Album & Artist Reviews
Mark Raborn reviews Rebecca Frazier’s bluegrass album “WHEN WE FALL“
Rebecca Frazier’s new CD “When We Fall” features twelve tracks, of which ten are original compositions including three instrumentals.
The project is superbly supported throughout by a strong producer and by a stellar cast of musicians that largely need little introduction, including Ron Block and Scott Vestal on banjo, Barry Bales on bass, Shad Cobb on fiddle, Andy Hall on resonator guitar and husband John Frazier on mandolin. Rebecca plays guitar on all cuts.
My initial observation was to simply admire and enjoy the fidelity of the recording, followed closely by the quality of the arrangements and the overall maturity of the presentation and musicianship. However, after hearing a few cuts I was convinced that Rebecca, in addition to being a superb vocalist and lyricist, is a masterful flat-pick guitar player, playing with a level of imagination, taste and authority that will awe many of her listeners, as well as her peers.
I found the overall tone of this project to have a ‘modern,’ post-Monroe acoustic Bluegrass texture with the occasional influence of cross-cultural Bluegrass genres like Blues and Country interwoven. Without transgressing the artistic boundaries that define modern Bluegrass, Rebecca’s title cut, “When We Fall” sounds like it could easily be transformed to Top 40 Country material. That’s not to say that she should seek Country “hit” status for this composition, but rather an acknowledgement that it is ‘that good’. The overall arrangement, insightful lyrics and the smooth timbre of her voice bring this piece to life and nurture it to maturity. The result is a track that most any female Country music superstar might envy.
Likewise, the more up-tempo “Morning and Night” and “Darken Your Doorway” possess the artsy magic that many listeners identify with and look forward to hearing again and again. Both are richly “musical” and interesting, without being overly predictable or exotic. Rebecca’s seemingly-effortless lead vocal work combined with subtle, but beautiful harmony placements, catchy lyrics and tasteful accompaniment make these songs among those that her fans will look forward to hearing over and over.
“Love, Go Away From This House” underscores Rebecca’s songwriting prowess, as well as her vocal range as she ventures into more bluesy fare. The feel is tastefully accented with fills by John Frazier on mandolin, Andy Hall on resonator guitar, Shadd Cobb on fiddle, as well as her impeccable guitar work.
If you enjoyed and would like to read the rest of this review please click this link and get your daily Prescription Bluegrass: http://prescriptionbluegrassreviews.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-raborn-reviews-rebecca-fraziers.html
LeAnn Rimes, who rose to stardom at age 13 when her single “Blue” hit country radio, has recently released her 15th studio album, Spitfire. She was named Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist in 1996, and also won the ACM Single of the Year award for “Blue.” In addition to her ACM awards, LeAnn has eight Grammy Awards. Her last Grammy win was in 2008. She is hoping her latest album, Spitfire, will get her back on the radio, and back on the country music charts. Country music fans know that LeAnn Rimes has had more than a bit of turmoil in her life. For a time the media didn’t seem to want to leave her alone. Her fans have watched her grow up, marry, divorce, become involved in a scandal and remarry. From the song titles on this CD, it would appear LeAnn has decided to use a little of her troubled past to her advantage. A lot of what she has lived through can be heard in the songs she is now singing. Listed with the writers, here are the songs that you will hear on the new album: “Spitfire”, LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown and David Baerwald; “What Have I Done” with Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski, Rimes, Brown, Baerwald; “Gasoline & Matches” with Rob Thomas and Jeff Beck, Buddy Miller, Julie Miller; “Borrowed,” Rimes, Brown, Dan Wilson; “You Ain’t Right,” Liz Rose, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Hayes; “I Do Now,” Rimes, Brown, Wilson; “Where I Stood,” Missy Higgins; “You’ve Ruined Me,” Rimes, Brown, John Shanks; “Bottle,” Gary Burr, Christina Aldendifer; “A Waste Is a Terrible Thing to Mind,” Rimes, Brown, Baerwald; “Just A Girl Like You,” Rimes, Brown, Nathan Chapman; “God Takes Care of Your Kind,” Rimes, Brown, Dean Sheremet, and “Who We Really Are,” Brown, Sarah Buxton. LeAnn has a lot of diversity in her vocals. When going from one song to the next, she has the ability to change from a raspy and rowdy voice to a sweet and melodious tone. Listeners really don’t know what to expect when one song ends and the next begins. Finding a favorite song on this album was a little difficult for me. That was because the lyrics I liked the best were to the song “Bottle.” That song gives us lines like ‘My heart is like a bottle with the world inside, I couldn’t fit more happy in it if I tried’. However, the melody I liked the best belonged to the song “What Have I Done”. It has a slow, quiet, calming melody and is very easy to listen to. The whole album is good, and I’m sure it will be receiving the highest ratings from any of country music’s reviewers. LeAnn still keeps a packed schedule, with concerts throughout the U.S., and shows scheduled for September in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and a show in Taipei City, Taiwan, planned for November. You can keep up with LeAnn’s tour dates, news, and upcoming single releases by visiting her website www.leannrimesworld.com. She has a Twitter account, too, and you can follow her @leannrimes.
