"Music To My Ears" - Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder- A Review

This year has been a time of tremendous releases of Bluegrass music, this new Disc by Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder being up amongst the top with some Stiff Competition, like The Roys, The Grascals and The Lonesome River Band.
I'm a bit partial to this as it is an audiophile recording,It has been seriously recorded by Skaggs Studio and mastered by Georgetown Masters in HDCD(Old Haunts of genious "Golden Ears" Denny Purcells, now run by his apprentice Andrew Mendelson and crew), The Sound quality just shimmers, and this is a full blown production that has a lot of time and love put into it. Skaggs produced the CD with the help of Gordon Kennedy. All that said, the recordings of the other artists mentioned were quite incredible themselves, like the latest Roys's CD ,which is also done in HDCD.

Ricky has some real good material on this Disc, like "Music to my Ears", a Christian bluegrass song that has the grand traditional bluegrass sound. Also, a great tribute to Doc Watson, who passed away this year, it is called "Tennessee Stud", a mid paced bluegrass gem with Cody Kilby on guitar. Kilby is one of the best guitarists in this genre today, along with Tony Rice, Bryan Sutton and Others. Skaggs is not one to be afraid to step out side the box, and he does some here with the slight sound of electric guitar floating down over some of the songs. Gordon Kennedy takes care of that. Skaggs has songs on here that just live, and they might live on in your heart like "There's Nothing Like A Family" ,last song on disc ,just leaving you with a sense of joy.                       www.rickyskaggs.com

"Goin' Down Rockin" - Waylon Jennings - New Recording

The Hot Seat and TuneIn Offer GOIN’ DOWN ROCKIN’: The Last Recordings of Waylon Jennings from Saguaro Road Records, Due Out September 25

Nashville, TN (September 18, 2012) – The Hot Seat, a Nashville-based diverse media company specializing in national radio marketing and satellite media tours, is pleased to announce a venture into original content with TuneIn. Hosted by the legendary outlaw’s son Shooter Jennings, the world premiere of the highly anticipated Saguaro Road Records’ GOIN’ DOWN ROCKIN’: The Last Recordings of Waylon Jennings will be made available to the 40 million monthly listeners who use TuneIn. TuneIn is widely accessible on more than 200 devices, and available practically anywhere with an Internet signal, including all smartphones and tablets, smart TVs and radios, car dashboards and on the web at tunein.com.

“The Hot Seat is excited to reach an engaged, global audience of millions through TuneIn,” said Jason Turner, VP/Operations at The Hot Seat. “We’ve gotten amazing feedback from the special and look forward to working with TuneIn on more projects in the future.”

One of the all-time greatest country music vocalists, Waylon Jennings wrote 11 of the 12 songs on Goin’ Down Rockin’, 11 of which have never been released before. He recorded them with his accompanist Robby Turner, but died before they could be completed. A decade later, Turner painstakingly finished the tracks to Jennings’ specifications, working with musicians such as Reggie Young, Richie Albright and tour mate Tony Joe White. The songs have been met with bittersweet excitement and warmly embraced by those who knew him best. Recorded shortly before his death in 2002, Goin’ Down Rockin’ will be available on September 25 from Saguaro Road Records.

For the world premiere of GOIN’ DOWN ROCKIN’: The Last Recordings of Waylon Jennings, visit:
http://tunein.com or download the free TuneIn Radio app, available on all smartphones and tablets.

About The Hot Seat:
The Hot Seat is a diverse media marketing company specializing in national branding and exposure. The Hot Seat offers custom, artist-driven content for radio, TV, online and other platforms. Located on Music Row in Nashville, Tenn., The Hot Seat works with artists at all levels to help maximize exposure and build and broaden the highest level of awareness.

Media Contacts:
The Hot Seat
Jason Turner / jason@hotseatonline.com / 615-690-7384

- This is a great Waylon type country CD that can only be a blessing and surprise to Waylon's Fans and country music in general. Waylon tracked these songs with his pedal steel player,Robby Turner, recording it at his studio. Robby would ask him, when He wanted to finish it, and Waylon would say, You Do it in your time, well that time did not come til now, about 10 years after Waylon's Death. Robby got the rest of the band in the studio,and thy did a remarkable job of finishing the disc, It is classic Waylon all of the way. The first song on the CD "Goin' Down Rockin" was written by Tony Joe White (Polk Salad Annie), You would not know the way this CD was put together, unless someone told you. Jenning's voice is strong on all of the cuts. Reggie Young plays some great lead guitar. Well, I sure hope you pick up this disc, it has the warmth of an old Friend.

- Jim Moulton

PR WWW.WEBSTERPR.COM   caitlin@websterpr.com

The Grascals : Top Spins on Bluegrass Junction

The Grascals: Top Spins on Bluegrass Junction

Life Finds a Way is Most Played Album, Includes Most Played Single

NASHVILLE, TN --- The Grascals' latest album, Life Finds A Way, topped the Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction Chart this week with the highest number of plays. Additionally, the single, "Pretty Melody," which appears on the album, also enjoyed top spin status for a single.
“We want to thank the fans who listen and the good folks at Bluegrass Junction for playing,” Jamie Johnson says. “We sure love making the music, and it’s really sweet when folks respond so enthusiastically.”

