Spike Flynn 'Rough Landing' - Self Release

Spike Flynn was born in Forbes, New South Wales and is now based in Sydney, Australia. This is his second release, with his first album It’s Alright achieving a number 10 slot on the September 2010 Euro Americana charts. Rough Landing contains a high standard of song-writing with the 13 tracks displaying a lived-in quality of storytelling. The songs explore life with its beauty, sorrows, and joys, and often have a philosophical and spiritual aspect with meaningful, thought provoking lyrics. His voice has a tired edge and reminds me of Johnny Cash or John Stewart in tone.

There are shades of the blues and country influences and the playing is of a high quality throughout. Fiddle, mandolin and banjo mix seamlessly with harmonica and guitars. Fate and Freedom is a terrific opening song that pits enduring love against death and bitter fate. Wonderful words delivered in a true country style. Songs like Trying to Get Home Blues, Frozen Words, Ragin’ against the Wind and All you Lonesome Hobos speak to the inner strength in all of us and our need to endure. Don’t Let Her Sail Away and Hero’s Mask also impress with fine ensemble playing and a great production by Damian Flynn throughout. This artist is a really fine example of the talent that exists out there in music land but sadly, under the radar. Highly recommended

Root Doctor 'New Attitude' - Self Release

Michigan soul band Root Doctor plays a diverse mix of classic soul and R&B alongside traditional blues and original material. Along with over 20 years of club, concert and festival performances, they have released four previous recordis to local and national acclaim. This latest release features all original material, and the guitar work of Bill Malone is crisp and exciting against the wonderful keyboards of Mike Skory. The horn section of eight players is a real joy and the song arrangements contain much to excite with a heady mix of trumpet, sax, trombone, harmonica and accordion to augment the traditional four piece blues band. With Freddie Cunningham delivering a soulful sound on vocals, the groove is infectious across these songs of lovin’ and leavin’, together with a salutary look at social inequality on the final track Land of the Free. You can bet that this collection delivers at all stages and song titles such as Baby, You’re Bad, Set Me Free, Pay the Rent, You’re Gonna Lose, and Someone Else is Steppin’ In do exactly what it says on the tin … Wonderful stuff.

Rob McHale 'Fields' - Wooden Door Records

Rob McHale is a North Carolina-based folk-Americana artist whose songs can take you through a small town, down a dirt road or on an historical journey – and bring you back home again. What we have here is ten beautifully realised songs, arranged, produced and performed with maturity and a style that is very appealing. The production by Chris Rosser and the band ensemble of 11 musicians deliver on all fronts. I can hear early Jackson Browne in the gorgeous Back Home with harmony vocals to lift you away from your reality and the songs Mother’s Love, Fields and Wishing Well add to the feel of authentic folk music. Real and mature, reflective and sincere, this is music for the spirit and a really excellent release.

Cory Branan 'The No-Hit Wonder' - Bloodshot

There is truth, irony and realism in the title of Cory Branan’s fourth album. However hits may always be measured in pure sales terms while hitting the creative mark should count for a lot. In that light, Branan is a hit maker. He is an erudite and skilful writer with an individual voice who has put together a strong package that includes producer Paul Ebersold and guest appearances from the likes of Jason Isbell on the opening You Make Me and on The Highway Home. Like Isbell, Branan has found his groove and has made a winning album. The title tracks find him being joined on the catchy chorus by two members of The Hold Steady on a song that considers the lot of a jobbing musician. Caitlin Rose, Austin Lucas and Tim Easton also guest, all worthy artists in their own right who wouldn’t be here if they didn’t respect Branan’s music.

As well as the names above Branan has gathered together a crew of seasoned players to bring these song to life. The music is varied enough to give a pleasing spectrum of roots Americana that hits the big beat on the title track and ends with a simple voice and guitar Meantime Blues which easily bears comparison with the latter day Steve Earle or John Prine. This reflective closing song works in its stripped down setting just as well as the full band performance of the other tracks. Throughout, the songs tend to remind you of some of the other good artists playing roots music, but that never takes away from the strength and satisfaction of these songs, all written by Branan, which show a maturing and perceptive writer.

