REVIEW WEDNESDAY - A Star That Twinkled But Never Got to Shine

 

Good morning, everyone!

As promised, here is my review of A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes

We seldom get to read, or even hear about, the folks who helped build our Country Music. My only hope is they are not sitting in Hillbilly Heaven plugging their ears at what people call country music today. I know that music has to progress but I'm saddened by the fact that talented people like Tommy Kizziah never got to shine while some with lesser talent are making money left and right now. Personal opinion, mind you.

Without giving you too much of the story here's a bit of history. You'll want to buy the book for all the interesting details.

Tommy's mom believed in her little boy when his dad and brothers treated him more as an outsider. When she convinced her husband to gift the boy a guitar, a star was born. 

Jimmy Rogers

He loved  Jimmy Rogers, the 'yodeling brake man'. Learning by ear, Tommy taught himself every song on the radio and 78s they owned. He truly was a talent. When the opportunity to meet his idol came, Tommy took advantage in a way that will melt your heart. Grit and determination to play music carried Tommy Kizziah his entire career. He overcame many hurdles and was blessed to live a life he loved. The most prominent part of his career was lead for Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers. 

Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers

Courtesy of Sharon Kizziah- Holmes YouTube Channel

As I read Sharon's book I was reminded of some great artists her dad worked with over the years, like Willie Nelson and Faron Young - artists I've been blessed to know as well.

Here's a video from Sharon's YouTube channel:

If you love true classic country that helped build the industry or just want to take a step back in time, you need a copy of A STAR THAT TWINKLED But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes.

I'm tipping my hat

You'll find A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine on AMAZON

Also, be sure to check out Sharon's business, Paperback Press.

Country Blessings

~Kelly

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Jubilee

No Turntable Tuesday this week. I've been busy trying to put my author business on track in hopes of at least contributing to the house funds. So today will not be a Turntable or a traditional view, just my thoughts.

I've been listening to the tracks of JUBILEE by Bill Bloomer and I'm caught between this guy can really write and his voice is a bit too rough and tarnished for my musical tastes. But here's the thing... and it's a BIG THING... I can't stop listening.

Beneath the gravely, almost intoxicated voice is a man that has experienced life to the hilt.. and back. While he's listed as an Americana artist, I hear the blues... true, deep, soulful. Whether that comes from his Chicago roots or somewhere else in his travels, the man has soul. 

As I listen to each of the nine tracks, I'm taken back to a simpler time. A time when good music was played on the front porch of the cabin. You didn't care about all the fancy stuff that was supposed to make the music better. What you did want was the truth from a man who knew how to tell a story. If that's the kind of music you want to listen to, then grab your copy of JUBILEE on March 30th. 

A bit about Bill Bloomer:

Bill was born in Illinois, spent time in Texas, began his career in Portland, Oregon, found himself living amongst Buddhist forest monks at a temple in Thailand where he continues to spend time, and has “settled” in France. Bloomer has been everywhere. All of these influences seep their way into his latest release, Jubilee. The record was recorded in two studios, one in Joshua Tree, CA and the other in Austin, TX to ensure that he was able to get the correct players on every track.

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Cheyenne Country

While researching everything I could find on Rex Allen and Rex Allen, Jr. I made friends with Rex, Jr's media rep, Jennifer Herron. She has also introduced me to Cheyanne TV out of Nashville as well as western artist, Rich Price. They co-host the show. 

Today, I thought I'd share Cheyenne TV with you. Next week I'm running a double play on Rich Price, beginning with an Out of the Chute interview on Monday and a Turntable Tuesday review of his new CD

Cheyenne TV has the grass roots base similar to Country Family Reunion. The show is a compilation dream of Western Music aficionado Harrison Tyner and the Southern Gospel passion of Bill Traylor. These two brought their loves together in a cohesive project that embodies the cowboy life... songs that tell stories and Faith. 

Cheyenne TV showcases great musical artists singing songs with a family oriented or spiritual core. Artists like Lee Brice (I Drive Your Truck), The Roys and Baxter Black.

