Kate Rusby – Angels & Men

The music of the festive season can be a selection box for the ears. It’s basically a mass-produced aural pig-out that’s remarkably similar to last year’s, when you swore you wouldn’t be suckered into over-indulgence again, and you were convinced that you meant it. Kate Rusby’s festive albums have always broken that anodyne, saccharine mould with their gorgeously indulgent qualities. Jon Kean asks Father Christmas for a copy of his very own.

See Amid The Winter Snow Banjo Banjo We Sing Hallelujah Let It Snow Hark Hark Big Brave Bill Saves Christmas The Ivy And The Holly Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo Rolling Downward Deck The Halls Sweet Chiming Bells Let The Bells Ring Paradise

Dear Father Christmas

It’s been a while since I wrote to you: probably about 35 years. Sorry for the years when I doubted you, especially after you sorted me out with that Action Man tank and The Youth Of Today by Musical Youth on cassette. I thought you were cool in that film where you played Richard Attenborough too. Anyhow, to cut to the chase, apart from a polite request not to bring my toddler any toys that bloody sing this year, I felt compelled to write to you, because I would really, really like a copy of Angels And Men by Kate Rusby.

If you’ve fixed the sub-woofer on your sleigh’s soundsystem after blowing it playing It’s A Goldie Lookin’ Christmas last December, get yourself a copy for the delivery run. There are the more traditional tracks, like See Amid The Winter’s Snow and Deck The Halls, but they’re given something much more than just an outing. Deck The Halls has a brass section that is meatier than the average Christmas dinner, whilst See Amid The Winter’s Snow is densely atmospheric. There’s a bit of Village Green Preservation Society to the opener Hark, Hark, whilst Paradise will give you a few Dire Straits, Love Over Gold moments. Considering you’ll spend ages at the reins in the forthcoming weeks, essentially staring out at Rudolph’s hind quarters, you could surely do with a bit of the humour in The Ivy And The Holly to see you through.

According to her song, Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo, you’ve been a bit mean, which I’m finding slightly hard to stomach. I’m a bit concerned about the lyric, “Every Christmas Eve, I see it in my dreams/ And then in the morning, I cry.” What’s she ever done to you? According to Big Brave Bill Saves Christmas, at the end of the album, her superhero mate saved your backside and allowed your bearded bonhomie to thrive by digging you out of a snowdrift. Give her some thanks, eh? If she wasn’t such a lovely and warm person, even when it’s nesh outside, you could easily have another Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson, Hey, Santa Claus situation on your hands.

Anyway – when you’ve had your fill of chimney sliding and glasses of sherry from bottles that were last prised open 365 days ago, come round to ours for a post-Yuletide sharpener, and we can crank up Let The Bells Ring, and “send the old year out on the rolling tide” of Kate Rusby’s majestic vocals. I’ve got the booze; it doesn’t work if you don’t sort me the CD. I promise I’ve been good.

Honest.

Love from Little Jonny

The music of the festive season can be a selection box for the ears. It’s basically a mass-produced aural pig-out that’s remarkably similar to last year’s, when you swore you wouldn’t be suckered into over-indulgence again, and you were convinced that you meant it. Kate Rusby’s festive albums have always broken that anodyne, saccharine mould with their gorgeously indulgent qualities. Jon Kean asks Father Christmas for a copy of his very own.

See Amid The Winter Snow Sweet Chiming Bells Let The Bells Ring Paradise Deck The Halls Rolling Downward Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo Hark Hark Big Brave Bill Saves Christmas The Ivy And The Holly Let It Snow We Sing Hallelujah Banjo Banjo

Dear Father Christmas

It’s been a while since I wrote to you: probably about 35 years. Sorry for the years when I doubted you, especially after you sorted me out with that Action Man tank and The Youth Of Today by Musical Youth on cassette. I thought you were cool in that film where you played Richard Attenborough too. Anyhow, to cut to the chase, apart from a polite request not to bring my toddler any toys that bloody sing this year, I felt compelled to write to you, because I would really, really like a copy of Angels And Men by Kate Rusby.

If you’ve fixed the sub-woofer on your sleigh’s soundsystem after blowing it playing It’s A Goldie Lookin’ Christmas last December, get yourself a copy for the delivery run. There are the more traditional tracks, like See Amid The Winter’s Snow and Deck The Halls, but they’re given something much more than just an outing. Deck The Halls has a brass section that is meatier than the average Christmas dinner, whilst See Amid The Winter’s Snow is densely atmospheric. There’s a bit of Village Green Preservation Society to the opener Hark, Hark, whilst Paradise will give you a few Dire Straits, Love Over Gold moments. Considering you’ll spend ages at the reins in the forthcoming weeks, essentially staring out at Rudolph’s hind quarters, you could surely do with a bit of the humour in The Ivy And The Holly to see you through.

According to her song, Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo, you’ve been a bit mean, which I’m finding slightly hard to stomach. I’m a bit concerned about the lyric, “Every Christmas Eve, I see it in my dreams/ And then in the morning, I cry.” What’s she ever done to you? According to Big Brave Bill Saves Christmas, at the end of the album, her superhero mate saved your backside and allowed your bearded bonhomie to thrive by digging you out of a snowdrift. Give her some thanks, eh? If she wasn’t such a lovely and warm person, even when it’s nesh outside, you could easily have another Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson, Hey, Santa Claus situation on your hands.

Anyway – when you’ve had your fill of chimney sliding and glasses of sherry from bottles that were last prised open 365 days ago, come round to ours for a post-Yuletide sharpener, and we can crank up Let The Bells Ring, and “send the old year out on the rolling tide” of Kate Rusby’s majestic vocals. I’ve got the booze; it doesn’t work if you don’t sort me the CD. I promise I’ve been good.

Honest.

Love from Little Jonny

Last Nickel – Sod and Stubble

Blending traditional musical themes with original twists, Last Nickel’s music paints pictures of the timeless relating of people and places, and the mess and majesty therein.