There’s a high quotient of twang too. Tune in to Sour Mash, All the Rivers in Colorado, Daddy Was a Skywriter and Highway Home. Veteran steelie Robbie “Man of Steel” Turner adds his talents to several of these tunes, boosting their country feel and flavour. All of these ingredients make this an album worth of attention, and sales. Branan has hit his stride and the real wonder is; why he has been flying under the radar in the past? This collection should find him at the forefront of contemporary troubadours making music that actually matters.

Nudie 'Remember This' - Self-Release

This is another cool Canadian who loves classic country music as it was. The Ontario born singer previously fronted the band Nudie and The Turks whose name came from renowned country couturiers Nudie Cohn and Nathan Turk. That reference alone is enough to signal where this singer/songwriter’s heart lies. This Nudie’s debut solo album is a little different from the music that can be seen on YouTube where he plays something more hardcore with the band.

The album opens with If a Heart Could Tell,  which features Molly Rankin, of the noted musical family, on the song about defining real feelings. It has an interesting mix of Spanish guitar and trumpet. Sex Kisses is more upfront in every sense, but  the title song is a big sounding mid-tempo ballad with twanging guitars and organ and features a strong vocal from Mr Nudie. This is something of a defining song for the overall mood. There are some up-tempo songs like Why do We Keeping Hanging on,  which is a song that questions the reason a relationship continues. It has a nice Cash-lite twang as Nudie doesn’t  yet have the patina of the Man in Black’s seasoned vocals . The album has no player or producer credits so it’s not possible to name names, but these guys sound as if they know what they’re doing. Pawn Shop has steel guitar and some good lead guitar to give it direction. The Pain in You is a fast paced Telecaster-led tale of a temptress. The album closes with the kiss-off of I Miss the Love (But I Never Miss You).

Remember This is a highly enjoyable album with a taste of Bakersfield and the music that sustains some of Nashville’s Lower Broadway bars. It isn’t going to change your mind about country music one way or another, but Nudie has written some good songs and sings them well with a tight band behind him. However without touring Europe as Petunia and The Vipers have, Nudie may remain a local attraction. Those looking for real country music, not something pulled from another era, rather one that references those earlier times yet sounding fresh, should be happy to listen to, enjoy and  remember this album when you're looking for something that feels real. 

Doug Seegers 'Going Down to the River' - Humphead

This album comes with a back story which is explained in Buddy Miller’s sleeve note. Basically it’s the tale of a hard working musician who never got the breaks and eventually moved on. Now having been heard busking in Nashville, Seegers has been given a chance to make an album with some very talented players. He has such craftsmen and women as the aforementioned Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Al Perkins, Barbara Lamb, Phil Madeira and producer Will Kimbrough playing here with him; names known to those who’ve heard some of the better albums coming out of Nashville in the past few years.

Seegers has written all the songs here bar the Gram Parsons/Chris Ethridge song She where he is joined, naturally, by Emmylou. The only other cover is There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight from the pen of Hank Williams Snr which features Buddy Miller on vocals. There two voices work well together as both are suitably aged, soulful and rough around the edges, but this quality just adds necessary reality and truth to their delivery as they take a verse each and join together in the chorus. The main focus however should be on Seegers’ own songs, tale of heartbreak and transient relationships such Memory Lane, Gotta Catch that Train, Lonely Drifter’s Cry and Pour Me. On these tracks the catch in the voice reminds you of such masterly purveyors of pain as James Hand and Marty Brown. 

He can also rock out, as on She’s In A Rock ’n’ Roll Band, with its prominent guitar and banjo. This highlight again the pure joy of the playing involved here and how this album works on a couple of levels and is real grower. I have returned to Gone Down to the River often and enjoyed the performances of all involved as well as the sense of passion invoked. 

This may be Seegers one shot at success, or the start of something more long lasting. Either way he can be proud of this album. Kudos too, to Humphead, for releasing it in Europe and giving it Seegers a chance of bringing his music down to the river.

