24th December - I'm told that Christmas is a 'romantic' time of year so what better time could there be to add a review of a mellow romantic album? (o.k. maybe Valentines day, or perhaps Halloween?) Anyway, Dennis Ellsworth is a hugely talented singer songwriter and his recent album 'Romatic as it gets' really fits the bill. I've also added a nice piece of live video from one of the Union Music Stores 'In store' gigs that I attended. (Video courtesy of Jamie Freeman)
19th December 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the self titled album by the hugely talented 'Rollie Tussing and the Midwest Territory Band.' Old timey, Blues and Vaudeville with a modern slant gives a brief description but there is so much more to this trio.
Before the holiday i'm hoping to get one more review uploaded and with a little luck my favourite albums of the year list before having a break.
15th December 2015 - 'Upnorthicana' is a strange name for a music genre but when applied to DH Lawrence & the Vaudeville Skiffle Show's new album 'Sons & Lovers' (get the link?) it is as accurate a description as anyone can come up with for a hugely talented band with a floating aggregation that could very well define 'good time' music! A review has just been added to the December c.d reviews page.
12th December 2015 - 'Slobberbone' have been one of the best alt. country bands around for the decade and a half so Brent Best, lead singer and songwriter, was taking a huge chance in releasing a solo album. So did it pay off? You bet it did. 'Your Dog Champ' is arguably a career highlight and is going to figure very highly in my favourite albums of 2015. To find out why, read my review of this tremendous recording.
9th December 2015 - I've added a review of 'Coffee Creek,' the tremendous new album by Canadian bluegrass, folksy, country maestros, The Slocan Ramblers. A late addition to your list of requests to Santa perhaps? It certainly should be!
5th December 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that is currently red hot favourite to be my album of the year, perhaps decade and possibly even the century so far! Willie Tea Taylors 'Knuckleball Prime' really is that good so log on to the www, purchase a copy of this incredible album and give yourself one of the greatest of all aural treats!
2nd December 2015 - Into the final month of the year and what better way to get Christmas off to a flying start than to treat yourself and/or loved ones to the beautiful new recording by Danni Nicholls. It is called 'Mockingbird Lane' and the warmth and power of Danni's music and vocals will make those long winter nights pass much more pleasantly!
28th November 2015 - If ever an album defined 'reveals more depth with every play' it is certainly 'Aromatic Bitters' by Feral. It is as far from the easy listening of 'mainstream country' as it is possible to get and yet whilst containing country elements the album (almost) defies description and genuinely sits in a unique genre of its own!
One of the albums of the year? I think so.
25th November 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'A Place In America' the excellent new recording of 'countrified rock' by Butchers Blind. Excellent songs, great playing and one of the best vocalists around means this album should have something for everyone!
21st November 2015 - I've added a review of 'An Offering' the tremendous new recording by Amanda Pearcy. Texan Amanda is one of the most distinctive vocalists in country/roots music and the whole album just oozes quality and originality.
19th November 2015 - A review of 'Eat the Moon' the terrific new album by Finnders & Youngberg (FY5) has been added to the November c.d. reviews page. It contains some excellent vocals and playing of songs in and around country music.
16th November 2015 - A few days later than intended but I've just uploaded a review of 'Dead Stars,' the tremendous new album by The Self Help Group. To my ears this 'difficult second album' is even better than their debut!
11th November 2015 - If you like your roots music not only highly skilled, but unusual and beautiful at the same time, you will love 10 String Symphony, so just for you I've added a review of their tremendous new album 'Weight of the World.'
7th November 2015 - I've uploaded a review of another album that will figure very near the top of my best of year list. This one is called 'The hell in your mind' and is by a hugely talented pair of Canadian siblings, The Sumner Brothers. A genuinely great album!
5th November 2015 - First c.d to be reviewed this month is 'Too Big World' from The Bumper Jacksons. If you like your roots music to spring from a huge variety of sub genres from jazz to hillbilly and just about everything in between this tremendous album could well define your taste!
31st October 2015 - The final review of the month is of the terrific new album by Woody Pines and his band. It is simply called 'Woody Pines' and has a collection of songs that are full of their signature 'swing.'
28th October 2015 - Blues, jazz, hillbilly and Balkan! Not too many albums that blend that little lot but The Resonant Rogues incredible 'Here & Gone Again' certainly does and into a quite addictive, pretty much unique style.
24th October 2015 - I've added a review of a real beauty of an album by The Honey Dewdrops. It is called 'Tangled Country' and contains a collection of songs that have a gentle power.
21st October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'Dirt Road's End' by the most dynamic duo around, Sugarcane Jane! Great songs, tremendous vocals and playing, mixed with fire and passion equates to 'a great album!'
17th October 2015 - A review of 'Bad Blood and Whiskey,' the superb new album by Stevie Agnew and Hurricane Road has been uploaded to the October c.d reviews page
10th October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the excellent and unusual new album, 'The Devil and the Blues,' by Drunken Prayer.
7th October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album, 'Colours Simple' by Case Hardin. Great songs, evocative vocals, peerless playing and it rocks! Should you get yourself a copy? It's a no brainer really!
3rd October 2015 - First c.d review of this month is of the terrific new album by the talented husband and wife duo The Grahams. It is called 'Glory Bound' and contains beautifully written songs, tremendous arrangements and some of the best vocals you will hear anywhere!
