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 - The Way The River Goes

 Good afternoon, everyone!  

Welcome to a brand new year in KellysCountry. I do apologize for dragging my feet but I just couldn't seem to get into a groove. As this 'job' doesn't pay me actual cash, I hadn't put posting here at the top of my To Do list. I'll come back tomorrow to give you an update on this channel. In the mean time, let's plop one on the turnable!

One of the reasons I work with Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox Media is the guy knows what to put in each of his reviewers/ radio stations hands. He knows what each of us likes and from which of us he can count on different perspectives. Today is case in point.

The first time I heard the title track, THE WAY THE RIVER GOES, I heard familiar strains... that calm ballad voice that when I hear it I instantly think of my friend Chuck Hawthorne. Like Chuck, Dan Weber's voice carries that home grown tone filled with life experiences. 

Without making the songs about his personal trials and tribulations, he draws on the nuances of those experiences everyone can relate to. Like a river, the tracks are filled with all the twists, turns and currents he has traveled. Haven't we all traveled that river and come out with stories to tell? 

The Way the River Goes began way back in 2017... a journey all its own from the Pacific Northwest, to New Mexico and finally to Texas, thanks to life hurdles and a pandemic. 

Ever Since Columbine is like a myriad of logs floating past; things that while may not touch us directly, still calls on us to navigate the reason beind debris littering our world. 

The current picks up a bit with Watcha Gonna Do About That as well as You Make Me Wanna Dance.... quick little numbers for a spin around the dancefloor.  

Here's a sample track from THE WAY THE RIVER GOES

Easy floating ballads blended with snappier tunes meld the Folk style Dan is known for with the best in Americana Texas has to offer make THE WAY THE RIVER GOES is an outstanding compliation. Will all of those life hurdles and moves, I think this album, like everything else in life, is right on time. 

You'll find Dan Weber by clicking on the following links:

    WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE   

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 - 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

WHAT'S COMING UP!

Pixabay Image by M. Maggs

Good morning, friends!

Aside from the 'must-do' items, I've not worked a lot the past three weeks. Bob wass home, can you tell? I was traveling the first week he was home, to see grandbabies. I did spend time on that trip getting back into my manuscript so that I can get Book 2 of my series finished. Time just seems to fly. I don't see the book being published by end of June, sadly. But as I mentioned on my author blog this morning, I'd rather put out a quality product then hit a deadline.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting a VERY delayed review of a CD by Josie Bello. I love the cover of Have Purpose Live Long, drawing me in to the album. This CD came across my desk last fall and just got lost in the shuffle. So this is filler until I get back on track next week with Out of the Chute and Turntable Tuesday combos.

 The Party List will resume June 3rd. Live venues are opening back up. I will also be including 'streamed' shows with links to how you can join in. 

If you are an artist and want to share gigs, please email me your schedule at by clicking on any of the links below:

EMAIL   TWITTER   IG

Country Blessings!

~ Kelly