Reviews by Paul McGee

Aaron Watson Vaquero Big Label

Sixteen songs and over 60 minutes of new music from this independent Texan who continues to blaze an impressive trail in celebration of his artistic talents and entrepreneurial vision. This represents CD release number 13 and highlights a career spanning 18 years that includes countless live performances across America and into Europe in recent years.

His last release, The Underdog, acted as a statement of defiance against the music machine of Nashville, where his style of Texas Outlaw Country is not given much official recognition. However, this was not the first time that the big record labels came calling for Watson’s signature on a contract; only to be turned down at every point of asking. Instead, The Underdog made history when it made Watson the first independent male artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with a self-released, independently distributed and promoted album.

No pressure then on this follow-up, only 2 years later, but Watson comes through with a very self-assured and confident project that does not sag at any time across the many tracks included here. There are love songs (Take You Home Tonight, Be My Girl, Big Love in a Small Town, Rolling Stone), heartland songs about pride in living quiet and honest lives (These Old Boots Have Roots, They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To), story songs such as the tile track which references the solitary life of the old independent ranch hands and the sage advice of years spent riding the rural countryside farms – “He said don't live your life like a sad country song, A fool on a stool is still a fool right or wrong”.

Texas Lullaby examines the simple wish to serve one’s country and make it back alive – a politically tinged song with a small-town twist that makes it all the more honest. Outta Style is a fine band workout and the celebratory groove of the arrangement has radio hit written all over it. Run Wild Horses is a song of passion and desire that really rocks out with guitar and fiddle playing off each other in style. There is some timely social commentary in the song Clear Isabel, which looks at the subject of illegal immigrants and the hope of making a better life across the border.

Amen Amigo has an addictive beat with some excellent fiddle parts as local town fun spills out into the weekend and partying with the boys in tow! The strongest track is The Arrow which gives a life lesson to the sense of living with kindness and love. Diamonds & Daughters is a heart-felt song to his little girl and will long endure as a fan favourite with its sweet sentiment.

Aaron Watson is a very authentic country artist who delivers on all fronts; an insightful and strong song-writer who plays from the belief that he can make a difference in the lives of people who look to music as a means of coping in their daily lives. The abiding message is to live life with a belief and confidence in yourself. This release takes top spot in my country music releases so far, this year.

Stevieray Latham Winter in London At the Helm

This collection of 10 songs was released at the end of 2016 and arrived into our offices for review this month. There is no detail or information on the promo copy I received, but the following was sufficient endorsement ‘mixed and produced by Peter Bruntnell at Domestico Studios in North Devon’. This is the home studio of the multi-talented Mr Bruntnell and any connection with such a revered artist/producer should be sufficient to highlight any young artist to the media.

Steveray Latham released his debut record in 2014 and this follow up is a quiet affair with stripped down arrangements and a vocal that delivers with a sense of reflection and wistful longing. Latham sings these personal songs that have relevance to his years spent living in London. West Hendon Incident deals with a shooting on an estate. Kristina looks at a friend who has issues in communicating in the real world. Never Go Back is a lament to times passed by and the reflection that you can never return. The strings used on This is The Love are gently haunting against a backdrop of a failed relationship while House On The Corner tells of a past girlfriend who has travelled away. Plenty to enjoy here and a strong release from this young talent.

Adriana Spina Let Out the Dark Ragged Road

This singer-songwriter is based in Scotland and her second release, following on from her debut in 2011, is quite an interesting collection of songs. Her band comprise of Stuart MacLeod, who not only produced and mixed the ten songs here, but also weighs in with guitar, bass, keyboards & percussion. Ross McFarlane plays drums and there are backing vocals from Caitlin MacLeod and Francesco Spina (keeping it in the family). Adriana plays acoustic guitar and sings with a sweet voice and clear delivery.

The songs are based around relationships in the main (Home, The Same Drum, Sparkle, Where You Are), affairs & infidelity (The Fall, Hear It From You), the challenge of being away from home and unfilled dreams (Don’t Recognise Me, Two Steps, Disappear) and there is a poignant reflection on the immigrant crisis (See Another Day).

Regret is the abiding theme in the relationship songs with the author cast as the villain in breaking-away and avoiding intimacy. A restless soul looking for a true home should not look back in anger.

A fine collection of contemporary Folk songs that will appeal to many and attract media attention for this new artist.

Scotch Hollow Little Tortuga Self Release.

