GRETCHEN WILSON  ~  ONE OF THE BOYS - SONY-BMG 82876-89201-2
Still rocking with the best of them on this her 3rd album, Gretchen has continued the format she started with and will continue to dominate her end of the market for years to come. Attitude is the by-word within some of her songs and her name is behind 9 on this album, all co-writes with Dean Hall, Rivers Rutherford, George Teren, Vicky McGehee, and John Rich, while Vicky co- writes one with John “Come to bed” and Del Gray, Shannon Lawson and Bobby L. Taylor co-write “There's a place in the whiskey”. The traditional country sound is certainly upheld with lots of guitars, steel and fiddles to the fore, but the big seller is actually the great songs and her vocal delivery, strident or gentle as required. Not all the songs are rockers by a long shot and Gretchen can deliver a ballad, better than most female singers today. Check out “Come to bed” (a duet with John Rich) “Heaven help me” “Pain killer” and “To tell you the truth”. Continuing with her “redneck” theme there's “The girl I am” “One of the Boys” “If you want a mother” and “There goes the neighbourhood” as well as rocking along on “You don't have to go home” “There's a place in the whiskey” and “Good ole boy”, which have outstanding guitar and fiddle interweaving around the vocal and middle eights. 14 Top session players, deliver with great musicianship and the production is shared between Gretchen, John Hall and Mark Wright with Gretchen and Rivers Rutherford co- producing their song. Hit singles on this one for sure and watch out for Gretchen once again in the awards come October. www.gretchenwilson.com (11songs-38 minutes).

MONTGOMERY GENTRY   ~  SOME PEOPLE CHANGE - SONG-BMG 82796-94888-2
Another great collection of 12 new songs from this world beating award winning duo as they continue to storm the states on tour, TV and radio with their varied stage show running from Arena Country Rock to gentle country ballads and they continue with that format on this CD. Strangely the songwriters are not listed on the sleeve notes, (21 in all) so let me add some of the better known names here. Eddie & Troy co-write on 5 with Rivers Rutherford, George Teren, Tom Shapiro, Gary Nicholson and Jeffrey Steel combining their talents plus many others. The production is shared between Mark Wright, along with the duo, Rivers Rutherford and Jeffrey Steele, in various combinations and that took 19 musicians and 17 backup vocalists, at four different sessions. So you have to ask was all the work and time worth it? The answer is in the charts, 2 hit singles “Some people Change “ and “Lucky Man” and at least 2 more to come, plus an outstanding album of modern country with a traditional leaning. Ok so it's a little heavy at times, “high energy country” some would call it, while others would say that maybe they are pushing it too far towards rock. Its classy production and some of the songs jump out of the speakers. If your looking for the a laid back sound keep searching, but if you like country in your face its here on “Hey Country” and “Free ride in the fast lane”. “Takes all kinds” “Your Tears Are Comin'” and “What do you think about that”. “Lucky man” “Clouds” and “Twenty Years Ago” are heart-touching songs at the other end, gentle sad ballads well delivered and personal. “Some people change” is strong lyrics about people being able to change their lives, “Lucky man” could be you or the guy next door, and “Redder than that” is solid country with a great beat and story in the good ole boy vein. “A Man's job” is a clever break-up song with a great twist and rocking rhythm and blues feel. You can't do better than follow their career and on every album they do seem to push the boundary just a little more with great effect. www.montgomerygentry.com is their huge web site. (12 songs-45 minutes).

