WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Matt Eckstine Influence #1

 Abit of different post today and tomorrow. 

In my interview on Monday, Matt told us he'd love to have a sit down with John Prine. I thought I'd share one of John's videos today. Who knows.. maybe here at KellysCountry, we could create a bit of Christmas magic. 

Country Blessings!

~ Kelly

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Old Road New Again

 Good morning, country fans... Okay - so it's early after noon. I've been cleaning the house while I listened to the newest release by The Dillards.

Yes THOSE Dillards. 

You may remember them as The Darlings on Andy Griffith. I have to admit I am partial to these folks. See, they are originally right up the road from me about fifteen miles, in Salem Missouri.

I couldn't continue with this review without paying a momentary tribute to Mitch Jayne.

 I was thrilled when we moved down here but became irritated with myself when I failed to take time to meet the late Mitch Jayne (remember the upright base player). He was also a talented newspaper columnist. Sadly, he passed away in August of 2010. (obituary) 

A few months ago, Bob and I watched The Dillards on a PBS program. These folks really put on a production. The presentation isn't just about the music. When you have the chance to see them, go! You will be entertained.

Imagine my surprise when I opened an envelope from Kyle at Pinecastle Records. While I've not covered a lot of Kyle's clients in a couple of years, he always keeps me on his review list. I'm really glad he does! This is the Dillards' first album since 1991.

OLD ROAD NEW AGAIN is a perfect compilation of classics with a heavy shot of Bluegrass as well as new tunes, including one written long ago by Rodney Dillard and Mitch Jayne (Take Me Along for the Ride) and a couple Rodney co-wrote with his wife Beverly. Beverly also provides lead vocals and clawhammer banjo.

Rodney and Beverly Dillard

There is a lot to like about this album, eleven of them to be exact. Each one a perfect track blending the simple life of Mayberry with traditional bluegrass. 

The Dillards brought in some of the best in Bluegrass to pull this album together. Classic bluegrass wouldn't be complete without Sharon & Cheryl White or Ricky Skaggs. Herb Pedersen (joined by Sam Bush on The Whole World Round)is featured on five tunes (including the title track). Bernie Leadon lends his vocals on two tracks and the great Don Henley three outstanding numbers. 

With folks like that in your corner, you have to hit #1... it's a given.

OLD ROAD NEW AGAIN will take you back when life was simpler, you knew your neighbors and wouldn't trade a plug nickle for your life. 

I'm giving this album...

Here's a video for you:

You can keep up to date with The Dillards on the following social media locations:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   

Copies of this and other albums are available to listen and/ or for purchase:

WEBSTORE   PINECASTLE RECORDS   AMAZON      Spotify   AppleMusic

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - One Town Over

First off, thank you all for your patience yesterday. After a short nap I wound up being much more me and worked up til 9 p.m. on house projects.

If sleep eludes you or you just want to make sure you get a good night's sleep so you can function the next day I recommend Zzquil.

Okay...on to yesterday's review today:

If ever there was a provacative CD on the market, it's ONE TOWN OVER. Patrick is a master storyteller that when you really listen to the lyrics, of its own violition your mind begins to process what he's telling you.

For ONE TOWN OVER you find yourself dissecting each song to discover what part of human nature and a life experience he's talking about.

One such track struck me was Refugee's Plea. Now, as a media representative I'm privy to some things including the story behind the song, or what was on the writer's mind. The piece GF shares on this track is this...
The idea that people living in a land of plenty have the right to tell someone else to stay in the hell we've helped build for them is infuriating. If we wouldn't trade places with someone, we shouldn't be so quick to send them back.

Talk about a poignant piece for this time we're in if ever there was one! I'll be sharing the video below, but let me finish this review.

G. F. Patrick has a true Americana voice. While it may at times have a monotone quality, that tone is used as a tool to carry you through the story. He doesn't try to be something he isn't except a guy with stories to share.

While most tracks meander like a slow-moving stream, we all know into every stream a bit of turbulance appears at some point. That turbulance in ONE TOWN OVER is Anger of Magdelene. This is a murderous ballad from the persepctive of a woman in charge. When I read the story behind the song I instantly thought of Goodby Earl by The Dixie Chicks. At some point a woman finally hits that point where she is either going to continue to be beat into the ground or stand up and take charge. Anger of Magdelene is that story.

Over all, ONE TOWN OVER is a stellar album from a talented storyteller who has been looking at life through an artists eye since he was five years old.

I invite you to listen to this album then look at the world around you with new eyes, to look beyond the curtain of hate and destruction to why it's there in the first place.

I'm giving ONE TOWN OVER:

 .8

You'll find G. F. Patrick on the following social media accounts and can purchase the album through his website STORE.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE

Here's the video I promised:

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Rise & Fly

Rise & Fly carries a depth like no other EP I've ever reviewed. There's a lot of power, soul and tradition packed into five tracks.

