y0oH6hov68vlxa3oCjDmanwu8OKDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/R-13856733-1562681627-6114.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="600" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zfn3aMVpiM/Xidftf6ggAI/AAAAAAAACH0/Kwt3Y0oH6hov68vlxa3oCjDmanwu8OKDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/R-13856733-1562681627-6114.jpeg.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Jimmy Fortune - God & Country</span></i></td></tr>
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<i>by Charlton Wiggins</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When the Statler Brothers’ Lew Dewitt had to step back from the group in 1983 due to health problems, it was Williamsburg, Virginia native Jimmy Fortune who stepped in to fill the vacancy left by Dewitt. Fortune filled that vacancy so well he remained with the group until the other members retired in 2003. But he wasn’t done with his career and immediately continued on as a solo artist releasing seven albums between 2003 and 2017. Now with the recent release of <i>God & Country</i>, his eighth solo effort, Fortune continues to build on his catalog of work. Previously Fortune had released religious themed songs however with <i>God & Country</i> he takes it a step further by combining popular hymns with classic American patriotic tunes.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What better way to start a patriotic album off than a medley of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the Woody Guthrie staple “This Land Is Your Land.” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” utilizes sparse instrumentation and instead focuses on Fortunes clear crisp vocals before segueing into “This Land Is Your Land” with a rousing tempo punctuated with fiddle and banjo - always an excellent combination.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The religious tunes are dispersed throughout the album with the beloved “The Old Rugged Cross” being the first of the more traditional gospel tunes which also includes the solemn and heartfelt “In The Garden,” “Because He Lives,” “Softly & Tenderly,” a very poignant “It Is Well With My Soul.” One that holds a special place in Fortune’s heart - “It Is No Secret” is preceded by a spoken word explanation of why it holds that special place. “I Love You More” is a more contemporary religious tune which expresses the love God has for us, especially when we are at our lowest points in life.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But the title is “God & <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><i>Country</i></b></span>” and while “Country” can be representative of the genre it is more indicative of the patriotic<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> tunes scattered throughout the album. In addition to the aforementioned “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “This Land Is Your Land” Fortune includes a rendition of “Battle of New Orleans” with an opening riff that brings to mind Jerry Reed before transitioning into a very enjoyable foot-stomping tale that memorializes the famous battle of New Orleans from the War of 1812, which actually occurred after the war was won. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Meet Me At Arlington” is a tear-jerker story with modern relevance that tells the tale of a parent who has lost a son in war. In the same vein of current relativity is “More Than A Name On A Wall,” which reflects on the life of a son lost in battle and the parents’ memories of times past and how he is missed, especially on holidays. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In a day and time when it seems our nation has turned it’s back on God, “In God We Trust” defends those who seek to put God first and trust in Him to lead our nation and extols our citizenry to not forget our freedoms and He who gives them to us.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The final patriotic tune is a heart-felt rendition of “God Bless America” combined with “America the Beautiful” which features complimenting vocals from Sonya Isaacs.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clearly with the patriotic tunes Jimmy Fortune has tapped into a genre of music missing from todays popular music landscape that has a need to be revived. Gospel tunes have a loyal following, and the ones included on this album will be much enjoyed even as they greatly compliment the patriotic songs.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I found this to be a wonderful album to listen to on Sunday mornings especially to help put me in the right frame of mind as I get ready for worship. I’m sure it will find a place in your day or week just as easily.</div>
Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-48729156772453232492020-01-21T11:54:00.000-08:002020-01-21T11:54:15.605-08:00Celeste Kellogg - Keep It On Repeat<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9qHBUhoxF8/XidVqQccv2I/AAAAAAAACHU/xGpR1TH_1i0Jo-0v0F0B7QvNSuR85s60gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9qHBUhoxF8/XidVqQccv2I/AAAAAAAACHU/xGpR1TH_1i0Jo-0v0F0B7QvNSuR85s60gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/unnamed.jpg" title="Celeste Kellogg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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—A review by <i>Charlton Wiggins</i></div>
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Celeste Kellogg has been on my radar for a couple of years now and the quality of her music has remained strong, her vocals crisp and clear. I get the impression Celeste was <b>born</b> a seasoned musician, songwriter, vocalist and performer. The persona that comes through her songs make you believe she is strong yet vulnerable but always a genuine happy person. In fact her music is just like her vocals - both are perpetually smiling and you can’t help but smile back when her songs play.</div>