UNCLE EARL  ~  WATERLOO,TENNESSEE - ROUNDER RECORDS 11661-0577-2A
To pigeonhole this Cd under bluegrass would be a misnomer as, to my ear, its more like a string band sound with a modern edge. But then again to list it under string band would not do justice to the folk, Celtic, country and Americana flavour. No matter what you call this one though, it's going to jump out of your speakers and thrill you. Uncle Earl are a 4-girl group of talented singers and musicians, Kirstin Andreassen, Rayna Gellert, KC Groves and Abigail Washburn, who all sing, and play, guitars, banjo, fiddles, ukulele, harmonica, mandolin and mandola. They add their guests on different songs, like Erin Youngberg on bass & vocals, Tara Nevins triangle, Eric Thorin on bass and Gillian Welch on drums and the music in total just floats across the songs encasing the outstanding vocals. Talent and variety is here in abundance with great harmonies as the added bonus. They take turns at lead vocal and its all produced by John Paul Jones who is the only male involved on the CD and also plays piano, bass, mandola, Papoose & wobble board, not at the same time and not on every song, (is this the same John that played on Burt Bacharach's “Hitmaker” album in London in 1965). The musical arrangements vary from just a single fiddle and dancing feet to full group sounds with one song a 5-piece vocal sung accappella. I can't sing its praises enough and it is certainly a joy to listen to. Their web pages are www.roundereurope.com & www.uncleearl.net
TRACKS :-Black-eyed Susie-The last goodbye-One true-Wish I had my time again-My little carpenter-My epitaph-Buonaparte-Bony on the isle of St Helena-Sisters of the road-Streak o'lean streak o'fat - D & P blues-The birds were singing of you-Wallflower-Drinker born-Easy in the early (til sundown) I may never. (16 tracks-48 minutes).

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER  ~  THE CALLING - ROUNDER/ ZOE RECORDS 01143-1111-2.
Following the success of her last album “Between here & gone” (reviewed in December 2004), Mary moves from Columbia to Rounder and continues with co-producer Matt Rollings. Apart from the new drummer and guests (none on this CD) she stays with basically the same team. Well you really can't improve a lot on Glenn Worf bass, Tom Bukovac Elec. guitars, Matt Rollings on various keyboards, Dean Parks guitars, John Jennings on guitars and bvs along with Mac McAnally who sings Bvs throughout with occasional additional Bvs from Kat Maslich Bode and Mary herself. This album moves carefully between the mid-tempo soft rock sound and the smooth gentle mellower sound both familiar to the myriad of Carpenter fans around the world, and with this and most of her albums I define you to define the category to “File Under” as it covers all the bases. There is a sadness conveyed in “Houston” “Leaving song” “Closer and closer apart” and “Here I am” while “The calling” “On and on it goes” “Your life story” and “Bright morning star” are uplifting. “On with the song” is just telling it as she sees it “…On with the song, I don't give a damn…”her political comment, favouring the comments made by the Dixie Chicks to whom she dedicates the song. Its electric folk, its carefully constructed country without steel and fiddles, its mid paced soft rock, its Americana music at its best, it's a modern blend of easy listening music, its got edge, a sharpness and yet a tenderness that grabs your attention and at the same time allows you to wallow in the wonderful personal lyrics only Mary can write and convey. But then its your song too as you listen to each story and place yourself in her shoes. I found this to be one of the most enjoyable and meaningful albums I've heard this year. You can get more details on www.roundereurope.com
OTHER SONGS:- We're all right-Twilight-It must have happened-Why shouldn't we.(13 songs-58 minutes)

TRAVIS RUSH  ~  COME AND GET IT - BROKEN HALO RECORDS 8-80235-02000-0
Nashville newcomer Travis writes 2 songs, co-writes another 9 with Jenn Burleton who also writes one more herself. In fact her contribution to this CD should not be overlooked as she plays electric and acoustic guitars, sings backup, does all the programming, and is also credited with co-production. Other musicians include Travis on piano, (his first instrument), violin & fiddle from Bruce Windham, and Doug Jones on pedal steel. The music is without doubt country with a fresh today sound, modern with traditional overtones. Travis is living in Portland, Oregon. His short-lived marriage and a painful relationship led him to write the song, "Just for Tonight". He became involved with volunteer work to benefit foster children. Travis wrote the song, "You Gotta Live" after befriending a fellow volunteer. He wrote “Get up off the ground” for his Dad who also plays acoustic guitar on the song. He rocks with the best on “What Mama don't know” and again on “Come and get it” with great guitar solos. We're looking at a young country Springsteen here, similar in style, voice and content, at times, and that no bad deal either. Great debut album and with the right connections to radio and TV in Music City, Travis could be a contender for the charts.
His personal site is at www.travisrush.com and the record site is www.brokenhalorecords.com
OTHER SONGS:-I wanna be with you-The real thing-Then I'll cry-Leap of faith-No substance in your style-Easier said than done-Put the world on hold. (12 songs - 53 minutes).

