Posted by Pete Smith on January 18, 2008, 9:47 pm
81.132.17.23
“The Advertiser” (UK) 4 January 2008
In 1963 I was nineteen years of age and just on the threshold of my all-consuming passion for country music. An acquaintance was celebrating the tenth anniversary of the death of Hank Williams, expounding his view loudly to all around that Hank was the beginning and the end of country music. Of course I was well versed in the work of Williams but at that time, possibly because of that acquaintance’s aggressive delivery, I could not accept that any performer could ever be described as the immortal pinnacle of any form of music let alone my beloved country. Fast forward forty-five years to the fifty-fifth anniversary of Williams’ death and my opinion is there has never been anyone in the past or present to match Hank’s achievements and I cannot foresee anyone in the future either. How many country writers with little formal education can boast their songs have been covered by Tony Bennett, Teresa Brewer, Bing Crosby, Frankie Laine, Dean Martin, Guy Mitchell, The THE and many, many more? How many country writers can boast their songs have made the UK pop charts thanks to Ray Charles (“Your Cheatin’ Heart”), Jo Stafford, Fats Domino, The Carpenters (“Jambalaya”), Rosemary Clooney (“Half As Much”) and Bo Diddley and Tommy Zang (“Hey Good Lookin’”)? How many stone country writers have had their songs performed in multi-musical genres – pop, folk, jazz, blues and classical? Hank still remains the King, lauded and applauded by the young punks who consider themselves country today but from a talent point of view will never be fit to tie Hank’s proverbial shoelaces. His songs are constantly covered by country musicians from backgrounds as diverse as bluegrass, Cajun, rockabilly and western swing whilst Hank’s own recordings are constantly re-issue as studio recording, demos, radio transcripts, live concerts and even with dubbed on string orchestras. All this based on a recording career that lasted a little over six years. I ask you now to take on board these facts and see if you can come up with anyone who comes close to achieving what Hank did.
Two days before his death Hank turned to his wife and announced “I think I see God comin’ down the road”. On the day he died the number one single in country was Hank Williams “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive". Hank was no ordinary man he was a genius, a legend, to some a mythical character and as long as country music continues to exist the ghost of Hank will continue to haunt us with those immortal tunes; “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, “You Win Again”, “My Son Calls Another Man Daddy” and even “There’s A Tear In My Beer”.
Hank Williams is the brightest star in the southern sky.
“The Advertiser” (UK) 11 January 2008
"2-ZZ-Nuff" was formed by Betsy McPeak and Charlie Riley to play for a graduation party in late 2003. Their programme was a mix of rock and roll and country and the show was such a hit the duo decided to continue performing. As their reputation grew playing private parties and local clubs they began writing their own songs and covering the more contemporary scene. In 2005 Betsy and Charlie released their first album, “Rhyme and Reason”, a blend of country, blues, and rock. Reviews indicated their strength lie in country so they decided that would be the path they would take. Betsy had already gained considerable experience singing in Gospel choirs and an all girl trio before being invited to join Charlie. Charlie has years of experience under his belt playing in a number of groups and performing in various musical genres. The duo’s second album, “2-ZZ-Nuff Goes Nashville”, showcases two fine lead vocalists who, whenever they come together, are in perfect harmony, and who know how to write a catchy song. Check out “A Normal Day”, “My One And Only”, “Have You Ever Felt The Pain”, “Regrets” and “A Truck Ran Over You”. www.2zznuff.com
T.J. Stuart has also released his second album. Entitled “Rosin On The Bow” (Comstock) the fifteen tracks represent all that is good about the Irish country scene. T.J. certainly knows how to deliver a song, whether it is a toe tapping such as “Let The Showband Play” or a sentimental ballad like “Homeward Bound” (not the Simon and Garfunkel hit). This really is an excellent album and I would expect no less from producer Clive Culbertson, a guy I have much respect for. The cream of Irish musicians accompany Stuart on “The Portrait”, “The girl I Left Behind”, “If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time” and the Gospel “The Man Who Calms The Sea”. Don’t miss the bonus track “Knocklayde Mountain”, a duet with the superb Brenda Mulgrew”. www.allcountry.co.uk
Remembering: Tex Ritter was born one hundred and three years ago tomorrow (12) in Texas. Although originally intending to be a lawyer Tex turned to acting and during the 1930s and starred in several radio serials including the original Lone Ranger. After moving to Hollywood he made more than fifty movies before combing acting with singing. Signing with Capitol Records Tex’s rich baritone could be heard on many hits including “There’s A New Moon Over My Shoulder”, “I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven”, “Jealous Heart” and, of course, the theme to the 1952 movie “High Noon”. I met Tex when he appeared at the Wembley Festival and found him to be a very warm, humble character more interested in the interviewer and the interview. Tex died of a heart attack on 2 January 1974.
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