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The title track of the EP, <i>“Keep It On Repeat”</i> and in fact the entire EP itself, is full of sass and attitude, attributes that make it clear Celeste is the heir apparent to many artists including Taylor Swift and Shania Twain. </div>
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“There’s a Beach Somewhere” not only mentions country artist Kenny Chesney in the lyrics but seems to channel the spirit of Chesney’s music with a dash of Alan Jackson for seasoning. With wonderful instrumentation “Beach Somewhere” is a great summertime tune that hints at innocent mischievousness and will definitely make you look for your sandals and sunscreen and get away to the waves, wind, sun and sand. </div>
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“Carolina,” in contrast, is a wistful tune with lyrics to match that bemoan the waning of both summer and summer love that ends with the approaching fall. The song speaks of the desire to not be forgotten but to always hold onto the memories of a Carolina summer.</div>
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“Last Chances” has poignant direct lyrics that reflect the angst of a love that has come to an end. The song along with “There’s A Beach Somewhere” and “Carolina” were all co-written by Celeste and Aaron Goodvin.</div>
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“La Di Da Da” is a song Celeste wrote in 2016. When Celeste played it for EP producer Sal Oliveri he wondered why she had never recorded it. Celeste likely wondered the same thing once the track was completed. The tune begins with a sound that brings pop superstar Lady Gaga to mind but quickly melts into pure Celeste, again complete with the same sass and attitude that is prevalent throughout Celeste’s music.</div>
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It would be neglectful if I didn’t also mention that Celeste plays the guitar like a master artist but she did have abundant accompaniment on this EP. In addition to producer Oliveri (who has produced for PiNK and Stapleton), Danny Rader, guitarist for Keith Urban, and Jenee Fleenor, fiddle player for Blake Shelton, also added their touch of perfection to the EP.</div>
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Perhaps it is wrong to liken Celeste to superstars like Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney and Lady Gaga. Perhaps. But then again this young lady has the talent, the twang, the charisma and the stage presence to stand along side each of those great names as an equal and quite possibly far superior to them. “Keep It On Repeat” is an EP that in years to come will be referenced as the point where Celeste Kellogg made the music world stand up and take notice.</div>
Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-51813631059059463242018-10-05T02:07:00.001-07:002018-10-05T02:10:43.210-07:00Donna Ulisse - Breakin' Easy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6a0X4NK35o/W7cpUCZ-jkI/AAAAAAAAB_o/92eD35aDSNIRkG5zxiV2E-HQw-nJl4cIwCLcBGAs/s1600/DonnaCov5lo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="288" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6a0X4NK35o/W7cpUCZ-jkI/AAAAAAAAB_o/92eD35aDSNIRkG5zxiV2E-HQw-nJl4cIwCLcBGAs/s320/DonnaCov5lo-res.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Ulisse - Breakin' Easy</td></tr>
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<b>Breakin’ Easy</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Donna Ulisse<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">By Charlton Wiggins</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Labels can
often be misleading and especially in the musical landscape of the world we
live in today. What is called “country music” today has little resemblance to
the country music your parents grew up with. The same can be said of bluegrass
music. At one time the word “bluegrass” would conjure up images of banjo’s,
fiddles and high lonesome twang and yet the term today envelops instrumentation
and vocals that are much further reaching.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Donna
Ulisse is one such artist. Though much of her music makes full use of
traditional bluegrass tools, the sound of her songs seem to have reached
further than simple twang and high lonesomeness. Now with her tenth album, <i><b>Breakin’ Easy,</b></i> Donna’s songs are easy on the ears and can reach down into
your inner soul. You’ll find your foot tapping time and head nodding with the
rhythm from the outset. Throughout <b><i>Breakin’ Easy</i></b> Donna’s country roots shine
and meld beautifully with the bluegrass instrumentation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Without
Trouble Please” leads off the album and plays close to home with its mountain
bluegrass sound while “Back Home Feelin’ Again” feels like sitting on a front
porch of an evening with an autumn breeze. Throw in “Made For Each Other” and you
can image a family all sitting around that porch making beautiful mountain music.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By contrast
“Drive This Cold Out Of Me” has a sound reminiscent of Suzy Bogguss. Add to
that “Til I Fin’lly Let Go” and the cover of the Dottie West and Will West
penned “Here Comes My Baby Back Again” and Donna’s traditional country
influence is easily and wonderfully expressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A trio of
tunes call on a more traditional bluegrass influence. “We Are Strong,” “I’m In
A Hurry To Go Nowhere,” and “We’ve Got The Love Thing Figured Out” all rely heavily
on banjo, mandolin and fiddle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the
exception of the aforementioned Dottie West tune and “I’m In A Hurry To Go
Nowhere” all the songs on <b><i>Breakin’ Easy</i></b> were written or co-written by Donna.