ALECIA NUGENT   ~  A LITTLE GIRL … A BIG FOUR LANE  ~  A ROUNDER 1`1661-0566-2A
Alecia continues to blossom with this album. She delivers an enchanting, poignant and beautiful performance across a fine collection of eloquent compositions from some of Nashville's best song-smiths. She is joined by Grammy Award winning producer-songwriter Carl Jackson on banjo and guitar, Adam Steffey mandolin, Rob Ickes dobro, Jim VanCleve fiddle, and Andy Falco guitar with guests Rebecca Lynn Howard, Alison Krauss (on the bittersweet “You've Still Got It”), Doyle Lawson and Jamie Dailey (on the gospel song “Meet Me in Heaven”), and Cia Cherryholmes. This is acoustic country music at its most emotional, soulful, and moving. As Carl explains. “…It's not absolutely hardcore bluegrass, and it isn't absolutely country either. We just tried to make a great album ….” and yes, they succeeded. It opens in fine bluegrass style with the Larry Cordle-Leslie Satcher song “Too Good to Be True” followed by a mid paced moody “Muddy River” with backing vocals by Carl and Rebecca Lynn Howard. “God Knows What” is a poignant leaving home song, while “A Dozen White Roses,” grabs at the heart on a ballad of a man at life's end. “Where his wheels left the road” is a story ballad of the wreck on the highway, well actually the wreck in the ditch. “I cried all the way to Kentucky” is bluegrass at it's best, super vocal and musicianship with a great sad song. Her soulful duet with Bradley Walker on “When it Comes Down to Us (It's All Up to You)” and “You've still got it” are highlights, while the musical free-for-all on “Breaking New Ground,” sets the pulse racing. The gentler “It won't be me” another leaving song and Carl Jackson's “Letter from home” (with great respect to Glen Campbell and “Love Always”) was written for Alecia to sing. Her vocal on “Somewhere else to fall” is outstanding and reaches new heights, while the gospel “Meet me in Heaven someday” is indeed a rousing album and show closer. There is a subtle autobiographical thread connecting the songs on the CD echoing the path she took from her home in Louisiana to arrive at where she is today. Highly recommended if you like quality, outstanding vocals, super songs and great musicianship and production. Check out www.rounder.com or www.alecianugent.com (13 songs-47 minutes)

LUCY KAPLANSKY  ~  OVER THE HILLS - RED HOUSE RECORDS RHRCD200
The new CD from New York City singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky is her most personal recording to date, with a range of 5 stories about family, lives lived and roads travelled all co-written with husband Richard Litvin, plus 5 classic songs by other writers, performed with her distinctive voice and interpretive sensibility. The album connects with themes of love and loss, hope and dreams. It reflects upon the connections between generations and how we all journey beyond the world of our parents. From the album's opening song “Manhattan Moon” about her joy in motherhood to “Today's the Day” about saying goodbye to her dying father, and the memorable closing song “The gift”, her new songs are personal and deeply moving. “Over the Hills” is a story of how her family came to America and the struggles they endured. She re-invents Bryan Ferry's “More Than This” as a pedal steel soaked ballad, countrified Ian Tyson's “Someday Soon” even more than the original, and June Carter Cash's “Ring of Fire,” sounds great without the brass, performs a winning duet with Buddy Miller on Julie Miller's “Somewhere Trouble Don't Go,” and romps joyously through Loudon Wainwright III's “Swimming Song.” She sings against a bare alt-country backdrop of steel guitar, mandolin, accordion and upright bass with the addition of fiddle accordion, and slide guitar at times . Produced by Ben Wittman who also plays drums and percussion, it features a world class band with Larry Campbell pedal steel guitar fiddle mandolin and dobro, Jon Herington acoustic guitar, Duke Levine mandola, Stephan Crump acoustic bass and Charlie Giordano accordion. Lucy's special guests, who lend their vocal harmonies are Eliza Gilkyson, Buddy Miller, Richard Shindell and Jonatha Brooke. Lucy's latest album is pure Americana, with a heavy leaning to folk and classic country. NOTE:- Lucy will be appearing on 14th December at the Pleasance in Edinburgh. www.redhouserecords.com includes details of tour dates latest news and sales.(10 songs- 39 minutes).