"Though still based on Christian Faith, the show now offers Patriotic and Country Music with Inspirational Lyrics and Messages for the whole family."  ~ Cheyanne Country website

Check out the Cheyenne TV website for a list of stations carrying the program. Not available in your area, please call your local cable provider and ask them to do so. Let's all do our part to put quality television in our homes.

Country Blessings!

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Asleep at the Wheel

One of the first events I attended in West Plains (home of Porter Wagner and Jan Howard) was the Old-Time Music and Ozark Heritage Festival. The event staff always bring in the best entertainment.. music that takes you back in time for a couple of days. 

This year, we were blessed with Texas Swing aficionados, Asleep at the Wheel. These guys have been on my SEE list for years. Having the opportunity to sit down with band leader, Ray Benson, was extra sugar on the funnel cake. 

Members: Ray Benson - Lead Guitar and Vocals || Dave Sanger - Drums || Dave Miller - Bass and Vocals || Eddie Rivers - Steel and Sax || Katie Shore - Fiddle and Vocals || Connor Forsyth - Piano and Vocals II Jay Reynolds - Sax and Clarinet || Dennis Ludiker - Fiddle and Mandolin

I've heard that if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band. Asleep at the Wheel has that covered.. with Katie Shore and Dennis Ludiker:

Dennis won 2nd Place in the Texas State Fiddle Competition in Halletsville TX this year. After watching this guy, I have to wonder how he could have been beat. There's always next year!

Every classic country band worth its salt (in my opinion) must have a steel. That's where Eddie

Rivers comes in. He also blows a pretty mean Sax:

Rounding out the band are: (sorry, no decent pics)

Dave Sanger (drummers really need to be out front more), Dave Miller, Connor Forsyth and Jay Reynolds.

The concert was everything I expected from Asleep at the Wheel. They deliver in spades an amazing show that kept the crowd entertained from the first note as Ray Benson stepped on stage, to the last note of the encore.  While this was a free show, thanks to the hard-working festival folks, I would pay to see these guys again... repeatedly.  There are multiple reasons Asleep At The Wheel has been entertaining folks for over forty years but performance has to be the top. There is magic on that stage.

A big thanks to PJ for his assistance getting the interview and the little extras that made this a very memorable evening. 

Since West Plains is just a short drive off the path of The Mother Road, I thought I'd leave you with a sample of the concert.  Y'all get the opportunity to hear Asleep at the Wheel in person, go! You will not be disappointed.

You can catch up with Asleep at the wheel on various social media sights:

WEBSITE

FB

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

INSTAGRAM

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Comin' Right At Ya - Ray Benson

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to hang out with Ray Benson, co-founder and front man for Asleep at the Wheel, you have only to pick up a copy of COMIN' RIGHT AT YA. Ray Benson tells all in this 167-page autobiography (co-written with David Menconi)

From growing up in Philadelphia to the bright lights of Austin, Ray Benson can say he's been everywhere. Not only has he been everywhere but he has at least networked with almost every industry professional you can name, including Van Morrison. Bet ya didn't see that comin'. Not only has he worked with many of your favorites, but they have become life-long friends.

Ray Benson's easy conversational style gives the sense of sitting next to him while he regales you with stories of his escapades over the years, imparting a bit of the wisdom he has acquired along the way. One such bit of wisdom is the correlation between math and music. I had heard of the parallel before from my friend, Maestro Steven Byess. (Steven did a PBS special for kids on the principle) So yeah, if you want to be an artist but don't think you have to pay attention in Math class, you might want to rethink that one. 

I am all about networking. You meet interesting people, have opportunities you might not otherwise experience and have fun. Ray Benson says he has perfected hanging out as an art form.. and look where the practice has gotten him. 

When I met him last month, Ray told me that between the DVD and this book, I would earn a PhD in Asleep at the Wheel. I guess I need to find a place on my wall for that diploma. 

So grab your vice of choice and pull up a chair for a journey like you've never been on with one of the coolest cats you will ever meet.

