ALISON KRAUSS - A HUNDRED MILES OR MORE - ROUNDER RECORDS 11661-0555-2
This is not your typical Krauss album, its not all bluegrass, in fact its not all even country, just a superb collection of songs performed in her own angelic style ranging from the full blown bluegrass cut “Sawing on the strings”( twin fiddles from Alison with Stuart Duncan) to the traditional Irish piece “Molly Ban” arranged and produced by Paddy Moloney of “Chieftains” fame. The CD opens with 4 previously unreleased songs and closes with one more, and in between there’s 11 songs recorded for other projects. There are 4 songs taken from movie soundtracks, “Down to the river to pray” from Oh Brother, Where art thou -“The Scarlet Tide and “You will be my ain true love”( a duet with Sting) from Cold Mountain and “I give you to his heart” from The Prince of Egypt. Alison also duets with:- James Taylor on the old Chet Atkins/Louvin Brothers/Jim Reeves classic “How’s the world treating you” (outstanding duet) :-Brad Paisley on “Whiskey Lullaby” which won the Musical event of the Year award from the CMA, (deservedly so) and with John Waite on “Missing You” and “Lay down beside me”. Her take on the old Don Williams hit “I’m just a country boy” and on Sarah Siskind’s “Simple Love” are just exquisite. Don’t be mislead either, the members of Union Station appear on the album in many guises, playing many instruments and always to perfection. The should be a sure-shot-contender for the album of the year category, except it contains too much re-issued material to qualify. Check out the www.alisonkrauss.com & www.roundereurope.com
OTHER SONGS:-Jacob's Dream -Away Down the River - Baby Mine- Get Me Through December (16 songs-68 minutes).

TIM MCGRAW - LET IT GO - CURB RECORDS CURCD 226
Let it go is Tim McGraw’s first studio album in nearly 3 years, his last release “Reflected: Greatest Hits Volume 2” was a retrospective collection and entered the charts at No 1, the ninth time he has charted this way. For the third time he uses his road band “The Dancehall Doctors” for all the music, with co-producers Byron Gallimore and Darran Smith adding acoustic guitars on 2 songs and synth on another. Wes Hightower guests on one song and Tim’s wife Faith Hill duets on “ I Need You” (an outstanding song that must surely be a hit single) and she sings backup on “Shotgun Rider”. He does an outstanding version of the old Eddie Rabbitt song “Suspicions” and the song “Kristofferson” (his new single on the country Hotdisc) is a laid back ballad that gives the songwriter a gentle accolade. Tim co-writes “Train #10” with Brad & Brett Warren who also co-write “Between the River & Me”. These 2 songs along with “Last Dollar” ( his latest single) are in the strong mid tempo vein. In fact the whole album has a laid back feel and “Shotgun Rider” closing the album is a lovely country waltz. Top songwriters pen great memorable songs, outstanding musicians play to their country best and Tim places the icing on this cake with his great voice and wonderful interpretation of every song. Another album bound for the album of the year awards category. Tim has 26 #1 singles under his belt and sold 34 million albums to date and this album will surely add to these totals, and he has just finished his 3rd movie. Check www.curb.com for more information.
OTHER SONG;- I’m workin’- Let it go-Whiskey & you-Put your lovin’ on me-Nothing to die for-Comin’ home (13songs 53 minutes).