Shes Gone Gone Gone One Hundred Miles Dusty Road Muddy River Billy Jones Hickory Wind Evening Reservation Smoke and Mirrors Sod and Stubble Down with the Game

Dan Beaver – Just Right

Low Rider Hold On Midnight Rider (feat. Jesse Lee) Billie Jean Tennessee Whiskey (feat. Jesse Lee) Free Chevy Van (feat. Jesse Lee) Why Get Up

Album Notes

This is harmonica player Dan Beaver’s 6th album. It features Jesse Lee and other guest musicians as they serve up a mix of rock and roll, country, blues and more. The former member of John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band’s earlier albums include: Ain’t No Shame, The Goods and Last Call. Learn more about this artist and his upcoming projects at: danbeaverblues.com

Dan Beaver – Just Right

Low Rider Hold On Midnight Rider (feat. Jesse Lee) Billie Jean Tennessee Whiskey (feat. Jesse Lee) Free Chevy Van (feat. Jesse Lee) Why Get Up

Album Notes

This is harmonica player Dan Beaver’s 6th album. It features Jesse Lee and other guest musicians as they serve up a mix of rock and roll, country, blues and more. The former member of John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band’s earlier albums include: Ain’t No Shame, The Goods and Last Call. Learn more about this artist and his upcoming projects at: danbeaverblues.com

The Merles – Hate To Say Goodbye

Classic country songs about drinking, lost loves, honky-tonks, heartache, and more drinking

She's Leaving Me What The Hell I Did Last Night V8 Sound Tables And Chairs Alcohol And Issues How Love Goes If The Walls Could Talk Texas In July Disapproving Eyes My Payback Six Pack Of Heartache Room 242 Hate To Say Goodbye I Told You So

“The Merles, Hate to Say Goodbye –  A regular presence in Austin haunts such as the Little Longhorn Saloon and the White Horse, The Merles capture their easygoing honky-tonk vibe on this full-length debut recorded with engineer Britton Beisenhertz. Leader Todd Deatherage formed the band in 2008 after moving here from Dallas, though he’d previously used the Merles name for busking gigs in Brooklyn. An EP featuring classic covers preceded this collection of 14 originals, a solid creative step for a band that has learned well from its inspirations. The husband-wife team of Derek and Loren Tarnow provide guitars and backing vocals, respectively, with drummer Matt Winegardner and upright bassist Phil Spencer anchoring the rhythm. Renowned steel player Geoff Queen adds his golden touch to many tracks, with additional contributions from fiddler Eddie Dickerson, keyboardist Basil McJagger and horn player Michael St. Clair.”

The Merles – Hate To Say Goodbye

Classic country songs about drinking, lost loves, honky-tonks, heartache, and more drinking

She's Leaving Me What The Hell I Did Last Night V8 Sound Tables And Chairs Alcohol And Issues How Love Goes If The Walls Could Talk Texas In July Disapproving Eyes My Payback Six Pack Of Heartache Room 242 Hate To Say Goodbye I Told You So

“The Merles, Hate to Say Goodbye –  A regular presence in Austin haunts such as the Little Longhorn Saloon and the White Horse, The Merles capture their easygoing honky-tonk vibe on this full-length debut recorded with engineer Britton Beisenhertz. Leader Todd Deatherage formed the band in 2008 after moving here from Dallas, though he’d previously used the Merles name for busking gigs in Brooklyn. An EP featuring classic covers preceded this collection of 14 originals, a solid creative step for a band that has learned well from its inspirations. The husband-wife team of Derek and Loren Tarnow provide guitars and backing vocals, respectively, with drummer Matt Winegardner and upright bassist Phil Spencer anchoring the rhythm. Renowned steel player Geoff Queen adds his golden touch to many tracks, with additional contributions from fiddler Eddie Dickerson, keyboardist Basil McJagger and horn player Michael St. Clair.”

Chas Justus & the Jury – Chas Justus & The Jury

Chas Justus & The Jury is a super group Western Swing band made up of former members of the Red Stick Ramblers.

When Tomorrow Comes Along There'll Be Some Changes Made Hard Living Alone Twin Guitar Special If I Could Be with You It's a Sin to Tell a Lie Splanky Along the Navajo Trail Nightlife Airmail Special

Chas Justus & The Jury is made up of former members of the Red Stick Ramblers and plays Western Swing and small band jazz in the style of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Jimmie Rivers and the Cherokee’s, as well as the Benny Goodman Sextet and the Count Basie Band. They play for dancers and listeners alike and we dare you to sit still while listening to their impeccable groove. So, come on friends, the grab a drink and spend a little time with Chas Justus & The Jury… Court is now in session.

The Lil Smokies – Changing Shades

Eric Bolander – The Wind

Americana music from the foothills of Eastern KY. Songs about adversity and triumph. Soulful vocals with an honest lyrical value.

The Road Purple Rain Fly (Ava's Song) The Wind Maybe I Fly Whisper Closer To That Flame

“There is a power to singability and Eric Bolander’s writing allows his choruses to take lead while inviting the listener to engage with them. The separation between performer and listener is removed. There is no us and them on “The Wind” because as we ultimately find ourselves singing along, we come to the realization we are one with the song. We are home.”

The Barrel Boys – Cold Spring

Produced by Ivan Rosenberg and recorded at The Sound Still in Toronto, ‘Cold Spring’ is an exciting new chapter in the Barrel Boys songbook, with 15 brand new originals that you’re sure to still be listening to in 20 years.

End of the World I'll Be Better Then I'll Be Better Then Someday Soon Run for Water Dance Around No Shoes Blues Cold Spring Lookout Mtn. Bacon in the Cornbread Over the Waterfall Bored, Broke, And Sober I Get By Everything Will Heal Find Yourself Again Split and Stacked

Album Notes

Established in 2012, The Barrel Boys are a 5-piece string band based in Toronto, Ontario. The band’s sound is built around rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumentals, and they effectively balance standards with their own originals. Their instrumentation lends itself to classic bluegrass, but they are also fluent in old time, classic country, and Americana, and their original material is informed by all of these styles. Each of the 5 members writes and sings their own tunes, making for a wide stylistic range within the band’s sound.