Cina Samuelson 'Roots & Memories' - CCM

This Swedish country singer fell in love with traditional country music at an early age and it clearly made a lasting impression. Samuelson produced this album with Berra Karlsson in Sweden with a set of talented local music including Karlsson himself on pedal steel. These guys clearly understand the music and the way to bring some energy to the selection of songs chosen from the catalogues of such legends as Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, Harlan Howard, Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard amongst others. This is Cina’s fourth album and while previous albums have featured original material from Samuleson, this collection is a selection of some songs that Samuelson obviously has an affinity with.

What makes the album more than just another covers collection is the obvious love and enthusiasm that all involved have for the music. That translates into an enjoyment of songs you know well, or reasonably well, as in most cases the choice of songs is for some of the lesser know songs from the writers in question. These include  I'll Give My Heart To You from Buck, Merle's Everybody's had the Blues; Are You Sure? is her choice of a Willie song and You Took Him Off My Hands is from Harlan Howard. Perhaps the best know songs here are Please Help Me I'm Falling and Honky Tonk Merry Go Round. But all are in good hands - and voices - here.

Another indicator of the quality of the work is the presence of Dale Watson, Justin Trevino and Bobby Flores as duet partners. All sound perfectly in tune with the material and while they have recorded their contributions in studios in Texas, they sound right at home singing with Samuelson. She has a strong, versatile voice that sounds like it was created just  to sing this type of classic country, which it seems, is certainly the case.

This album is a fusion of roots and memories translating into something that had been nurtured and given a future that exists as long as people love to play and listen to this music as it was, and in the right hands, will be. This ethos is a million miles away from what the Nashville mainstream is producing these days. It is a simple, direct and very enjoyable album from a talented singer.

Walter Salas-Humara 'Curve and Shake' - Sonic Pyramid

Back in the 1980’s a band appeared from the growing alternative Country scene to lay down a marker to many acts that would follow. The Silos owed much to the creative vision of Walter Salas-Humara; musician, songwriter and visual artist. With official releases that tip into double figures, the Silos made challenging and vibrant music that energised the roots rock genre and led to some renown for the band over the years.

Jumping to 2014, we find a stripped-down solo recording from Walter which is a stark contrast to the last Silos recording, the great Florizona, released in 2011. Only Jason Victor on guitar survives from that Silos band, and Walter uses a new group of musicians to bring different colours and textures to the Silos’ energy of the past. The ten songs here, clocking in just over the 40 minute mark, show that quality and intensity remain a part of Walter’s music, at once familiar and on repeated listening, revealing hidden depths.

With song titles such as Counting on You; What We Can Bring; Satellite and Uncomplicated, we get the impression of an artist reaching out across the void in our collective lives to touch some common bond and emotion. The need for understanding and taking joy in simple pleasures is covered in Hoping for a Comeback,  and the song Way Too Heavy to Float seems to hint at a gentle faith in accepting things in life as they unfold.

The song arrangements are very subtle and include some dreamy keyboard and synth melodies from Ryan Williams. There is still room for a few wonderful guitar breaks and the vocal delivery has never held such raw and restrained sorrow.

This is a vibrant and worthy artist and Curve and Shake deserves a place in any music collection.

The Cousin John Band 'Broken Heart Tattoo' - Self Release

Founded in 1999, none of this four-piece are actually cousins, but they play like a family that has been together for a long time. Lead vocalist John Mobley has a very expressive and soulful voice which is perfectly complemented by the lead guitar playing of Joe Goltz. The rhythm section, David O’Brien on drums and Tim Howe on bass, is very solid and fills out the sound with seasoned playing and a restrained approach to the arrangements.

They have a bluesy, rootsy, soulful sound that is not a far step from a John Hiatt or Allman Brothers groove (She’s Got Angels and 110 Years). The songs roll by at an easy pace with Foolin’ and Down to You showing the different sides of the band. The arrangement on Mary’s in the Bathtub is more traditional country and Dreams Are Yours to Keep displays a simple folk influence to what is an engaging collection and one that is laced with pleasant surprises

Justin Moore 'Off the Beaten Path' - The Valory Music Co

This is the third release from contemporary artist Justin Moore. Born in Arkansas in the 1980’s and moving to Nashville in 2009 to team up with writer/producer Jeremy Stover, you could say that Justin Moore believed in the American dream. His ‘no apologies,  down-home country’ style is perfectly illustrated on this beast of a release – sixteen songs that clock in at just short of an hour.