CARTER SISTERS & MOTHER MAYBELLE - COMPLETE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS 1949 - 1952. B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD176
Around 1943 Sara Carter turned her back on the first line-up of the famous family. A.P. formed a new version of the“Carter Family”and recorded for Acme Records while Maybelle signed with RCA Victor with her daughters, Helen, June and Anita. Heard here are songs that reflect on religious, tragic and sentimental themes and represent them at the start of their “new” career with 14 songs from 1949. These forgotten recordings include some unpublished recording dates and master numbers that appear to be their first session in February 1949 which took place in Atlanta. Chet Atkins had joined them and is heard at his early best. In addition to Maybelle’s unique guitar work, Helen played accordion, Anita bass, and June may have played autoharp. They enjoyed great popularity and were playing the Opry by 1950, but changing commercial tastes resulted with moderate record sales. This is indeed country history with another 5 songs from 1950 and 8 more from 1952. Looking at the titles below you find that many of their best known songs are included.You can order direct by Tel:- 01304 205000 or www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com .
SONGS;-My darling’s home at last - The kneeling drunkard’s plea-Why do you weep, dear willow?-Someone’s last day-Walk a little closer-A picture, a ring and a curl-The day of wrath-I’ve got a home up in Glory-Blue skies and sunshine-The day they laid Mary away-Don’t wait-Down on my knees-Little orphan girl-God sent my little girl- Willow, will you weep for me-Gotta find me somebody to love-A trinket of shiny gold-I’ve got to share my troubles-Columbus GA-Foggy mountain top-Fair & tender ladies-Sun’s gonna shine on my back door-I never will marry-Wildwood flower-He’s solid gone-You are my flower-I ain’t gonna work tomorrow.(27 songs-75 minutes)


JIMMIE DAVIS - WHERE THE OLD RED RIVER FLOWS - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD180
Jimmie Davis made his first recording in 1928, a year after Jimmie Rodgers and the year before Gene Autry, but as a performer he never attained the heights they achieved. As a songwriter "You are my Sunshine” and “Nobody's Darling but Mine” have left an indelible mark on country music history. As far as is known during 1928 he recorded four sides for the Doggone Label. In September 1929 his recording career began in earnest. He had secured a contract with Ralph Peer for Victor and remained with them until August 1933 as their top artists. In September 1934 he was recording in Chicago for the new Decca label, a session that gave us the “Nobody’s Darling” song. He continued to record with a variety of session musicians, country & western bands and orchestras and appeared in some B westerns. In 1944, he was elected as Governor of the State of Louisiana. He was to serve a second term from 1960. At the age of 65 Jimmie Davis retired and devoted his time to his publishing company and his local church. This collection starts with one song from 1929, 3 from 1930, one from 1934, 7 from 1937, 2 each from 38, 39 and 40, 1 from 41, 3 from 42, and 2 from 1945, (24 songs- 68 minutes). You can order direct by Tel:- 01304 205000 or www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com .
SONGS:-Baby’s lullaby-My Louisiana Girl-She’s a hum dum dinger-Where the old Red River flows-When it’s roundup time in Heaven-That’s why I’m nobody’s Darling-Pal of long ago-If I cry you’ll never know-I wonder where you are-In the west where life is free-Honky tonk blues-One two three four-Meet me tonight in dreamland-You tell me your dream-Never break a promise-Two more years and I’ll be free-My mother’s bible-The love I have for you-I’m the one-What’s the matter with you darling-Plant some flowers by my grave-Walking my blues away-Tired of crying over you-Wave to me my lady.


KITTY WELLS - I’LL BE ALL SMILES TONIGHT - B.A.C.M. RECORDS CDD181
Kitty was born in Nashville in 1918 and would become the recognised “Queen of Country Music”, have countless Top 10 hits in the 50’s and 60’s, become a Country Music Hall of Fame member in 1974 and receive a Lifetime Achievement Award as a Grammy Award in 1991. She began singing with her sisters around 1936 and married Johnnie Wright in 1937. Her career as a performer was varied until 1952 when she recorded “It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”. She became the 1st female to reach No 1 on the charts (for 6 weeks) and also joined the Grand Ole Opry. The recordings here cover 1949 to 1956,( hits not included) and is a unique insight into the songs that made her famous. Her vocal style was honed on these songs and many would be performed across the USA and Europe on her unique country roadshow. The style has hardly changed over the years, only the recording technique has improved. Another 26 song-68 minute dip into the world of country nostalgia. You can order direct by Tel:- 01304 205000 or www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com .