29th September 2015 - Final c.d review of the month is 'They're After Us' by the incredibly talented old timey/hillbilly trio The Glade City Rounders. I've lived with this tremendous album for a few months now and will certainly continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It's that sort of addictive recording!
24th September 2015 - Going away for a few days at the weekend so have uploaded a new review today. It is called 'Morning in a new machine' and is the brilliant new recording by the hugely talented 'old timey' duo Dubl Handi.
22nd September 2015 - I know it must be getting monotonous but I've uploaded a review of another challenger for my album of the year. In my defence, it isn't my fault so many great albums are being released this year. This newest one in many ways defines old time music and dance. It is the latest offering by husband and wife team Squirrel Butter. The album is called 'Chestnuts' and is their fourth as a duo. They have another fourpiece band called The Tallboys that are slightly different but equally as good so we all have a couple of great back catalogues to explore!
19th September 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the incredible new album by Hillfolk Noir. It is called 'Pop Songs For Elk' and is one of the most original albums you will hear this (or any other) year whilst staying true to the 'old timey' tradition
16th September 2015 - If there is one thing I give myself credit for it's for selecting great albums from amongst the many dozens I receive each week. O.k, sadly that also means I miss out on many but there are only 24 hours in a day and limited time for listening to new music but it gives me huge pleasure when I stumble across a recording that stands out. So it was with Sean Taylor's new recording 'The only good addiction is love.' I've added a review of this tremendous album today and believe me when I say you need a copy of this terrific album in your collection!
12th September 2015 - I've added a review of Adam Hill's tremendous album of 'old timey' interpretations entitled 'Old Paint.'
9th September 2015 - A review of the terrific new album by the Mike & Ruthy Band has been added to this months c.d reviews page. It is titled 'Bright as you can' and could even be their best yet, including their pre M & R days as 'The Mammals.' The review is finished but i'm still playing the album. It is that good!
5th September 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by one of the stars of this years Maverick Festival. It is called 'Hickory' and is by singer songwriter supreme Don Gallardo.
2nd September 2015 - First review of this month is yet another contender for my album of the year! This one is called 'Sorrow Bound' and is by young Canadian singer, songwriter, banjoist, dancer, Kaia Kater. She is so at home with tradiational music that she doesn't seem to just play it; these evocative songs and instrumentals seemingly oozing from her pores! Tremendous album.
29th August 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'Honky Tonk Frontier,' the tremendous new album by Weldon Henson, a man who is making big waves in 'classic country music!'
26th August 2015 - Finally managed to upload a review of the extraordinary full length debut album by Simon Stanley Ward. Great songs, great playing by one of the most unusual vocalists around and one who brings a new slant to country music.
22nd August 2015 - A review of 'From the stillhouse' the incredible new album by Canadian band Murder Murder has been added today. Dark songs beautifully sung and played by a band of supreme quality who to over simplify mix alt. country and bluegrass. As I said in the review 'a great album by a great band.'
19th August 2015 - I've uploaded a reveiw of the self titled second full album by 'Anna & Elizabeth.' It is an album of such astonishing 'old timey' purity that it raises the bar for all who follow to what will probably be an unattainable height. Great album!
15th August 2015 - Two weeks after the first review of August, the second is cloaked in sadness. It is of the Piedmont Brothers Band's new recording 'Compasses and Maps,' a tremendous album that explores the melodic side of country rock. The sadness is due to the untimely death of band mainstay Marco Zanzi a little under two weeks ago and a brief tribute to this talented man is included.
1st August 2015 - First review of August is by an artist I've been raving over for a long time. His name is J.P. Whipple, a singer, songwriter and writer who offers a genuinely unique blend of musical styles that fall under the broad roots music umbrella. The album is titled 'Moab' and as with all of his tremendous recordings can be downloaded from Bandcamp. I've also added two pieces of 'Youtube' video.
28th July 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that could become known as 'the new face of country music!' It's Daniel Romano's new recording 'If I've Only One Time Askin.' Countrypolitan with an edge, a little psychedelia and so much more go to make up this tremendous album!
24th July 2015 - I have at last (but better late than never) uploaded a review of an album for which superlatives were invented! It is the new Eastbound Jesus recording 'Hollerin.' If you hate great songs, tremendous vocals and harmonies, excellent playing and an evocative atmosphere don't go near this album. For everyone else your collection won't be complete without it!
20th July 2015 - I said on the 14th July that I wouldn't be listening to any more new albums for a while. That's turned out to be untrue and i'm adding a list of twelve new recordings that I've listened to since then, the reason being that new c.ds are still pouring in and I just can't resist those that have huge appeal for me! A few are at the note making stage but fairly obviously the reviews that I've been working on take precedence.
Of the dozen, I'm not sure how many will actually get reviewed but I'm still finding it difficult to take in the fact that every one is exceptional and I'm more than happy to recommend all of them!
Having said that, some haven't been released yet so check the usual internet retailers to find dates etc.
The list is as follows:
Dubl Handi - Morning in a new machine , Stevie Agnew and Hurricane Road - Bad blood and whiskey, Boots & the Hoots - Too hot to hoot, The Rosellys - The Granary sessions, Groanbox - Groanbox, Glade City Rounders - They're after us, Adam Hill - Old Paint, Case Hardin - Colours simple, Richie Syrett - From the feet up, Don Gallardo - Hickory, Mike & Ruthy - Bright as you can, The Slocan Ramblers - Coffee Creek
All will be featured on my radio shows over the coming few months.
