WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Randy Lewis Brown

 Hey Everyone!

Watch for a post coming soon about the future of Kelly's Country.

In the mean time, I received a request from a man I consider a dear friend. Mind you, he had contacted me through the form here on the blog - sending to my gmail. I hardly ever go to my gmail. Was only because I was looking for an email from my sister that I found his email - from June! I'm talking about non author than the very talented, Randy Lewis Brown.

Photo courtesy of David Bourke

Randy has a new CD coming out September 30th from Berkalin Records.  This is his fifth album.

Randy talks about his new album:

If I have learned anything in my short time on earth, it is that change is all there is. Nothing ever remains the same.

If you're not familiar with Randy and his music, there's something you need to know. He tells a story in a unique voice. A voice that comes from life experience - the good, the bad and the ugly, yet always sharing a ray of hope in every lyric.

WIND OF CHANGE is one of those collections that are perfect to just chill and maybe reflect on the changes in your own life. A bit of melancholy that lulls you into the belief that regardless of how crappy your day was, there's a chance tomorrow will be better. 

I review a lot of CDs but very few find them saved to my laptop playlist. With Randy's voice and the command of his guitar, I find his music thought-provoking yet relaxing. 

Here's a preview of the album:

You can pre-order your copy through his website. You'll receive a hard copy PLUS a digital download. Check out the post on his Homepage  just below the cover picture for all the details!

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   YOUTUBE   APPLE MUSIC

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Temptation Row

Good afternoon, everyone!

I know I’m coming in way late on this review. Bob changed things up around here for me earlier in the week, stayed home an extra day and we were on the go right up to the minute he left town.

Thank you for your patience.

 

By now you know my reviews are less about the instrumentation, the technicalities of an album and more about the soul. While all the albums I share encompass all those things, I think sometimes we lose the heart and soul of an album in all the ‘stuff’.  TEMPTATION ROW is all about the heart.

TEMPTATION ROW opens up with a sweet bluesy number. Runnin’ Away draws you in. I had the feeling of being on a dark, deserted street late at night feeling as if I needed to keep watching over my shoulder.

Dancing With Him has that slow travel around the dancehall. The mandolin is prominent in this romantic tune that just has you closing your eyes and swaying along as you remember your own special moment. As you’re remembering that special someone, are you thinking Shoulda Woulda Coulda?

Hot Rod takes on a young man’s journey, connecting with each of us on some level. Whether we’ve lost someone close or known someone who has, we’ve all had that experience. Empathy.

Do you hear that? The train whistle in the distance is the Cresson Train. (Cresson TX) Depending on where you are in the commuter line waiting to cross (wait time could be up to 45 minutes!) that whistle may be farther away for some.  The pickin’ rhythm mimics the clickety clack on the tracks while the lyrics lament over the patience one must have.

When I hear the opening strains of The Lady, I thought of a jewelry box I used to have with the pirouetting ballerina. The lyrics, however, is a gentle reminder to men everywhere to take care of ‘the lady’. Pay attention to every nuance and treat her like the lady she is.

Temptation Row has a dark, maleficent undertone and a story to match. Call it a warning or a premonition. If ever the term ‘stay out of dark alleys’ fit, the lyrics here bring it home.

The final track, Suzanne, is an echo to Wayne’s past – the earlier days and influences of his career as well as the opportunity to hear his English ancestry.

As a folk artist, at first I hear a touch of Arlo Guthrie but as I listened I hear so much more.  I hear a depth of soul seldom encountered in today’s music. True artistry in the building of both lyrics and tone.

I’m tipping my hat:

 .7

You can connect with Wayne Willingham through any of the following links. But first, check out this video... a sample of TEMPTATION ROW.

  WEBSITE   ReverbNation   FACEBOOK   YOUTUBE    AMAZON  

APPLE   SOUNDCLOUD   BANDCAMP   

Country Blessings!

~ Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - I Can Face the Truth

 

Good morning, friends!