PETER MASON  ~  A LONG HAUL - SALISBURY RECORDS (NETHERLANDS).
Peter Mason is a songwriter of note who has had a fair share of success in pop music in the UK since the 60's. From his early beginnings in Liverpool he has worked with various bands, mainly on the European pop scene and his songs have found success there also. This is his second album and while not exclusively country, it does cross that line between genres, where it could become acceptable to the country fan if it gained enough radio play and Peter was to work some country festivals. As far as I can gather from the inlay details this was recorded in Kingston, Salisbury and Weybridge in England, and mastered in the Netherlands. The basic line-up of musicians are Slim Pickens pedal steel, David Rose keyboards, Peter Huntington drums, Jolyon Dixon bass, guitars, keyboard and accordion, Graham Bushell guitar and mandolin, plus the Norwegian band, the Hellbillies, with various additions like mandolin, piano, and harmony vocals. Peter writes all the songs and sings them too, probably the best bit for me. In a different setting this could be produced as a country album but in this format its only country flavoured MOR. Good songs well sung, with a throwback to his 60's style. In this case “old dogs and new tricks” spring to mind but I'm sure Peter will continue to find success as a singer-songwriter though not necessarily in country. www.Salisbury.nl and www.petermason.co.uk
SONGS:-Walking on a tightrope-Spoken for-Older man- Time so far away-Paradise-Somebody help me ( I‘ve fallen in love again ) - I‘ll be there for you -Saviour of my soul-Every minute-Lorranie-Somebody help me ( I‘ve fallen in love again) (same as song 6 with different musicians).(11 tracks-47 minute)

CAROLINA ROAD  ~  LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD  ~  BLUE CIRCLE RECORDS BCR006
Back in August 2006 I reviewed their CD “A stop in a South Port Towne” and I commented then “… This bluegrass album holds the tradition of bluegrass recording in good stead and one that the band and the bluegrass scene can be well proud of. ..”. Well here's the follow-up and I can echo my thoughts with this CD. The musicians on this CD are band members Lorraine Jordan lead vocals and mandolin, Josh Goforth fiddle and vocals, Ben Greene banjo and vocals, Todd Meade bass and guest Kim Gardner on Dobro on “Come and see me”. Newest band member Jerry Butler, guitar and vocals, has proved to be a great addition to the group and provides lead vocal on 5 songs including the title “Carolina Road” and “Come and see me” both written by Dixie and Tom T. Hall, “Can't You Hear the Mountain Calling” penned by Jerry Williamson “That was before I met you” (yes that same Charley Pride hit, taken back to it's Flatt & Scruggs bluegrass origin), and shares lead with Lorraine and Josh on ”Maybe you will change your mind”. His 5th song is the country gospel song “When your looking up”. Lorraine opens the CD vocally with “Run little fox” “Which way to go” (another Jerry Williamson song) and the closer “Carolina Hurricane” which she wrote herself and sings and plays at breakneck speed. Josh takes lead vocal on the remaining 3 songs, the traditional “Frances Lee” the gospel “Jesus said go” and “Carolina Rain”. He also plays other instruments and sings lead tenor and baritone as required. Great production from Steve Dilling and Lorraine again and the quality and clarity shines through. "We are proud and honoured to claim Carolina Road….as friends and heroes. Lorraine has made great choices with her selection of band members," said Tom T and Dixie Hall. Visit the band at www.myspace.com/carolinaroad or www.bluecirclerecords.com (12 songs- 34 minutes).

