Welcome once again to my reviews of some current releases. This months I’ve got a good cross-section, as I look at the latest from Josh Gracin and Walt Evans, Ron Block and Tim Hensley. There’s 2 DVDs from the Statler Bros and The Gaither Vocal Band, 3 oldies from BACM Canadian, Australian and American, 3 UK artistes, the exciting return of Michelle Wright and a rocking country CD from Jeffrey Halford. So lets get started with a look at the homeland first…..

KEITH PEARSON’S COUP DE GRASS...AFTER THE TREACLE  ~  CDG RECORDS CDG 03
This is the follow-up to “Crazy Men, Cowboys and Kids” on CDG Records CDG 02 which I reviewed back in 2004. I started that review by saying “…Its not easy to classify this CD by Cambridge based Keith and his band as its folksy, bluegrass, old-timey and country.” So there’s no change there then. Keith sings lead and plays guitar and banjo, Phil Milner sings and plays bass, James Darby harmonica and Andrew (Finchley) Noyes sings and plays guitar. Former member Tim Jellis (replaced by Andrew in the “Live” line-up) guests on dobro and Robin Milner adds percussion. James Darby writes the instrumental “Fat cat boogie” for the harmonica showing off his virtuosity. They include 2 traditional pieces “It‘s rain” by Pop Stoneman as a slow instrumental, and Hank’s “Your Cheating Heart” as a part-monologue over a close-harmony version of the song. Keith also writes 7 songs this time, and his vocal drawl sending up the funny songs and adding more pathos on the sad ones is certainly refreshing. His “When I get to Texas” and “Please don’t leave me” are by far the best 2 songs on the Cd for me, offering another funny slant on their titles. This outfit have extended bluegrass and with their line-up move outside that genre across towards stone country without fiddles and steel, taking an old-timey approach with modern arrangements, and that sums up the CD as well. Get a copy and you’ll understand what I mean as you listen to craftsmen at work. Having worked with them recently again at a concert, they are still a delight to watch performing. I can recommend the CD and the band as well. Telephone contact number is 01954-260730 or check out www.keithpearson.co.uk
OTHER SONGS;- Money-A letter to Tom-Tomorrow I’ll be gone-Second is a waste of time-Angelina-Judgement Day-Poor Bill. (12 tracks-40 minutes).

McKENZIE...WALKING ON STEEL,
Zoë Caryl and Kenny Plenderleith are the duo known as McKenzie, where Zoë is the main vocalist who also plays piano, and sings backup. Kenny is the drum programmer, keyboard player, bass guitarist, plays all guitars, sings backing vocals, and produces. Both write all the songs except “I’ve got a fender guitar” which is co-written by Kenny with Tommy Duffy who also guests playing bass on that song only. It is sung by an un-named male, (bound to be either Kenny or Tommy). Mike Piggot plays fiddle on 3 songs only. The closing tracks is an instrumental version of The dark Isle which merges into a vocal version of My Love is like a Red Red Rose, very tastefully done but I found it out of place. Zoe takes lead vocal on all the songs (except above named ) and she carries the songs effortlessly. They cover a variety of musical styles with tempos favoured by line and couple dancers but the songs are top quality, well written stories that should not be overlooked in favour of steppers. “Step into the light” is a well written ballad delivered “torch like” with nice musical arrangement, which also describes “Make love to me”. “Goldrush” with its walking bass tempo catches the ear while “Happy blues”, is a rockabilly format could easily pass in the western swing style, just needed the twin fiddle and steel added. Nice one! Overall a very pleasing outing for a new duo who, on this showing, are heading in the right direction. Watch out for them at many of the country festivals this year and you won’t be disappointed as I’m sure they will recreate the sound and style along with the songs from this debut CD. It is available through www.mckenziecountry.co.uk or myspace.com/mckenziecountry
OTHER SONGS:-Lovestruck-Are you coming out to play-Mr.Busy-My little one-Chelsea day.   (13 songs-43 minutes).