The quality of the songwriting proves the Virginia native is worthy of the accolades
she has received, including the 2018 Songwriter of the Year from the Society
for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association (SPBGMA) and the 2016
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Songwriter of the Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Donna
Ulisse is a special talent, both with song writing and performing and if you
are not familiar with her you should be. <i><b>Breakin’ Easy</b></i> is the perfect album
to introduce you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1115632203178031262018-04-09T21:32:00.001-07:002018-04-09T21:32:59.472-07:00Dan Jarboe - The Woodshed Project<style type="text/css">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Dan Jarboe</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The Woodshed Project</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">by Charlton Wiggins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you want country, southern rock or even a little melodic rock you can turn your radio dial and find a sound to match your musical taste. But what if you like several different styles and just can’t decide which will satisfy your need for a musical fix. Well, you pull up <i>The Woodshed Project</i> on your playlist and let the Dan Jarboe Band put it all together for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As the debut album from the Dan Jarboe Band, <i>The Woodshed Project</i> is a wonderful listen and crafted to quell your musical hunger, whether you wear flip flops, a Cowboy hat and boots or tennis shoes and a ball cap.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All the tunes on <i>The Woodshed Project</i> are originals and written by Dan or Billy Lee Williams or both.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Between Country & Rock N Roll” leads off the album with an outlaw country flavor that kindles thoughts of Hank Williams, Jr.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The rockin’ “The Big Easy” and “Get Yo Buzz On” are great driving songs, the latter along with “Forever Young” delivers a sound reminiscent of the Noise Boys, a DC area rock band from the 80’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If your tastes run more to the melodic country sound you’ll find what you desire here too. “Hopeless Prayer” and “Those Were The Days” could easily be cuts off a Restless Heart album.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“New Life” and “Party Down South” makes you want to head down to the beach or lake at night, let the tailgate down, start a bon fire and pop some tops with good friends and your honey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Woodshed Project</i> isn’t without a couple of powerful ballads too. “Better Man” is extremely heartfelt and painful at the same time and will bring a man to tears. “Unconditional Love” may not be a traditional type ballad but it pulls at the heartstrings just the same while “Ballad of Uncle Ronald” comes in as more of an ode rather than a ballad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The flavor of <i>The Woodshed Project</i> will whet your appetite for more and hopefully this delightful debut effort will be augmented with a sophomore release somewhere down the road. But for now try to catch the Dan Jarboe Band at a local venue and purchase the CD - it’ll fill you up!</span></div>
Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-44662388934699741652015-06-05T20:48:00.001-07:002015-06-05T20:48:14.092-07:00David Hales - On My Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Independent Label<br />
<br />
Regional rocker David Hales pulls together a smattering of styles for this his second independent album and he does so in successful fashion. Indeed, "Drama Queen" a hard rocking number and "Waiting" have both garnered radio airtime in the Knoxville area.<br />
<i>On My Own</i> is at times poetic and thoughtful ("Fairy Tale" and "You Were There") yet maintains a visceral feel in tandem with the more potent and hard rock tunes like "Breadmaker" and "Drama Queen." Hales' textured vocals compliment his diverse collection of tunes and add a quality that is felt rather than heard.<br />
"Ashley Judd," an unusual bonus track is worthy of mention solely because of its engaging "talking" song style and the story it tells when he encountered the actress.<br />
Though not a album that will race up the charts it is a worthy listen for alternative rockers.Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-14018139652247072902014-12-01T16:32:00.003-08:002014-12-24T12:20:12.015-08:00Back Porch Orchestra - Volume I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Simply titled Volume 1 the debut album from Back Porch Orchestra is a light and lively romp through fourteen original numbers by this highly talented bluegrass/country group from Burlington, NC.
Just as their live performance is an exhilarating display of exquisite musicianship, so too is the wonderful songwriting skills demonstrated on Volume 1.<br />
Behind the principle vocals of Jeremy Brady and Bonnie Reed each song on Volume I comes to life with vivid clarity against the backdrop of simple intelligent instrumentation. Brady, Chris Reed and Bonnie Reed all offer up wonderful guitar work with Jeremy also providing banjo and pedal steel licks and Chris indulges the mandolin when necessary while bassist Keith Miller adds the bass lines.