18th July 2015 - A new review of 'The end of the golden age,' the superb new release by The Wynntown Marshalls has been added to this months C.D. reviews page.
14th July 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the terrific new album by Trout Steak Revival. It is called 'Brighter Every Day' and is an essential addition to any collection claiming to contain 'roots music!'
11th July 2015 - I've added a review of the often astounding new recording by John Coinman. It is called 'Already Are' and includes incredible playing, great vocals and some hugely challenging stories, which when all is put together equates to a tremendous album!
2nd July 2015 - I usually put a new c.d review on the website at the weekend but we're off to the Maverick festival tomorrow morning so the first July review has appeared today. What a belter it is too! It is called 'Restless Youth' and is by the Deer Run Drifters, one of my current favourite Bands!
27th June 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the gorgeous 'Rooted in the Bone' by the Memphis Dawls. The sheer beauty of the vocals and melodies will overwhelm you!
20th June 2015 - A review of the superb 'West Side Stories' by The Westies has been uploaded. It has a mellow sound but is often dark lyrically ensuring this brilliant recording is highlighted by excellent edgy contrasts.
14th June 2015 - I think this update just about takes care of any new c.d plays for a while. I still have a mountain of unplayed recordings to get through but they are going to have to wait whilst some of the tremendous albums from the last three weeks get reviewed. To add insult to injury I know for a fact there are some great albums in that mountain that I'm just itching to get at, but of course if I do there will be no new reviews!
The last three weeks new plays have been so good that a large majority of them will get reviewed albeit probably shorter than in the past.
This last week's new plays have included one of the best debuts I have heard for a very long time in 'Sorrow Bound' by Kaia Kater. There was also album of the year contender 'From the Stillhouse' by Murder Murder, Sean Taylor's excellent 'The only good addiction is love,' The equally excellent Honeycutters 'Me Oh My' and the tremendous new self titled album by 'Woody Pines.'
I should add that there are a number of other reviews in various stages of completion that will get fed onto the website when ready.
13th June 2015 - Better late than never, i've finally finished and uploaded a review of the tremendous recent album by Porchlight Smoker. It has been constantly re-written but the way things were going it would have been an 'old album' by the time it was satisfactory, so here it is! I've also included a couple of really nice pieces of video.
7th June 2015 - The following is an update of what I've been playing in the last week.
Many are still being played regularly from last weeks list and some have reviews under way, added to about a dozen other reviews that are at various stages of completion! Of the previous update those that have reviews started are the still incredible J.P. Whipple album, as well as Daniel Romano, Simon Stanley Ward, Eastbound Jesus, Malcolm Holcombe and Weldon Henson, although several of the others may follow
New plays in the last week were the tremendous new recording by The Piedmont Brothers Band, 'Compasses & Maps,' an incredible album simply titled 'Anna and Elizabeth,' on which we hear the beauty of the female voice in an old timey setting, plus I've resurrected an 'oldie' 'Let's Kill Saturday Night' by old favourites 5 Chinese Brothers and the gorgeous 2014 recording, again by two women, here calling themselves Silo and titled 'Tall Tales.'
6th June 2015 - A review of 'Devil in the seat,'the incredible new album by the Foghorn Stringband has been added to the June c.d reviews page. There are very few bands who can create an authentic 'old timey' atmosphere with a modern sensibility but this is certainly one of them!
2nd June 2015 - There seems to be so little time to write reviews at the moment but sometimes an album crops up and something just has to be said about it! Such is the case with 'Broken Lines,' the tremendous new recording by The Rubber Knife Gang. It is a shortish review but 3-00 a.m is probably not the best time for writing anything lengthy!
31st may 2015 - I said I would use this page to update what I'm playing at the moment and as so often happens I reneged on the deal so here goes! Not all of the following list will get reviewed but even those that don't will have tracks played on both of my radio shows. I'll try to keep tabs on what I play, old and new, and hopefully do a weekly update.
Played in the last few days were:
Sugarcane Jane - Dirt Road's end, Eastbound Jesus - Hollerin,' Daniel Romano - If I've only one time askin,' Graham Lindsey - Digging up birds, Calexico - Edge of the sun, The Honeycutters - Me oh my, Railsplitters - The faster it goes, J.P. Whipple - Moab, Malcolm Holcombe - The RCA sessions, Weldon Henson - Honky tonk frontier, Simon Stanley Ward, Charlie Parr - Stumpjumper, Payroll Union - Paris of America, The Alan Tyler show.
Some of the above have only had one or two plays so it's early days yet, but the ones that immediately struck me as being outstanding were Sugarcane Jane, Eastbound Jesus, Graham Lindsey, J.P. Whipple, Malcolm Holcombe and Weldon Henson. That is not a reflection on the others, which could easily be added with more plays. It has been a particularly good week of listening, with the whole lot being enjoyable. Not all are on general release yet but most are!
30th May 2015 - Final review of May is of Johnny Dowd's extraordinary new album 'That's your wife on the back of my horse.' It is a strange, addictive recording, sometimes soft and with an almost formal structure, at others an otherworldly cacophony, but always highly listenable!
27th May 2015 - A review has been added of one of the best artist 'tasters' you are ever likely to hear. It is Wink Burcham's 'Cowboy Heroes & Old Folk Songs,' compiled from his first two recordings and thanks to the sheer quality it can also stand alone as an excellent album in it's own right.