THOMAS MAGUIRE & FHIONA ENNIS...WE‘RE STILL TOGETHERNELL RECORDS CD006
Since they became singing partners in 2005,Thomas and Fhiona have joined forces to become one of the more popular Irish country show bands on the circuit today. Their fresh approach to the music is evident on this their 2nd Cd. The combination works with Thomas singing 6 songs solo, Fhiona singing another 6 solo and then the 3 duets. They have found that the mixture of original songs and covers works well for them so why change, it’s been the staple from Ireland like forever. “We’re still together” is a wonderful duet in the true country standard format that could be recorded by any top line country duo today, although the “style” is now a little dated. Mairaid McMahon write 2 new songs “What goes around” (bright show-band song) and “Help”( is reminiscent of a Carlene Carter song). William Curry writes “Little Homestead Cottage” an Irish quickstep favoured by dancers everywhere. In between there’s covers of Isla Grant’s “Love me tonight”, Johnny McEvoy’s “Long before your time” a lovely Irish waltz, “Somewhere my love” from Dr Zhivago is another waltz, but on a country album pl…ease!! Knofler’s “Cannibals” gets afresh look with added sax. I did like the David Ball song “Please feed the jukebox” solid country,well delivered ( and more like that one next time). Hoyt Axton’s great song “When morning comes” suits the duet format and both sound terrific on this one and I find their voices blend so well. Both are great vocalists on their own but together is something special. There’s a array of 19 talented musicians playing their hearts out and among the names are some tried and successfully tested heroes. Excellent solo and duets album and separate or together they have a great future. You can get more details at www.thomasmaguire.com

OTHER SONGS:-Never mind-We were made for eac other-A rose has to die-Tennessee waltz-End of the line.(15 songs 47 minutes).

TIM HENSLEY...LONG MONDAY - BLUE CHAIR RECORDS/RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS RHY1035
OK, so as a musician you’ve played with Ricky Skaggs’ band for a few years, then moved on to continue your apprenticeship with Patty Loveless and her band and then moved to tour with Kenny Chesney’s outfit for a while, including singing tenor on his albums and playing guitar and mandolin. So now it’s time to start your own solo career and make your first CD. We need good songs, lets ask John Prine and Keith Sykes, Rodney Crowell, Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle, John Scott Sherrill, Shawn Camp and Sonny Tillis, Tim Stafford and Ronnie Bowman for some of theirs songs and let’s add one by yourself and 2 co-writes with Kenny Chesney. Bound to be a few good’uns in that lot, I‘d say. Next we need some musicians, lets try and get some good pickers like, Rob Ickes on Dobro, Deanie Richardson and Aubrey Haynie on fiddles, Kevin Grantt on bass, Tim Stafford and Wyatt Rice on acoustic guitars, Adam Staffley on mandolin, Jeff Taylor on accordion and David Talbot on banjo,. Yes that should do nicely. Now let’s see if we can get some guests to join the project. I wonder if Vince Gill, Sonya Isaacs and Patti Loveless will guest? Yes they will. Now if you can get Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon to produce and Billy Sherill, Tony Castle and Butch Carr to record it all, we might just deal a winning hand here, let’s call it “Long Monday” and merge some vintage bluegrass with classic American songs of life, love and the road, blend in some of the genres that you have picked up from former jobs during your apprenticeship, like some southern gospel, and some bluegrass, singer / songwriter stuff, mountain soul from your former female boss and some hard core country, add all things Americana, and here it comes. No wonder you get a great album at the end of all that. Its an outstanding album from start to finish, encompassing everything I mentioned above. Plaintive and at times mournful vocals on “Long Monday” “Lonesome Dove” and “Dear departed”, inspiring musical solos on “Fox run the henhouse” and “Shady Grove” with strident vocals and harmonies. Crowell’s “Ridin’ out the storm” is the first single just out stateside and Rural Rhythm have found a new kid for the block. More details at www.ruralrhythm.com

OTHER SONGS: Two coats-Working on a building -What a sight to behold-Hard rains lately-Five generations of Rock County Wilsons.  (11 songs 41 minutes).