From "Wherever," the leadoff song, to "Favorite Pair of Blue-jeans" to the almost anthem-like "Who Am I" Back Porch Orchestra has an intoxicating allure, but it is "Gate City Girl" that demands a closer listen as it names familiar places in the Triad.<br />
This wonderful collection of original songs will leave an indelibe impression and a thirst for a Volume II.Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-25373966034588113892014-11-29T11:10:00.000-08:002014-12-24T12:20:36.999-08:00Meghan Shanley - Ready for Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Infusing elements of Jazz, Soul and R&B, the music of Meghan Shanley has a wonderfully distinct sound capable of transporting your mind to a cabaret, lounge or a Broadway stage. Each of the songs on Meghan’s debut album <i>Ready for Love </i>creates an atmosphere all their own.<br />
Full of high energy, and exhilarating instrumentation, each song on <i>Ready for Love</i> is punctuated with Meghan’s powerful vocals. Amid the soaring horns and sublime strings Meghan’s voice comes through strong, clear and clean - stirring a joy within the soul.<br />
The title track kicks this album off with a blues sound wrapped around a jazz flair before nicely transforming into a full blown R&B number that seems to set the tone for the album. Following the opening track the song “One Day” is a driving number featuring horns reminiscent of the group Chicago with Meghan’s vocals providing a strong compliment to the horns.<br />
From the high energy of “Ready for Love” and “One Day” the album segue’s into a slower tempo. “Break My Heart” could easily be a solo number in a Broadway musical while “Never Will” is pure R&B as is “Mysterious” with it’s horns and synthesizer.<br />
“Better Left Unsaid” would be right at home in a smoke-filled lounge with it’s heavy Blues flavored R&B qualities in contrast to the sassy “Shake It.” <br />
The moody “Without You” sets the stage for the final cut “Smile,” perhaps the most emotional song on the album. A tune written by silent film star Charlie Chaplin for his film “Modern Times.” Meghan’s rendering of this classic song is extremely moving, dripping with emotion and will raise the goosebumps on your arms and neck.Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-21963666668253579802011-06-23T13:48:00.000-07:002014-12-24T12:21:15.832-08:00Joe Next Door - Open All Night<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Joe Next Door Music</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> - 2010</span></span></div>
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<span class="bodyTextB"> Every song has a mood and quite often an entire album will maintain a mood through each song.<i> Open All Night</i>, the new release from Joe Next Door balances a melodic pop style with the storytelling of a singer-songwriter.<br />
Behind the vocals of pianist Zoo (a.k.a. Michael Rae Zeoli) <i>Open All Night</i> is like a compilation of "slice of life" story-songs with each one a different and unique chapter tied together with a stylistic commonality that speaks of life's seemingly mundane struggles and the quest for a life beyond those struggles.<br />
There is an elemental quality throughout the album that kindles a reflection of great story songwriters such as the late Harry Chapin. <i>Open All Night</i> is an intelligent and intriguing album that invokes a mood that balances between wistful and hopeful.</span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-87527164233970646122011-04-02T08:31:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:33:36.738-07:00Hephystus - Burn the Page<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrpXzWw9vbs/TZdBvbejGjI/AAAAAAAAASI/0xuy1Cz_EW0/s1600/Hephystus-BurnThePage.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrpXzWw9vbs/TZdBvbejGjI/AAAAAAAAASI/0xuy1Cz_EW0/s200/Hephystus-BurnThePage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591009745489304114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Spectra Records</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> - 2011</span></span><br /><span class="bodyTextB"> <i>Burn The Page</i>, the new release by Greensboro based <strong>Hephystus</strong> is a magnificent album replete with original material that evoke memories of a day when ambitious, sprawling and lavishly produced rock albums were a mainstay of rock radio (YES and Emerson, Lake & Palmer come easily to mind). Make no mistake though, <i>Burn The Page</i> is not a rehashing of 70's rock, instead it is fresh, new, progressive metal and full of life.<br /> With the opening riffs of "Moment of Clarity" the tone of the entire album is set. The album's title track "Burn The Page" best exemplifies the complex musical textures found throughout each cut. "Strength," "Malice In Wonderland," and the aforementioned "Burn The Page" each open with instrumentation that is as unique as it is mesmerizing.<br /> "Legacy Pt. I" is an engaging slow tune that really serves more as an introduction to "Permission to Die" a tune heavy on drum work and which seemingly leads the listener on a journey through a musical tapestry that imparts feelings of both adventure and danger before culminating with a conclusion in "Legacy Pt. II."<br /> "No Compromise" and "Origami" provide an appropriate closing for this original album that utilizes Brandon Miller and Matt Halberg's guitar and Aaron Yow's bass parts heavily layered against the exquisitely melodic drums of Troy Surratt and the surging keyboards of Andrew Pollard.