Posted by Pete Smith on November 8, 2008, 11:59 pm
217.42.199.115
The Advertiser (UK)
24 October 2008
As a devotee of country rock for more years than I care to remember I have witnessed the comings and goings of many fine innovative outfits with the Flying Burrito Brothers, Dillards, Poco, Marshall Tucker Band, Eagles, Desert Rose and others greatly enriching the genre over the years. Recently though there seems to have been an absence of truly great bands, or so I thought until I found Power of County, a special – very special country rock outfit. This six piece seems to be more tuned into country than those I have enjoyed in the past, blending traditional country strains, bluegrass and western themes into their powerful rock and roll music. “See You In Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven” (Union), the current album, opens with the supercharged “Ain’t Goin’ Back To Jail”. The performance has so much energy, so much excitement it left me wondering how can they possibly follow that? But follow it they did and with style! Led by vocalists D. Rives Curtwright (guitars) and Matt Stark (guitars, banjo), Power of County feature steel guitar (Erik Clampitt), fiddle and mandolin (Sean Burke), piano (Dad Thad Stark) and even a washboard (Dan Baldwin) and this diversity of instrumental talent has created a unique sound that has greatly enriched the current country scene. Check out the album on the band’s website and particularly “Silver and Gold” and the superb instrumental “Trashville Rag”. www.powerofcounty.com
I do not know Casey Dilworth but I do know he is a big fan of Waylon Jennings. How? Well, his new album “Vagabond Dreamer” (Pineview) is a collection of ten songs previously recorded by Waylon and producer of choice, Mark Moseley, has gathered the finest of musicians to ensure the most sensitive sound. Casey is not a Jennings imitator. Throughout this project he delivers in his own honest and sincere style giving these songs a fresh, new approach. Some of the songs were already former hits when Waylon put his unique approach to them, songs like “Lonesome, On’ry And Mean” (Steve Young), “She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man” (Johnny Russell), “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” (Chuck Berry) and “Amanda” (Don Williams). A couple are Waylon compositions, “Belle Of The Ball” and “Julie” whilst others show Jennings’ talent for spotting really great song; “I Love ‘Em Everyone”, “Lock, Stock And Teardrops”, “Better Time To Say Goodbye” and “How Much Rain Can One Man Stand”. The whole sound is greatly enhanced by the three legends, Lloyd Green (steel), Pig Robbins (piano) and Pete Wade (guitar). A very satisfying release that will no doubt revive interest in the work of the late Waylon Jennings. www.caseydilworth.com
Remember there are stars in the southern sky.
31 October 2008
Denmark’s Ulla Lindstroem has accomplished much in her life. At the age of eight she wrote her first song and by the time she had reached her mid-teens had a number of original songs to her credit, was playing guitar and singing with the country band Just Us. Moving into her twenties Ulla has sung with bands from a variety of musical genres including swing, pop, rock and, of course, country. She directs, produces and vocal coaches for the musical theatre and yet she is still semi-professional, working for a global IT company to help fund her dream of pursuing a career in country music to the highest level. That Ulla went to the superb multi-instrumentalist Mike Headrick to record her debut album is proof that Ulla is determined to succeed and succeed she will because the lady has returned to Country Discovery and Headrick for her second album. “I Go On Dreaming” takes up where to “A Dream Come True” left off, more great original songs, beautiful vocals and magnificent musicianship. The album has a very positive feel to it. Even the sad heart ballad “Someday” carries hope for the future whilst “I Go On Dreaming” is a swing band stormer. “You Gotta Be Positive” best sums up Ulla’s approach to both life and music, with the inspiring message that something positive always comes from life’s negatives. Check out also “Respect” (9 months at the top of the ECMA chart) and “How Is It Possible”, a wonderful duet with Joe Barnhill. www.clik.to/ulla
It is appropriate that today, Halloween, should be the birthday of country music’s most bizarre performer. Kinky Friedman was born in Palestine, Texas (where else?) the son of a university professor. Whilst studying psychology he formed his first band, King Arthur and the Carrots, to poke fun at surf music then after graduation served three years in the Peace Corps. In 1971 Kinky formed his famed Texas Jewboys band and immediately entertained and offended in equal measure country audiences across the nation with recordings such as “They Don’t Make Jews Like Jesus Anymore”, “Men’s Room In L.A. (should he or should he not use the Bible as toilet paper? God is voiced by Ringo Starr) and “Ol’ Ben Lucas” (a song about what comes down one’s nose and featuring a children’s choir with Eric Clapton on Dobro). These songs, plus Kinky’s finest composition, “Sold American”, and many more are brilliant! It is little wonder that his first three albums attracted such guest stars as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Tompall Glaser and John Hartford. Though Kinky’s songs are hilarious underneath the comedic façade are deep messages about racial bigotry, unhealthy piety and man’s inhumanity to man. Kinky, famous for his big Fedora and even bigger cigar is also a writer of mystery novels. Happy birthday!
Remember there are stars in the southern sky.
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