Music Charts Magazine Country Music Reviews by Country at www.CountrysChatter.com “Your Country Music News Source“
Though his voice is weaker, and the musical arrangements a little different than what we remember, Glen Campbell is still bringing us the best he has to give. His new album, “See You There,” could be the last for one of country music’s most popular artists.
During his career, which has be going strong for more than 50 years, the country music singer, guitarist, television host, and sometimes actor has been involved in nearly every aspect of the business. He even hosted his own variety show on CBS from 1969 to 1972.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in December 2010, the 77 years old recently canceled the remaining dates on his Farewell Tour, stating the reason that his disease was worsening. But somewhere in the midst of all that, Glen recorded a new album for us.
“See You There” gives us 12 songs, including some of his most famous, and some new ones. “Gentle on My Mind” will always be one of my favorite Glen Campbell songs. While you can find videos on YouTube, they are just the song, with pictures of Glen appearing where the video should be. If there was ever an actual music video done to this song, I haven’t been able to find it. Written by the late John Hartford, this song would have made a wonderful music video. There is a whole movie in the three minutes of great melody with story-telling lyrics.
Fans who remember Glen for songs like “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy” won’t be disappointed. Those songs are all on the new album. But, Glen didn’t just pull them out of his collection of recorded music and include them on this CD. He recorded them again. This time, the songs are missing the vibrant orchestration that they had before, but they do seem to be more personal. “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” is now little more than an acoustic performance, and it’s beautifully done.
Glen co-wrote “There’s No Me…Without You,” with Julian Raymond for the 2011 album “Ghost on Canvas”. That album also included “I Wish You Were Here” and “What I wouldn’t Give” as bonus tracks. The song “Waiting on the Comin’ of My Lord,” is on the album twice. The first version is just Glen, with a little bit of instrumental accompaniment and a touch of added harmony by an unnamed artist. The second version, which is the final song on the album, features Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Del Sol De Mexico.
Here are the 12 songs on Glen Campbell’s new “See You There” album, which released on Aug. 13, 2013. “Hey Little One,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Gentle On My Mind,” “Postcard From Paris,” “Waiting on the Coming of My Lord,” “What I Wouldn’t Give,” “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “There’s No Me… Without You,” “True Grit,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and “Waiting on the Comin’ of My Lord, featuring Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Del Sol De Mexico.
Even though Glen’s touring days have come to an end, and it seems like more than a possibility that “See You There” will be his last album, the entertainer is still very much involved with his fans. His website is still active and includes all the updated news and information fans would want about things Glen is doing now. The web site is www.glencampbell.com, and he can be followed on Twitter @GlenCampbell.
For country music news about all of your favorites, visit www.countryschatter.com, and follow us on Twitter @countryschatter.
CountrysChatter.com and MusicChartsMagazine.com – Your entertainment destinations –
“Two Lanes of Freedom” is the title of Tim McGraw’s latest CD. It’s been available for a while, so even if you don’t have a copy yet, you’ve probably heard some of the songs. Already released as singles, “Truck Yeah”, “One of Those Nights”, and “Highway Don’t Care”, featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, have been on the radio and on the charts the past few months. ” Southern Girl” will be the fourth single released from this CD.
If you know country music and are familiar with the kind of songs we’re hearing on the radio these days, you will realize the first time they listen to “Two Lanes of Freedom”, that this CD has staying power. In addition to the ones already released as singles, there are several more songs on the track list that will make good singles for Tim.
The songs you will hear on this CD include the title track, “Two Lanes of Freedom”, “Friend of a Friend”, “Southern Girl”, “Truck Yeah”, “Nashville Without You”, “Book of John”, “Mexicoma”, “Number 37105”, “It’s Your World”, and “Highway Don’t Care”. The deluxe version of the album also includes the songs “Tinted Windows”, “Let Me Love It Out of You”, “Truck Yeah” (live version), and “Annie I Owe You a Dance”. Tim’s music has changed over the years, but this album has just enough mention of fun and young love to take you back to the days when he put “Just to See You Smile”, “I Like It I Love It”, and “Something Like That” at the top of the charts. While his music has gone through some changes, his vocals haven’t. He’s always had a calming voice, and his fans are still hearing the sounds that drew them to his concerts decades ago.