</span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-26895379973616937152011-04-02T08:28:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:31:00.583-07:00stratocruiser - Our New EP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdfelWZ4_rg/TZdA64L5oaI/AAAAAAAAASA/ff64MkJ60QM/s1600/Stratocruiser-OurNewEP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdfelWZ4_rg/TZdA64L5oaI/AAAAAAAAASA/ff64MkJ60QM/s200/Stratocruiser-OurNewEP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591008842662650274" border="0" /></a><span class="bodyTextB"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">New Atlas Digital Recordings</span></span><br /> Greensboro based rock band <strong>stratocruiser</strong>'s newest album release, simply named <em>Our New EP</em>, is now available for download and/or streaming from the band's website. EP (or Extended Play) isn't a term you hear much of these days since its roots are from the days of vinyl albums. But, the term is definitely appropriate for this album as stratocruiser has an engineered sound that is reminiscent of the rock albums of the 70's and early 80's. Our New EP is comprised of six original songs including the 2009 single "Kids Hate Rock and Roll" (chosen as Song of the Year by Pop Garden Radio, WMEL), and one cover song - a wonderful revision of "I Woke Up In Love This Morning."<br /> "Freak Flag" is heavy on guitar and the overall sound of the song is like listening to a mix of Jimi Hendrix and early 70's arena rock. "I Woke Up In Love This Morning" (yes, the same song popularized on the 1971 Partridge Family Sound Magazine album), is a driving, foot tapping cover behind lead singer Clay Howard's exciting and well-crafted vocals. The EP's fourth cut "New Glasses," slants towards an early new wave sound that leads into "OK Class" which was previously turned out in 2009 on a limited 300 copies release of <em>OK Class, the Best of stratocruiser and more</em>. "OK Class" starts out with a guitar riff that brings to mind Meatloaf and the Bat Out of Hell album.<br /> "Slush" starts off with heavy organ instrumentation that segue's into a Beatles-esque sound reminiscent of the band's psychodelic period.<br /> The final cut on the EP, "That Phone Call" was also contributed to the indie horror film Hellphone as the films end title track. You can view the video to the song below. In all, <em>Our New EP</em> is an enjoyable listen and full of riff's & sounds and engineering that brings to mind an era of rock & roll most of us grew up in. Yet, the EP manages to bridge the gap between then and now and is comfortably at home in the new millenia. </span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-32373261294016648762011-04-02T08:23:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:26:25.695-07:00Dreamkiller - Sleepless Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqmAwzOfxLg/TZc_okUF89I/AAAAAAAAAR4/pkidEr51ejI/s1600/Dreamkiller-SleeplessDreams.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqmAwzOfxLg/TZc_okUF89I/AAAAAAAAAR4/pkidEr51ejI/s200/Dreamkiller-SleeplessDreams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591007428579029970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dreamkiller Music</span></span><br /><span class="bodyTextB"> Melodic rock concept group <strong>Dreamkiller</strong>'s debut full length album <em>Sleepless Dreams</em> is a compelling and artfully crafted work that imparts a vision splendid, the music itself seemingly transporting you to the dream itself.<br /> Singer/songwriter/actress/model/business woman Christy Johnson takes the helm of this musical journey that feels at once like a pilgrimage through a mystical landscape. Sleepless Dreams is a concept album that fires on all cylinders with characters Lyrik, Theone, Cliché and Dreamkiller.<br /> Christy's vocals are clear and powerful, punctuating each song and providing the mystical quality the concept requires.<br /> The opening tune "Lyric's Battle" sets the stage for the album with it's protagonist vs. antagonist theme which is made more poignant by the compelling narrative that precedes the song itself and which is also found throughout the album.<br /> No song on the album is more chilling though than the third cut "All or Nothing" which could easily feel at home in a James Bond movie (indeed, everytime I hear it I see the opening graphics of that movie franchise playing in my mind).<br /> While Christy's vocals and the lyrics illuminate the music, it is the exquisite dynamic instrumentation of the band - Tian Garcia (guitar), Erny Galvan (bass), and David Lanning (drums) that propels the listener into a mystical place.<br /> <strong>Dreamkiller</strong>'s <em>Sleepless Dreams</em> can be purchased on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleepless-Dreams/dp/B002TE2QT8">Amazon.com</a> in MP3 format for downloading or the CD can be purchased at Dreamkiller shows while supplies last.</span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-92069474216220689432011-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:002011-04-02T08:21:56.426-07:00Lisa Manning - Gravel Road<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPrC6ULNKFI/TZc-0OxjHGI/AAAAAAAAARw/VRqvOdVxue4/s1600/LisaManning-GravelRoad.