22nd May 2015 - Their first album was brilliant, their second even better and this their third release ups the quality a further notch! Who are they? Pharis and Jason Romero are their names and this hugely talented couple have made one of the albums of the year in this new release 'A Wanderer I'll Stay.'
21st May 2015 - I've played 3 excellent new albums today! First was the brilliant J.P. Whipple with his incredible recent recording, 'Moab,' 'There was also 'The faster it goes' by The Railsplitters and the sublime Memphis Dawls with 'Rooted in the bone. Hoping to review at least some if not all but I have a quite ridiculous mountain of c.ds to get through, although all those mentioned will at the very least get radio play!
I think i'm going to have to rethink my strategy. There just isn't the time to even listen to more than about 5 - 10% of what I receive.
16th May 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant Delta Ladies debut album 'Refugee.'
9th May 2015 - A full review of the gorgeous new album from Wookalily has been added. It is titled 'All the waiting while' and contains a huge variety of songs and some of the most beautiful female vocals you will hear anywhere!
2nd May 2015 - Into the fifth month of the year and we start with yet another contender for album of the year! This time it is 'I never thought it would go this far,' the superb new album from the definers of alt. country Wrinkle Neck Mules. Brilliant album!
25th April 2015 - I've added a full review of the incredible 'Uncle John Farquahar' by Goodnight Texas. I'm always loath to say this band or that band is the best but what I will say is that if there is a finer band around in any genre than Goodnight Texas I've yet to hear them. A great band and album!
18th April 2015 - A full reveiew of the incredible new album 'Pull Awake' by June Star has been added to the April c.d reviews page. It will be another contender for album of the year and the even better news is that if you are not familiar with them they have the best back catalogue of alt. country albums around, topped off by this tremendous recording!
16th April 2015 - A little while ago I wrote a brief review of the tremendous 'Whiskey Charmers' debut album. I always felt it was more than worthy of a 'full' review so have added on to the April c.d reviews page.
11th April 2015 - Just uploaded a review of the stunning album 'White Wave Chapel' by Irish band I Draw Slow, on which you will hear some of the most beautiful feminine vocals that can be heard anywhere! Add great songs, terrific arrangements and gorgeous harmonies and it's impossible not to love this beauty of an album.
4th April 2015 - First full album review of April is of 'Take yo' time,' by Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, a recording of some of the most virtuosic 'old timey' music you will hear anywhere!
28th March 2015 - I've uploaded a 'Full review' of the tremendous new album by Jim Keaveny. It maintains and often surpasses the quality of his preceding excellent albums and puts him at the forefront of the edgier country singer songwriters.
22nd March 2015 - A full review of the incredible debut album 'Available Light,' by David Corley has been added to the March reviews page.
4th March 2015 - I've added a 'full' review of the Mulligan Brothers tremendous album 'Via Portland.' If you have a love for terrific songs, great lead vocals and peerless harmonies buy a copy but be warned you will play very little else for a long time! Gorgeous album!
7th March 2015 - First full c.d review of the month is of an album i've been playing on and off for several months, it being one of these recordings that gradually grows on you in an almost comforting way. It's 'The Farmacology Sessions' by the talented duo, New American Farmers. Buy a copy and i'm sure it will have the same effect on you!
28th February 2015 - A bit later than anticipated but i've added a review of the tremendous sophomore album from the Stray Birds. It is titled 'Best medicine' and it's not wrong!
21st February 2015 - Finding albums that will make it to best of year lists is starting to get monotonous thanks to the fact that there are already so many qualifiers at this early stage of the year! The Red Pine Timber Company's superb 'Different Lonesome' is a red hot cert for the list and should hold appeal for anyone who has a liking for alt. country/country rock. Great songs, great vocals and great playing = Great album! (I know it came out last year but let's not split hairs!)
14th February 2015 - I've just uploaded a review of a c.d that genuinely evokes the music played by the old timers of many decades ago and in some ways actually improves some of the old songs. Billy Strings & Don Julin, with 'Fiddle Tune X' virtually define American folk music, with some atmospheric vocals and virtuoso mandolin and guitar playing. If you have a love for old time acoustic music you will not find a better recording than this. Also included is an hour plus live performance from 'youtube'
7th February 2015 - This month is off to a flyer with a review of 'Rowdy Love' the tremendous release from last year by the talented American alt. country band, Denver. Three vocalists/songwriters and a tremendous blend of tempos and sentiments on an album that all alt. country fans should include in their collection!
31st January 2015 - Last review of January is of an album that was one of the best of 2014, or any other year if it comes to that! It is Daniel Meade's new recording 'Keep Right Away,' an album so good that ( if i'm still around!) will still be played in my house in the 2020s!
24th January 2015 - I've added a new review of the incredible new album by The Mascot Theory. It is called 'Hand me down miracles' and consists of great songs beautifully sung and played and just about peerless harmonies on an album that figured in my 'Best of 2014' list.
17th January 2015 - A review of 'Sake of the sound' a new album by the incredibly talented Front Country has been added. It contains excellent songs, virtuoso playing, gorgeous vocals and an original blend of old timey, bluegrass and more!
10th January 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that will figure in my top albums of 2014 when I eventually publish it! The album is called 'How about now,' is by Oxfordshires Ags Connolly and contains some of the best and truest country music you will hear anywhere!
