Posted by Pete Smith on February 13, 2008, 11:28 pm
86.147.126.120
"The Advertiser" (UK) 8 February 2008
Hermann Lammers Meyer has been a feature on the international country scene for around thirty-five years. He and his Emsland Hillbillies band have toured throughout Europe and beyond performing concerts and supporting such artists as Emmylou Harris, Bellamy Brothers and more. Some years ago Hermann the German, as he is fondly known, made a trip to Texas and created such an impact that the Lone Star State is now virtually his second home. It was some years ago too that Hermann hit on a winning recording formula, classic, favourite and original country songs, the best musicians and really choice duet partners (they have included Willie Nelson, David Frizzell, Johnny Bush and Norma Jean. It is this formula that Hermann has used on “1961 – A Love Song” (Desert Kid), 15 great tracks that feature legends such as Buddy Emmons (steel), Pete Wade and Jimmy Capps (guitars), Buddy Spicher (fiddle) and Gene Chrisman (drums). Duet partners this time around include Laney Hicks (“Just Between The Two Of Us”, “Mr. Record Man”), Becky Hobbs (“Nashville Cats Boogie”), Dusty Owens (“15 Years Ago”) and Annie B (“So What Am I Doin’”). Amongst the other songs you will find tasty covers of “Never Ending Song Of Love”, “What Goes On”, “Days” and “Run To The Door” along with Hermann’s own compositions “Alley Of Shame”, and “The Radio Song”. This really is a great programme that will delight true country lovers everywhere. Every song is a winner and some are rather special like “1961 – A Love Song” with a really moving narrative by Lois Johnson or the touching story of “Neon Leon”, both incidentally Hermann compositions. www.hermannlammersmeyer.com
Award winning Hank Stone plays hard Texas music, the sort that fills dance halls and bars throughout the Lone Star State. Hank is dedicated to the music of his homeland and this is very apparent on “San Antone” (Comstock) with its programme of western swing, honky tonk weepers and beautiful heart ballads. Stone’s vocals and his approach reminded me strongly of Ray Price particularly on songs like “Man In The Mirror”, “Love Me” and “The Bed I’m Dreamin’ On”. Thankfully Hank includes a couple of his own excellent compositions with “As Much Of Nothing” and “Cold Day In Hell”. The band contribute magnificently to the overall sound and mention just has been be made of steel guitarists Terrill O’Neal, Steve Palousek and Randy Reinhardt, fiddlers Ron Knuth and Bobby Flores and the piano men Mark Marty and Peter Carey (co-producer). I do urge you to give Hank Stone a spin or two. Like me you will be hooked. www.HankStone.com
Remember there are stars in the southern sky
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