RON BLOCK...DOORWAY - ROUNDER RECORDS 11661-0587-2A
Ron Block plays banjo, guitar and sings and has done so for the past fifteen years with Alison Krauss and Union Station. His own first solo album, “Faraway Land” on Rounder in 2001 received much acclaim and this, his 2nd , released at the end of 2007 will do the same. The CD features Alison, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas, Barry Bales, Adam Steffey, Stuart Duncan, Viktor Krauss, Suzanne and Sidney Cox, Andy Hubbard and Homer, Lisa, and Lori Forbes. Self-produced and written by Ron, this is a collection of personal and at times quite moving songs, a beautiful and rewarding glimpse inside the human heart. This is a great blend of the best in contemporary Americana music with bluegrass well catered for. With its outstanding instrumentation, harmonies and warm, defined and clear vocals, the listener is treated to a fine collection of songs with an overall inspirational feel. The plaintive acoustic guitar intro to “The Kind of love” overlaid with steel guitar and solo voice grabs your attention while “Along the Way” kicks in with lovely banjo lick on a great up-tempo bluegrass gospel song. “Be assured” follows the same pattern on a similar gospel song. The song “Doorway” evokes memories of the “shifting whispering sands” in a quite outstanding song of belief and understanding. Tracks 10 and 11 “Secrets of the woods” and “I see thee nevermore” are fine instrumental pieces that blend together as one track and while enjoyable I found slightly out of context with the other great vocal pieces on this CD. Check out www.rounderrecords.com 

OTHER SONGS:-Love's Living Through Me When I Do-Things Aren't Always As They Seem-Be Assured-Above the Line-The Blackness of the Need-Flame-Someone (12 songs, 40 minutes)

JOSH GRACIN ...WE WEREN’T CRAZY - LYRIC STREET RECORDS 2061650632
Josh Gracin first entered America's homes as one of the most distinctive singers in the second season of American Idol, the first artiste to bring country music to the show. Now he's well-known because he's an talented singer and entertainer. He's the only male solo country artist in recent years to release a debut album with three consecutive Top 5 hits including the No.1 hit “Nothing to Lose“. He's also one of only three country singers to be introduced in the last four years to earn a gold album. Josh says “…“I wanted this album to reflect my energy and my values. There's nothing I love more than getting a crowd on its feet and getting them to sing along and rock with me to a great song. I also wanted songs of substance that really explain who I am and what I stand for. ..and that’s what I hope that we've accomplished….”. Produced by Marty Williams on 5 songs and Brett James on the other 6, Brett also co-write 4 songs here, while Josh write “Unbelievable” and co-writes 2 others. This is not for the faint-hearted country fan who likes fiddle and steel dobro and acoustic sounds. This grabs at you, powerful playing, loads of guitars playing at full pitch, steel reverberating, big drum sound laying a deep end with the bass, real “kick-ass country”. or what some call “stadium country”, big loud and in your face and so very enjoyable. Yes I can see what he’s giving the country fan now, just what they want to rock to. The albums debuted on the country album charts at No 4 last week. The autobiographical 1st single “ We weren’t crazy” is top 30 as I write and destined for the top. Check www.lyricstreetrecords.com. For more info.

OTHER SONGS;-Found-Invisible-Let Me Fall-I Don't Want To Live- Favourite State Of Mind -Telluride-I Keep Coming Back -Sweet September -Livin’ It Up.