3rd January 2015 - First c.d review of the year is 'Short Man Syndrome' the gentle rolling debut by The Wellfeds that despite the mellow sounds has plenty of depth and great skill.
19th December 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the self titled album by the hugely talented 'Rollie Tussing and the Midwest Territory Band.' Old timey, Blues and Vaudeville with a modern slant gives a brief description but there is so much more to this trio.
Before the holiday i'm hoping to get one more review uploaded and with a little luck my favourite albums of the year list before having a break.
15th December 2015 - 'Upnorthicana' is a strange name for a music genre but when applied to DH Lawrence & the Vaudeville Skiffle Show's new album 'Sons & Lovers' (get the link?) it is as accurate a description as anyone can come up with for a hugely talented band with a floating aggregation that could very well define 'good time' music! A review has just been added to the December c.d reviews page.
12th December 2015 - 'Slobberbone' have been one of the best alt. country bands around for the decade and a half so Brent Best, lead singer and songwriter, was taking a huge chance in releasing a solo album. So did it pay off? You bet it did. 'Your Dog Champ' is arguably a career highlight and is going to figure very highly in my favourite albums of 2015. To find out why, read my review of this tremendous recording.
9th December 2015 - I've added a review of 'Coffee Creek,' the tremendous new album by Canadian bluegrass, folksy, country maestros, The Slocan Ramblers. A late addition to your list of requests to Santa perhaps? It certainly should be!
5th December 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that is currently red hot favourite to be my album of the year, perhaps decade and possibly even the century so far! Willie Tea Taylors 'Knuckleball Prime' really is that good so log on to the www, purchase a copy of this incredible album and give yourself one of the greatest of all aural treats!
2nd December 2015 - Into the final month of the year and what better way to get Christmas off to a flying start than to treat yourself and/or loved ones to the beautiful new recording by Danni Nicholls. It is called 'Mockingbird Lane' and the warmth and power of Danni's music and vocals will make those long winter nights pass much more pleasantly!
28th November 2015 - If ever an album defined 'reveals more depth with every play' it is certainly 'Aromatic Bitters' by Feral. It is as far from the easy listening of 'mainstream country' as it is possible to get and yet whilst containing country elements the album (almost) defies description and genuinely sits in a unique genre of its own!
One of the albums of the year? I think so.
25th November 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'A Place In America' the excellent new recording of 'countrified rock' by Butchers Blind. Excellent songs, great playing and one of the best vocalists around means this album should have something for everyone!
21st November 2015 - I've added a review of 'An Offering' the tremendous new recording by Amanda Pearcy. Texan Amanda is one of the most distinctive vocalists in country/roots music and the whole album just oozes quality and originality.
19th November 2015 - A review of 'Eat the Moon' the terrific new album by Finnders & Youngberg (FY5) has been added to the November c.d. reviews page. It contains some excellent vocals and playing of songs in and around country music.
16th November 2015 - A few days later than intended but I've just uploaded a review of 'Dead Stars,' the tremendous new album by The Self Help Group. To my ears this 'difficult second album' is even better than their debut!
11th November 2015 - If you like your roots music not only highly skilled, but unusual and beautiful at the same time, you will love 10 String Symphony, so just for you I've added a review of their tremendous new album 'Weight of the World.'
7th November 2015 - I've uploaded a review of another album that will figure very near the top of my best of year list. This one is called 'The hell in your mind' and is by a hugely talented pair of Canadian siblings, The Sumner Brothers. A genuinely great album!
5th November 2015 - First c.d to be reviewed this month is 'Too Big World' from The Bumper Jacksons. If you like your roots music to spring from a huge variety of sub genres from jazz to hillbilly and just about everything in between this tremendous album could well define your taste!
31st October 2015 - The final review of the month is of the terrific new album by Woody Pines and his band. It is simply called 'Woody Pines' and has a collection of songs that are full of their signature 'swing.'
28th October 2015 - Blues, jazz, hillbilly and Balkan! Not too many albums that blend that little lot but The Resonant Rogues incredible 'Here & Gone Again' certainly does and into a quite addictive, pretty much unique style.
24th October 2015 - I've added a review of a real beauty of an album by The Honey Dewdrops. It is called 'Tangled Country' and contains a collection of songs that have a gentle power.
21st October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'Dirt Road's End' by the most dynamic duo around, Sugarcane Jane! Great songs, tremendous vocals and playing, mixed with fire and passion equates to 'a great album!'
17th October 2015 - A review of 'Bad Blood and Whiskey,' the superb new album by Stevie Agnew and Hurricane Road has been uploaded to the October c.d reviews page
10th October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the excellent and unusual new album, 'The Devil and the Blues,' by Drunken Prayer.
7th October 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album, 'Colours Simple' by Case Hardin. Great songs, evocative vocals, peerless playing and it rocks! Should you get yourself a copy? It's a no brainer really!
3rd October 2015 - First c.d review of this month is of the terrific new album by the talented husband and wife duo The Grahams. It is called 'Glory Bound' and contains beautifully written songs, tremendous arrangements and some of the best vocals you will hear anywhere!
29th September 2015 - Final c.d review of the month is 'They're After Us' by the incredibly talented old timey/hillbilly trio The Glade City Rounders. I've lived with this tremendous album for a few months now and will certainly continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It's that sort of addictive recording!