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPrC6ULNKFI/TZc-0OxjHGI/AAAAAAAAARw/VRqvOdVxue4/s200/LisaManning-GravelRoad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591006529443798114" border="0" /></a><span class="bodyTextB"> Burlington native <strong>Lisa Manning</strong> left the confines of the small town and made her way to Nashville. Today Lisa makes a living as a fiddler and vocalist in Whispering Bill Anderson's band but the former North Carolina resident is also an accomplished songwriter which is borne out in her 2009 CD <em>Gravel Road</em> - a tour de force of old style fiddling and stalwart bluegrass vocals.<br /> Ten of the twelve songs included on this wonderful album were written by Lisa and seven of those were co-written with her husband Derek Deakins who is also a renowned fiddle player in his own right having played with the Osborne Brothers and also Blake Shelton.<br /> For <em>Gravel Road</em> Lisa pooled the talents of several other bluegrass genre greats for both playing and singing duties. Former Shenandoah front man Marty Raybon provides lead vocals on "You'll Come Back On Your Own" while Blake Shelton lends a hand with lead vocals on "The Tractor Song." Bluegrass phenom Cia Cherryholmes also lends her vocal talents with a turn on lead for "Forecast of My Heart."<br /> Lisa handles fiddle duties or harmony fiddle on all twelve songs and provides harmony vocals on the three aforementioned tunes as well as "While We Can," "Smiling Down On You," "Black Raven," and "What Could've Been" and with the exception of the three instrumentals - "Climbin' the Castle," "Piper's Reel," and "Stop-N-Chat" Lisa's delightful voice takes the lead.<br /> Gravel Road is an incredible album that exemplifies the very best of a modern bluegrass </span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1154918658718405732006-08-06T19:41:00.000-07:002006-08-06T19:45:42.136-07:00Rhonda Vincent - All American Bluegrass Girl<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_RhondaVincent.0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_RhondaVincent.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Rounder Records</span><br /> Perennial bluegrass favorite Rhonda Vincent’s eleventh album <i>All American Bluegrass Girl</i> is largely a by-the-numbers contemporary bluegrass romp. Overall an enjoyable album, Vincent seems at times muted, especially on numbers such as “Rhythm Of the Wheels” a tune that holds a lot of promise but is lack-luster in its execution. Vincent has also has jumped on the patriotic bandwagon with two songs, both of which miss the mark, so much so that the first “God Bless The Soldier,” which she wrote, falls flat on its face and is totally uninspired. The second, “Till They Came Home,” fares only a little better.<br><br /> The spiritually themed songs are the saving grace for <i>All American Bluegrass Girl</i>, in particular “Jesus Built A Bridge To Heaven” is infectious and hard not to join in and sing along with. “Don’t Act,” another spiritual song is a toe-tapping, fast paced tune that does a wonderful job of showcasing Vincent’s sonorous vocal abilities.<br><br /> When all is said and done, <i>All American Bluegrass Girl</i> will be largely forgotten though Ms. Vincent certainly will continue to deliver quality bluegrass.<hr/>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1153020204189527032006-07-15T20:22:00.001-07:002006-07-16T06:10:40.736-07:00John Cowan Band - New Tattoo<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Cowan_Tattoo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Cowan_Tattoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Pinecastle Records</span><br /><br /> In the 1980's and 1990's if you were looking for the future of bluegrass, the field was fairly limited. Alison Krauss and Union Station and the New Grass Revival with John Cowan and Bela Fleck were at the forefront of a generation of artists seeking to drive bluegrass into the new millennia. While traditional bluegrass will forever be a mainstay, artists like Nickel Creek or the John Cowan Band are taking up the mantra and breathing new life into bluegrass.<br /><br /> With the release this month of "New Tattoo," the John Cowan Band heralds a sound that is both old school and new, building on the foundations he and NGR laid in the last century.<br /><br /> Fronted by Cowan's magnificent tenor vocals "New Tattoo" rolls through a bevy of new material at breakneck speed. "Carla's Got A New Tattoo," sets the pace for the album, which also includes the traditional flavored "New Mine," "Misery & Happiness," a lament featuring harmony vocals from Patty Griffin, and the closing song, an auto-biographical piece titled "Drown" that explores the dark subject of sexual abuse and child molestation. Cowan explains, "for men this has become a taboo subject...it is a source of shame for us." "Drown" stands in stark contrast to the swift speed of the rest of the material. Even though the subject matter deserves recognition it might have been better served to be included on another album that might have a more diverse tempo and feel.<br /><br /> Even with the downer feel of "Drown," "New Tattoo" is a rollercoaster ride that is one continuous thrill until the end.<hr/>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1153019950039157042006-07-15T20:16:00.000-07:002006-07-15T20:26:23.500-07:00Tab Benoit - Brother To The Blues<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Benoit.