Today, I have a real treat. The new album, I CAN FACE THE TRUTH, by Dana Cooper is all kinds of traditional country comfort. Dana wrote eleven of the tracks, co wrote one with Robert Weingartz and covered one of my favorite Hank Williams tunes. Let's check these out!

My first impression is that while an undercurrent of traditional country flows throughout the album, the definitive folk style shines through like sun sparkling off the water; just takes your breath away.

Overall,  I Can Face the Truth is a documentation of sorts of the experiences and life lessons on his musical journey. Always Old Friends speaks of the connections we have, whether they be with people, places or experiences along the way. They become a part of us - like old friends. 

I Can Face the Truth is one of two tracks on this album that I feel would be a perfect fit for the  Walker, Texas Ranger reboot starring Jared Padalecki. Along with Laughing and Crying, the two songs mimick the the Walker's  recovery from loss that his character has faced from the very beginning, while trying to move forward . Everywhere he turns, Walker can't seem to catch a break, always haunted by his past. 

Not far behind those two would be track number six. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry is the epitome of what it means to take a song and make it your own. While there's still a hint of the anquish Hank Williams poured into one of his most memorable hits, Dana Cooper has opened up the wound, letting us feel the misery some of us may have felt during the pandemic.  

While the album is somewhat of a documentation, there's a larger aspect to this album. I CAN FACE THE TRUTH is a shining example of the possibilities within the industry, today. With the virtual opportunities to work togther, the possibilities for creating something magical are endless.  Dana shares his thoughts on this...

"In all my years of recording, I've never felt more free or creative in the studio."

I think a lot of that has to do with the opportunites to work virtually, brought on by the pandemic. While a good portion of this album was put together prior to that event, the aftermath brought in new additions from different parts of Colorado as well as Ireland. 

I CAN FACE THE TRUTH is the result of what can be created when you believe in something, and yourself, enough to push through any roadblocks. When you do that, magic is always the result!

Here's another track from the album:

I'm tipping my hat ....

You will find more of Dana Cooper by clicking on any of the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE   PATREON

CountryBlessings

~Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Geography

Good morning, country fans!

Today's review brings us a sweet mix of American, folk with a touch of meditation. I'm talking about

Her style has been compared to Brandi Carlisle and Lucinda Williams. I don't think the comparison is fair. While those ladies have the grit of the genre, I beleive that each one of those women have an individuality all their own, contracted by their personal experiences. Rigby Summer brings her heart and soul to this album.

GEOGRAPHY is eleven tracks of magic. 

If you read yesterday's interview with Rigby Summer, then you heard the first track, The Weight (Unrequited). The opening strains are meditative... like a shower of crystals reminiscent of Kitaro. From there, the the strong takes a bit of an uptick as the journey begins.

Seldom do I come across an artist that creates such vivid imagery as Rigby Summer. It isn't about just the pictures she paints with her lyrics but the emotional connection to a road we've all traveled - even if those roads were different for each of us.

Delaware is a peaceful, thought-provoking tune that almost mesmerizes you like a long stretch of highway where as Michigan has a melancholy feel with a hint of Celtic Women. 

Two tracks, Gibson Guitar and Buy Me A Piano, carry a Carly Simon breathlessness, adding to the timelessness of GEOGRAPHY. 

Overall, this album is soft, yet engaging - just as at home in a New York highrise or a Caribbean beach bar and every destination you want to travel in between. 

I'm tipping my hat...

You can find out more about Rigby Summer by clicking on the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE   SPOTIFY   iTunes

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

 

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - A Heaven For Heretics

 Good morning, everyone!

I'm coming in a bit late with today's post. I've been dealing with a sick kitty for the past few days. They are like children. When they don't feel good, they just want the security of being snuggled next to you. 

Tabby is about four-years-old and is starting to develop some tooth issues. She'd not eaten more than two Tablespoons of food since last Friday. She is now on anitbiotics for inflamation and is eating again. She has a ways to go and down the road, the teeth may become more of an issue. But for now, she's a momma's girl and I'm okay with that. 

Now, let's check out what's on the turntable today!