24th September 2015 - Going away for a few days at the weekend so have uploaded a new review today. It is called 'Morning in a new machine' and is the brilliant new recording by the hugely talented 'old timey' duo Dubl Handi.
22nd September 2015 - I know it must be getting monotonous but I've uploaded a review of another challenger for my album of the year. In my defence, it isn't my fault so many great albums are being released this year. This newest one in many ways defines old time music and dance. It is the latest offering by husband and wife team Squirrel Butter. The album is called 'Chestnuts' and is their fourth as a duo. They have another fourpiece band called The Tallboys that are slightly different but equally as good so we all have a couple of great back catalogues to explore!
19th September 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the incredible new album by Hillfolk Noir. It is called 'Pop Songs For Elk' and is one of the most original albums you will hear this (or any other) year whilst staying true to the 'old timey' tradition
16th September 2015 - If there is one thing I give myself credit for it's for selecting great albums from amongst the many dozens I receive each week. O.k, sadly that also means I miss out on many but there are only 24 hours in a day and limited time for listening to new music but it gives me huge pleasure when I stumble across a recording that stands out. So it was with Sean Taylor's new recording 'The only good addiction is love.' I've added a review of this tremendous album today and believe me when I say you need a copy of this terrific album in your collection!
12th September 2015 - I've added a review of Adam Hill's tremendous album of 'old timey' interpretations entitled 'Old Paint.'
9th September 2015 - A review of the terrific new album by the Mike & Ruthy Band has been added to this months c.d reviews page. It is titled 'Bright as you can' and could even be their best yet, including their pre M & R days as 'The Mammals.' The review is finished but i'm still playing the album. It is that good!
5th September 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by one of the stars of this years Maverick Festival. It is called 'Hickory' and is by singer songwriter supreme Don Gallardo.
2nd September 2015 - First review of this month is yet another contender for my album of the year! This one is called 'Sorrow Bound' and is by young Canadian singer, songwriter, banjoist, dancer, Kaia Kater. She is so at home with tradiational music that she doesn't seem to just play it; these evocative songs and instrumentals seemingly oozing from her pores! Tremendous album.
29th August 2015 - I've uploaded a review of 'Honky Tonk Frontier,' the tremendous new album by Weldon Henson, a man who is making big waves in 'classic country music!'
26th August 2015 - Finally managed to upload a review of the extraordinary full length debut album by Simon Stanley Ward. Great songs, great playing by one of the most unusual vocalists around and one who brings a new slant to country music.
22nd August 2015 - A review of 'From the stillhouse' the incredible new album by Canadian band Murder Murder has been added today. Dark songs beautifully sung and played by a band of supreme quality who to over simplify mix alt. country and bluegrass. As I said in the review 'a great album by a great band.'
19th August 2015 - I've uploaded a reveiw of the self titled second full album by 'Anna & Elizabeth.' It is an album of such astonishing 'old timey' purity that it raises the bar for all who follow to what will probably be an unattainable height. Great album!
15th August 2015 - Two weeks after the first review of August, the second is cloaked in sadness. It is of the Piedmont Brothers Band's new recording 'Compasses and Maps,' a tremendous album that explores the melodic side of country rock. The sadness is due to the untimely death of band mainstay Marco Zanzi a little under two weeks ago and a brief tribute to this talented man is included.
1st August 2015 - First review of August is by an artist I've been raving over for a long time. His name is J.P. Whipple, a singer, songwriter and writer who offers a genuinely unique blend of musical styles that fall under the broad roots music umbrella. The album is titled 'Moab' and as with all of his tremendous recordings can be downloaded from Bandcamp. I've also added two pieces of 'Youtube' video.
28th July 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that could become known as 'the new face of country music!' It's Daniel Romano's new recording 'If I've Only One Time Askin.' Countrypolitan with an edge, a little psychedelia and so much more go to make up this tremendous album!
24th July 2015 - I have at last (but better late than never) uploaded a review of an album for which superlatives were invented! It is the new Eastbound Jesus recording 'Hollerin.' If you hate great songs, tremendous vocals and harmonies, excellent playing and an evocative atmosphere don't go near this album. For everyone else your collection won't be complete without it!
20th July 2015 - I said on the 14th July that I wouldn't be listening to any more new albums for a while. That's turned out to be untrue and i'm adding a list of twelve new recordings that I've listened to since then, the reason being that new c.ds are still pouring in and I just can't resist those that have huge appeal for me! A few are at the note making stage but fairly obviously the reviews that I've been working on take precedence.
Of the dozen, I'm not sure how many will actually get reviewed but I'm still finding it difficult to take in the fact that every one is exceptional and I'm more than happy to recommend all of them!
Having said that, some haven't been released yet so check the usual internet retailers to find dates etc.
The list is as follows:
Dubl Handi - Morning in a new machine , Stevie Agnew and Hurricane Road - Bad blood and whiskey, Boots & the Hoots - Too hot to hoot, The Rosellys - The Granary sessions, Groanbox - Groanbox, Glade City Rounders - They're after us, Adam Hill - Old Paint, Case Hardin - Colours simple, Richie Syrett - From the feet up, Don Gallardo - Hickory, Mike & Ruthy - Bright as you can, The Slocan Ramblers - Coffee Creek
All will be featured on my radio shows over the coming few months.
18th July 2015 - A new review of 'The end of the golden age,' the superb new release by The Wynntown Marshalls has been added to this months C.D. reviews page.