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Benoit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Telarc</span><br /><br /> The Blues is a difficult genre to master, especially for an artist who isn't blessed with black skin, a dirt poor background or a drug infested environment. Tab Benoit is the exception and his recent release Brother To The Blues is the testament to his domination of the genre. Mix in some special guests like Jim Lauderdale, Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Thibodeaux, virtuosos all, and this album becomes one of the best blues albums to be released this year.<br /><br /> "Pack It Up" a Texas Blues number in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughn kicks off the album, highlighted by Benoit's Cajun vocals and electric finger work on the guitar. Benoit and company do a decent job covering Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me" and Jimmy Davis/Hank Williams' classic "I Heard That Lonesome Whistle." "So High" is a breathless rock-tinged blues number while "Why Are People Like That?" relies more on rock than it does blues. "If You Love Me" returns to the slower mid-tempo flavor Blues before leading into the Cajun country flavored "Comin' On Strong" featuring Shaver's honky-tonk vocals and Thibodeaux's fiddle work.<br /><br /> Brother To The Blues is the kind of album that goes great with a beer from the fridge and sitting on the porch swattin' fly's on a sultry summer evening.<hr/>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1153019680023238642006-07-15T20:13:00.001-07:002006-07-15T20:20:54.486-07:00Jeff Black - Tin Lily<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_JeffBlack.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_JeffBlack.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Dualtone</span><br /><br />Once in a while an artist comes along that just begs for a further listen. Their music is engaging and pleasant yet simultaneously challenging and poignant. Jeff Black manages to capture your attention with Tin Lily, an album of all original tunes that evokes comparisons to artists as far ranging as Elton John and Randy Newman. Tin Lily as a whole is magnetic in its appeal with radio friendly numbers like “Free At Last” and “These Days,” or thought provoking tunes like ”Hard Way Out,” “Closer” and “Hollow of Your Hand.” The anthem-like “Libertine” draws you into the fabric of the music, making you want to get up and wave your Bic lighter.<br />What is lacking in Black’s music is a few more definitive hooks in his music and lyrics to take him to stardom. Even so, Tin Lily is a beautiful album with a feel and texture you can almost reach out and touch.<hr/>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135737916145317032005-12-27T18:41:00.000-08:002005-12-27T18:45:16.146-08:00Patty Loveless - Dreamin' My Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Loveless_Dreamin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Loveless_Dreamin.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Sony</span><br /><br />With the release of this her 14th album Patty Loveless builds on the legacy she has built over the years with quality country music. In an age of big hats, big bands and big sounds, Loveless maintains a rich country sound superior to mainstream Nashville artists. Dreamin' My Dreams focuses on Loveless's well toned voice and her ability to elicit emotions from the listener. Loveless' selection of 12 songs was chosen from a myriad of writers, notably Tony Arata, Jim Lauderdale, Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Earle and Delbert McClinton. The albums opening number "Keep Your Distance" showcases Loveless's high lonesome sound, but it is the bluegrass numbers "Big Chance" and "Never Ending Song of Love" that enables the Kentucky native to shine. With Dreamin' My Dreams Loveless has attained a level of comfort with her music, a comfort that liberates the essence of the song.<hr>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135736393493404702005-12-27T18:17:00.000-08:002005-12-27T18:23:38.623-08:00Jim Boggia - Safe In Sound<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Boggia1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Boggia1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Blue Hammock Music<br /><br /></span> Where is Jim Boggia? Who is Jim Boggia? After listening to Jim Boggia’s <i>Safe In Sound</i> several times it becomes clear that Boggia isn’t even sure where and who he is as a musician. A student of pop and rock music, Boggia is talented as a musician but even more so at mimicking the style and sound of others. Eventually you feel as though he wrote each song after listening to songs by other artists. "Final Word" could easily have been an Elvis Costello tune, "Show My Face Around" has a heavy John Lennon feel to it, while "Where’s The Party" and "Let Me Believe" sounds like cuts left off of the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour. "Shine," "Live The Proof," "Underground" and "Made Me So Happy" also beg the question "Where have I heard that song before?" The final cuts on Safe In Sound - "Slowly" and "Supergirl" are just simply boring. Before Boggia journeys to the studio again he needs to journey and find his identity as a musician, once he does you’ll discover a great artist.