I think a lot of the magic comes from Noah Wall. She's the fiddle player and the base element for the group, playing since her teens. She wrote three of the tunes. In her Senior year, Noah teamed up with mandolin player, Tommy Norris. A music match in heaven? Possibly. Their individual college paths only strengthened their core, allowing them to bring in Alex Connerly on guitar (he wrote one track on this EP) then last but certainly not least, Katie Blomarz on base. Some people think there's nothing to playing a base but those who callus their fingers to hit just the right tone know better.

L-R: Alex, Katie, Tommy, Noah

Together, these talented four have found their destiny in the Americana, Folk, Bluegrass sound.

I've had this CD on loop this morning as I researched for this review. They set the foundation, kicking off with a traditional tune, Early In the Morning has the soulful tune right out of the cotton fields.
Doin' Alright has a tinge of psychedelic shows the powerful side of Noah. I heard a bit of Heart (that would be the rock legend). The bluegrass is evident in Every Little Thing blended with a bit of 70's harmony. Of all the songs on this EP, I think Lonely Mississippi Blues is my favorite. Maybe it's the river that I love, that speaks to me but the tune flows well, showing Alex's connection to a song. But At the End of the Day, (the final track) you'll be snapping your fingers as they travel down the road to you town. Catch them live but in the mean time, grab this CD. 

This band has been on a steady climb since those early days, building and growing as they should, at a pace predestined.

Rise & Fly only wets our appetite for more from this promising band.

I'm tipping my hat:

Since I'm writing this review at 6 a.m. this seems the appropriate video to leave you with:

You may pre-order or find your copy at the following links when the EP drops on February 7, 2020

Spotify      iTunes    CDbaby         Amazon

Catch up with the band via Social Media:

Website    Facebook    Twitter    IG   YouTube

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Eric Brace & Last Train Home

I am always happy when I can feature a recurring artist. I first introduced you to Eric Brace last February both as an artist interview and of his album Riverland. In that interview, I asked Eric what his next project was going to be after Riverland.

I haven’t thought for a moment about the next album. I’ve been too busy trying to learn the chords to this one. And that’s the truth. Many of my songs seem to be about baseball, but Thomm doesn’t understand or appreciate baseball, so that’ll be a hard sell. Maybe we’ll do a Kickstarter campaign to send Thomm to some kind of baseball school, then do a really swell album of baseball songs.

In fact, according to a recent post on the website Eric wasn't looking to release another Last Train Home album. The last one was in 2009, a compilation of six songs. They were cover tunes he'd always loved. (I'll share a video with playlist at the end of this review). Follow that website link to get his thoughts on each of the tracks of this new CD.

As I listened, I heard a familiarity that can only come from someone who I would consider a connoisseur of not only Folk and Americana music, but every genre out there. He knows how to take what he enjoys from each of those and blend them into something magical and cohesive. Eric is also blessed with close friends who see his vision and bring their own unique traits to the mix.

When I listen to this album I hear so many different influences as well as a bit of wanderlust. Not since the late John Hartford have I heard so much emotion about movement and the romance of the transportation involved, whatever the vehicle. I think John would have been a huge fan of what Eric Brace creates.

My favorite track is probably Distance and Time. I'd love to have you comment below and tell me what you like once you get the album.

Eric Brace & Last Train Home: Daytime Highs & Overnight Lows releases January 31, 2020

I'm tipping my hat:

Connect with Eric Brace through the following links

WEBSITE   Facebook   Twitter   YouTube  

Order your copy beginning Friday January 31, 2020

Webstore   Spotify 

In the meantime, here's the video/ playlist for the original Last Train Home.

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Yep, it's Wednesday!

MATT ECKSTINE

I love when promoters have my number. When they send me stuff they know is in my wheelhouse - not just tossing music out to everyone and hoping someone cares. Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox sends me the good stuff. By good stuff, I mean music that has heart, soul, roots. This self-titled album by Matt Eckstine fits all of the criteria when I'm looking for 'coffee house' style. 

This album is ten tracks of the 'good stuff'. The soulful sound is reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie but softer. Less in your face and more straight to the heart. That guy knew how to not only tell a story, but make his listeners feel every nuance. Matt Eckstine has that ability, adding his own smooth groove that just transports you to a different plane. 

If you want to relax after a hard day, snuggle with that special someone or just chill on a leather sofa and watch flames dance in the fireplace, then you've found the perfect musical backdrop in this album. 

You'll find your copy through SoundCloud or on Matt's Website. You'll also find the complete album as well as individual track MP3s on Amazon. Then close your eyes and take a magic carpet ride with Matt Eckstine. 

Here's a clip from Matt's YouTube Channel with one of the tracks - Fly On Pie

You'll find Matt on the following Social Media locations:

WEBSITE         FACEBOOK       INSTAGRAM

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - On Wednesday - ONE WAY OR ANOTHER - Gary P. Nunn

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

Gary P. Nunn

FEELS LIKE TEXAS sets the tone for this honky tonk themed album. All thirteen tracks belong on a jukebox. That jukebox usually sat in the corner of a friendly neighborhood bar where the bartender got paid for listening more than the drinks he poured. JOE KNOWS is a throwback to that time when crying in your suds to the bartender was a common occurrence. Those small – town bars are few and far between but not forgotten.