14th July 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the terrific new album by Trout Steak Revival. It is called 'Brighter Every Day' and is an essential addition to any collection claiming to contain 'roots music!'
11th July 2015 - I've added a review of the often astounding new recording by John Coinman. It is called 'Already Are' and includes incredible playing, great vocals and some hugely challenging stories, which when all is put together equates to a tremendous album!
2nd July 2015 - I usually put a new c.d review on the website at the weekend but we're off to the Maverick festival tomorrow morning so the first July review has appeared today. What a belter it is too! It is called 'Restless Youth' and is by the Deer Run Drifters, one of my current favourite Bands!
27th June 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the gorgeous 'Rooted in the Bone' by the Memphis Dawls. The sheer beauty of the vocals and melodies will overwhelm you!
20th June 2015 - A review of the superb 'West Side Stories' by The Westies has been uploaded. It has a mellow sound but is often dark lyrically ensuring this brilliant recording is highlighted by excellent edgy contrasts.
14th June 2015 - I think this update just about takes care of any new c.d plays for a while. I still have a mountain of unplayed recordings to get through but they are going to have to wait whilst some of the tremendous albums from the last three weeks get reviewed. To add insult to injury I know for a fact there are some great albums in that mountain that I'm just itching to get at, but of course if I do there will be no new reviews!
The last three weeks new plays have been so good that a large majority of them will get reviewed albeit probably shorter than in the past.
This last week's new plays have included one of the best debuts I have heard for a very long time in 'Sorrow Bound' by Kaia Kater. There was also album of the year contender 'From the Stillhouse' by Murder Murder, Sean Taylor's excellent 'The only good addiction is love,' The equally excellent Honeycutters 'Me Oh My' and the tremendous new self titled album by 'Woody Pines.'
I should add that there are a number of other reviews in various stages of completion that will get fed onto the website when ready.
13th June 2015 - Better late than never, i've finally finished and uploaded a review of the tremendous recent album by Porchlight Smoker. It has been constantly re-written but the way things were going it would have been an 'old album' by the time it was satisfactory, so here it is! I've also included a couple of really nice pieces of video.
7th June 2015 - The following is an update of what I've been playing in the last week.
Many are still being played regularly from last weeks list and some have reviews under way, added to about a dozen other reviews that are at various stages of completion! Of the previous update those that have reviews started are the still incredible J.P. Whipple album, as well as Daniel Romano, Simon Stanley Ward, Eastbound Jesus, Malcolm Holcombe and Weldon Henson, although several of the others may follow
New plays in the last week were the tremendous new recording by The Piedmont Brothers Band, 'Compasses & Maps,' an incredible album simply titled 'Anna and Elizabeth,' on which we hear the beauty of the female voice in an old timey setting, plus I've resurrected an 'oldie' 'Let's Kill Saturday Night' by old favourites 5 Chinese Brothers and the gorgeous 2014 recording, again by two women, here calling themselves Silo and titled 'Tall Tales.'
6th June 2015 - A review of 'Devil in the seat,'the incredible new album by the Foghorn Stringband has been added to the June c.d reviews page. There are very few bands who can create an authentic 'old timey' atmosphere with a modern sensibility but this is certainly one of them!
2nd June 2015 - There seems to be so little time to write reviews at the moment but sometimes an album crops up and something just has to be said about it! Such is the case with 'Broken Lines,' the tremendous new recording by The Rubber Knife Gang. It is a shortish review but 3-00 a.m is probably not the best time for writing anything lengthy!
31st may 2015 - I said I would use this page to update what I'm playing at the moment and as so often happens I reneged on the deal so here goes! Not all of the following list will get reviewed but even those that don't will have tracks played on both of my radio shows. I'll try to keep tabs on what I play, old and new, and hopefully do a weekly update.
Played in the last few days were:
Sugarcane Jane - Dirt Road's end, Eastbound Jesus - Hollerin,' Daniel Romano - If I've only one time askin,' Graham Lindsey - Digging up birds, Calexico - Edge of the sun, The Honeycutters - Me oh my, Railsplitters - The faster it goes, J.P. Whipple - Moab, Malcolm Holcombe - The RCA sessions, Weldon Henson - Honky tonk frontier, Simon Stanley Ward, Charlie Parr - Stumpjumper, Payroll Union - Paris of America, The Alan Tyler show.
Some of the above have only had one or two plays so it's early days yet, but the ones that immediately struck me as being outstanding were Sugarcane Jane, Eastbound Jesus, Graham Lindsey, J.P. Whipple, Malcolm Holcombe and Weldon Henson. That is not a reflection on the others, which could easily be added with more plays. It has been a particularly good week of listening, with the whole lot being enjoyable. Not all are on general release yet but most are!
30th May 2015 - Final review of May is of Johnny Dowd's extraordinary new album 'That's your wife on the back of my horse.' It is a strange, addictive recording, sometimes soft and with an almost formal structure, at others an otherworldly cacophony, but always highly listenable!
27th May 2015 - A review has been added of one of the best artist 'tasters' you are ever likely to hear. It is Wink Burcham's 'Cowboy Heroes & Old Folk Songs,' compiled from his first two recordings and thanks to the sheer quality it can also stand alone as an excellent album in it's own right.
22nd May 2015 - Their first album was brilliant, their second even better and this their third release ups the quality a further notch! Who are they? Pharis and Jason Romero are their names and this hugely talented couple have made one of the albums of the year in this new release 'A Wanderer I'll Stay.'