Scotch Hollow is an acoustic roots band that play in a country-blues style that is both timeless and modern. Mark Verbeck met Carley Martin at College where their mutual love for the blues, traditional country and roots music brought them together. The band line-up is completed by JD Linn on upright bass, Benjamin Scholz on drums, percussion Brody Buster on harmonica and Joel Schuman on piano.

This collection of 11 songs represents their third release, following a debut 5-track EP in 2014 and their debut full length album in 2015. The band produce a fine groove with harmonica and guitar high in the mix. Verbeck produces the project with Linn also acting as producer and sound engineer, so it is very much an in-house affair. The blues playing on the 3 opening songs Hocus Pocus/Kansas City Pepper/Drop in the Bucket is immediate and bright and the pace does not let up throughout.

There are cover versions of Nobody But You (Little Walter), Moaning at Midnight (Howlin' Wolf/Big Willie Dixon) and Keep Your Lamp Trimmed & Burning (Blind Willie Johnson). It is a measure of the playing prowess on display that all three tracks stand very much in their own style with strong performances in the interpretations ... The vocal talents of Carley are very much to the fore throughout this enjoyable release.

Cranford Hollow Color/Sound/Renew/Revive Swampfire

Cranford Hollow describe their sound as a blended mix of Southern Rock, Appalachian Fiddle Music and American Rock and Roll. Well, the evidence on this, their fifth record, is more that of a roots/country sound with the fine violin playing of Eric Matthew Reid colouring the arrangements at every turn. He is ably assisted by John Cranford on guitars, piano and sound manipulation; Jan Reynecke on electric guitar, Randy Looman on drums and Philip Sirmans on bass. Special guest/honorary member John Wilkins also features on guitar and the 8 tracks here are a testament to this excellent band of musicians who blend the influences of the Band and the Allman Brothers into a composite whole that is both addictive and unique in sound. Reid and Cranford handle the vocals with great aplomb and the tired, worldly wise delivery in the voices comes over as fully authentic in the song settings. And You Brutus, Songfield, North and Swing are really strong tracks but the whole project makes for a great listening experience. Good to discover new music such as this and to recommend it to a wider audience.

New Road Stone Walls & Street Lights Self Release

What an unexpected surprise! This collection of 13 tunes is a real joy from start to finish with playing that sweeps the listener along with a real energy and flourish. The band comprise of Rick Epping (harmonica, concertina, 5-string banjo, jaw harp, vocals); Seamie O'Dowd (guitar, mandolin, fiddle, vocals); Leonard Barry (uilleann pipes, whistles) and Andy Morrow (fiddle). The combo playing is just superb and the blend of fiddle, jaw harp & uileann pipes on the song Greasy Coat is a fine example of the great arrangements that deliver little twists along the way to keep the listener fully engaged.

Formed in 2013 and featuring this interesting blend of instruments, New Road are very aptly named and explore roots music that includes Irish traditional, Appalachian old-time, blues and more. An eclectic mix of traditional airs, tunes, jigs, reels, songs, stories are sewn together across a tapestry of melody and rhythm that is both engaging and full of rich colour. Guests include bodhrán legend Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh, Cathy Jordan and Sligo guitarist Shane McGowan. The songs are sung by Rick Epping and include the aforementioned Greasy Coat, Saturday Night My Wife Died and Down In The Old Home Town.

Fellow Pynins Hunter & the Hunted Self Release

This debut release was recorded live in Ashland, Oregon and the band is made up of duo Ian Van Ornum on guitar, mandolin, hurdy gurdy and vocals with Dani Aubert on banjo, bouzouki, vocals, plus voice sung into the banjo. All 10 songs are created by Fellow Pynins and their website describes them as “a tender duo, birthed out of years of travelling, farming, childrearing and touring with a 6-piece orchestra called Patchy Sanders”.

Their songs contain an old-world feel in the words and speak of love stories and the untamed nature of both man and sea. Folk tales and fables that tell of sheep and sugar beets, kings and queens; echoes of a time since passed and one where many may still wish to reside.

Finely tuned harmonies and sympathetic musical arrangements flow easily and the simple strum and intimacy of My Adventures With Jack As Sheepherders is a real joy. Instrumental Henry’s Got Freckles (In The Summertime) is a pleasant jaunt on a buggy in the countryside on a sunny day before Dear Ones unfolds with a salutary tale of death and the depths that could easily fit into an Irish session of traditional singing. The duo did tour Ireland in 2016 as part of a European tour and their music is quaintly appropriate to the sense of a return to simpler ways. A fine release for those who enjoy traditional folk music played with an understated charm.  

Shake Russell Little Bright Band of Light Howlin’ Dog

Thirteen songs in 49 minutes and the project was funded by way of a pre-order campaign. The players who support Shake are Michael Hearne on acoustic guitar & harmony vocal; James Doyle on drums; Jimmy Stadler on piano and guitar (4 tracks, all parts recorded at his home studio) and Don Richmond, who plays a cornucopia of instruments, in addition to production duties.

For more than three decades, this Texas singer-songwriter has been creating his folk-rock compositions, some of which have been recorded by artists such as artists as Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, Ricky Skaggs, Clint Black, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. He has been recording since the 1970’s and has a broad body of work to his name.

Quality playing throughout and a fine way with a lyric make this experienced singer-songwriter one to celebrate and songs like Pure and Shadow Man are reminiscent of JJ Cale in the arrangement and rhythm. Letters, Songs And Photographs is a look back at old memories while The King of the Honky-Tonk Is Gone is a fine tribute to the great George Jones. In early 2016, Shake RusselI was honoured and inducted in the Songwriters Texas Legends Hall of Fame and this latest release gives plenty of reasons as to why such an award was merited.

Jen Gloeckner Vine Spinning Head 

The music industry often works in bazaar and unexpected ways. Not always with the results anticipated or intended. Labels sign artists, distribution deals are struck for product reach and then promotion/PR companies get involved with product air-play, placement and media reviews. It all leads to a big machine spinning its wheels, ever in different directions, and not always aiming the energy at the original targets intended.

In this context, I am contacted by the Jen Gloeckner promotion team who tell me that this artist has just released her third CD and that she is placed, as a reference point, in the category of; Massive Attack, Radiohead, Bjork, Portishead, Julee Cruise, Patsy Cline, Simon and Garfunkel and others.

Well, as Lonesome Highway is focused mainly on Americana, Country, Folk & Roots music, I am interested to understand just how Patsy Cline made it onto this list of artists, but I am prepared to suspend judgement and just listen to the music on its merits…

Some days later I receive a package that contains all three of Jen’s releases; Miles Away (2005), Mouth of Mars (2010) and Vine (2017). Asked to review the latest release, I am curious to track the progression made across all three records and so I settle into a few days of Jen Gloeckner taking up the greater part of my listening time.

The experience is not unpleasant and indeed I am very taken with the singular talents of this Dubuque, Iowa artist who recorded the new release in her bedroom before having the tracks mixed and mastered in Philadelphia.

The latest release Vine is a further jump in creative control and expression as Jen delves further into the use of loops, pulses, rhythms, treatments and voice atmospherics. These are lavish soundscapes and the ambient quality of the tracks is augmented by the sweet vocal delivery and use of Cello, Flute and EBow. The lyrics are not always clear but add to the overall effect of floating along the breeze of life with destination unknown. Song titles such as Blowing Through, Firefly (War Dance), Counting Sheep, Row With The Flow and Breathe give an indication of the musical colour on display here. A very talented artist who is worthy of greater media attention for her creative gifts. Jen Gloeckner is not easily placed in any specific genre, which can only be a positive when everyone is eager to pigeonhole creative talent into various boxes.

I am still looking for Patsy Cline howeve … A small complaint!

 

 

Adriana Spina 'Never Coming Home' Ragged Road

This artist comes from Scotland and has been playing both in Europe and in the U.S. prior to the release of this, her debut, album. Recorded with a tight core trio of bass, drums and guitar that is joined on certain songs by some useful additional players and backing vocalists. Throughout it features Spina commanding voice and eleven of her exploring songs. Those songs are observations of her life and of those around her. The Hardest Thing To Do is about the closeness of an unexpected but lasting love. That theme is explored on other songs, Way Down looks for assurance in life, that is often elusive, and does so over a strong beat and the band's determined playing. Elsewhere there is a slightly fatalistic attitude with lines like "I can't stop what is on its way" but that is tempered by the overall positive delivery of the songs. Produced by Spina and Paul McGeechan, who also contributes keyboards and percussion, they have laid the groundwork for Spina's music which is a mix of folk and rock blended to complement the songs. Such as Fallen, a song which is bolstered by a solid guitar riff that fits its darker tones and Let You Fall, again that internal need of looking for some kind of solid ground on which to build a relationship is explored in a more gentle piano and vocal setting that highlights Spina's confident and clear vocal. The songs lyrically are displayed in a booklet that has them handwritten on a series of postcard background that is both attractive and useful. Never Coming Home is a good start to what may become a lasting career.