‘Cold Spring’ is The Barrel Boys’ fourth studio recording, and second full-length original album. Produced by Ivan Rosenberg and recorded at The Sound Still in Toronto, the record features 15 new originals that run the gamut of standard bluegrass and old-time themes. From the soul-stirring instrumentals of Kirkpatrick’s prison tune ‘Everything Will Heal,’ to the thick vocals of O’Reilly’s farewell anthem ‘I’ll Be Better Then,’ the band’s instrumental prowess and vocal abilities are on display throughout. The album also speaks to a certain disconnect with city living, with tunes like Wright’s ‘Someday Soon’ or Smith’s ‘Over the Waterfall’ seeming to long for rural escape, while McLaren’s ‘I Get By’ speaks to the challenges of urban survivalism for folk musicians. With a whole slew of tunes that you’re bound to be humming to yourself for the rest of your days, ‘Cold Spring’ is an absolute must-have from The Barrel Boys.

The Ward Sisters – This Is Us

The Ward Sisters are a singing trio with a distinctive, emotive and heartfelt tone. They have interests in many musical genres, including Country music, Folk music and Bluegrass. The Ward Sisters introduced their Debut single, “Mamas Teaching Angels how to Sing”, in early March 2017, which is now part of this, their much-anticipated Album, “This Is Us”. The Album is composed of eight tracks, each playing a key role in igniting the passion and love that the girls have for Country Music. These three women are embarking on a musical journey to extend their talent, their voices and their sound out to the world!”

When I Call Your Name When I Call Your Name Mama's Teaching Angels How to Sing Sweet Holy Spirit Speak to Me The Grand Tour Goodbye and so Long to You Why Bless the Broken Road

The Boxcars – Familiar With The Ground

A  release from The Boxcars is, for many bluegrass fans, a time to celebrate. The group is one of the most talented collections of artists currently on the bluegrass circuit, and they generally release extremely tasteful albums with well-rounded selections of songs – many from the pens of band members. Their latest album, Familiar with the Ground, comes with a few differences – new member Gary Hultman, and the addition of the dobro to the band’s sound, is the main one – but overall, the Boxcars deliver another solid effort that is sure to please fans of their previous records.

Brown Hill I'm Dreaming Of You Marshallville Let The Water Wash Over Me Cold Hard Truth Branchville Line Hogan's Goat Familiar With The Ground When The Bluegrass Is Covered With Snow Raised On Pain Lungs

Familiar with the Ground has a darker vibe than some of the group’s earlier material. Their last album delved into the darker, angrier side of bluegrass with songs like Caryville and The Devil Held the Gun, and the band seems to continue in that vein here. Album opener, Townes Van Zandt’s Lungs, is a tortured rumination on pain and disappointment. The song isn’t your typical modern traditional bluegrass fare, but Keith Garrett nails the hardness needed to sing lyrics like “Well, won’t you lend your lungs to me? Mine are collapsing. Plant my feet and bitterly breathe up the time that’s passing.” The Ron Stewart penned (and sung) Branchville Line is a classic wrong-man-in-jail number fleshed out by Stewart’s gritty vocals. Marshallville is a well-written tale of outlaws and revenge in the old West written by Eli Johnston and Kevin McKinnon. Adam Steffey’s signature deep lead vocals fit the song well, bringing to mind fan favorite Born and Raised in Covington from a couple albums back.

 

On a (somewhat) lighter note is the bouncy I’m Dreaming of You, a banjo and dobro-guided lost love number from Chris West with a catchy chorus. West also contributed Raised on Pain, which fans of Blue Moon Rising might recognize from their early 2000s album of the same name. West does a fine job writing songs about down-and-out characters, and this is surely one – the narrator of the song hasn’t been happy since he was three, when his “daddy left home… shacked up with some girl in Tennessee.” Garrett contributed a pair of original songs to the album, as well. Let the Water Wash Over Me is one of the album’s best, with a sparse arrangement led by Steffey’s mandolin chop. Stewart’s fiddle creates an ominous atmosphere as the old man telling the song’s story takes listeners back to the moment his life changed forever. Garrett also penned the title track, which has been released as the album’s first single and recently made its debut on the Bluegrass Today charts.

Traditional-leaning listeners will enjoy When the Bluegrass is Covered with Snow, a mid-tempo ode to Kentucky and the old home. The song, a fairly obscure number from the 1950s, was written by central Kentucky DJ and musician Tip Sharp. Interestingly, the original version of the song was one of J.D. Crowe’s earliest recordings. Album closer Brown Hill will also please fans of traditional music (long live Allen Mills). The Lost and Found number is rendered here in driving fashion with fine lead vocals from Garrett.

What more to say about the Boxcars? This album is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the group – strong modern traditional grass, featuring skilled instrumentals and vocals. Hultman’s dobro brings a different dimension to the group’s sound, perhaps adding to the darker feel here and there. I do miss the prominent fiddle that many of their previous songs featured, but the lack of the instrument is understandable – as talented as he is, Stewart can’t very well play both it and the banjo at the same time. Overall, however, listeners should be quite satisfied.

Doc Watkins – Jazz, TX

Doc Watkins is a pianist, vocalist, bandleader, and the owner of Jazz, TX. He also co-hosts the weekly radio show, “Live at Jazz, TX” which airs Saturday nights on Texas Public Radio. Watkins currently performs over two hundred shows per year with multiple groups under his name, and has released seven albums to date, covering multiple genre including Classical, Jazz, Blues, and Texas Swing.

Watkins received his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Performance from the University of Texas at Austin, and moved to San Antonio in 2006. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Russia, and Europe, and has performed twice at Carnegie Hall.

Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer) Picture in a Frame Texas River Song I Hear Ya Talkin' San Antonio Rose Pride and Joy Faded Love Your Cheatin' Heart (feat. Meg Bodi) Good Hearted Woman Home in San Antone

In 2016, Watkins opened his own music venue, Jazz, TX, and performs there regularly with his groups. Deeply committed to the heritage and tradition of Texas music, Watkins includes a wide variety of styles at Jazz, TX including Jazz, Blues, Texas Swing, Mariachi, Salsa, and Folk music. His latest album release features Big Band arrangements of classic Texas Swing tunes.

Watkins currently resides in San Antonio with his wife, Jessica and their four children. He is a self-declared enthusiast of Texas BBQ.

Lauralee Northcott – On the Loose and Headed Your Way

This album is a collection of original songs and poems written by wilderness guide and cook, Lauralee Northcott. The quality of the music is exceptional and the poetry is both moving and fun.

Lives of Their Own Reminds Me of You Cowgirl Way Little Kids and Big Horses The Weaver On the Loose and Headed Your Way Mountain Staircases Carry Me Back to the Lone Prairie Old Shoe Old Man's Heart Dutch Oven Cooking Don't Know Where We're Goin' When the Ponies Stretch out Their Stride Molly Terry

Album Notes

I was a wilderness guide and cook for over thirty years in Washington state. Taking people into the high mountains on horseback, singing songs around the campfire, and learning about the lives of others, has engaged my heart and mind. These are the songs and poems that grew from those experiences. I invite you to take a ride with me. If you listen to this album from beginning to end, I promise you, there will be birds sings, and sun shining at the end of the trail. Check out my website: Lauraleenorthcott.com for more pictures, stories, and surprises. Come on, your horse is waiting!

Crawford Bell – Here & Now

Songs from a variety of great songwriters arranged in Country Style by the singer. Also included are some original songs from his own pen and those of his friends.

 

Till The Answer Comes I Guess Things Happen That Way Part Of The Game When Old Love Lingers Giving Up You Land Of Enchantment Why Baby Why I Don't Hurt Anymore What Is Life Once Just Tell Her (Jim Said Hello) We Were Meant To Be Too Late Now Mary Ann

Album Notes

My musical influences are wide ranging and cover many genres and styles. Earliest influences were Old time Country Gospel and Cowboy songs and I have grown up listening to Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, The Louvin Brothers, Teresa Brewer, Rosemary Clooney, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, The Statler Brothers, Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, and all the great country and fifties rock & roll recordings. I could go on naming names and music that has inspired me, but I will end by saying that I don’t sound like any of these great artists, but I’ve tried to give them my own take.
I just hope that you will find some songs to like among the covers and original songs on this album.

Mel Besher – Who Did You Love

A finally produced collection of original songs by this respected singer and songwriter

Emery's Blocks Don't Feel That Way Anymore I've Had It In My View In Tupelo Who Did You Love Keep Me in the Back of Your Heart Words Enough and Time Old Soul Love's Not Everything A Little Bit Longer Introduction

Album Notes

Mel Besher is a Grammy Award winning singer songwriter who was an integral of the Nashville music industry throughout the 80s and 90s. He continues to write and produce records, and has traveled and performed with many of our most legendary artists. A gifted storyteller.

Steve Jones – Picasso

Western, cowboy, folk and original and some cover songs, with a wee bit of Irish flavor.

The Parting Glasss / Safe Home Slan Abhaille They Call the Wind Mariah Stupid Dog Irish Cowboy's Lament Slavonia Mine Cowboy's Hard Times Six Gun for Hire Eileen Aroon Irish Pub Song Broken White Line Old Double Diamond Picasso

Album Notes

This CD, Picasso, is a breakout for me, Steve Jones. After 17 years and several CD recordings with the Yampa Valley Boys, I am now a solo artist. This album is a good cross section of my music. There are some originals–“Picasso” (a co-write with award winning poet Les Buffham), “Six Gun For Hire”, “Slavonia Mine” and “Safe Home (Slan Abhaille)”; some cover songs by well known and lesser known artists–“Old Double Diamond”, “Broken White Line”,”Irish Pub Song”, “Cowboy’s Hard Times”, “Irish Cowboy’s Lament”, “Stupid Dog”, They Call the Wind Mariah”; and public domain songs–“Eileen Aroon”, “The Parting Glass”. There are some cowboy/western songs, folk songs, originals and Irish songs, with some humor (see Six Gun For Hire).
Some have dubbed me “the cowboy Irish tenor” and whether that is accurate or not, I like to do Irish songs. Many have some link to the American west, but some are just good old Irish songs.
So, enjoy the music.

Dawn Anita – The Dawn of Old Country

Traditional country music at its finest that will take you back to yesterday and make you tap your toes, clap your hands and smile with true, pure sounds of the steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro and acoustic guitar and vocals that are pure country.

Your Cheatin' Heart Look at Us Pride of Possession I Can't Stop Lovin' You Sweet Dreams I Really Can't Imagine It God Bless the USA I'm Not Lisa Me & Bobby McGee Crazy Blue Eyes Crazy Lovesick Blues

Album Notes

Dawn Anita’s pure vocals ring true and will make you stop and listen and then run chills up your spine. This album contains good ole’ traditional classic country music at its finest. This music will take you back to yesterday and make your tap your toes, clap your hands and put a big smile on your face. This is your chance to buy some good ole country music as it was meant to be. Dawn Anita’s rendition of “Lovesick Blues” will leave you in awe as she hits that final note, plus it has some fine yodeling. Her version of “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is like no other, and you will not be able to resist the temptation of getting up to dance. When she sings “Me & Bobby McGee” you will believe she is country’s version of Janis Joplin. You will note her vocals remind you of Patsy Cline as she sings “Sweet Dreams” and “Crazy” but with a unique twist all her own. If you like “real country” music, then you are sure to like this album.

Dylan Earl – New Country to Be

I’ve had a deep and powerful longing for more than two years, but the full-length Dylan Earl record is finally here!

Gasoline Hard To Be Her Man Snakes (Through My Old Pain) Clay Pigeons Yesterdays Where She Woke Up (On Mornings With Me) Draw The Line Cold As The Rockies Hard Time My Failing Life

There is a borderline unhealthy obsession with Dylan Earl in my household. As you may recall, Kristyn and I had a religious experience when we saw Daniel Romano a few years back. One of the most memorable events of that night was our introduction to Dylan Earl. For the past two years, we have reminisced about the magic of that night. At least a few times every week, we spin his Blessing In Disguise EP; Usually a few times in a row; Always with a few too many beers.

We laugh about how every song on that EP is your favorite song—until the next song comes on, and then that one is your favorite song! We laugh at the squatting photos on Instagram. We compare and contrast the Johnny Alabama from Yee Haw from Arkansas with the Johnny Alabama from Blessings In Disguise.

When this new full-length record was announced, we joked (but kind of not joked) about setting up a go-fund-me page to raise money to purchase the $500 House Concert + Access Pass option on the PledgeMusic page he started to fund a vinyl pressing of the record.

What I am getting at here is that I am not remotely qualified to give this new record a fair review. So grab a beer, fire up a stream, and let me tell you why “New Country to Be” is so fucking great.

---

Is this guy serious? I don’t know. Probably.

Dylan Earl’s vibe certainly harkens back to that of a late 1970s–early 1980s unsung country crooner. Pairing tongue-in-cheek campiness with tragic heartbreak is a unique skill—one that is likely responsible for he and Daniel Romano crossing paths those few years back.

Looking past the mustache, mullet, silk shirts, matching patten leather shoes and belts, you find something that at first might sound like the familiar country ballad. On closer inspection, though, you hear complex nuances to smart arrangements that are anything but typical of the classic country crooner.

Nuances like the way “Draw the Line” sort of hiccups after each of the schmaltzy 60s call and response verses, the way the chorus of “My Failing Life” is stitched together with loose ends in the middle, and how “Snakes (Through My Old Pain)” weirdly changes time signatures after the first verse.

For the seasoned Dylan Earl fan, “New Country to Be” is an exciting record. We have poured over “Blessing in Disguise” and the YouTube videos, and gotten a glimpse of what the post Daniel Romano lineup would sound like when “Yee Haw from Arkansas” was released—which to be honest, was a little rough. I am so excited to hear how he has settled in with this new group, while keeping all the great trademark Dylan Earl hooks intact. I think the dive bar scene has seasoned the group into something really great.

The real gem on this record is “Cold as the Rockies”—until “Hard to Be Her Man” comes on, then that one is your favorite. And then “Gasoline” starts, then that one is the best one…

Red River Dave – Authentic Hillbilly Ballads and Topical Songs (1954-1976) Vol 1

Notorious for his song ‘California Hippie Murders!’ – a ghoulish, harrowing, yodeling retelling of the infamous (Charles Manson masterminded) Tate-LaBianca slayings – Red River Dave was a genuine cowboy singing star turned tabloid balladeer.

(I Won't Care) A Hundred Years From Now Amelia Earhart's Last Flight Beautiful America I'd Like to Give My Dog to Uncle Sam Jailhouse Blues Somewhere I Hear Angels Singing The San Antonio Rose Ol Tex Ritter And His Deck Of Cards (A Tribute To Elvis' Mother) New Angel Tonight The Ballad Of Marilyn Monroe James Dean (The Greatest Of Them All) The Vietnam Guitar (LP Version) Keep That Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere We'll Bury You Moon Over The Wall (In East Berlin) The Red Deck Of Cards Ballad of Lee Oswald Answer to the Death of a President! (feat. Tony Rozance) Searching For You, Buddy Trial Of Francis Powers Ballad Of Francis Powers (There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere) The Ballad of Billy Graham (feat. The Giese Family) The Great Society The Ballad of Emmett Till The Ballad Of John Birch The Ballad Of Patty Hearst The Bay Of Pigs The Ballad Of Apollo 11 California Hippie Murders!

While ‘California Hippie Murders!’ might seem chilling and bizarre, within the body of ‘Red River Dave’ McEnery epic saga songs (collected here for the very first time), it makes perfect sense. The Moon landings, the kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst, the Vietnam conflict, the assassination of JFK, the murder of young Emmett Till and Korean War ‘Manchurian Candidate’ brainwashing – all grist for the great Red River Dave Hillbilly song-mill. Often cut within hours or days of the event and pressed as minuscule edition private 45s: the tall, flamboyant, ‘Buffalo Bill’ bearded McEnery cut a dashing figure in his gold-sprayed cowboy boots and cracking lariat – as he hawked these handcrafted cuts from the boot of his steer-horned Cadillac. Some sides presented here are so rare as to be near-mythical – you’ll hear Red River Dave wax about the death of Marilyn Monroe and the Bay of Pigs – in an eccentric and forgotten chronicle of the 20th century experience. Reissued for the very first time: the fascinating, outrageous and heart-wrenching private-press 45s of Hillbilly poet laureate Red River Dave!Limited Edition Deluxe CD with exclusive scholarly liner notes by Alvin Lucia!Full Dynamic Range 2017 Remaster direct from the first generation analogue master tapes!

Smooth Hound Smith – Sweet Tennessee Honey

A folk/blues duo able to rock a back-alley juke joint or inspire awe in a hushed coffee house

Power Line Lullaby (Light's Not Shining) 30 Days My Heart's Not Broken Yet The Boots That Got Us There Sweet Tennessee Honey Stopgap Woman Blues Forever Cold Stone Blind Gettin' Around She Calls Me Daddy Knockin' At My Door

Elton Mishoe – Ace Of Hearts

AOK Records artist, Elton Mishoe presents his debut Country album on the label.

Thank God for the Little Things Daddy's Sound Mind The Last Thing I Needed Back to the Good Times Hoping I Don't Get Stopped Help Me Make It Through the Night Georgia Wedding Mama Let's Pray for My Daddy Ace of Hearts

Pat Swenson – Helluva Cowboy

Helluva Cowboy Anything But a Love Song Living With a Broken Heart Don't Come Home Tonight (feat. Maren Dille) Everybody Has a Story Bleeding Let Me Be Your Cowboy

His musical influences range from classic country artists like Willie Nelson, to the hugely impactful Garth Brooks, andultimately to more current and unique artists of today like Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Eric Church. Pat has become a respected songwriter, having received great feedback and recognition of many of his songs by music industry professionals in Nashville.

Emily Taylor Kelso – Something Beautiful

Ontario-born and Newfoundland-raised, Emily Taylor Kelso was surrounded by country music from day one. Her family loved music more than most, and most family get-togethers were centred around country music, jam sessions, and sing-alongs. At 2 years old, if you asked Emily who her favourite singer was, she would, without hesitation, tell you it was George Jones. She grew up idolizing fellow Canadian Shania Twain, whom she credits as one of her very first musical inspirations. As she neared adulthood, Emily’s appreciation for country music and its origins increased drastically. The music of Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard resonated with her so much that she immediately knew country was the only genre for her. There could be no fighting it—country music was in her soul.

Golden Ring (with Dillon Budden) You Ain't Woman Enough In Time (Something Beautiful) His Ghost Until You Want Me Sweet Silver Lining What I Wouldn't Do Danced All Night Almost Drinkin' You Away Free Memories on My Mind

Emily first began her musical journey at a young age with piano lessons, then vocal lessons. In 2009, she discovered that aspiring singers were finding success by uploading covers of popular songs on YouTube, so she decided to do the same. Her cover of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” earned her half a million views before it was made private. That same year, Emily received her first guitar and taught herself to play. Though she’d been writing lyrics and melodies since age 9, learning to play the guitar allowed her to get serious about her song-writing. So far, she has amassed a collection of over 500 original songs, all without a co-writer, although she is eager to start collaborating with other artists in the future.

Over the years, Emily performed frequently in her hometown of Norris Arm, which is home to the Fox Moth Heritage Centre. After graduating from high school, she got a summer job as a musician at the Hann’s Point Dinner Theatre in Lewisporte, where she spent the next four summers working. At Hann’s Point, Emily got the opportunity to work with other incredibly talented musicians and share her love of country music (and some of her original songs) with audiences from not only all over the province, but all over North America. She and her Hann’s Point Players bandmates have played in various locations in central Newfoundland over the years, giving her the stage experience she desired. In her final year with the Hann’s Point Players, Emily starred Loretta Lynn in the play “Honky Tonk Girl,” a play about Lynn’s life and career. This was a dream come true for the aspiring country artist, and the show was hugely successful.

Determined to make it in country music, Emily wasn’t about to wait around for a record deal to get her music out there. She used her free time to immerse herself in the history of country music as well as the business side of the music industry. By 2017, she had formulated a plan to self-release her very first album. To honour the town that had shown her unwavering support, Emily chose to record her music in a studio in Norris Arm during her final summer at home. She put all her time, effort, and money into making sure the album was everything she ever wanted. The result? An album that pays tribute to the artists who made country music into the genre Emily fell in love with—like Merle Haggard, whose 2016 death added even more fuel to Emily’s love and appreciation of the genre. An album that rejects the inexplicably popular electronic and pop-infused country music that has recently been dominating the charts. An album that Emily hopes Merle, George, and Loretta would be proud of. An album called “Something Beautiful.”

Charlie Barrale – Different Than Before

Hey everyone,

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Thank you so much for checking out my website.  I hope you enjoy the music.  It is my life.

Praying for Red Lights You Were One for Me Just Passing Through Different Than Before Down Like Champagne Better Off Without

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I was born and raised in South St. Louis City Missouri until I was 28 years old.  Ft. Worth Texas had always called to me, so I made the move at the beginning of 2015.  My next stop was Phoenix Arizona where I lived for the first half of 2016.  Since then I have put on my boots, belt buckle, and Stetson, and moved again to Dallas Texas where I currently live downtown.  All of these places have one major thing in common…They all love and appreciate live music.  I am fortunate enough to have met so many people all over the country who have given me a shot to play at their venues.  Whether it is a bar, club, corporate event, wedding, or even a retirement home or two, I rarely turn down an opportunity to have my music heard.

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Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my musical journey.  I hope to never let you down.

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Steven Tolbert – Steven Tolbert

Cross-Tie Way Forget Me When I'm Gone I'm Free of You at Last You're Driving Me Crazy Baby I Love You So Sugar in the Bank All Flesh Is Grass Farewell Sepulga River Man Lonesome and Thinkin' 'Bout You Too Many Roads

Album Notes

Steven Tolbert’s music sounds like it was found in the vault of Sun Studios in Memphis. His songs are like country music used to be: full of stories that will resonate with anyone who hears them. His sound is classic but fresh, vintage but passionate, humorous & heart-wrenching. Listening to Steven’s music is like reminiscing with an old friend. From the first song to the last, you’ll be captivated.

Blue Shamrocks – Triple T T T – Tap Those Toes

Hangin' out Hangin' in Take Me for a Little While Sadie's Got Her New Dress On The Day of My Return Pay Me My Money Down What Colour Is the Wind Life Is a River The Best Part of the Day Is the Night Blowin' in the Wind Geraldine's Thinking of Galway Blue Shamrock Ceili Band Wasn't That a Party

New Australian band, the Blue Shamrocks, launched their first album Triple TTT – Tap Those Toes in August 2017, bringing the bouncy music of Irish dance halls to Australia.
The album tracks are based on easy listening fun music.
The album recorded in Brisbane, and led by Irish singer, Sam McCaughey, is making his debut in music recording, the album bridges over styles from country, to country rock, to blues, all based around an Irish country beat.
“The Blue Shamrocks are one of just a few Irish country bands in Australia, and there is no other music like this in Brisbane” McCaughey said.
As intended the making of the album was a fun project, with 100% input from Brisbane musicians, hopefully for all to enjoy.

New Legacy Project – Doxology

It Is Well Safe in the Arms of Jesus I'll Fly Away Old Rugged Cross (feat. Rick Price) My Jesus I Love Thee Not Be Moved The Lord's Prayer How Great Thou Art Come to the Water Victory in Jesus Doxology

Rick Price, owner and founder of New Legacy Project, began his 40-year career in Southern Gospel music with the legendary Blackwood Brothers Quartet.  Originally a protégée of the late Cecil Blackwood, Rick was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with the Grammy and Dove-award winning group in the 1990’s.

After Cecil’s death, with the support of his widow, he and Chris Blackwood formed the Blackwood Legacy.  It was Rick’s desire to carry on the grand heritage of his beloved mentor. The group has been continuously touring throughout the United States since their formation in 2001.

In 2017, Rick made the decision to rename Blackwood Legacy to New Legacy Project, believing that God is speaking into the ministry in a new way.  The vision put on his heart is to let go of the old name, Blackwood.  While honored to have carried it forward these many years, it is time to take up the new mantle God has for them.  It can no longer be just about the music or the name of one family, as wonderful as they were in the history of Southern Gospel music.

As always, Rick surrounds himself with some of the finest singers and musicians in the industry today.  In addition to their talent, they all have a special call on their life.  The group consists of Spokane native, Luke Yates, Hunter Sparkman and Paul Secord of Nashville, and our newest addition, John Hilton, who was born and raised in Ozark, Mississippi.  All of these men are experienced and gifted beyond belief.

New Legacy Project will carry on with the same anointed music, the same phenomenal sound, the same great men of God, and the same amazing ministry.  Known for their flawless harmonies, homespun humor and impeccable delivery, the group will continue to tour the U.S., ministering wherever God opens the door.

The Eskimo Brothers – Hands and Knees

The Eskimo Brothers are a high energy honky tonk trio based out of Nashville, Tennesse.

 This reckless and manic show has been battle tested and polished from over 300 shows a year, both in the honky tonks of Nashville’s historic Lower Broadway and and monthly shows in Memphis on Beale St.

Back Door Waltz Fire It Up Up on Cripple Creek Bloodshot Eyes Sex and Cigarettes Every Curve and Every Edge (feat. Lillie Mae) Hands and Knees The 1 for Me Liquor to Like Her Bottoms Up Two Miles High

Dave Miller – Southern Dreams

Dave Miller was the leader of the legendary Arkansas-based band Gumbo back in the 70s and 80, and has returned to music with a splash, with this solo offering featuring his twinkling wit and warm insights into life and love.

Dry Spell The Hat Love Light She's so Gone I Miss Yesterday Shiny Shoes Too Far Gone Rollin' off a Log Counting on Love Right Wrong Turn Cowboys Last Show Big Boy Big Breakfast

Album Notes

Dave Miller traveled the North American continent as the leader of the “hillbilly rock fusion” band Gumbo back in the 1970s and 80s, enchanting and entertaining audiences everywhere with his ready wit and warm expression of a kind of Ozark-bred joy and wonder. He spent a few decades achieving great success in business and personal development, but the music never left, as is usually the case when it comes from the heart and soul. He’s been saving it up, and fortunately for all his listeners and fans, it’s all coming out, both with his previous release of “Just Flow”, his heartfelt tribute to his dear friend and bandmate Pat Hooper, and in this solo release, co-produced with Howlin’ Dog Records Don Richmond.

It has the blend, width and depth that Gumbo fans used to love, and more – featuring a fine blend of both an acoustic back porch vibe and driving electric guitars, featuring Richmond and Dave’s old Gumbo bandmate Robear Bosdorf. There are great open-hearted love songs and wry observations of southern culture, and most important, that twinkle in the eye that everyone who ever saw Dave perform will remember.

From Dave’s liner notes –
We all have dreams. When we close our eyes to think about the future, sing a heartfelt song, kiss some one we love, drift into sleep, or pray for grace, we come face to face with our dreams. They give us a reason to hope, to work, to persevere and to celebrate. We can travel through a dream world full of faces from the past, experiences we have imagined, magical landscapes, and flights through time. Sometimes we work and hope and nothing happens, and it hurts. Sometimes we get to live our dreams or something beyond even our wildest dreams. The songs you will find here are flavored with the spices, woven with the textures, and animated with the images that remind me of growing up, working, traveling, living, singing and dreaming in the South and Southwest regions of our beautiful country. I hope these tunes take you down a path through some of your own dreams and experiences, make you tap your toes, grin a little bit and sing along.

Lexi Sims – A Love That Never Dies

Make the World Go Away Honky Tonk in Texas High Heels Gatlinburg Farther from the Truth All Tied up in You A Love That Never Dies

Lizzie and The Yeehaw Gang – Road To Home

Songs about traveling and life on the road by a womyn’s Appalachian bluegrass Americana group from Bedford, Pennsylvania with a flair for grassing up old rock tunes and sharing boot-stomping bluegrass.

Rough and Rocky Road to Home Armadillo Breakdown Roll in My Sweet Babys Arms Nine Pound Hammer Lorena Wagon Wheel Going Down the Road Feeling Bad Cripple Creek Gypsy Way

Musicians – Lizzie Yeehaw (vocals, guitar, bass, fiddle, banjo), Lilibird Yee (bass, guitar), Sally Starflower Klein, (vocals, mandolin, hand drum, bus driver, cat herder), Jackie Kriner (vocals, guitar), Sandy Howsare (vocals, bass), Karen Semanek (vocals, fiddle, snare)
Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Lizzie, Sally & Karen. Mastered by Disc Makers. Cover Artwork by Lizzie Yee and id graphics, LLC, Everett, PA., distributed by CD Baby
Release date 11/1/2017 in Bedford, PA
find out more about our music and event dates on Facebook, YouTube and Bandcamp

Sammy Kershaw & Friends – Swamp Poppin’

‘Swamp Poppin’ is a dive into a type of music that’s ingrained in him — swamp pop.

A sound distinct to the Acadiana region of Louisiana—where Kershaw was born, still records and has held a spot in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame since 2008—swamp pop finds its footing in rhythm and blues and builds on the sound with prominent basslines, pronounced horns and honky-tonk style piano.

Got You On My Mind Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star Knock On Wood Mathilda Let The Four Winds Blow I'm A Fool To Care Lord I Need Somebody Bad I Got Loaded All These Things Jukebox Songs Blue Monday Alligator Bayou

Kershaw’s small town beginnings in Louisiana give him an appreciation and understanding for the people and the culture surrounding Wilson. “Small towns still work with their hands. Farmers connect with the land,” said Kershaw, “I think that’s why country music speaks to them. There’s a soul to the music.”

Because of that soul, Kershaw is taking on his newest project, “Swamp Poppin’,” under the group name Sammy Kershaw and Friends. With musicians like Eddie Raven, Warren Storm, T.K. Hulin, Don Rich, Willie “Tee” Trahan, J.B. Perry, Charles Mann and G.G. Shin, Kershaw is collaborating with a number of artists who have helped keep the swamp pop sound alive since its creation in the 1950s. With many of the artists still in Louisiana, Kershaw is splitting his time recording the album in Nashville, Tennessee, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and in his studio in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Lucas Hoge – Dirty South

Lucas delivers the best album of his career to date with “Dirty South,” his debut for Rebel Engine Entertainment.

Who's Gonna Be There (In Memory of Michael Berry) [Bonus Track] That Ain't Cool Dirty South Flip Flops Halabamalujah To Go with the Whiskey Mad Dog Memories Power of Garth Boom Boom Shoo Fly Pie

With a pleasant vocal style and a genuine talent for selecting songs that suit his voice, Lucas Hoge has steadily been growing into his career as a major artist at a time when it’s not exactly easy to do so. With 10 tracks, Dirty South, Lucas’ third album and first for Rebel Engine Entertainment, finds the artist tackling multiple stories and sounds that are as classic sounding as they are freshly current.

“That Ain’t Cool” is the kind of song that used to dot the great country records from the likes of Clay Walker and Billy Currington while “Mad Dog Memories” finds Lucas getting a little nostalgic about an early and pivotal relationship in his life. “Boom Boom” and “Power Of Garth” are both songs I’ve heard prior to this album being released and they’re both strong songs, particularly “Power Of Garth,” a song which uses Garth Brooks songs to show how memories are tied to the soundtrack of our lives and how these songs bring us right back to those moments of our lives.

With powerful vocal delivery, the funky “Halabamalujah” is certainly something different than most of what’s on the mainstream. It recalls Jeffrey Steele and is one of three songs not co-written by Lucas on Dirty South. While these songs are all strong, it is the title track “Dirty South” and emotive closer “Who’s Gonna Be There” which are the clear highlights of this record. The former is about life and love in the country while the latter finds Lucas Hoge delivering a powerful, string-filled song wondering about one life’s impact will have on others when it’s time for them to meet their maker.

It is only 10 songs deep but Dirty South is the kind of pleasant brand of music that country music has often been known for. These are ten good songs with no real ‘fat’ to be found. Here’s hoping the album finds a wider audience.

Mike Ryan – Blink You’ll Miss It

Granbury, Texas-based singer-songwriter Mike Ryan’s country music career had already been progressing at a respectable, slow-and-steady-wins-the-regional-race pace in the four years between his debut EP and the 2014 release of his second full-length, Bad Reputation, but ever since then, he’s been cruising at wide-open interstate highway velocity. Four of the album’s 10 tracks were released as singles — with three of them hitting No. 1 on the Texas Music Chart, leading to Ryan winning New Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2015 Texas Regional Radio Awards. The album’s success also played a big role in landing the young Texan on Music Row’s radar, leading to his first outside “cut” as a professional songwriter: Ryan shares a co-writing credit on Nashville superstar Brad Paisley’s latest single, “Last Time for Everything.”

Go ahead and blink … there’s no missing Mike Ryan at the rate his career is taking off. (Photo courtesy Mike Ryan)

Three years after Bad Reputation’s release, Ryan admits that he and his team would have loved to have kept releasing more singles off the record — a testament to not only how hard they worked on it but how much they believed in it. But he was more eager to get cracking on a batch of brand new songs for his growing fanbase, and the results — as featured on his soon-to-be-released (Oct. 20) Blink You’ll Miss It — suggest that his career will only take off even more through the end of the year and well into 2018. Two of the new album’s songs (lead single “New Hometown” and “Sad Song”) have already made a strong first impression on satellite and terrestrial airwaves (not to mention online, with the former quickly racking up more than four-million streams on Spotify), and the best is yet to come … starting this week with the premiere of the title track. “Blink You’ll Miss It” will be available for download on iTunes Friday (Sept. 29)

The Rewrite Sad Song Damn Good Goodbye One Way Other Side of the Radio New Hometown Blink You'll Miss It

“That song basically wrote itself — I love it when that happens!” Ryan marvels of “Blink You’ll Miss It” and his Nashville co-writing session with his longtime buddy Casey Twist and Twist’s friend, Randall Clay. “The stars just kind of aligned that day. From the moment Ryan came in the door, he was like, ‘I’ve got this idea,’ and started singing, ‘Riding shotgun means you gotta get the gate …’ And I was like, ‘Whoa … I like where you’re going with that!’ So we sat down and started writing, all three of us sharing our own stories and input and coming up with lines, and it just fell together so naturally — I don’t think it took us even an hour to finish it. That was so cool to see that happen, especially considering that it was the first time that the three of us had ever all written together. Songs don’t happen like that very often, at least not in my experience.”

Speaking of his own experience, Ryan concedes with a laugh that although “Blink You’ll Miss It,” a paean to growing up in the kind of teeny, tiny small town that most folks never even know they’re passing when barreling down the highway, is sung in the first person, his own hometown of San Antonio hardly qualifies as an easy-to-miss speck on the map. But he certainly didn’t lack for firsthand memories of country living during the writing session.

“Even though I grew up in San Antonio, for the first 20 or so years of my life we had a ranch with a log cabin out in Leakey, Texas,” he explains. “It’s a town of about 400 people people about two hours west of San Antonio, right on the Frio River, and it was one of my favorite places in the world. Unfortunately, my mom and dad had to sell the property a few years back, but we made a lot of memories out there, and that’s what I was tapping into for this song. And then that song ended up kind of shaping the course of the rest of the record, too. I didn’t know as soon as it was written that it was going to be the title track, but when the rest of the songs started coming together and we got to thinking abut the direction of the album, it just seemed like the perfect one. Because there’s several songs on this record talking about family things and growing up and life experiences like that.”

Fittingly, “Blink You’ll Miss It” also directly or indirectly inspired the album’s cover art. It’s a picture of a very young Ryan and his brother painting a shed and chicken coop back on that old ranch in Leakey — taken by their grandmother.

“My manager, without even telling me, got a hold of my mom and dad and got a bunch of pictures from early childhood, including that one,” he says. “And then he was like, ‘By the way, the album cover’s done,’ and he just sent it to me. And oh my goodness, I just started crying my eyes out. [Laughs] I hadn’t seen that picture in 20, 25 years. But that one image from my childhood just brought back this incredible flood of memories. Like, I remembered that whole day, and it took me back to that exact moment. It was pretty cool — and a really nice surprise.”