RANDY KOHRS - OLD PHOTOGRAPHS- RURAL RHYTHM RHY1030
Back in April 2005 I reviewed Randy’s last CD “I’m Torn” and here are 2 quotes from what I said in that review then in case you missed them. “…this CD will bring great changes to his future and place him centre stage. A multi talented instrumentalist and vocalist with a great tenor voice, he is at home with bluegrass and on this 11 track CD he is joined by a host of his modern day contemporaries giving their all to make this CD one of the best bluegrass Cds I’ve heard in some years. Its fresh and appealing from the musical standpoint, its vocally outstanding and when you add the song writing talent, it completes the package, making Randy one of the most complete recording artistes to step forward since (Ricky) Skaggs…”. What I’ve heard on his latest album “Old Photograph” only reinforces and echoes my thought back then. There’s 12 songs over 48 minutes, nine of them with Randy’s name as songwriter co-writing with a host of other writers. Bryan Frasher writes “Old Photograph” a gentle bittersweet love song, Shannon Lawson & Del Gray write “Who’s going with me” a great tale of love and redemption, while “Shallow Grave” from Walt Aldridge & Kate Campbell is a sad ballad of unfaithful love closing the album. In between many of the up-tempo songs are certainly uplifting, (through not all religious), like “Rockwell’s gold” and “The Trouble with the truth” “Two boys from Kentucky” and “She ain’t coming back” all co-writes with Ashley Brown, who also plays fiddle and sings on “Lena Mae”. “Can you give me a drink” is performed in a old timey Gospel style”. I liked the shuffle tempo & vocal on “White Ring” and the train song “If all those trains were still around (Id be an old hobo)”gives a nod to all the great “country trains” with catchy lyrics and outstanding picking. The ballad “Don’t let your wounded heart come between us” is a wonderful broken hearted ballad at a lovely slow tempo, with super vocal and harmony from guest “Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year” and “Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year” (Contemporary) Rhonda Vincent. His other esteemed guest artists include Darrin Vincent, Scott Vestal, Jim Hurst, Don Rigsby and two-time Grammy winner Carl Jackson. The album has many highlights including Randy’s exceptional dobro playing and wonderful voice. Even if you are not a bluegrass fan as such you should add this outstanding album to your collection.www.randykohrs.com for details on Randy and www.ruralrhythm.com on how to buy.

PATRICIA CONROY - TALKING TO MYSELF - ANGELINE ENTERTAINMENT (UNIVERSAL MUSIC, CANADA) ANGEL0002
Patricia Conroy's newly released CD "Talking To Myself" is her first new album in six years and marks a new chapter for this accomplished artist. The Canadian star wrote or co-wrote all 11 tracks of what insiders claim to be a milestone in her career, and she is already known for number one hits such as “Bad Day for Trains” and “Keep Me Rockin'“ from earlier albums in her native Canada. Strong songwriting is evident throughout the CD which explores many emotional themes, from infatuation in “Everything You Do” to “Wild Card” to a gutsy determination such as the resilience displayed in “Save Your Breath”. "Talking to Myself" speaks about the struggles to reach elusive goals and the futility of those efforts. “I was simply expressing what I was going through. From the strong response to the songs, I must have touched an emotional nerve.” she says. Her co-writers include Britton Cameron & Jack Sizemore on 3 songs, plus noted Nashville songsmith’s Tom Shapiro, Cyril Lawson, Jim Weatherly and Hunter Davis on others while Patricia writes 4 songs herself.. With eight No. 1 singles and five No.1 videos behind her she recently added another award at this year's Canadian Country Music Awards with the prestigious "Independent Female Artist" of the year Award.The album is produced by husband Bob Funk and co-produced by Kevin Churko of Shania Twain and The Corrs fame. Not your fiddle and steel guitar country sound here, this is an innovative album with a fresh sound and songs with an emotional depth fans will find hard to resist. Check out www.patriciaconroy.net for more info etc.
OTHER SONGS:-Ray of sun-End of the day-I know-Everyday Ordinary life-When-Here’s the deal-Til I hear from you.(11 tracks 45 minutes).


SHANE YELLOWBIRD -LIFE IS CALLING MY NAME - 306 RECORDS/UNIVERSAL 3060004
Shane grew up in Hobbema, AB, is a Cree, and was a typical cowboy. His parents worked the rodeo circuit and he learned to rope and ride, embrace the cowboy lifestyle and accept that it was his future. A strange twist of circumstances, however, put him on the country music path. Born with a severe stuttering problem, he began with a speech therapist who suggested that he sing his sentences. The technique proved successful and instilled in him a budding love of music. In just a few short years, he has gone from quietly pursuing a fine arts degree at College to a budding country music star, with a hot selling album, awards and nominations and two Top 10 radio hits and videos to his credit. This debut features radio-friendly tracks in the traditions of Strait and Brooks and he is a singer with a great voice. “…no break-up or unhappy songs”he says. “The whole album is …about having fun, being in love. I wanted the first album to be positive.” The songs are all from top songwriters both Canadian and American, including Wade Kirby, Trey Bruce, Ashley Gorley, Craig Wiseman (just some of the names I know), and Billy Yates and Byron Hill who wrote the title track “Life is calling my name”. Fiddles and steel guitar country aimed at the fan who likes great singers, musicians and songs. “They’re all about you” and “Pickup Truck” standout as up-tempo hits singles but the overall country sound is a seller. ( They don’t mention the musicians who deserve credit for top musicianship all produced by Bart McKay in Saskatoon, Canada). Visit www.shaneyellowbird.com for full bio and details of how to buy. You won’t be disappointed with this debut.
OTHER SONGS:-What a beautiful concept-Get away with you-I remember the music-Drive me home- Here -A summer day -Easy.(10songs-36 minutes).


CLAY WALKER…FALL - CURB RECORDS CURCD230
Clay is one of the most successful country acts of the past decade. He topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with "What's It to You” and “Live Until I Die”. Since then he's had 31 singles on the charts including “Dreaming with my Eyes Open” “If I Could Make Living” “This Woman and This Man” and “Rumour Has It”. (The latter two also No 1s.) He's scored four platinum-selling albums, and two gold albums. The talented Texan has teamed with acclaimed producer Keith Stegall to record this album for Curb Records. One of his favourite tracks is a song titled “Fall” He says his approach to the new album was simple: "…I wanted to continue the style they've known me for and not change things too much because the music we've made in the past is good music. Mainly I was looking for stronger lyrics…” The first single from this album "Fore She Was Mama" spent 6 months in the Billboard 'Hot Country Songs' chart and “Fall” will be a hit too. His duet recording of “Before the next teardrop falls” with Freddy Fender is haunting and memorable. Clays vocal is clear, distinctive and positive, the songs all well chosen to suit his ability. He shines particularly brightly on ballads like “Fall” “She like it in the morning” and “I’d love to be her last” while the catchy radio friendly songs “Mexico” “Working Man” and “Average Joe” will garner loads of air-play. Great steel guitar and fiddle country with a down-home modern sound, sure to please listener and dancer alike. www.curb.com
OTHER SONGS:-Miami and me-You’re my witness-It ain’t pretty but it’s beautiful- I hate nights like this.(12 songs 44 minutes).