Nothing beats a good Texas swing with a partner on the dance floor. ALL OVER ME is a Bob Wills style tune that keeps with the honky tonk theme and flows smooth as a boot scoot into I FEEL AT HOME IN A HONKY TONK.  

COWBOY BOOTS AND TELECASTERS is more of a cry for what is lost. The image of George Jetson on his skywalk getting nowhere comes to mind. What we crave is always just out of our reach while we trudge through the daily grind in hopes of affording that 'permanent vacation'.

DIDN’T WE HAVE US A BALL is a waltz for the ages.  Often times when I hear a song, my mind forms a video image of the song. This would be perfect as a video with sepia-toned shots of all his escapades mixed with black and white of grandpa and his grandson sitting in a rocker on the front porch… the young child rapt with attention at all the things his grandpa did as a youngster. This is a song to treasure for I fear those times will fade into black. IF I CAN’T GET OVER YOU slows us down in the perfect Texas waltz of sadness and strength.

No album would be complete without a little attitude and Gary does not pull any punches on MY WAY IS THE HIGHWAY. He gets his point across tactfully while not losing sight of the album concept.

DREAMER carries a bit of 1970s back sound lost on much of today’s so-called country music.. A fact Gary brings to the foreground like a large billboard in WHERE’S THE COUNTRY IN OUR COUNTRY MUSIC.  

Regardless of what we do, nothing seems to be enough for the other person in our life. The lament for those times and Gary’s ability to teach us is prevalent in COULDN’T DO NOTHIN’ RIGHT. On the next track, he flips the coin on ONE WAY OR ANOTHER  showing us that determination is everything. Bobby Flores’ mandolin prowess is showcased beautifully on this track.

In WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON, Gary draws the line, begging a decision so that both parties may get on with their life with some direction.

While I've had the pleasure of getting to know Gary through emails over the past couple of years, I had not really listened to his music. I knew more about the man behind the music, than the actual songs. I found a fine blend in this album. Gary is Texas music and Texas music is Gary P. Nunn. 

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER is a ‘Mayberry’ album. Every track takes us back to a simpler time where good music and old fashioned values prevailed. As producer, Gary had his fingers on the pulse, insuring every cut cameacross exactly how he wanted them to, keeping the true spirit of Texas music alive for us to enjoy. 

I am tipping my hat: 

 .5 

to an album any true Texan and anyone who appreciates Texas music should have in their collection. You can purchase your copy of this and other albums by Gary P. Nunn on his WEBSITE

Gary loves to connect with his fans. You can do so through:

Facebook

Twitter

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - A Sandcastle Christmas By J.D.Faver

J. D. Faver - author

Get to know this face and this name. Over the coming weeks I'll be reviewing multiple books by this author. Why repeat performances? Because she's a good writer! J.D Faver is a Texas lady and since I feature a lot of things 'Texas' she gets included.

With the busy schedule of the holidays, I did not get the opportunity to read her Christmas story, A Sandcastle Christmas, until this past week. 

A Sandcastle Christmas is the latest in the Edge of Texas series by author, J. D. Faver. J.D. brings all the main characters from the other books together for Christmas. After all, Christmas is about family - blood or extended. Whether you have read others in the series or this is your first introduction to the family, you will love getting to know each member on a deeper level.

Even the happiest of families and most precious small towns have their challenges. J.D. brings us a baby Jesus, a couple of murders and an over-protective (though well-meaning husband) just to make the holiday interesting. Join us, won't you, for A Sandcastle Christmas - south Texas style!

I give A Sandcastle Christmas:

   

About J.D. Faver

J.D. Faver lives near Houston, Texas. She writes steamy contemporary romance and romantic thrillers/mystery/suspense. She loves to kill people...on virtual paper, that is. Although she writes daily, she still finds time to enjoy family and friends. She is a foodie and an adventurous cook. Determined to preserve generations of family recipes, she is publishing a series of cookbooks entitled A Texan in the Kitchen.

Gardening is another passion (and linked to the food thing) since she has an orchard of fruit trees and berry bushes/vines in her back yard. Tomatoes and other veggies round out her kitchen garden. All other interests (painting, drawing, sewing, quilting, crocheting, weaving, stained glass and pottery) have taken a back seat since they require hands-on participation which is difficult if your fingers are always on the keyboard.

An active member of several Houston writer's organizations, she belongs to National RWA and is a member of Houston chapters.

She is owned by two cats and a small, yappy rescue dog. As a former educator and healthcare professional, she is an advocate for children, animals and elderly/disabled individuals. She would rather be sailing or on a beach somewhere, but if not, you can probably find her with her fingers on a keyboard, pouring word images onto the virtual films playing in her head.

Connect with her:

Website: www.jdfaver.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JD-Faver-Author/117164385030100?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaverauthor