Laura Cortese 'Into the Dark'

Laura Cortese is an American singer/ songwriter and this is her 6^th official release. The ten songs included here are haunting and beautiful, delivered by a group of musicians that play an eclectic mix of instruments, including fiddles, cellos clarinets and viola.

 There is a plaintive quality to the tunes and the sparse arrangements add atmosphere and depth to the subject matter, that cover such topics as gang rape and murder (For Catherine), infidelity (Brown Wrinkled Dress), servile hopelessness (Village Green) plus a wonderful take on the John Beaton poem I Am the House; “ I am the house that holds you still, the place you first made love”. There is also a fine cover of Laura Veirs,  Life is Good Blues.

With a sound that has roots in folk music and also visits the giddy stomp of Cajun swing and Appalachian yearning, the rich vocal harmonies add to Cortese's poignant and powerful singing. She has also included appearances with Band of Horses at Carnegie Hall, Pete Seeger at Newport Folk Festival, and Patterson Hood and Michael Franti for Seeger's ninetieth birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden. She performs frequently with Jocie Adams, formerly of The Low Anthem and can be heard with Adams's new band, Arc Iris. Cortese also performs frequently with Rose Cousins, and plays on her 2012 release "We have made a Spark"

This release is a real contender and deserves a wide audience.

Reviews by Stephen Rapid

Emily Herring 'Your Mistake' - Self-Release

This album is marinated in traditional country but is still something fresh and tasty. Emily Herring is not afraid to be associated with a "country look" either. On the inner sleeve she is pictured wearing a western shirt, cowboy hat and 50's glasses holding a microphone and guitar both also from that era. When you do that you set up expectations and here you're not disappointed. Herring is a fine singer and writer as although it doesn't say on the sleeve I believe she is the writer of the twelve songs here. 

This is Herring's second album and she continues on the path of delivering Texas twang with an individual touch. It has been said that she reminds some of early k.d. Lang which may have as much to do with her look as with her music. But the comparison stands in that both have taken a stylistic approach to their music that provides the complete package of singer, songwriter, performing artist.

Herring plays guitar with her band and she is capable of some pretty good licks too. Throughout the album she uses a selection of players who do a good job of delivering these songs with energy and ability. Overall it is a tight, iridescent, memorable sound that seems a  perfect vehicle for her Austin-based ambience. It has that left-field based sound associated with that town that is miles away from the mainstream current idea of what country music is.

David Serby and the Latest Scam - Self-Release

There's something slightly tongue-in-cheek about why Serby has called his band here The Latest Scam, as over a series of album He has given us honky-tonk, roots rock and acoustic based music. He has recently also been playing bass in the band Heymaker. He has credited Rockpile - The Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds' band - with the inspiration to make this roots rock/beat country double album. Which is part British Invasion, part twang but always vibrant and hook filled. Song like Amnesia and When Couples Fall In Love are testimony to that. Over the twenty tracks that feeling is reinforced. Some are closer to a country feel than others but whatever direction Serby takes the song he does it with conviction.

The album was produced by West Coast veteran Edward Tree who is also the lead guitarist here. Tree is accomplished at both tasks and is joined by former Hacienda Brothers drummer Dale Daniel and bassist Gregory Boaz, who played with Dave Alvin amongst others. A top notch band who sure sound like it here.

The diverse nature of the songs is underlined by the electric sitar of You're Bored or the ballads I'll Meet You There and Better With My Hands, the Sixties sounding I Still Miss You or the twangy Everybody Loves A Fool and Gospel Truth. Serby continues to explore the many aspects of his muse and he has shown himself to be a versatile and prolific writer who, more than anything, is concerned with getting it right and making music that he is proud of. 

Never more so than here with a set of songs played with a sense of fun that seems imbedded into the heart of the music. The skill is obvious and the sound infectious especially to anyone who remembers Rockpile's similar energy and enterprise. But this is not music that just looks back, rather it offers a path that can be further explored. There is no sham in this scam which provides much more than a few seconds of pleasure.

The High Bar Gang 'Lost & Undone' - True North

Songs of praise can, on occasion, seem slightly hollow in the hands of some maybe less than committed persons but in this case with this Canadian band spirited take on some classic bluegrass material is inspiring. One of the band Barney Bentall has released several albums under his own name but he he is part of a combo who share the vocals and the love. 

The stand-out here is a beautiful and moving version of Julie Miller's All My Tears. It is one of those songs that is pure and perfect. The twin voices of Wendy Bird and Angela Harris soar over a subtle but effective acoustic instrumentation. The rest of the album is not that far behind in terms of quality. Over In The Gloryland from the pen of Ralph Stanley or Bill Monroe's Walking In Jerusalem are given a thorough workout that their writers, as well the those of the other songs, would have doubtless approved.

It is the blend of voices here that is intoxicating and compelling. Something that is matched by the band's instrumental prowess, nothing too show-offy mind just solid playing that is perfect for the overall sound. I don't claim to be a huge bluegrass aficionado but this album, along with the recent album from the Tillers, could not fail to move with the sincerity of the motivation and measure applied to making this music.

The album ends, as it should to make things perfect with a rendition of Hank Williams' I Saw The Light which should illuminate all but the dullest spirit. The High Bar Gang aimed high with this project but they easily reached the heights the aimed for.

Lincoln Durham 'Exodus Of The Deemed Unrighteous' - Droog

On his latest album Lincoln Durham further explores those demons that haunt his music. It is again built from the ground up from his voice and guitar with some additional textures to add colour and a strong percussive element supplied by the very solid talent of Rick Richards on drums. There is some gravel in Durham's voice and grit in the songs that comes from somewhere deep and dark. There is something of the hellfire preacher at work here … "Lord strike us down, So we may see, That all mankind can bleed" (Strike Us Down).

There is no compromise in George Reiff's production and it suits the elemental nature of the songs. He continues in the tradition of the traveling bluesman, someone who manages to bring pleasure through the pain of his music. He opens with the statement that "here's a story about a girl who can't seem to quit killing men". I suppose it's all about the company you keep and in some cases here you best keep that company to yourself. That song Annie Departee is as hard as nails and running on rusted rails that take you into a mine that ultimately will bring up a nugget of pleasure.

That approach runs through the album and sets Durham up as a self-contained exponent of modern day though ageless blues. Exodus Of The Deemed Unrighteous may not suit everyone's taste but there is something positive and uplifting in listening to these songs of exodus and righteousness. There are others who plough a similar furrow playing live as a one man band but who add something more to their recordings and Durham has found his sound that has it's lighter moments (Keep On Allie) sitting alongside the harder howls of sin. The end result will, however, not find you sitting on the fence.

The Show Ponies 'We're Not Lost' - Self-Release

Baby, I'm In Love With You opens this album with a rush of energy fierily fiddle and uptempo drums behind the voices of the two main singers Andi Schrock and Clay Chaney. From then on the acoustic instruments are bolstered by the sturdy percussion. They describe this as indie-folk and it is effective and at times reminds a little of early Avett Brothers (minus the female voice of course). 

There are eleven self-written songs here. Production is by band member Jason Harris and his gives plenty of body to the music. The vocals nicely balanced overall with the two lead singers trading off on the opposites attract theme of Whiskey And Wine with it's "I hate your guts but you got soul" vocal refrain. They are more reflective on a song like Pieces Of The Past where Schrock takes the lead vocal. Another song that considers life options is If I Die Tomorrow a mid-tempo song with banjo and mandolin over a gentle drum pattern. A sound that works well and gives the song an added layer. Schrock also shines on The River a stripped back sound with a thumping percussive element that is slightly unsettling but effective as part of the overall sound.

This band, now based in California, have brought something different to the music by making Kevin Brown's percussion a fundamental element in the sound and overlaying the acoustic instruments on top. A concept that goes right back to early folk-rock but, at this stage, sticking with the acoustic instrumentation rather than adding amplification. In a area where most folk/old tyme influenced bands do not use drums this gives the sound an edge. But aside from that the playing and vocals skills on display are equally note worthy.

From the sleeve this would appear to be a crowd funded project so all involved with getting the album out should be pleased with the result and all will know that the Show Ponies are indeed not lost in direction but are sometimes, hopefully, lost in the music.

Gary Hunn 'Breaking Blue' - Alligator Creek

This Australian country singer has released his second album of hardcore country music. There's plenty of fiddle and pedal steel here to firmly place Hunn's self-written songs in the heart of those who love their country honky-tonk honest. Hann co-produced the album in Sydney and Townsville and it sounds like it was recorded in Texas. Hunn has a deep and satisfying voice that is the focus of these tales of woe. He's joined by Peta Cherae who duets on the I'll be better when your gone tale of Out Of My Life. Anywhere In Georgia is dedicated to Gram Parsons who was doubtless a major influence on Hunn alongside many of the old-school masters. 

 Other fairly self-explanatory titles here include Heads You Win, Hard Times A' Coming, Dirty Little World and my personal album favourite Heartaches, Hangovers & Cheating Songs a title which just about says it all really. Again Gary Hann is not stretching the envelope here but then I don't think he particularly wants to. His concern here is more with delivering a crafted song that fits his favourite format.

The production and playing from the local crew is totally sympathetic to the overall aim of the songs. I'm not sure whether radio in Australia is more open than its American midstream counterpart. One can hope that he gets a good response locally but a visit to his site will give you the opportunity to listen and enjoy what Hunn has to offer.

Reviews by Paul McGee

Sage & the Saints 'I Will Lie' - Self-Release

Sage Galesi is steeped in the world of performance, having grown up in a family with strong connections into the creative arts of acting and music. She appeared in the Michael Jackson video ‘Black or White’ and sang with Natalie Merchant at Lilith Fair. In addition, her mother is a close personal friend of Leonard Cohen and Sage has studied at Yale, in London and at the Moscow Art Theatre.

So, here we have an EP of five songs and an impressive taster of greater things to come from this interesting artist. The production credits go to Jonathan Trebling who does a fine job of injecting the songs with a light touch and a bright sound. He also plays guitar, banjo and mandolin on the tracks and is ably supported by no less than ten additional musicians.

The pace is set with the opening song, Would I Run and carries through Earn My Heart, to I Will Lie, a tale of disappointment and vulnerability. The final song Love & Pain displays what a fine voice Sage possesses and she sings like a mature performance artist even at this early stage of her career. A little bit Country, a little more Commercial and a lot of potential for the future

Amanda Pearcy 'Royal Street' - Self-Release

This Texas raised artist delivers her second collection of songs and a very impressive set it is too. With the persona of a fragile, sensitive and worldly weary traveller; Amanda sings of broken hearts, having lost in love and lines on her face that keep getting older. However, there is real depth and experience of life in these songs and there are many fine examples of her beautiful words;

The story of my Heart

Is so much more than a photo in a locket

Shot of whiskey,

Pool stick chalk

Eight ball in the corner pocket   

Excellent writing and there is also much to recommend the song arrangements and production of Tim Lorsch.  All words and music are credited to Amanda with the exception of a superb cover of’ No Expectations’ by Jagger/ Richards and a traditional spiritual song ‘Wish I’s in Heaven Settin’ Down’

In the song ‘Better on my Own’ , Amanda observes that;

That silver moon has done cast its spell

And pulled you away from our happy home

Baby I guess it’s just as well

I do better when I’m on my own

Well, Amanda is not alone here and is joined by a coterie of musicians that colour the songs with some understated and wonderful playing.

Renowned Producer Tim Lorsch pitches in with violin, cello and mandolin touches and the stellar cast add accordion, pedal steel, organ and guitar across the fourteen songs on display.

 There is much to recommend this fine recording. Check it out and you will not be disappointed. 

Soulstack 'Five Finger Discount' - Self-Release

The second release from this interesting outfit who hail from Ontario in Canada. The production is bright, with sweet soulful sounds,  and the playing is loose and funky. Fine keyboard swells mix with crisp drumming and exciting ensemble riffing. I am reminded of Little Feat and the Allman Brothers Band in listening to the workouts and there is an obvious joy in creating this music that comes across in the production. 

They are a strong bunch of players with plenty of talent and the song arrangements run from the slow groove of ‘want you to stay’  to the fine boogie and funky feel of tracks like ‘hangin’ in the kitchen’.

‘Friend’ changes the tempo with a balled on the strength of friendship;

If you find you can’t stand no more

Give me a holler and I’ll give you a hand

So you don’t fall too much farther down

That’s what a friend is for.

The song has some fine understated guitar playing and a beautiful organ part, backed by a strong rhythm section.

There is much versatility across the tracks and the quality never drops or sags in any way. The keyboard and guitar interplay is exciting and lift the song arrangements into a higher gear on tracks like ‘warm bed to sleep ton’ and ‘living room’. The final track in this twelve tune collection is a live version of ‘This May Be the Last Time’ and the Tom Waits vocal mannerisms are just perfect  for the song. I am certainly a convert to the fine brand of musical magic. Recommended.

Stephen Fearing 'Between Hurricanes' - Self-Release

This fine Canadian artist has been producing music of real quality for many years now but has remained steadfastly below the radar, outside of his native land. He has a body of work that includes an impressive seven solo releases, plus collaboration with Ireland’s Andy White and some additional recordings as part of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Apart from a greatest hits package, released in 2009, this is the first set of songs that has seen the light of day in five years.

The time has brought its changes to the artist, who has moved home, remarried, become a father and continued to tour in service to the song. Stephen Fearing sings that the measure of a man is not his wealth and this strikes me as very true for this troubadour who consistently produced sublime songs from 1991 through 2006. He sings with a warm and wise voice that has seen the world and is reporting back from the front. The humanity in his words is a real pleasure to absorb and the dedication on ‘Cold Dawn’ to the crew and passengers of a Cougar Helicopter that crashed in 2009 off the coast of Newfoundland is perfectly apt for the gentle tribute that follows in the lullaby and soft strum of the song.

This release is co- produced by Stephen Fearing and John Whynot. (Bruce Coburn, Blue Rodeo, Lucinda Williams) and the arrangements are just full of space and a tender touch that highlights a supreme talent in the playing. ‘Wheel of Love’ sings of the need to continue on the road towards our journey’s end and the promise of a contented ending to it all.  The ‘Half-light of Childhood’ speaks of days past and the way that time seemed to take forever. ‘These Golden Days’ starts with a groove just out of a Joni Mitchell songbook and speaks of time woven as a silver thread, through these golden days.

The bonus track ‘Early Morning Rain’ brings the collection to a satisfying conclusion as we reflect on the traveller who is a long way from home and missing family. In a way, this is the fate of the singer-songwriter, ever searching for the next thing over the hill and the expectation of a new experience. A beautiful loneliness, captured with subtlety, in these eleven songs. Everybody should own at least some of the music of Stephen Fearing and this recording is a damn fine place to start. An excellent and welcome return from this, as yet unrecognised, superstar of song. 

Tim Ash 'Up On Block' - A & M

Twelve tracks on this recording by Tim Ash, a country music artist who has two previous releases to his name. It is a very commercial sound and an attractive recording with the instruments jumping out of the mix in bright bursts. He has a fine vocal to promote these songs of love and loss, faith in the future and believing in yourself. Hard rockin’ songs like Broke have instant appeal, as does Beertropolis, a song that celebrates hard drinking and a chilled attitude. 

There are so many country artists travelling this same road that it becomes hard to find the differentiating factor to separate one from another. All fine singers and players and all touting a new recording; it can get a little crowded in the foyer of the wannabe hotel.

No sense in naming other artists that sound the same, I am sure that Tim Ash has his local following and his regular circuit that can earn him a steady living. I cannot see him as a headline act, but there again; the fact that he gets out and lives his dream is enough.

Nothing too new then, nothing ground-breaking, just steady song-writing, nice arrangements and regular themes that populate such country releases

Randy Rogers Band 'Trouble' - Humphead

Country Rock comin’ at ya - Big & Proud. Texas born Randy Rogers sings it like he means it and he has the perfect voice to carry off these down home n’ dirty tunes. He has been releasing music since 2002 and has a steady flow of recordings to his name. The band on this outing is very impressive and plays tight, rocking arrangements with much finesse and fun. The guitar and fiddle interplay is especially catching as the songs come and go – Fuzzy talks of the hangover from hell while Flash Flood speaks of sudden attraction & love like a tidal wave. Trouble Knows My Name is about living life on the edge and learning on the streets. There is a hoarse, yearning quality to the vocal of Randy Rogers, never more evident than on Don’t Deserve You, supported by a driving beat. Never Got Around To That is a commercial hit if ever there was one in Country music. Had to Give That up Too deals with the eternal dance of drink and women and the sad end when ‘you love it more than it loved me’ ...  Shotgun is a salutary tale of crossing a cowboy and the likely consequences when you do. My copy of this new release carries no information concerning the players here or the production team but all involved do a fine job. Steady as you go, fine stompin’ country music and a solid release

Reviews by Stephen Rapid

Israel Nash Gripka 'Israel Nash's Rain Plans' - Loose

Everybody knows there is nowhere that those who hear Israel Nash Gripka can't escape his debt to the influence of a certain Canadian rocker; yet there is much to savour on Gripka's latest album that blends pedal steel with a wide open psychedelic quietly melancholic thoughtfulness. There is also an inviting glow to these songs that offer a suite of sounds that touches many bases while retaining a confident central theme.

The album has a gentler approach than the band in a live setting. There there is a sonic intensity that takes these songs to another place but on record the nine songs seem to flow seamlessly together, appearing as one long river of that has tributaries that could easily lead to other destinations.

Israel Nash Gripka songs are fairly opaque with phrases and couplets standing out but the overall context is less storyteller than stored memories and hopes expressed in song. The band throughout intertwine with Gripka and all soon submerge into the sound. They also had some strong vocal support to Gripka's passionate vocals.

Rain Plans always have to be made and Israel Nash Gripka has drawn and delivered one that will serve him and those who listen to it's execution well until the next instalment of his musical journey arrives.

Danny & The Champions of the World 'Stay True' - Loose

The latest album from Australian-born Danny George Wilson continues his exploration of Caledonian soul pop and Americana roots music on his fourth and finest album to date. Wilson and co-producer Chris Clarke have employed their champions well using London based bluegrass band Foghorn Leghorn on two tracks to add a different flavour to the sound. Elsewhere as on Let's Grab This With Both Hands they employ Melvin Duffy's pedal steel guitar and brass to fine country soul effect.

Overall there is a sense of place and time. The opening (Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket is an expression of remaining true to one's dreams and centres on a trip Wilson made with his Dad to see The Fabulous Thunderbirds play live. That kind insight gives the album it's real soul and it's need to stay true to it's intentions, to come in from the cold in what can be a cold, cold world. There is a warmth here that is central to it's charms.

Alongside such welcome recordings as those by My Darling Clementine Danny & The Champions of the World are underlining the fact that the cross-fertilisation of musical roots can grow to fruition pretty much anywhere in the world if the intentions of those making the music are honest and true to themselves.

Johnny Fritz 'Dad Country' - Loose

Formerly Johnny Corndawg who brought us Down On The Bikini Line an album that some thought was a send-up but Dad Country shows that Mr Fritz was in fact pointing us in the direction of the kind of old-school country that many a Dad would understand. Often that music had a cornball charm but it also had a pathos and true-to-life setting that reflected the lives of the people who listened to that music.

Things change though and those who have the final say have decided that country music now is perhaps more about something completely different. The life experiences of privileged teenagers perhaps?

Johnny Fritz however address such concerns as Have You Ever WantedDie?, Wrong Crowd, Suck In Your Gut or Trash Day - about forgetting to take the trash out. These Fritz written songs have a degree of humour inherent in their make-up but don't write a song about wanted to die without considering the darker side of life and living. Some like Holy Water are more wanting and wanton.

His concerns also look at society's inextricable layers and cliques on Wrong Crowd or Social Climbers. That all these songs are delivered in Fritz's slightly nasal country voice and backed by his on-form band make them sound good and bar-room ready. Taylor Goldsmith, who co-produced the album with Fritz, plays some fine guitar as does Spenser Cullum, Jr on pedal steel and Joshua Hedley adds fiddle to the tracks recorded in Nashville. The remaining tracks were recorded in California and overall they marry together well.

Jonny Kaplan & The Lazy Stars 'Sparkle And Shine' - Reckless Grace

A part of the Americana scene in California Jonny Kaplan's fourth album is a mix of rock (Rolling Stones, Tom Petty) and country (Gram Parsons). Kaplan has produced the album and assembled a strong crew of supportive guest musicians in such musicians as keyboardist Adam McDougall (Black Crowes), Brad Smith (Blind Melon), alongside actual Lazy Stars Rami Jaffee on keyboards and guitarist Dan Wistrom. Another guest on a number of tracks is pedal steel stalwart Chris Lawrence who brings that a touch more of a country flavour to a number of the songs. Actress Daryl Hannah is also on hand to add some backing vocals.

The album opens in rockin' style with the title track before taking a more bluesy route with Annalee Meets The Scorpion with B3 and resonator guitar and Kaplan's distorted vocal adding to the grit. That mood lights a little with Helena's Friend, a song that sounds a little like recent Elliot Murphy. There is a lot of diversity with the songs. The tempos change and Kaplan's song explore the emotions of relationships. Daryl Hannah joins Kaplan on the sage harbour offered in When Your Down. In more rootsy mode The Child Is Gone balances the acoustic guitar, B3 and pedal steel over the slow paced rhythm on a song of reaching a level of pain. 

When he brings things down to the level of guitar and voice (with strings) Kaplan further extends the capabilities of his range with Sweet Magnolia Flower. Hannah's second stint at the vocal microphone is on Charlie Robison's Always. A good time romp with guitar and piano giving it a Faces' feel. He finishes the set with Pretty Little Nose, a song that starts with guitar and steel guitar and slowly builds to a mediative reflection on loving someone close who may at times cause you pause to consider the times that they might let you down.