<hr>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135735772495436792005-12-27T18:07:00.000-08:002005-12-27T18:26:39.316-08:00Tish Hinojosa - A Heart Wide Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Hinojosa2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Hinojosa2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Valley Entertainment</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hinojosa's is a voice that enriches the air - soft and feathery, harmonious alongside the exquisite instrumentation. <span style="font-style: italic;">A Heart Wide Open</span>, Tish Hinojosa's first studio CD since 2000 is an album full of longing and reflection. Her deeply introspective songwriting reflects a woman in love with the images and ideals of her youth and of a woman who has seen pain in life but refuses to yield to its melancholy.<br />The light Caribbean flavored "Never Say Never Love Again" leads off the album with its bi-lingual lyrics. A wistful call for the by-gone days of social activism is the theme of "Whatever Happened To Everyone Wanting To Care," followed by the reflective "The Kitchen Table." Hinojosa also examines the lonely plight of a forgotten veteran in "Blue-Eyed Billy" and the life of a performer always on the road in "Shotgun Ridin'."<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Heart Wide Open</span> is a beautiful testament to one of America's truly gifted singer-songwriters.<hr/></span>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135734970977442272005-12-27T17:52:00.000-08:002005-12-27T18:15:53.970-08:00The Tremors - Scourge of the South<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Tremors1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Tremors1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Brain Drain Records</span><br /><br />Raw, visceral and alive with energy, the Tremors manifest the sex, drugs and booze vibe that defined rock-a-billy in its heyday. This bad-boy trio out of North Carolina is on the leading edge of a resurgent rock-a-billy movement and Scourge of the South captures the uninhibited intensity of a Tremors live act. Like the Sun Studios artists of the fifties who birthed the sound, the Tremors sing and play with abandon.<br /> Eleven of the thirteen cuts on Scourge are Tremors originals. Guitarist and lead singer Jimmy Tremor’s vibrato vocals are perfectly suited for the genre though his incessant "hiccupping" throughout the album does become old. Still he gives standout performances on "100 Proof Blues Boogie," and "Rockin’ All The Time." Slim Perkins on stand-up bass gives added dimension with backing vocals on "Manifestation." Stretch Armstrong’s splendid work on drums keeps each song hoppin’ and drivin’. The greasers of yore would be proud of this neo-retro rock-a-billy trio.<hr>Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135734643173785732005-12-27T17:39:00.001-08:002005-12-27T18:28:22.696-08:00Nickel Creek - Why Should The Fire Die<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_NickelCreek1.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_NickelCreek1.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Sugarhill Records</span><br /><br />Nickel Creek is on the edge with their latest release <span style="font-style: italic;">Why Should The Fire Die?</span> Taking apart conventional bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies the trio from California reassembles them in an unconventional way. The resulting album is pleasing while at times flirting with the avant garde. Often the only resemblance to bluegrass is the mandolin or fiddle.<br />Each cut on the album is like an exploration into differing genres. "When In Rome" leads off with its Celtic overtones and paves the way for "Somebody More Like You" that carries a 'Beatles-esque' sound and simplicity. "Scotch and Chocolate," an instrumental, sounds like classical music on an acid trip. Meanwhile, "Best of Luck" comes across like the B-52's punk group at a bluegrass festival.<br />Listening to the album a second and third time I realized the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it sounded like an album of "the other cuts" - the songs between the hits on old vinyl albums of the 70's and 80's - a welcome change to radio hit oriented albums.<hr />Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20240057.post-1135732939867846452005-12-27T17:20:00.000-08:002005-12-27T17:38:13.126-08:00Cherryholmes - Cherryholmes<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/1600/cd_Cherryholmes1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6922/1121/200/cd_Cherryholmes1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Skaggs Family Records<br /><br />Cherryholmes’ eponymously titled fourth album is a difficult album to listen to. Difficult because it seems almost incomprehensible that only five short years ago half of this bluegrass sextet (the three youngest) didn’t even play an instrument. Difficult because the youngest, 13 year old fiddle player Molly Cherryholmes contributed with co-writing "Coastline," a fast paced instrumental. Difficult because just this year the group beat out Alison Krauss, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson and Rhonda Vincent for Entertainer of the Year award at the International Bluegrass Music Awards. Cherryholmes is also a delight. It never tries to forge a new musical path or re-invent bluegrass. Instead it relies on solid musicianship and quality vocal ability. By infusing Irish dirges ("Shelly In The Heather") with a cappella covers (Jimmy Martin’s "Who Will Sing For Me?") and classic country (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s "Workin’ Man - Nowhere To Go"), Cherryholmes has created a well-balanced and grounded album.<hr />Charlton Wigginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473408304059858776noreply@blogger.com0