21st May 2015 - I've played 3 excellent new albums today! First was the brilliant J.P. Whipple with his incredible recent recording, 'Moab,' 'There was also 'The faster it goes' by The Railsplitters and the sublime Memphis Dawls with 'Rooted in the bone. Hoping to review at least some if not all but I have a quite ridiculous mountain of c.ds to get through, although all those mentioned will at the very least get radio play!
I think i'm going to have to rethink my strategy. There just isn't the time to even listen to more than about 5 - 10% of what I receive.
16th May 2015 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant Delta Ladies debut album 'Refugee.'
9th May 2015 - A full review of the gorgeous new album from Wookalily has been added. It is titled 'All the waiting while' and contains a huge variety of songs and some of the most beautiful female vocals you will hear anywhere!
2nd May 2015 - Into the fifth month of the year and we start with yet another contender for album of the year! This time it is 'I never thought it would go this far,' the superb new album from the definers of alt. country Wrinkle Neck Mules. Brilliant album!
25th April 2015 - I've added a full review of the incredible 'Uncle John Farquahar' by Goodnight Texas. I'm always loath to say this band or that band is the best but what I will say is that if there is a finer band around in any genre than Goodnight Texas I've yet to hear them. A great band and album!
18th April 2015 - A full reveiew of the incredible new album 'Pull Awake' by June Star has been added to the April c.d reviews page. It will be another contender for album of the year and the even better news is that if you are not familiar with them they have the best back catalogue of alt. country albums around, topped off by this tremendous recording!
16th April 2015 - A little while ago I wrote a brief review of the tremendous 'Whiskey Charmers' debut album. I always felt it was more than worthy of a 'full' review so have added on to the April c.d reviews page.
11th April 2015 - Just uploaded a review of the stunning album 'White Wave Chapel' by Irish band I Draw Slow, on which you will hear some of the most beautiful feminine vocals that can be heard anywhere! Add great songs, terrific arrangements and gorgeous harmonies and it's impossible not to love this beauty of an album.
4th April 2015 - First full album review of April is of 'Take yo' time,' by Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, a recording of some of the most virtuosic 'old timey' music you will hear anywhere!
28th March 2015 - I've uploaded a 'Full review' of the tremendous new album by Jim Keaveny. It maintains and often surpasses the quality of his preceding excellent albums and puts him at the forefront of the edgier country singer songwriters.
22nd March 2015 - A full review of the incredible debut album 'Available Light,' by David Corley has been added to the March reviews page.
4th March 2015 - I've added a 'full' review of the Mulligan Brothers tremendous album 'Via Portland.' If you have a love for terrific songs, great lead vocals and peerless harmonies buy a copy but be warned you will play very little else for a long time! Gorgeous album!
7th March 2015 - First full c.d review of the month is of an album i've been playing on and off for several months, it being one of these recordings that gradually grows on you in an almost comforting way. It's 'The Farmacology Sessions' by the talented duo, New American Farmers. Buy a copy and i'm sure it will have the same effect on you!
28th February 2015 - A bit later than anticipated but i've added a review of the tremendous sophomore album from the Stray Birds. It is titled 'Best medicine' and it's not wrong!
21st February 2015 - Finding albums that will make it to best of year lists is starting to get monotonous thanks to the fact that there are already so many qualifiers at this early stage of the year! The Red Pine Timber Company's superb 'Different Lonesome' is a red hot cert for the list and should hold appeal for anyone who has a liking for alt. country/country rock. Great songs, great vocals and great playing = Great album! (I know it came out last year but let's not split hairs!)
14th February 2015 - I've just uploaded a review of a c.d that genuinely evokes the music played by the old timers of many decades ago and in some ways actually improves some of the old songs. Billy Strings & Don Julin, with 'Fiddle Tune X' virtually define American folk music, with some atmospheric vocals and virtuoso mandolin and guitar playing. If you have a love for old time acoustic music you will not find a better recording than this. Also included is an hour plus live performance from 'youtube'
7th February 2015 - This month is off to a flyer with a review of 'Rowdy Love' the tremendous release from last year by the talented American alt. country band, Denver. Three vocalists/songwriters and a tremendous blend of tempos and sentiments on an album that all alt. country fans should include in their collection!
31st January 2015 - Last review of January is of an album that was one of the best of 2014, or any other year if it comes to that! It is Daniel Meade's new recording 'Keep Right Away,' an album so good that ( if i'm still around!) will still be played in my house in the 2020s!
24th January 2015 - I've added a new review of the incredible new album by The Mascot Theory. It is called 'Hand me down miracles' and consists of great songs beautifully sung and played and just about peerless harmonies on an album that figured in my 'Best of 2014' list.
17th January 2015 - A review of 'Sake of the sound' a new album by the incredibly talented Front Country has been added. It contains excellent songs, virtuoso playing, gorgeous vocals and an original blend of old timey, bluegrass and more!
10th January 2015 - I've uploaded a review of an album that will figure in my top albums of 2014 when I eventually publish it! The album is called 'How about now,' is by Oxfordshires Ags Connolly and contains some of the best and truest country music you will hear anywhere!
3rd January 2015 - First c.d review of the year is 'Short Man Syndrome' the gentle rolling debut by The Wellfeds that despite the mellow sounds has plenty of depth and great skill.