JEFFREY HALFORD and the HEALERS...BROKEN CHORD  ~  SHOELESS RECORDS
More your Americana bluesy soul country rock here than down-home country from the San Francisco-based singer-songwriter guitarist and poet Jeffrey Halford marking his sixth release with this follow-up to the highly acclaimed CD “Railbird”.The band is Jeffrey on acoustic, electric and slide guitar and vocalist, while Paul Olguin plays electric and stand-up bass and BG vocals, Jim Norris is the drummer and BG vocals, while Rich Golsdstein also plays electric and slide guitars. The guest on this one are Augie Meyers on piano, organ and Hammond B3, Jellyroll Johnson guests on harmonica on “Louisiana Man”, Bruce Kaphan plays guitars on “Ninth Ward” “10 minutes” and “Rock N Fire” and Skip Edwards plays organ and John R. Burr piano on “Running Crazy”. Great songs all written by Jeffrey who also co- writes “10 minutes” with Chris Donohue. I have to say this is not my regular “sit back and listen to” CD, but I have never had a closed ear to other forms of music and found this really enjoyable. With a little different arrangement here and there this could be a country album, but then if Jeffrey wanted to record a country album he would have done just that. Great lyrics in the story songs, you can feel the long lost love and pain in “10 minutes”, the “Chicken Bones Jones” song is a story about a junk man, the opening song is about Doc Holliday’s aces and eights “Dead Man’s Hand” while “Rockabilly Bride” is a fun song in that tempo. Every song is different in context, style and tempo and worthy of a good listen if you want to expand your repertoire or collection. Check www.myspace.com/jeffreyhalfordandthehealers

SONGS;-Ninth Ward-Rock 'n' Fire-Louisiana Man-Running Crazy-In a Dream-Two Kings.(10 songs 36 minutes).

MICHELLE WRIGHT...EVERYTHING AND MORE~ ICON / FONTANA NORTH/UNIVERSAL
Since her 1990 Arista / Nashville debut CD, Michelle Wright has been drawing rave reviews for her powerful voice and distinctive style. Over her career she has sold nearly 2 million albums in the US and Canada, had 25 Top Ten hits in homeland and won 30 major awards. Michelle co-writes “Blink of an eye” and “Everything And More” with Gerald O’ Brien and Patricia Conroy, realising that she does indeed have it all in one song and could lose it in the blink of an eye but there is hope in the other. “Dance In The Boat” is a fun up-tempo song with a solid hook by Craig Bickhardt and Tony Haselden, (Tony also wrote her hit “Take It Like A Man” and is also the co-producer). He also co-wrote the wonderful country ballad “I Don’t Wanna Be That Strong” with Tim Mensy, lots of steel and emotion. There’s more emotion (and hankies at the ready) for “Love me anyway” a real tearjerker written by Sarah Majors about the “career or children” dilemma some women face and on hearing this song I feel many women will drop a tear or two. Its one of the saddest songs I’ve heard in years and should be a hit.. Contrast that with the bouncy “I’ve forgotten you” dobro and fiddles to the fore another radio friendly song. “My Give A Damn’s Busted” from Joe Diffie/Tom Shapiro/ Tony Martin was the first track for the album in 2004 and maybe Michelle regrets not releasing it one sooner. The musicians are all top notch, Scott Alexander and Joe Chemay on bass, Rick Gratton and Wayne Killius on drums, Dan Dugmore steel, Mike Francis, Jerry Kimbrough and John Wills on guitars, Jimmy Nichols and Steve O’Connor keyboards, Gordon Mote and Catherine Marx on piano and Larry Franklin on fiddle. Co-producers are Russ Zavitson and Tony Haselden who do a great job and overall this will go down as Michelle’s finest recording to date. This is her 9th album release, her first studio album in 10 years please don’t keep us waiting another 10 for the next one. www.michelle-wright.com for more info. 

SONGS:-Riding Around The Sun-Something Wild-You Can’t Lose Them All-Like An Angel-Voodoo.(12 songs 42 minutes).