One of my personal favorites is “A Friend of a Friend”. I’m not sure if that is one of the ones he will ever release as a single, but I think he should. This song is slow, and pretty much tells us everything Tim’s old girlfriend is doing, the way Tim heard it from a ‘friend of a friend.’ Tim McGraw has always been good at telling stories with his songs. He continues that tradition with the songs on his “Two Lanes of Freedom” album. “Nashville Without You” is a little too fast to be called a slow song, and a little too slow to be called a fast song. The song, written by Kyle Jacobs (Kellie Pickler’s husband), Joe Leathers and Ruston Kelly, perfectly describes what Nashville would be like without that someone you want there with you. This is definitely another one of my favorites on this album.
I definitely like the sound of “Mexicoma”, written by James T. Slater, and Brad and Brett Warren. It is one of those songs that just makes you feel good. It’s uptempo, and even though it is one of those songs about someone walking out of your life and you turning to a bottle of something with a high alcohol content, at a beach front watering hole, Tim manages to make it a fun song to listen to.
Most of today’s country artists bill themselves as singer/songwriter. Time, however, seems to be content with singing what others have written. He did not write, or co-write, any of the songs on this album. Josh Kear is one of the writers on the song “Friend of a Friend”. The other two who helped write that song are Mark Irwin and Andrew Dorff. Josh also co-wrote “tinted Windows” and “Highway Don’t Care.” In addition to his 12 studio albums, Tim has also released eight additional albums, with include Greatest Hits, Collector’s Editions, and a Tim McGraw & Friends album. Tim’s fans probably have every album he released, and I’m sure they will want to add this one to their collection.
Want to become more countrified? Check out: www.CountrysChatter.com
A Music Charts Magazine Country Music Album Review
It is 2 AM and something draws me from bed and compels me to begin writing this review. Not in the usual way, no laptop, no touchpad, all I need is a notebook and a pen. I know, sometimes the old school way is just better.
Nevertheless, why does this assignment need to be handled in this manner? Has the project I have been listening to for the past weeks rubbed off on me? Or, as I suspect, will paper and pen make it easier to follow my ramblings through the inevitable editing process necessary when the time comes to finally convey my thoughts to the laptop about this simple yet profoundly complex project that Peter Rowan has compiled.
“The Old School” is a wonderfully entertaining project in which Mr. Rowan gives listeners ten original songs, one traditional song with his personalized stellar arrangement, and for those purchasing the CD, a bonus track…a reprise of the title cut, featuring Eddie Stubbs.
For this project, Rowan and producer Alison Brown, have brought together artists that, aside from being a Who’s Who of Bluegrass’ Old School in their own right, have paved the way for, and continue to be, the inspiration for many Bluegrass artists today.
In the opening song, and title track, Rowan gives us the two simple rules of The Old School: pick it clean and play it true. These two rules set the tone for the remainder of the project. Listeners will be hard-pressed to find anyone straying from these rules. Another testament to the talent of Rowan’s songwriting ability is that you can picture Rowan and his fellow artists living the things he writes about in this track. Experiencing life and paying their dues in those formative years of the music that we all hold so dear.
These two rules are what create the simple and yet complex undertones of this project. Upon first hearing a song, one thinks Rowan has written a nice quaint melody. Then the song beckons you to listen again and you hear the subtle chord or the lyric that catches your attention and begs to be heard again. In an industry where song selection is so vital, Rowan proves through his choice of putting these songs into “The Old School” that he is the Head Master.
While every song on this project made me smile, perhaps none more so, than Rowan’s touching and heartfelt tribute, “Doc Watson Morning”…
To read the complete review please click HERE:
Music Charts Magazine Bluegrass Artist and Album Reviews ( by Prescription Bluegrass – YOUR Bluegrass Music Source )
The first thing I need to say about LoCash Cowboys self-titled, debut album is ‘it’s about time’. The duo, made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, have been around for a while, putting two singles, “Here Comes Summer” and “Keep in Mind,” in the Top 40 back in 2010. They released more singles in 2011, 2012 and 2013, but none of them got as much air time as I think they should have. As a result, not many people heard the songs or requested the songs to be played on the radio, and none of these songs did very well on national music charts.
This singer/songwriter team has had a Number 1 single, but it wasn’t something they recorded. Keith Urban took “You Gonna Fly,” written by Preston and Chris, to the top of the charts, in 2012. Tim McGraw had a Top 10 hit, “Truck Yeah,” also written by this duo.
Several songs LoCash Cowboys previously released as singles are also part of this new album, including my favorite, “Keep in Mind.” I will never understand why this song peaked at No. 34 on Billboard’s country chart. Well written, and certainly well performed, the song should have been a Number 1 hit for the duo. It seems not enough radio stations picked the song up at the time of its release.
Other songs on the new album are “Chase a Little Love,” “You Make it Look Good,” “I Hope,” “Hey, Hey, Hey,” “Best Seat,” “Little Miss Crazy Hot,” “Bounce,” Love Drunk,” “Fine,” “Independent Trucker,” and “C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.” Nine of the 12 songs were written or co-written by Chris and Preston. George Jones is a featured guest vocalist on the song “Independent Trucker.”
This debut album comes just six months after the signing with their new label, Average Joes Entertainment. Fans will find a little of everything in the music on this new CD. A lot of the songs are about family and fun, some are flirty songs, and of course there are some of the high-energy songs you will hear at their stage shows.
Not surprising they included “C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.” and “Hey, Hey, Hey” on this new project. These are two of the songs the duo has been performing for a long time. Fans probably can’t think ‘LoCash’ without thinking ‘C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.’
I wasn’t a fan when I first heard LoCash Cowboys. Their music was loud, and seemed to be more for the young country/rock fan than it was for the older, more traditional country music listener. However, they won me over with “Keep in Mind,” and they are certainly keeping my attention with songs like “Chase a Little Love,” and “I Hope.” Whatever you may be in the mood to listen to, they seem to have a song that will work for you. I’ve seen them in concert several times, and if they are ever back in this area I will definitely see them again. It didn’t take long for me. I went from ‘I don’t like them,” to “They’re ok,” to “I’m one of their biggest fans” in no time at all!
When I listen to a CD for the first time, I pick a favorite. I didn’t think I would have to do that this time, because “Keep in Mind” is one of the songs on this new album, and because that will always be my favorite LoCash Cowboys song. But I did pick a ‘second favorite.’ That honor is going to “I Hope.”
Preston tells his fans that what country music really boils down to is the power of the song. His hope is that the group will be able to reach out to both the older and younger crowd. One of the hopes for the duo was that this album contain songs that best define LoCash. I think they accomplished that.
You can get all your LoCash Cowboy news by visiting their website at www.locashcowboys.com, and follow them on Twitter @locashcowboys. Keep up with everything country music by visiting our website at www.countryschatter.com, and follow us on Twitter @countryschatter.
Music Charts Magazine Album and Artist Reviews © Permission must be asked to reproduce this article.
It has been more than 20 years since Lonestar released “Amazed,” and landed in the No. 1 position on country music charts for 16 consecutive weeks. Since then, Richie McDonald left the group to work on a few solo projects . Richie has returned to the band, and is part of the new album “Life As We Know It,” which released on June 4.
I don’t think anyone can hear the name Lonestar without remembering their hit song “Amazed.” And, while that song definitely brought them the most success, it was not their only number one hit. “Smile,” ”Come Cryin’ to Me,” “No News, ” “What About Now,” “Tell Her,” “I’m Already there,” “My Front Porch Looking In,” and “Mr. Mom” all took their turn at the top spot.
Back to its original four members, with Richie McDonald, Dean Sams, Keech Rainwater and Michael Britt, have put together this new album that showcase Lonestar’s talent, both as a band and as songwriters.
The band wrote all but three songs on this album, that gives us The Countdown, Maybe Someday, How Can She Be Everywhere, Pretty Good Day, With My Eyes Open, Party All Day, Life as We Know It, If It Wasn’t for You, I Miss When, I Did it for the Girl, Just the Rain, and Oh Yeah.
Music titles can sometimes confuse the listener. This isn’t the first time “Life As We Know It” has been on the cover of an album. The last time, it was on vinyl, and the album was by REO Speedwagon. That was back in 1987. More recently Greg Bates did a country song called “Did It For The Girl,” and Lonestar has a song on this album with almost the same title, “I Did It For The Girl.”
I wasn’t really impressed with the title track, “Life As We Know It,” and I can’t imagine that one doing very well if released as a single. “Countdown,” the first song on the album, is a good song, and I’m not surprised they put that in the lead-off position.
I only had to listen to the album once to pick a favorite song. For me, “Just the Rain” was the one I wanted to hear again and again. It reminds me of Lonestar 20 years ago. Those of us who were fans then will remain fans, as long as the group keeps putting out this kind of music. It’s a slow, emotional song, well sung, and allows the band to showcase the harmony they’ve always been known for.
As much as I like “Just the Rain,” I’m not sure that one will do well as a single. But there are some that will. I think a great single for this group would be “How Can She Be Everywhere.” Radio might also enjoy sharing songs like “If It Wasn’t For You” and “I Miss When,” with listeners. “Pretty Good Day” is another one that I would imagine people will call and request if it is released as a single. It is an uptempo, feel good song.
The whole album is good, and I think the ballads are the best. “I Miss When,” “Just Rain” and “Maybe Someday” are great songs. But, in today’s Top 40 country market, if those ballads were released to radio, I’m not sure they would get the air time some of the faster songs would.
Keep up with Lonestar by visiting their website, www.lonestarnow.com. Follow them on Twitter @lonestarband. To find out everything going on in country music, visit www.countryschatter.com, and follow us on Twitter @countryschatter.
I knew it at the time…… I thought about it while I was listening to this CD….. I’m thinking about it right NOW, and getting madder by the minute!!!
Eric and Leigh Gibson were about two hours away from my home doing a show at Byron Berline’s Double-Stop-Fiddle-Shop Theater in Guthrie, OK last year….and I missed it! I’ve been kickin’ myself ever since! Byron’s theater is intimate, warm and diligently refined for acoustic music. In other words, the perfect place to have seen the 2012 IBMA Entertainer’s Of The Year. And I MISSED IT!
I guarantee that won’t happen again…..
“They Called It Music,” their third, and latest release on Compass Records, was recorded at Compass Studios in December, 2012. Eric, Leigh and the “third Gibson Brother,” Mike Barber, their twenty year veteran bass player, produced it with noted engineer Ben Surratt behind the recording board. In 2011, The Gibson’s CD, “Help My Brother,” was the IBMA Album Of The Year, and there’s absolutely no reason why this CD shouldn’t be in the running for that title again.
With Eric on banjo and guitar, Leigh on guitar and Mike on upright bass, they are joined by long time band mates Clayton Campbell on fiddle and Joe Walsh on mandolin. According to Eric, the title song had been worked out and stage tested, but the rest were recorded with minimal rehearsal time. You’d sure never know it by listening! The band grabbed on to these songs and just took off! All the years of being on stage together have seasoned this unit and given them each a sixth sense for how the others are going to jump, move and sway to the rhythm of each song. The dual strength of Eric and Leigh form a middle ground that Mike’s bass just has to add propulsion to, and Clayton’s fiddle and Joe’s mandolin are like hornets darting in and out of the songs stinging your ears with solos and fills.
This recording really shows off the best side of each player, and “Engineer Ben” caught it all in the studio. While working on this review, the band’s press agent released the news that Joe Walsh would be leaving the band to follow another path, and in an e-mail to me from Eric, they wished him well and praised his work on this CD. Although Eric and Leigh have not named a replacement at this time, when the right one comes along, I’m sure he’ll be the “pick of the litter!” New members usually bring vitality, energy and new perspectives, so I fully expect the next incarnation of The Gibson Brother’s Band to be even better than this one.
An even dozen songs are the result of last December’s sessions. Six are originals, and the other six are by such well known and noted writers as Loretta Lynn and Shawn Camp, Joe Newberry, Mark Knopfler, Austin Taylor, Roy Hurd and Elizabeth Hill, and J.L. Frank and PeeWee King. Each one is distinct and interesting in it’s own way. Knopfler’s “Daddy’s Gone To Knoxville” is a favorite. “Home On The River,” by Austin Taylor, dating back to 1913, shows just how superb Eric and Leigh carry the gospel message musically. Their duet on this one is zealous and contagious. You’ll be wanting to sing and clap along from the front pew!
Read the rest of this review at the Prescription Bluegrass’ website by clicking the red link:
Music Charts Magazine Bluegrass Album and Artist Reviews are in co-operation with PrescriptionBluegrass.blogspot.com
Darius Rucker – True Believers
Trace Adkins has been even busier than usual lately. On May 19, just five days after the release of his new CD, Love Will, the country artist was named the winner of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice. T he last time Trace was on that show, he finished in second place. This time he took home top honors, and received $500,000 for his favorite charity. Trace was playing for the American Red Cross. Fans always enjoy seeing their favorite artists on television, and Trace’s fans are also going to enjoy this new album.