One thing I can always count on from Kristian. His music isn't fluff or daisies. His lyrics do not paint a picture of a perfect life, yet they do leave you feeling a deep warmth, like a smooth sippin' whiskey. 

A Heaven for Heretics is the latest release from Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill band. The album is a mix of blues and edgy country. If you want to sit back with a tumbler of Southern Comfort then all but two of the tracks are perfect for contemplation. When it comes to Peach and Times Like These, you'll be hitting the dance floor. The album delivers both in a style that is uniquely Winterkill. 

In our interview with Kristian yesterday, he had this to say about his music.

I want the sounds I produce to reflect on life, real life that's hard, dirty and often disappointing and try to find the beauty in it.

Like everything else, there are two sides to every story. In A Heaven for Heretics, Kristian Montgomer gives us the version most people never take the time (or desire) to see, using contemplative instrumentals to set the tone. 

I'm tipping my hat:

You'll find Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill info and music through the following links:

   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   YOUTUBE   SPOTIFY   INSTAGRAM   

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY/ WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Cheater's Waltz

 Good morning, friends.

I do apologize for moving this review. I spent about three hours in the early morning pulling weeds but still managed to get overheated on Monday. I slept all day trying to recoup. Yesterday (Tuesday) was back out in the garden for more of the same but this time I paid attention to my body and quit before I had a repeat.

There ya go! Now we're back on track and I'm excited to bring you the review of this new album from Michelle and Jason Hannan - CHEATER'S WALTZ

Like Michelle, I've probably heard a concept album ( I even own a copy of Redheaded Stranger) but didn't really know that was a category. When I heard the back-story for Cheater's Waltz I knew, as a writer, this was a unique piece of work. Did I mention the idea for this album came from Jason? The man is amazingly creative. He and Michelle blend their thoughts, songwriting, and over-all music together in a way that makes them stand out among the masses. 

If you're wondering what a concept album is, here's the cliff-note. As opposed to a collection of songs that all have a common theme, the songs flow from one to the other, telling a story. Each song is connected to the one previous and the one that follows, much like links in a chain. Like a good book, you have a beginning, a middle and an end... with all the other happenings in between. As a writer, I can tell you those points are not always easy to hit at the precise moment they need to happen nor is filling in those blanks.  Their bandmate, Howard Parker, (who also contributed a beautiful instrumental on the album) was invaluable in helping to arrange these songs. 

The album tells the story of a woman who’s had bad luck with love. She decides to take one more chance when she meets a stranger in a bar. The album chronicles her new relationship going from good to bad and then to the absolute worst. A nasty break up followed by a murder and its aftermath.

I gave you a taste of the album yesterday with their first track, Nothing Left to Lose, opening up with the protaganist feeling as if she has nothing left to lose so takes one last chance at finding happiness. Michelle's lead vocals were the perfect catalyst for the story. 

As the story continues with Before I Met You, as a listener you're thinking she may have found footing. While that could be true, we get this from a man's perspective. While Jason's rendition of a classic first recorded by Joe 'Cannonball' Lewis (one of the writers) back in 1953 followed by Carl Smith in 1956 and Charley Pride in 1967 is well done, I think the tune may have been better from Michelle as the woman's perspective.

The first of two interludes, Loren's Lament, was written by Howard Parker. He also takes the lead on the resonator guitar, masterfully evoking the soulful undercurrent of the album. 

My earliest memory of a pedal steel guitar, I was six years old and there was a band playing on the back of a flat bed on the main drag of downtown Longmont, CO. I fell instantly in love and very few instruments speak to me more than its cry. As with Loren's Lament, Parker brought the emotion of Here We Are in December to the forefront, making the listener not just feel the story but to become the woman in the song.

Cheater's Waltz, the title track of the album, is the perfect seque from the lamenting of the previous track and flow to the next as well keeping the classic barroom feel. 

Michelle comes back in on If You Won't Say It's Over. The lyrics give us more of an insight to the woman's plight and maybe previous relationships... her evolution to this point.