MITCHELL TOROK  ~  DRINK UP AND GO HOME - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD188
The music of Mitchell Torok could never be called “strictly country” but when you listen carefully to the songs on this collection there is rockabilly, honky tonk, early rock ‘n roll, straight country, and 50's music with a country flavour. In 1953, when Mitchell recorded “Caribbean”, and Jim Reeves topped the charts with his song “Mexican Joe” (not included here), little did Mitchell realise how the 2 songs would launch him on the road to international stardom which was never fully achieved. Among the favourites here there's Freddie Hart's title track, Marijohn Wilkin's “Take this heart”, Ben & Al Weisman's rock n' roll classic “Red light green light” with the Tulane Sisters, “What's behind the strange door” (later to become “What's behind the green door”) and 5 Ramona Reid songs including “Pledge of love”, “I wish I was a little bit younger” “Love me like you mean it” “Go ahead and be a fool” and “Sweet revenge”. 2 songs from Gale Jones from 56, “Memories of you haunting me night and day” and the hit “When Mexico gave up the rumba”. In 56 he also recorded “No money down” written by Chuck Berry who charted the song. The 13 songs written by Mitchell include novelty songs like “Havana huddle” “Edgar the eager Easter bunny”, “Judalina” “Little Hoo Wee” “Gigalo” and “Hootchy kootchy Henry from Hawaii”. The solid country songs include “Weep away” “Living on love” and “The world keeps turning around”. He is backed by the Louisiana Hayride Band on 10 songs. Recorded in Shreveport in 1953 and 54 and in Nashville in 54 and 56 (apart from the 1950s Houston recording of Julia Dillman's “Sober up”) this is a fine collection of a much missed and largely overlooked hit-maker. Like Bryan Chalker (who writes the sleeve notes) I found it hard to trace career info about him in the country history books. Shame. Mitchell also wrote “The Redneck National Anthem” the 1976 hit for Vernon Oxford (not included here).You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000
OTHER SONGS:- Haunting waterfall-Dancerette-A peasant's guitar.(26 songs-66 minutes)

ROSE MADDOX & the MADDOX BROTHERS ~ WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN  ~  B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD189
It could be said that Rose had 2 careers, one as part of the family group “The Maddox Brothers & Rose” from her 11th birthday, up to 1957 and as “Rose Maddox” from then on. These recordings take in the late 40's to 55 and are from the Columbia and 4 Star catalogues. Apart from the title track with the Eddie Cletro Orchestra in June 55, the remainder of the collection (we assume) is with the family band. {Rose went on to join Capitol and have a string of chart successes including 2 duets with Buck Owens and a highly acclaimed Bluegrass album}. Even back in the late 40's Rose was singing gospel songs like “Flowers in the Master's bouquet” “Uncloudy day” “Gonna lay my burden down” “I'll be no stranger there” and “I'd rather have Jesus” all included. She occasionally co-wrote songs, (2 on this CD, “Hasty Baby“ and Waltz of the Pines” although some songs are un-credited) but mainly recorded the popular songs of the time, like “I'd rather die young” “Old Pal of yesterday” “I'll still write your name in the sand” “Hummingbird” “Just when I needed you” “Don't let your sweet love die” and “Bring it all down to my house honey” now country and bluegrass standards. Rose's voice could cut glass, (in fact some said beer bottles) and was the most distinctive. Along with their well dressed appearance, vast repertoire and dance orientated style, they were the leaders in their field. Rose continued to perform until the early 70's when she retired to California and appeared occasionally in clubs and major festivals until her death in 1998. She was a member of Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry. You can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com
Other songs:-Tramp on the street- When the sun goes down-Wedding blues-Sweet little you-Cowboy bugle boy-Rosalie by the Rio-The nightingale song-In a land where we never grow old-Baby you should live so long-There's no right way to do me wrong. (24 songs/64 minutes)