You can order your copy through the Asleep At the Wheel website or Amazon

While you wait for your book to arrive, here's a little something for your viewing pleasure:

Catch up with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel through various Social Media

FB

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Around the Table - Martina McBride

Co-written with Katherine Cobbs

I will be the first to admit I do NOT need yet another cookbook. Yet when I spotted this in my local library I had to bring the book home. AROUND THE TABLE- Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year  is not your average cookbook. Martina McBride offers up so much more than appetizer recipes and the perfect dinner.  There is more to Martina than a beautiful voice. She has been entertaining in more ways than one her whole life.

The script in the dedication alone tells you the contents offer more than dinner for the family. There is an elegance to the contents between the cover. While she offers great tips for hosting the perfect dinner party, she also shares simple decorating tips using things you have around the house.

Did you know there are twelve key things to remember when hosting a party? Martina walks you through from envisioning the concept of what you want the meal to portray, through step by step planning and how to work with what you have in your pantry for those 'unexpected' occasions. She simplifies how to avoid the last minute crunch by showing you how to incorporate a planning timeline.

Are you confused about which wine pairs with what you plan to serve? Martina has you covered with 'Wine and Food Pairing 101'

With the basics out of the way, she shares sample party scenarios, complete with a menu, music playlist, decor and complete recipes for the menu. Her Gingersnap cheesecake had my attention.

Martina gets her ideas from everywhere. Downtime on tour, you will find her perusing magazines to see what's trending or scrolling through Pinterest.

And if you hurry... the publisher has set a special price of $12.99 - down from the $29.99 cover price. I'm off to order my own copy now.

I'm tipping AROUND THE TABLE:

Martine McBride, a Kansas native who made her debut on the charts in 1992, has earned a string of hits across twelve albums, including "Blessed", Independence Day" and "Concrete Angel". To date she has a tie for the most Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Awards with four wins, has been named Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist three times, and has been nomianted for fourteen Grammy Awards. She lives in Nashville, Tennesse, with her husband and three daughters.

Katherine Cobbs left her job at National Geographic for culinary school on the West Coast in order to combine her love of food with her passion for writing. For two decades, she has written and developed recipes for magazines and books, collaborating with the prestigious James Beard Award winners. She resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and three daughters (like Martina)

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Stars of the Rock 'n' Roll Highway - Victoria Micklish Pasmore

Take a trip back in time when music really got a party going with STARS of the ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HIGHWAY by Victoria Micklish Pasmore. Passmore’s research led her along U.S. Highway 67, officially designated Rock ‘n’ Roll Highway 67 by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2009. Stretching from Newport AR north to the Missouri border, the 111- mile route was once dotted with nightclubs, honky-tonks as well as school gyms and cafeterias where the first rock ‘n’ rollers staged their early performances and honed their skills in the 1950s and early ‘60s… the cusp of the Rockabilly era.

The publisher, Plum Street Publishes, took the direct approach, putting a name most young people will recognize as the lead story – Elvis Presley. Geared towards readers in grades 5-8, STARS of the ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HIGHWAY is a great read for those of us who remember names like Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty and Wanda Jackson. (Caution! I did have a link for Wanda Jackson's sight but got several security alerts. I am working with them to fix this and will provide a link when I know it is safe) While there were a lot more people Ms Pasmore could have included in her book, she focused on twenty, bringing the book to a quick read for any attention span. As I read the book, several thoughts went through my mind. First and foremost was how much musical history is right out my back door and I was not even aware. The other became a running list of names of people I knew who would enjoy this book as much as I was.

One thing I felt really set this book apart from others were the 'Did You Know' facts - five factoids - given at the end of each chapter.

STARS of the ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HIGHWAY is the perfect read for anyone. Whether you like music in general, grew up listening to Jerry LeeLewis, Carl Perkins or Charlie Rich, or enjoy history in any form. And if as an adult you want your children to learn about when you were their age, this is the perfect door to opening dialogue. Don’t wait until your gone for them to begin asking questions and receiving no answers. Introduce them to the magic now that was the ‘rock n roll highway’.

I’m tipping my hat:

About the Author:

Victoria Micklish Pasmore holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Art and master's degrees in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. She has taught math, art, and special education to K-12 students for thirty years. A native Arkansan living in Mississippi and Wales, she is a world traveler and an enthusiastic fan of rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll music.