If you want to talk 'classic' country, listen close to Jason as he channels a bit of George Jones on Livin on Barroom Time. As I listened to this track, I had to back up a couple of times to make sure I wasn't hearing The Corvette Song. 

Everything I've Got's In Tennessee, brings the woman back to where she started, with the plot twist I was not expecting. 

Michelle brings a small church rendition of Leaning On the Everlasting Arms. 

That petal steel is the perfect opening for Bourbon and a Broken Heart, pulling on the heartstrings as you cry in your beer or cry in bourbon and branch... either way, you're either going to feel better or like hell when all is said and done.

The mandolin is the star of The Sentence, leaving more questions than answers.

The reprise of Cheater's Waltz on this album is reminiscent of a walk to the gallows.

Between the pure classic country of this album and the notes of southern gospel in Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, CHEATER'S WALTZ hits all the notes of both a great story and a stellar compilation of talent. 

CHEATER'S WALTZ releases JUNE 18th!

I'm tipping my hat, with the misstep on track 2. 

.8 

You will find Michelle & Jason Hannan by following any of these social media links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YouTube   APPLE MUSIC

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - What Keeps the Heart Afloat

 

Good morning, friends!

Today, I have WHAT KEEPS THE HEART AFLOAT on the player and man, what a nice change of pace. 

I love when I can learn something about the contents of the song from the artist. For today's review, I'm going to give you a bit of insight from Garrett about each track then my thoughts over-all at the end. 

Resolutions was written on New Years Eve. Did you know that the 'white stone' refers to a hippie church where the attendees are given a white stone on which to write their hope for the future?  I think that's a new tradition in my world. Thanks for the bit of history.

Inspired by what Garrett termed as the 'screw up' brother of the Beach Boys, Dennis. Dennis died way too young, ironically by drowning. He was extremely talented and loved the water and surfing. I did not know Dennis released a solo album - Pacific Ocean Blue. I'd love to hear that album. I loved the haunting undercurrent in this track.

Make It was inspired loosely by Einstein's theory of relativity and Jim Croce's Time in a Bottle. I live by both of these and this struck a strong chord with me. If you're a regular follower, you know I spend less time working when Bob is home. He is my anchor and I never want to miss time with him doing a 'job' I do not get paid for. As Garrett states in the song, 'some people wish they could turn back time...there is no going back... make it count'. Life is short. You can't turn back time and I never want to have a day come when I wish Bob and I would have spent more time together. 

Playing to a crowd of one has to be a bit disconcerting to an artist but Garrett saw the experience through 'new eyes' and was To Be Grateful for having even one person attend.

The Firewatch was a gift to a friend who was having a rough time. Fire is passion and passion can be either something you love deeply, or hate with all your heart. Find a new place to begin and things will be okay. Be forest and heart, we all need a fresh start and the sun will shine again.

I shared the video for Devotion with you yesterday so here's a bit of background. The Searchers (book & movie) was loosely based on the true story of Britton Johnson, a black soldier, who ventured into Comanche territory after the Civil War to rescue his family. The main searcher in the movie was played by John Wayne

We talked a bit about the Outlaw's Farewell in the Q & A with Garrett yesterday. Inspired by what is to believed to be the final words of Billy the Kid, "Quien es son esos afuera??" Literally, "who are those men outside?" (you'll find the video for this track at the bottom of this post)

The first thing that came to mind when I saw the title Prairie Doctor and the Gunman was the Dr. Quinn episode when Mikala had to treat Kid Cole, the gunman played by Johnny Cash. Brings doctor/ patient confidentiality to a whole new level long before we knew such confidence existed. I love the line, 'all your terminal plans lay with you'.

If A Hand In the Dark doesn't make you teary-eyed then I question the depth of your heart. You don't have to be a weeper to feel something - from the beginning simple string intro to the entire first line. Bob and I often joke about how we'll lead the other when the time comes but in all seriousness we know this could one day come to pass. Like the couple in the song, we are blessed to have one another... til death do us part. 