WALT EVANS...COUNTRY DREAMS - BSW RECORDS BSWCD9267
Now a resident in Saginaw, Michigan, ex-auto worker Walt saw his dream come true October 2007 when this Cd was released on BSW Records, known worldwide for their continued release of Country. Walt was also inducted into the Michigan Country Hall of Fame in 2006 after a long and successful career as a country performer and charity worker. The songs here include 2 of his own songs, “Lookin Back” a sad autobiographical family song and “I’ll be famous soon” a tongue in cheek uplifting bouncy fiddles and steel country two-step. On my count it was 8 ballads and 4 bright songs but there is good variety. The inclusion of 2 songs written by Keith Stegall/Roger Murrah /Jeff Stevens “Dreams” & “Family Dreams” are by far the best songs on the CD, and Walt rises to the occasion. I found some inconsistency in his vocal delivery at times, but noticed that on the better songs his delivery was better. His versions of Hank Cochran’s “That’s all that matters to me” and “Family Dreams” are very well done and they standout vocally, with great steel playing from Tommy White and fiddle from Deanie Richardson. The other players Buddy Hyatt & Mike Schrimph on piano, Mike Baker on rhythm, David Rorick and Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jerry Kroon, Dave Dunseath and Mark Becket sharing drums and Tommy White dobro all shine on this one. The production is spot on from Jim Vest as ever. I found the Cd most enjoyable and another credit for BSW. www.waltevans.net for more detail.

OTHER SONGS:-Hero-Not on earth-That’s all that matters to me-She did it all over me-Open hands-Your love amazes me-If you ain’t first (your last)-How do I talk to an Angel (12 songs 44 minutes).

DVD…THE BEST OF THE STATLERS...FAVOURITE TV MOMENTS - GAITER MUSIC GROUP SH DVD4808.
This is a great collection of “excerpts” taken from the highly popular Statler Brothers TV show in Nashville compiled in 1998 featuring some of their hits, sacred songs, comedy items and other songs popularise by them over the years. This is also the first time it has been made available in the UK. Don, Harold, Phil and Jimmy combine as one of country music’s greatest singing quartets and all round entertainers. The first 6 songs are separated by 5 comedy routine (titled and bracketed below), 5 songs are included as a WW2 medley and then it moves over to Country Gospel for the last 5 songs, all running for 60 minutes. The sound quality is outstanding and the visual, crystal clear. Overall a great cross section of what the Statler Brothers did on stage and on record over their long and successful career and this is just a snapshot of that. Details on www.authenticmedia.co.uk or from www.gaither.com

RUNNING ORDER:-Whatever happened to Randolph Scott-(Luigi the Image Maker)-Carry me back-(Trick Ties)-Chattanoogie Shoe Shine boy-(No Stamp)-Class of 57-(Big book of stuff)-Silver medals and golden memories-(Money exchange)-When your old wedding ring was new-(April fool chant) World War II Medley (I’m walking the floor over you-I’ll be seeing you-The White Cliffs of Dover-Dream-Sentimental Journey)- Church in the wildwood-When I take my vacation in heaven-Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord-How great thou art-The other side of the cross.

DVD & CD …Bill & Gloria Gaither present ...HOMECOMING PICNIC…VARIOUS -ARTISTES  ~  GAITER MUSIC GROUP SHDVD4771--Cd SHCD2724
Having heard Bill Gaither, the Gaither Vocal Band and others on Cd particularly on New Christian Music Discs I was looking forward to viewing this 90 minute DVD. Country gospel doesn’t come any better than you’ll hear here. The harmonies, musicianship, vocalists, music arrangements and the overall production of sound and vision is outstanding. It is a collection of country gospel songs, old and new, delivered from a picnic site in Fiddler’s Grove, Wilson County Fairground, Lebanon, Tennessee, performed with singers, the musicians and audience all around an open-air campfire. I will list all the artistes later and the songs performed at the end as usual. I found the music and song uplifting in the extreme and the songs “I heard it first on the radio” (Gaither Vocal Band) “He pilots my ship“ (Buddy Mullins and Mike Allan) and “Sweet Forgiveness” (Gordon Mote) the standout songs for me, and the whole DVD was viewed at one sitting and most enjoyable. The friendly family atmosphere and light comedy moments added to the overall feel. The artistes guest with each other in various combinations, supported by the resident full country band. “Homecoming Friends” is the title given to the complete ensemble, while guests include TaRanda Greene, Ben Speer, Three Bridges, Karen Pick, Lauren Talley, Mike Allan, Tim Duncan, Lynda Randell, The Hayes Family, Michael English, Larry Ford, Joy Gardner, Wesley Pritchard, The Issacs, Buddy Greene, Buddy Mullins, Gordon Mote, Becky Issacs Bowman, Russ Taff, Johnny Minick, Jessy Dixon, The Booth Brothers, Dottie Rambo, Jim Hill, Shen Easter, Tanya Sykes, Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band. The CD version is also available (SHGD2724) with all the songs and music included in the same order minus the comedy segments on the DVD version. The CD has 19 songs and runs for 69 minutes. .
Details on www.authenticmedia.co.uk or from www.gaither.com

OTHER SONGS:-The great caravan keeps on rolling along-I’m living in Canaan now-Sky full of Angels-I was there when it happened-I’m a soldier-Did you ever go sailin-Farther along-Palms of victory-Sally Goodin/Wildwood Flower-He pilots my ship-The sweetest song I know-Without the Lord-Mama’s teaching Angels how to sing-What a day that will be-Eastern gate-Gentle Shepard/I will serve-Look for me.

SKEETS Mc DONALD...YOU OTTA BE MY BABY  ~   B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D228
Enos William “Skeets” McDonald was born in Greenway, Arkansas in 1915, recorded for Capitol from 1952 to 59 and Columbia from then to 1967. He will probably be best remembered for his hit version of “Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes”(not included).While he never made the heights of stardom he had a very respectable recording career both as a singer and songwriter. He began in radio in Michigan and after World War 2 returned there to join Fortune Records. In 1951 he met Ken Nelson a producer for the newly formed Capitol Records. Moving to the West Coast, he joined Capitol and began his most successful period recording. Ten of his own songs appear here, some co-writes with Harlan Howard, Wynn Stewart, and others, like “You Turned Me Down” “It'll Take Me A Long Time Now” “Remember You're Mine” and “Heart Breakin’ Mama” ( featuring Eddie Cochran on guitar also on “You otta see my Grandma Rock” written by Howard), “Blues is bad news” “Got a new field to plow” “Somebody” and “Your sweet love is gone” (all included here). His music was the popular country sound of the time, fiddles and steel guitar but more West Coast than Nashville plus rockabilly recordings during the early 50’s. With Columbia he had one Top 10 hit “Call Me Mr. Brown” in 1963 (not included) and sadly died in 1968. The title track is a cover of the George Jones song “You gotta be my baby” and ”But I do” was penned by Tommy Collins. The songs here are from 1951 to 1957 all recorded in Hollywood California,. This is Volume 2 on BACM., and as usual you can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000 

OTHER SONGS:-Don’t push me too far-Fallen Angel-Fingertips-I am music-I can’t stand it any longer-I love you Mama Mia-Keep her off your mind-Look who’s crying now-You better not go-Love wind-Number one in my heart-Smoke comes out of my chimney just the same-Strollin’-Tell me why-Welcome home.(26 songs-65 minutes)

SMOKEY DAWSON...GREAT AUSTRALIAN SINGER/SONGWRITER - B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D229
Smoky was born Herbert Henry Dawson on 19 March 1913, in Collingwood, Victoria, and would carve his name in country music as "Australia's First Singing Cowboy". His career paralleled the careers of Autry and Rogers in the USA with recording, national radio programme, and much more, although he never made movies. He started in 1934, with a western group and a radio programme. He recorded for EMI Records in Australia linked to the US version. In 1951 he moved to America and appeared on Broadway, worked on radio, signed with Acuff-Rose, moved to Nashville for a while and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He returned to Australia in 1952 as a major Star and started his popular “The Smoky Dawson Radio Show” from his famous “Harmony Ranch” and included the serial “The Adventures Of Jindawarrabell” very popular with children and their parents for many years. His “live” show included sharp-shooting, rope spinning, whip-cracking, songs stories and yodelling. He had his own Western Comic books “The Adventures Of Smoky Dawson” as well as “The Smokey Dawson Songbook”. He was awarded the M.B.E. in 1978 was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame, and became the world's oldest recording star with the release of his “Homestead Of My Dreams” album. He died in February this year (2008) and is survived by his wife Dot whom he married in 1944 and she is now 101 years young. The songs included here are from 1941, 42, 45, 48, 51 and one from 1953, all recorded in Sydney. His style was western (US Style without the US drawl ) and includes fiddles, accordion, harmonica, early lap steel guitar, acoustic guitars, bass and percussion, with the occasional string section and yodelling. 17 songs are his own compositions and he also includes “The Wild Colonial Boy” “New Wabash Cannonball” and a few others. This is a great insight into early Australian country and western music and Smokey laid the path that many would follow across Australia, including Slim Dusty and Reg Poole among many. You can get more detail and order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000

OTHER SONGS:- The range in the western sky- I'm A happy-go-lucky cowhand- Texas Lil- The old log cabin on the mountain trail-The sound effects cowboy-Will I meet Old Faithful up yonder-The old cockatoorali-You left me and now I feel blue-The stockman's story-The cowboy’s roundup song-My little old log cabin-Yearning for over the range-Riding down the dream trail-Cob the corn-On The Old Singing Trail-The kookaburra yodel-Hills of the golden west-Starlight rides again-Green mountains-Tie me to your apron strings. (23 songs 64 minutes)

LUKE SIMMONS~ I LIKE MY MUSIC COUNTRY STYLE ~ B.A.C.M RECORDS BACM CD D230
The first time I heard Luke was with this CD and I read Bryan Chalker’s comprehensive sleeve notes. I include this passage from there. “Although no other Canadian-born artist ever eclipsed Hank Snow in terms of record sales, longevity and sheer talent, that is not to say that this vast, sprawling country didn't produce its fair share of in-house stars - because it did. Among them were Stu Phillips, Hal Willis, The Canadian Sweethearts (Bob and Lucille Starr), Charley Chamberlain, Dick Damron, the incomparable Wilf Carter, Stu Davis, Don Messer, Ian & Sylvia, Tommy Hunter, The Rhythm Pals, Donn Reynolds, the Family Brown, Dallas Harms, Earl Heywood, Stompin' Tom Connors, Ray Griff and Luke Simmons. There were many, many more, of course, but the subject of this brief essay is the rather obscure Vancouver-born Luke Simmons who, like so many other lesser-knowns, seems to have found a higher degree of appreciation amongst rockabilly and rock 'n' roll buffs than from within his own country music circle”. This is basically an album of covers, and while they are well recorded and Luke has a distinctive voice, the overall package does not stand out. It covers many aspects of popular country, ranging from “China Doll” to “Old Shep”, from 2 Luke the Drifter narrations “Everything’s OK” and “Just Waitin’” to the Jimmy Bowen/Buddy Knox’s rockabilly classic “Party Doll”, to Hank’s “Take these chains from my heart” and “Your cheatin’ heart”, all recorded without much innovation. He moved to New Zealand in the 50’s and restarted his career there. As Bryan says “At the time of writing, it seems that in country music terms, Luke Simmons’ name is better remembered in New Zealand than it is in Canada…… but it remains to be seen whether this gifted British Columbian will be similarly honoured in his homeland. It is hoped that this collection will finally bring Luke Simmons' musical talents into focus and give him the status he so richly deserves…”
You can order direct at www.bacm.users.btopenworld.com or by telephone on 01304 205000

OTHER SONGS:-Can’t win can’t place can’t show-Geisha girl-I like my music country style-Honky tonk man-Oh Lonesome me-My shoes keep walking back to you-Night train to Memphis-Lady’s man-I miss my Swiss-Little buddy-Hummingbird special-The gold rush is over-One time too often-Blue Moon of Kentucky-Anniversary of our last goodbye-High bird on the totem pole-Wabash cannonball-Too blind to see. (25 songs - 65 minutes).