We get the usual topics of clean country living, working hard and respecting your parents. However, we also get the other side of this coin with a song tribute to beer, living large, morning-after headaches, chasing women and loving the flag. In other words, a little of everything and if one track doesn’t quite tick all the boxes, just wait around for the next one.

This artist has everything to take the vacated space of Garth Brooks and is certainly in the running to be dubbed the ‘new’ Tim McGraw. Stetson hat apart, the boy can sing and the song arrangements are excellent, jumping out with a powerful production. Charlie Daniels guests on For Some Ol’ Redneck Reason and on the softer side we have Miranda Lambert singing on Old Habits. The songs Dirt Road Kid and This Kind of Town  illustrate the style of writing on display and the audience that is being targeted. The pure country celebration of it all is never more apparent than on Country Radio on which  Moore sings “Baby, it’s just us and the lightning bugs, and country radio”. This is an impressive release and definitely an artist on his way to the top.

Jason Tyler Burton 'Headwaters' - Self Release

Burton is Kentucky born but now living in Utah. He is fine songwriter who has released a record that makes quite a statement.

In 2007, Jason Tyler Burton and his wife moved west from Kentucky to the Utah wilderness, leaving behind the security of a career in higher education, with a desire “to take some risks and live a better story,” The songs on Headwaters come from the stories Burton encountered while living a nomadic life in the heart of the American West; stories about the search for meaning and belonging. That search for the source of things has driven him throughout his life, now culminating in the release of the aptly-named Headwaters, Burton’s second original full-length album.

The playing, across this ensemble of six musicians, is beautifully understated and sensitive to the gentle song-writing talent of Jason Tyler Burton. Cello and violin mix seamlessly with banjo, dobro, lap steel, mandolin, harmonica and various guitars. The percussion is light and subtle with the lovely support vocals of Katy Taylor adding some real texture to the melody and song arrangements.

These are songs of compassion and understanding that reflect on our relationships, insecurities and our need for self-expression. A Fine Line sings of “sometimes you take what you are given; sometimes you can’t afford your dreams”.  The Waltz and Headwaters speak of the need to keep growing and moving despite our faults and being the best that we can be.

There is not a weak track here and the vocal delivery reminds me of a country David Gray, full of expression and passion. Headwaters  is one of the best releases of 2014 so far.

We Banjo Three 'Gather the Good' - Self Release

With their debut release in 2012, this Irish quartet of two sets of brothers laid down a strong statement for the future direction of Irish Traditional music. Never afraid to take risks, We Banjo Three incorporate the new with the old in their wonderful, intoxicating music. Tipping a hat to tradition with old airs, we have American folk music mixing with Irish jigs and even the inclusion of an Eric Bibb composition.

The brothers Howley and Scahill play a combination of banjos, mandolin, bodhrans and have special guest James Blennerhassett on double bass. The media have made much of Mumford & Sons in recent years and the revival of English folk music. Irish traditions are equally energised here by We Banjo Three and their giddy romp through old tunes from Carolina, Dakota, Georgia and the French Canadian territories, en route to Roscommon.

Highlights include The Bunch of Green Rushes/ Salt Creek and Puncheon Floor/Late for the Dance/ Sean Reid’s, but it would be a real shame to omit any of these excellent tracks. The entire listening experience, twelve tracks and some forty five minutes, is a real joy.

Lee Palmer '60 Clicks' - On the Fly Music

Following on from his debut release in 2013, Canada’s Lee Palmer delivers ten tracks that sit comfortably in the acoustic blues genre. Recorded in a live setting, the songs are personal in nature and reflect the deaths of a younger sister and an old friend from high school. The playing is laid-back with the use of electric harmonica by Rory Platt particularly effective.

Some nice ensemble playing on acoustic guitars from Elmer Ferrer, Roly Platt and Lee himself, adds to the tempo set by upright bass and percussion. Songs like Sometimes and Changed Man point to a Jim Croce style of delivery and the use of slide guitar (Burke Carroll) on the track Things Are Too Good to Be Blue compliments the overall feel.

An unchallenging, but pleasant listen

Cahalen Morrison & Country Hammer 'The Flower OF Muscle Shoals' - Free Diet

Morrison’s name may be familiar to some through his acoustic roots albums with Eli West, but here Morrison is exploring his love of traditional country with his band who are drawn from the Seattle country scene. Country Hammer includes Dave Harmonson who played with Zoe Muth, Mary Maass on fiddle and Jim Miller from Donna the Buffalo (and a solo artist in his own right) on guitar and harmony vocals. Miller also takes the lead vocal on two songs Sorrow Lines the Highway Of Regret (now that couldn’t be anything but a country song!) and the duet San Luis. Morrison is the songwriter here and he writes all the song himself, bar one co-write with band member Robert Adesso.

Those songs are all strong story songs, well crafted tales as evinced by the lyrics on the sleeve. Morrison has the voice to deliver these songs with power and feeling. Over and Over and Over Again is a song which takes the pain and heartache and the eventual seeking of solace in the bottle as a continuum. The stripped down guitar and voice song I’ve Won Every Battle, But I’ve Lost Every War is a similar tale of a relationship that has died and could again only be a blues or country song and highlights again Morrison vocal and writing prowess.

A stormy relationship is detailed in Our Love is Like a Hurricane is a lively fiddle-led stomp that shows that the best country songs are trailered by their titles. The title track may suggest some latent soul influences, but is actually a song written for Morrison’s wife, who comes from that legendary area of music making. That’s not to say that this music has no soul. It has both soul and heart and that is amply demonstrated throughout, especially on a song like Through Your Window, a slow song with lamenting fiddle and steel motifs. The album ends with two uptempo songs that will have your toe tapping and your heart lifted. Hobbled and Grazing and A Daisy in Tennessee round off what is an album that should bring solorecognition to Morrison. Apart from his work with West, Morrison is a more than worthy addition to the ranks of contemporary country music.

The Cahalen Morrison exhibited here is singer, songwriter, acoustic guitarist, drummer and producer. He performs each task with the verve of a true believer and an excellence which is something that should be both applauded and lauded.

Girls, Guns and Glory 'Good Luck' - Lonesome Day

This Boston based band, with their tongue in cheek name, will raise a smile with their mix of classic country influences and concise rock roots. Citing a mix of such inspirational icons as Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, they use these influences to further their musical aspirations. Album four finds them achieving a working blend under the watchful eye of producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, himself a veteran player and producer with a lot of miles behind him. He gives these songs an edge and tightness that makes them solid nuggets of powerful persuasion.

The ten songs are written by front man Ward Hayden, either solo or as co-writes. The only outside song here is Rockin’ Chair Money by Bill Carlisle and Lonnie Glosson. One of the album standouts is the four minute plus Centralia, PA a heartfelt tale of the demise of small town USA due to, amongst other things, the greed of corporate and governmental capitalism. But lest you think this is a band that dwells on the negative there are several songs that take a more basic urge, such as C’Mon Honey and Built For Speed, the latter making reference to the aerodynamics of the singer’s lady friend. Rockin’ Chair Money is a slow brooding tale of a veteran solider seeking the good times funded by the “big cheque” that is due. 

Ward Hayden has fronted this band through several changes of personnel, and he has generally kept the band on track via his writing and developing singing skill. Working with a producer, who is also a live player in his own right, has given the songs here an added definition that makes them built for speed and ready to please. Hayden and his three bandmates have honed their music into something focused and in fine fettle. They have reached for a blend of rock with roots and country overtones that plays to their strengths. There are girls here aplenty; the firepower is in the music, so now it’s a question of waiting for the glory to come their way as it should do, given a little luck. 