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Amelia Earhart - Beyond the Grave

I have always been interested in Amelia Earhart. I always thought of her as a feisty, headstrong woman. She was portrayed as such in the movie, Amelia, with Hilary Swank and Richard Gere. As with most movies, the script was nothing like the facts. I need to watch the movie again but I do not recall any of the conspiracy theories that abound with her famous 'around the world' flight attempt.

In Amelia Earhart - Beyond the Grave, W. C. Jameson covers a myriad of those theories. He breaks down each one, and in his professional style, backs up his findings with facts he has uncovered in his thorough research.

While there is a variation in the theories, the core to all of them is a government conspiracy to use her flight as a spy mission.

As I read each of the theories, I discovered one of my own I can not wait to discuss with the author when we have the opportunity to sit and chat.

While W.C. Jameson has become a dear friend over the past twenty-five years, I am always amazed at the way he looks at things and where his 'what if' thoughts lead him.

If you thought you knew the story if that infamous flight of 1937, I encourage you to read  Amelia Earhart - Beyond the Grave and see if you don't come up with your own thoughts. When you do, I hope you will post them here.

For insight, research and thought provoking read, I am giving Amelia Earhart - Beyond the Grave by W. C. Jameson:

 .8

Other books by W.C. Jameson can be found on his Amazon Page

W.C. Jameson is the author of over ninety books, as well as the creator and author of the 'Beyond the Grave' series and 'Treasure Hunt' series, 1500 magazine articles and has appeared as an expert consultant on several history documentaries.  He is also an established poet, songwriter and musician. He resides in Texas with his wife.

You can read more about W.C. Jameson on his WEBSITE

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Lost Treasures of Arkansas's Waterways - W. C. Jameson

LOST TREASURES OF ARKANSAS'S WATERWAYS is another installment in the lost treasure books by W. C. Jameson. You can see a list of his books HERE.  Over the years I have read many of them. Every time I have settled in for the evening with one, I've found myself transported to another time and place - a place where life was yours for the taking if you knew where to look. I've traveled from coast to coast throughout history via Mr. Jameson's books. Each journey left a nagging desire to find the treasures that have eluded others grasp. This latest link in the series brought me closer to home and the desire to find that raw silver of Moccasin Creek Valley or the gold suspected to be buried along the White River. 

As a treasure hunter himself, W. C. Jameson's mission is all about the quest. He meshes history and legend together. He has spent countless hours reading through microfilm, documentation and published sources to insure the information he provides is correct. But I think his greatest hunt in the research process is when he can sit and talk with people who have heard the stories from previous generations of their own families... people who were there. 

LOST TREASURES OF ARKANSAS'S WATERWAYS is more than a compilation of stories. Like all of his books previous, this one is a collection of stories about history and adventure and dreams. 

I'm giving LOST TREASURES OF  ARKANSAS'S WATERWAYS:

You can order your copy direct from Plum Street Publishers. 

For more about W. C. Jameson and his books, Please visit his WEBSITE 

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - On The Road by Joe Bonsall

ON THE ROAD takes us on the bus with Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden. I listed Joe first not only because he is the author but the order in the picture on the cover. As you read, you will notice Joe never puts himself first. He is always thinking about the other boys - and others in general. From the first page to the end of the book, fans get an up-close and personal look of life on the road with the most solid group in country music history. From Joe's early days as a young boy growing up in a rough part of Philadelphia to the group's upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (long over due in my opinion), readers become an 'Oak' for a time. Joe shares how they have morphed from a Gospel group in the early days to the harmonious brothers we know today - a group that has been more than forty years in the making!

Joe Bonsall's gift for weaving a picture makes you feel as if you are sitting in the lounge of the bus. You can see William Lee editing photos on his computer, looking for the perfect angles of the subject that will become his next painting. You hear the roar of a crowd. Not from their fans but from the people filling a stadium as Richard watches a baseball game on the television. 'Ace' Duane is taking care of Oaks business and chatting with fans on social media. Joe taps away at the keyboard, working on his next book. 

