TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Brandon Luedtke

Technical issues (Thank you Windows 10 -not) prevented me from having this post ready yesterday.
Here we go!

Apologies for the misprint in the Subject line.

I'm not a fan of row houses and one of the things I really dislike about today's so-called 'country music' is that you can't distinguish one voice from another. Nashville thrives on formula and if you fit their mold, chances are you're going to get a record deal. But here's the thing... the ones that don't conform to the formula and do their thing are the ones that really make their mark in the music world.

MORNING LIGHT is the debut album from Brandon Luedtke. While this is his first LP, don't let that young face fool you. There are years of experience poured into every track and served with a rough vocal that adds that something different I look for in an artist.

Songwriting since the age of twelve, Brandon Luedtke has spent his life honing his skills as a true artist in the Folk/ Americana communities from NY to Austin and in between. Add in his first EP      ( Salient Sounds - 2014) and being awarded Best (Male) Singer/Songwriter at Viva Terlingua Festival later that year and you have a pretty good print of Brandon Luedtke - the artist.

Can't Get Away With the Way of the World cracks this album wide open with a toe-tapping tune that draws you to the campfire for a sing-a-long. The invitation continues through the remaining nine tracks. Each one adds a different ingredient to the LP without straying from a sound that is distinctively Luedtke.

If there's one take-away from MORNING LIGHT, it's reminiscent of family and neighbors gathering on a front porch to enjoy each other's company at a slower pace... a place where we know what's really important. As  you look ahead to the weekend, plan a get-together with friends in your backyard and crank up this album.

I'm tipping my had:

.9

Here's a video from the MORNING LIGHT LP:

BLACK MOUNTAIN ECHOES

You can catch up with Brandon on the following SM platforms:

WEBSITE  FB  IG  YOUTUBE  SPOTIFY  SOUNDCLOUD

IN MEMORY - Don Williams

In place of The Party List this week, we are remembering the Gentle Giant - Don Williams.

May 27, 1939 - September 8, 2017

Photo courtesy of Kirt Webster - WebsterPR

Credit: David McClister

We Should Be Together was my first introduction to Don Williams. The song released in 1974. There was something about his voice that spoke to me. I was 13. As an adult, the lyrics found their own importance in my life. During my dance-hall/ bar days, Tulsa Time was one of my favorite tunes to flatfoot across a dance floor.

And now... Don Williams, The Gentle Giant has left us with only our memories of him and the great tunes he penned throughout his career. 

Born Donald Ray Williams in Floydada Texas May 27, 1939 his career spanned 50 of his 78 years of life. That's one helluva run, though his career actually sparked when he entered a talent contest at the age of 3. He won the honor of First Place and an alarm clock. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.  A Tribute to Don Williams album was released in May of this year. 

I was torn with which other video to showcase. You're My Best Friend is truly the song of my heart, describing my relationship with my husband of 33 years, Bob. But I think this one is best played now.

Country Blessings!

Kelly

IN MEMORY - Troy Gentry

On Friday September 8, 2017, Country Music lost another amazing talent. Troy Gentry, of Montgomery Gentry, died when the helicopter he was in crashed in Medford NJ where the due was to perform. He was a young 50 years old.

Born Troy Lee Gentry April 5, 1967 in Lexington KY, he was always the fun-loving, sensitive man we all came to love as part of Montgomery Gentry. He leaves behind his wife, Angie and two daughters Taylor and Kaylee.

Photo from MercuryNews.com 

We all expect to leave this earth at some point, and we don't know when. But we hope to never have our passing be the result of such a tragic means. A quote from Troy's official obituary may bring comfort to us all during this time:

A follower of Christ, Gentry faithfully attended Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tenn., when he was not on the road. One of his favorite Bible verses was Deuteronomy 31:6, which says, "Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

This video - Troy's dedication to Merle Haggard  - showcases the voice that will forever resonate in our hearts:

A public celebration/ memorial service will be held Thursday September 14th at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Ole Opry, 2804 Opryland Drive in Nashville and broadcast live HERE

Troy supported many charitable organizations including the T J Martell Foundation - the music industry's leading foundation for finding a cure for cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the foundation or to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts.

Two men could not have been closer if they'd been brothers. That's what made Montgomery Gentry a lasting duo in Country music for almost twenty years (an anniversary album was planned to mark the occasion in 2018).

Montgomery Gentry were inducted into the Opry in 2009. This video was their last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry:

Country Blessings

Kelly

REMEMBERING 9/11 - Let's Roll

Let’s roll, America

Let’s roll, over the fields

Let’s roll, roll on to better days

Forever remember the toll

For the flag at half -mast on the pole

To honor a lost hero’s soul

Let’s roll….

                                                                               

                                                                                       Let’s Roll by MikeBlakely

                                                                                                       ~2003 Faded BlueLP

THE PARTY LIST!

Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for your patience while I enjoyed the grandgirls. We had so much fun.
Now they are back home, Bob is on the boat and the house is quiet. I can get back to work.

The Party List and Tweets will return next week and be back on track from here on out.

In the mean time, if you like true cowboy/ western/ country I invite you to follow @SBDispatches on Twitter. I am the Marketing Director for this beautiful, glossy full-color magazine. Coming soon in collective hardback!


Country Blessings!
Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Matt & the Herdsmen

Hopefully, this will be the last Tuesday on a Wednesday. Getting things back on track here in KellysCountry but going to take a bit of time.

In the mean time, I want to introduce you to Matt & the Herdsmen and their new CD:

The first raise of the guitar on I Don't Love You Anymore cues you in to the edge Matt & the Herdsmen bring to STILL SANE. 

While this might not seem 'country' at first, there is a common thread throughout the album that ties everything to a fine line between contemporary country and the classic country of artists like George Strait and Tim McGraw... storytelling. Every track tells a story - a beginning, a middle and an end. While the end isn't always what we romance writers refer to as 'happily ever after', each story is tied up nicely. The other key is that the words are so carefully crafted, making each track very visual without needing YouTube. Listen to the lyrics closely and the movie reel begins to turn in your mind. 

Right Hand Man is a reverse twist on two classic country songs - I Like It, I Love It (Tim McGraw) and You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation ( Ronnie McDowell). So much for Happily Ever After.

The one thing that really spoke to me with STILL SANE, is how track 11 - For You circles back to the title track. He goes from not loving someone anymore to literally giving his life for the one he will love beyond this plane. For You is one of the most powerful tunes you'll ever hear and would make a great soundtrack for an NCIS episode or a full movie concept. 

Heading up this talented team is Matt Castillo with a voice made for storytelling in true country tone. With the help of Everto "Beto" Cavazos (Guitar), Danny Salinas (Bass), Ruben Cantu (Drums) and Omar OyOque (Pedal Steel) everything comes together. Omar's talents especially make this a true country album. 

I'm tipping my hat:

 .8

To purchase your copy of STILL SANE, check out the following links:

WEBSTORE   AMAZON   

Matt & the Herdsmen are across multiple Social Media platforms:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK   TWITTER    INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE

Here's a live version of  I Don't Love You Anymore

CONCERT & EVENTS - Hurricane Harvey Recovery Event!

Please Join us at McGonigel's Mucky Duck Tuesday September 5th - 7 p.m. 

#HoustonStrong

Libby Koch

Chuck Hawthorne

Jack Saunders

Randy Weeks

Tony Kamel of Wood & Wire

John Egan

Rankin Peters

Rick Richards

& MORE

Come together for this heartfelt event!

TICKETS