Michael-Ann 'Heavy Load' - Self Release

This appears to be the debut album from the LA based singer/songwriter who has been involved with the music scene for quite awhile. There is a mix of acoustic and electric throughout and Michael-Ann has co-produced with Randy Ray Mitchell. They both contribute on guitar with a selection of fine LA based players who include Phil Parlapiano on keyboards, Taras Prodaniuk on bass and Denis Caplinger pedal steel, banjo and resonator guitar among other string things. The drum chair is ably manned by Erik Eldenius.

However, topping all this is the mature and emotive voice of Michael-Ann, who can add the required grit and texture as the song needs. The songs, which are mostly uptempo and rockin’, go from the straight up country of Trail of My Tears, with pedal steel mirroring the flow of emotion, to the more bluegrass orientated I Would, a song that seeks a place of solace and love - it is easy to believe it’s an offer of salvation. And Day which opens the album is a song that speaks to the travails of the mundane aspects of daily survival. The music is brighter and more hopeful than the song’s lyrics might suggest. The title track looks for ways to share the load for those also “traveling down a winding road”. The reality of the blues is at the heart of some of the songs and that is underscored by the likes of Mama’s Sleepin’ a song with some sinister lyrical overtones. Never Mind is a plea for keeping your heart open and to follow it while you can. All of these attest to Michael-Ann’s ability with these songs, both as writer and singer. Bring It on Home, written by Eric Nelson, is the only song not written by Michael-Ann, yet it easily fits with the other songs as it emphasises the need to return to that place called “home” where you can find a little r ’n’r.

Overall this is a solid, accomplished, enjoyable album from a singer and writer who knows how to express her inner feelings in a way that uplifts and endures. It is Americana that is conscious of its roots but seeks to be as vital as possible in a world when much is fabricated just for fame. The production and playing is totally at one with the songs and so as the final song says What Don’t Kill Ya … well you know the rest. This album may well indeed make you that little bit stronger and as such Michael-Ann is helping to lighten a little that heavy load.

Heather Stewart 'What It Is' - Self Release

This is the second time out for Stewart, a California singer/songwriter who has also been an actress and television producer and whose musical endeavours have been likened to Sheryl Crow. Working with producer Greg Critchley and recording in the famed Sunset Sound Studio, she has delivered eleven songs of strident roots tinged rock. The players include veteran LA sessionier Marty Rifkin and guitarist Joshua Grange. Stewart has had a hand in writing the bulk of these songs, written following the death of her father. They are reflective in mood. The majority of the songs are largely drawn from Stewart’s look at her own and the lives of those around her.

Given that premise, the music is largely upfront with Stewart’s voice front and centre. With no lyric sheet to refer to, the songs largely register around the choruses. Black and Blue features both pedal steel and banjo, but is not a song that you would categorise as in any way traditional. It should however appeal to those who might have enjoy Sheryl Crow’s music, including her most recent album or some of the current crop of Nashville artists. I Lied is a slow song which features some atmospheric slide guitar from Blake Mills. Another songs that broods is the regretful A Little More that deals sadness, memory and loss over the full-on sound that features some fine guitar and a dominant rhythm section. The beat is again the power behind We’ll Learn, another song that is driven by the solid performance of the players and a chorus of “all you need is love, love, love” underpinning the nature of the learning experience.

Love as redemption would seem to be an enduring part of Stewart’s outlook, even if the songs often take a more realistic approach. Evelyn is a song about someone who did her best for others while Had it All is about making a difference when you had it all at one time. This is taken at a slightly less full on sound and works well. The album closes with Underneath, a song about being stronger that many see on the surface and is again delivered with a strong voice and full backing that is the hallmark of the sound throughout. 

What It Is is an album that will not really appeal to those who prefer something more traditional or subtle, but those who like their music to rock in a raw way with hints of roots rock may enjoy. There is a certain groove to Stewart’s vocals that has also seen her compared to Bonnie Raitt,  perhaps more as an artist who is continuing the direction of artists like Crow and Raitt before her, without emulating either. In the end What it Is is what it is.