In our interview yesterday, Garrett shared that one of his influences was the great Townes Van Zandt. To Carry Rain was written as a tribute to one of the most talented men to come out of Texas, and leave a lasting legacy in the music communities. While Garrett thought about how much Townes suffered under the weight of his own sadness, he wondered if his music might not have had the depth we associated with Townes' lyrics.

Garrett's putting 2020 on the table with Jesus, What a Mess. Who else wants to agree with me that 2020 definitely stirred the pot of life and left us saying those four words?

Mustard Seed is the perfect way to wrap up this album, especially the past eighteen months. Taken from Matthew 17:20, if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Regardless of your belief system, if you have enough FAITH you can get through anything... I think we've done well, don't you?

Overall, this album is one of the most enjoyable collections I've heard in a very, very long time. The purity with which Garrett Wieland delivers his lyrics; flowing from his head as he wrote them, through his soul, carrying passion to the fingertips and into the simplicity of the guitar. Garrett has only included what was required to tell his stories. His, lyrics, his heart, and the basics of instrumentation. Who could ask for anything more... or less?

I'm tiping my hat...

Here is....  Outlaw's Farewell

You will find Garrett and his music by following any of the links listed below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM   

SPOTIFY   iTUNES   SOUNDLOUD  

Country Blessings!

~Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Motel

Good morning, friends!

This week we've been getting to know Julia Kasdorf and today we have her recent release -MOTEL - on the player. 

One of the many things I love about what I do is being introduced to things I might normally wouldn't picked up otherwise. MOTEL fits that category. 

The album is comprised of eleven tracks, three of which are what Julia refers to as 'deep-catalog' covers she has put her unique signature on to make them almost indiscernable as anything but a Julia Kasdorf.  In my opinion, that's the mark of a true artist.

Old Coat  (a Peter Paul & Mary cover) sets the tone for a journey that will make you glad you got in the van. A little two-step with a soft Americana roots, opening the door for you to come along where ever the road may lead.

The lyrics for the title were inspired by a Motel Julia saw that beckoned her to pull over and check in/ check out the place. She never did but the track is a perfect example of how great songs come to be. Open your eyes and really let what you see become a part of you until you have to give the image a voice. The Minute I'm Gone has a deep bluesy sway reminiscent of those gentle curves in the road. 

When I interviewed Julia, I mentioned the opening of Cool Water reminded me of John Denver. While the song is all Julia's, this is what she said in the songquibs accompanying my promo material - "Stumbled on this great drop D Riff - must have nabbed it from someone but I don't know who!"  

One of Julia's musical influences from an early age was Peter Paul & Mary. Her passion for their style is evident in her cover of  Long Chain. While recorded by PPM, the lyrics were masterfully composed by one of the greatest songwriters of his time, Jimmy Driftwood (biggest hits were Battle of New Orleans and Tennessee Stud). Of the PPM covers, I think their influence is most felt here as we hit those 'belly hills' we all enjoyed on car rides as kids.

The saxaphone bits (courtesy of  Walter Tates) brings a new dimension to the album on Girls Gotta Know. This is not a bump in the road or even a pit stop, but more like picking up a very talented hitch hiker.

The Americana flavor comes in strong on Cold Saturday as Julia takes us back to her youth and things we understand as adults we couldn't see then.  

We pick up speed on what Julia calls Walk Your Dog 'nonesense and a nod to her heroes', then slow to a coast on Reservations. This is a slow dance waiting to happen.

A Lover's Farewell (a Carter Family cover) showcases Lynn Kasdorf's pedal steel with a bare-toes on the dash kind of feel, while the intensity of the guitar in Blue Veil maps out the trip from coast to coast with a reflective look at what we've seen along the way. 

Julia Kasdorf is a storyteller and that's part of what makes her an amazing artists. The individual tracks of MOTEL blend together well with all the straight-aways, hills, curves we all experience on this journey we call life. 

Here's a video for the title track: 

I'm tipping my hat:

 

You will find more of Julia on her WEBSITE as well as the following social media links:

Reverbnation    Facebook   YouTube   Twitter   Spotify   Soundcloud   Bandcamp

Country Blessings!

~ Kelly