GRETCHEN PETERS - BURNT TOAST & OFFERINGS - CURB RECORDS CURCD228
Here in the UK Gretchen Peters is best-known as a singer and songwriter due to her regular visits, her continued release of great albums, her acclaimed songs (occasionally covered by others) and her regular radio sessions and interviews. She says “… I think great songs are born. They are born with all the urgency of childbirth, born out of pain, anger, joy, wit, and delivered by instinct, skill and love…”. This passion for the song has brought her to the Grammy Awards twice as a songwriter, won her a CMA Song Of The Year award for “Independence Day” and seen the release of four acclaimed albums. With this album 'Burnt Toast And Offerings', she proves once again, by writing from life, that her own words are true. On an emotional rollercoaster for 3 years in her personal life, she puts some of it on paper, adds the music and this album is the result (apart from one song by Johnny Mercer “One for my baby” which fits in SO well. Excellent musical backing from Barry Walsh on keyboards, Dave Francis on bass, John Gardner on drums, David Henry plays cello, trumpet, euphonium and even co-producer Doug Lancio plays a varied collection of guitars and mandolin. But the songs steal the show here, soft delivery, haunting at times, happy, sad, all emotional in one context or another, love, old and fresh and all with feeling. www.gretchenpeters.comSONGS:- Ghost -Sunday Morning (Up & Down My Street)-Summer People-Jezebel - Thirsty -England Blues - The Lady Of The House -One For My Baby - The Way You Move Me -This Town -Breakfast At Our House-To Say Goodbye(12 songs 52 minutes).


JOHN BERRY - HITS - CLEAR SKY RECORDS CS1106
John had his first No.1 hit in 1994 with “Your Love Amazes Me” and had several more Top 10 releases, such as “Kiss Me in the Car” “You and Only You” “Change My Mind” and “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye.” This collection includes all the hits you know and love, plus an great country version of "When a Man Loves a Woman" as only he can deliver. The Grammy Association, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music have all recognized his extraordinary voice with several awards and nominations. John co-writes 3 songs here, “Kiss Me in the Car” with Chris Waters, “A Mind of Her Own” with Chuck Jones and “Standing On the Edge Of Goodbye” with Stewart Harris, while the remaining nine songs are from top seasoned Nashville songwriters. The musicians on these re-recordings recreate the original hit sounds to perfection and its all produced by John Hall who also plays piano and keyboards. This is a great collection of hit country songs and you should also watch out for a new CD of all new material due for release later this year. www.johnberry.com is his web site for details of how to buy etc.
OTHER SONGS:-She's Taken a Shine-Change My Mind-Standing On the Edge Of Goodbye- I Will, If You Will-What's In It For Me-I Think About It All the Time- If I Had Any Pride Left At All.(12 songs/43 minutes)

JIM VANCLEVE - NO APOLOGIES - RURAL RHYTHM RHY-1029
Jim VanCleve received a Grammy nomination for the single “ Nature of the Beast” the opening track on his current bluegrass album “No Apologies” in category for Best Country Instrumental Performance. Jim is also a member of the highly-awarded band Mountain Heart. Joining Jim on his new album are Adam Steffey mandolin, Jason Moore bass, Clay Jones, guitar Ron Stewart banjo, Rob Ickes resophonic guitar, Bryan Sutton guitars, Tim Akers piano & keyboards and Jim on fiddle and high strung guitar. He has developed a reputation as one of the finest musicians and music producers in the business and produced the debut album by fellow Rural Rhythm artist, Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain. The 11 tracks are divided into 6 instrumental pieces featuring Jim on fiddle, 2 songs where Jim debuts as a vocalist and 3 songs from guests Ronnie Bowman on Dennis McIntire’s “Let the big dog eat”, Sonya Isaacs singing lead on “Scars” written by John Paul White and Steve McEwan, and Barry Abernaty and Steve Gulley tenor on Ruby Rake’s “Train”. Jim sings lead and Steve Gulley tenor on
“Way it always seems to go” the Lester Flatt & Curley Schler classic “We can’t be darlings anymore” and Bill Monroe’s “Wheel Hoss” is also revived as the same Monroe pace. This is more than just a great bluegrass album, it has other variations added to give great diversity, like the addition of piano and strings to the haunting vocal by Sonya Isaacs on “Scars”. Check it out at www.JimVanCleve.com or www.RuralRhythm.com.
OTHER TRACKS;-Fall creek falls-Devil’s Courthouse-Highlands-Grey afternoon.(11 tracks-45 minutes).