While on tour with the boys, you'll meet some of the fans they have come to love, and who have become part of the Oaks family in some way down through the years. I'm not talking about folks they meet at a show once - or many times but people whom they build a relationship with. Phone calls, letters and visits they look forward to. People they laugh with and share sorrows. The Oak Ridge Boys are 'family' amongst themselves and to everyone they meet. 

On The Road takes us off the road to visit with the boys during their personal down time. You can bet, Richard is calling a ball game somewhere, William is either taking pictures or painting one. You will find Duane refurbishing one of the many classic cars he has in his collection and Joe is either snuggling with a cat or working on his farm. They each also have a family - wife/ girlfriend, children and grandchildren - the core of their stability

Through personal insights from each of the boys, readers have the rare opportunity to board the bus, travel from city to city and glimpse what goes on behind the scenes. Joe takes you from the bus, to their favorite places to eat and shares what goes into putting on the best show they can for the folks they love - their fans. 

The Oak Ridge Boys are amazing individual men who have had the unique ability to continue doing what they love for so many years - with no end in sight! But each of the boys will tell you they are blessed by God and praise Him for everything they have. I think Joe's wife, Mary, summed the Oak Ridge Boys up perfectly when she called them a phenomenon. When you read the book I think you will agree. 

You can get your copy of On The Road by going to AMAZON

Other books by Joe Bonsall include  From My Perspective, the story of his parents, G. I. Joe & Lillyor one of his many chidlren's books which are available through their web-store and Amazon.

You might also enjoy From Elvis to Elvira by Richard Sterban

The Oak Ridge Boys love to hear from their fans:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

YouTube

iTunes

REVIEW WEDNESDAY on Thursday - A Song To Die For - Mike Blakely

 

DISCLAIMER:
If you are a follower of KellysCounty, you know I have been friends with Mike Blakely for many years. However, when I review something I do give an unbiased opinion. My friends, more than anyone, expect nothing less from me. So without too much of a spoiler alert, here is my review of Mike’s latest book.


A SONG TO DIE FOR is a contemporary novel by Spur-Award winning author Mike Blakely. After having read most of his Western novels, including A TALE OUT OF LUCK, which he co-wrote with Willie Nelson, I looked forward to reading something different. An editor once told me ‘if you can write, you can write anything’. Mike Blakely proves this statement to be a solid truth. This is Mike's second contemporary novel. His first was What Are the Chances (co-written with Kenny Rogers).

As writers, we often hear, ‘write what you know’. Mike knows a bit about the music business. With eleven albums in his discography as well as having written or co-written songs recorded by other artists, he can tell you just about anything you want to know about the business. Mike Blakely came into this project well versed in his subject and that shows in every chapter.

Abbreviated BLURB:
It's 1975 and guitarist and singer/songwriter Creed Mason hopes to ride the new wave of Texas-style, Austin-based country music all the way back to the big time. A one-hit wonder whose Nashville career was cut short by a trip to Vietnam, Creed is desperate to get back into the business. His break arrives when a country legend, Luster Burnett, comes out of a fifteen-year retirement for one last album and tour in order to pay off a huge debt to the I.R.S. As Luster's new guitarist and band manager, Creed jumps at the chance of a lifetime.

Toss in the Las Vegas mob, a Texas Ranger, and an FBI agent.  The two plots move back and forth, each in their own lane before converging into a single climax that makes complete sense. As you read, you’ll notice traits in some of the characters parallel folks in real life.

I read an ‘unproofed’ copy and could not find a single flaw in the mechanics nor the storytelling – another testament to Mike Blakely’s ability as a writer. For the first time in a long time, I held a book in my hands that I hated to see end. Everything was tied up nicely but I did not want to let the characters go. I will remember Creed, Kathy and Luster for years to come. When you carry the characters with you long after you have closed the book, that is the sign of a well-crafted story.

Mike features one of his own songs in the book... Here's the video from YouTube

I am giving this book ….

You can connect with Mike Blakely:

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
YouTube
AMAZON