TERRY FELL &THE FELLERS  ~  GET ABOARD MY WAGON  ~  B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD191
One-hit wonder Terry Fell had a Billboard hit in 1954 with his self-penned “Don't Drop It” but will probably always be remembered for the B-side “Truck Driving Man”. While it wasn't the first trucking song, it did pave the way for a whole new genre within country from 1954 and was covered by countless others including George Hamilton IV, Buck Owens, Red Steagall, Commander Cody, Dave Dudley, Dick Curless and Del Reeves. Like others at that time, he showed great promise but he found his true niche in Nashville as a songwriter, with “You're The Reason” (not included) a country / pop crossover hit in 1961 for Bobby Edwards and Sonny James. The recordings included here cover 46 to 56 and were sourced from 4 Star, Gilt Edge, Memo, RCA Victor and RCA's X. 19 of the songs are self-penned and the original “Truck Driving Man” from 1954, recorded in California, makes interesting listening. This is fiddle and steel country with a little rockabilly added as during the mid 50's most country singers had country on one side and a rockabilly on the other, in case either caught on. His “Hillbilly Impersonations” song with vocal copies of his contemporaries is very impressive and a joy to listen to. This is a great insight into a successful singer-songwriter's career from the 50s, and he will always be remembered for the right reasons, talent.You can order direct by telephone on 01304 205000 at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com
OTHER SONGS:- Rainbow at midnight-Smokin' cornsilk - Over and over -You don't give a hang about me -Get aboard my wagon- If I didn't have you - Don't do it Joe - Fa so la - I'm hot to trot-Consolation prize-Mississippi river shuffle-He's in love with you-I can hear you cluckin'-Paper heart-Yesterday-I've done all I know to do-There's a gold moon shining-You don't want me anymore-You're not wanted here-You ran around-Dreamer's paradise.(25 songs - 64 minutes)

SUSAN Mc CANN  ~  MY STORY - H&H MUSIC DVD HHDVD804
Currently celebrating 30 years in the music business Susan releases the ultimate record of her career, a 40 song DVD. It includes some highlights of her career, some of her most memorable TV appearances, a segment about Big Tom, all linked by Susan from her home, with footage filmed in Northern Ireland. She reminisces on her career with actual TV footage from her appearances at The Wembley Country Festival in London, and festivals in Ireland and America, her European Gold Star Award winning appearance in Holland in 1982 and her 1st appearance on the Porter Wagoner Television show recorded in Opryland in Nashville. There's a duet each with Daniel O'Donnell and Sean Wilson. There's even a medley from husband Dennis Heaney on accordion. The DVD is a great overview of her success during her three decades on the music scene. (An added bonus is a limited edition CD of 20 songs from the DVD soundtrack included in the same package as the DVD). A leader in her field for many years, Susan led the way with her singing style, unique voice and pleasant personality. She, like others of her time, have reached out and touched places where today's artistes can never repeat. The music represented here is just a selection of the songs she recorded and popularised in Ireland and the UK over the years, not just the country favourites, but the popular easy listening and Irish songs she has made her own over her successful 30 year career. It will be in the shops from the 20th July or you can order from www.susanmccann.com
SONGS:-Blue jean country queen-My fork hill home-Medley (Everybody's somebody's fool-Tears on my Pillow-Lipstick on your collar-Who's sorry now- Que sera sera )-Big Tom is still the King-All day sucker-Flashback-Single girl-Broken lady-Down to my last Broken heart-While was making love to you-I wouldn't change you if I could-Darlin'-Rose of my heart-Sun in the morning-Do Re Mi- Medley (Cooley's Reel-High Reel)-A mother's loves a blessing- String of Diamonds Medley-Storybook children-You're never too old- Irish Medley of 10 songs-Coat of many colours-When the sun says goodbye to the mountains.

SUSAN Mc CANN  ~  SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY - H&H MUSIC HHCD005
This is the fourth release in the “Susan McCann 2 CD Collection” and is also released at the same time as the DVD, to mark Susan's anniversary. Susan sings many of the songs which were popular when she was growing up, mainly Irish favourites including some country favourites, hence the title.The country songs include This song is just for you, If those lips could only speak, Could I have this dance, Have I told you lately, Remember your mine, Forever and ever amen and more. These are not new recordings but re-releases in different formats as many of these recordings are available on CD for the first time and many have been re-mastered. Certainly a collection her many fans will snap up.