To listen, tune into Bluegrass Junction (channel 61) on Sirius XM radio or visit www.siriusxm.com/bluegrassjunction

The multiple IBMA Entertainer of the Year award winners and multiple Grammy nominees are at their harmonious and instrumental best with Life Finds a Way (Mountain Home Records). The band is currently touring in support of the new project, sharing bluegrass classics and new music from the album. Band member, Kristen Scott Benson, just picked up yet another nomination as Banjo Player of the Year in the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Association annual awards.
The Grascals recently made their 125th appearance on the stage of the world renowned Grand Ole Opry.
For more on The Grascals, visit www.grascals.com
ABOUT THE BAND

Among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on the bluegrass scene, The Grascals have been repeatedly honored for their work. Named Instrumental Group of the Year at the 39th Annual SPBGMA Awards earlier in 2012, the group previously brought home three SPBGMA awards in 2011: Instrumental Group of the Year; Mandolin Performer of the Year (Danny Roberts) and Banjo Performer of the Year (Kristin Scott Benson). In 2010, they were named SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year. The Grascals have also received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award (2005) and Entertainer of the Year award (2006, 2007). Kristin Scott Benson is the three-time winner of the IBMA’s Banjo Player of the Year Award (2008, 2009 & 2010). They’ve been twice nominated for Grammy Awards.
The Grascals joined Hank Williams, Jr. for numerous shows on his Rowdy Friends Tour throughout 2010, and headlined over 150 shows at State Fairs and on the Bluegrass festival circuit as well. The Grascals continue to enjoy extensive media exposure on a variety of outlets, including NPR’s Mountain Stage, RFD-TV, CMT, GAC, The Grand Ole Opry, Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, FOX & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Country Network (TCN) and both CBS’s Early Show and The Talk.

MEDIA CONTACT FOR INTERVIEWS, REVIEW COPIES:

claire ratliff

laughing penguin publicity

po box 140396 | nashville, tn 37214

615.476.3200laughingpenguin@comcast.net

www.penguinpublicity.com

 

"Where Were You When THe World Stopped Turning?" - Alan Jackson

The Roys Align With Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks

Nashville, TN (September 10, 2012) -- Award-winning brother/sister duo THE ROYS have aligned with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink for a strategic partnership.  THE ROYS will travel to their upcoming shows in a newly-wrapped bus with design and camouflage graphics courtesy of RealTree.  "It looks amazing," says Lee Roy.  "Very earthy," Elaine adds with a wink.  Other marketing efforts will be announced soon.
 
Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks are available in several flavors. White Buck delivers a traditional energy drink flavor profile, but with a crisp, clean finish you've come to expect from Team RealTree Outdoor Energy.  Blaze Orange's crisp, refreshing flavor is paired with the perfect drinkability without being too sugary; easy to drink with the right amount of energy kick makes any hunt one to remember.  AP Citrus is cool and refreshing; carbonated with a hint of lime, the smooth and light flavor gives every outdoorsman a boost of energy to stay focused and alert.  Low-Carb Cream Soda is a new take on a classic; delivering all the flavor of a traditional cream soda with an extra energy boost--the only thing you sacrifice is calories.
 
 "We're truly excited about our partnership with THE ROYS," says Jamey Grosser, Managing Partner of Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drink.  "Lee and Elaine are hard-working, energetic and talented.  They are in touch with Middle America and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and enjoy the great outdoors."
 
 Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drink's slogan is "Not For City Boys," but the beverage, like THE ROYS' music, appeals to fans from all walks of life.  Currently the reigning Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year, the siblings are considered to be one of the fastest-rising acts in the business.  THE ROYS are heralded for a forward-thinking instrumental attitude that contrasts and complements their more traditional vocal style.  The duo has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, performing at huge Festivals and Fairs and reaching larger and larger audiences.
 
 Lee and Elaine will need some Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks in hand to tackle their next road run.  Upcoming appearances include numerous high-profile television and radio broadcasts surrounding the release of their newest EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, which debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart last week.
 
 THE ROYS' full itinerary, photos and audio clips are available at www.THEROYSonline.com.
 
 Copies of NEW DAY DAWNING are available at retail outlets Wal-Mart, Music Millennium, The Disc Exchange, The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Tubb Record Shops and online at AMAZON and iTunes.
 
About Team RealTree Outdoor Energy
NOT FOR CITY BOYS--As the number 1 energy drink brand for living life outdoors, Team RealTree Outdoor Energy is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for brands that complement the lifestyle of today's outdoorsman. Team RealTree Outdoor Energy beverages are the first to feature 16 oz. metal re-sealable bottles, different camouflage patterns for flavor variations and the distinctive Team RealTree logo.
 
 For more information, please visit us on FACEBOOK.
RealTree AP ©2006 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved.
 

Super-Hot Roys Sign With Prestige Agency,Moonstruck Management

Nashville, TN (September 6, 2012) - Another new day is dawning for super-hot duo THE ROYS.  The trend-setting siblings just signed an exclusive global booking agreement with prestige agency, Moonstruck Management.  "Peter and I have been fans of THE ROYS since the beginning," notes Josh Trivett, Moonstruck Management partner.  "We have watched them closely - both as they burst on to the Bluegrass scene with their signature sound and gave performances that are their own and truly unique.  It is with great pride that we join THE ROYS' team, and we look forward to growing with them for years to come," Trivett adds.

For Lee and Elaine the signing with Moonstruck Management for representation is another step forward.  Just as their sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' disc debuts at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart, they join an elite roster that includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sal Gonzalez, Lonesome River Band, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press and The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.

As the reigning Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS have just received nominations in three categories for the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards scheduled to be held October 18.  The siblings were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year award in 2010 and 2009.

Fans can follow THE ROYS online at THEROYSonline.com, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.

MEDIA
so much MOORE media
Martha E. Moore / 615-746-3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
www.somuchmoore.com

BOOKING
Moonstruck Management / Excellence, Integrity, Vision
Josh Trivett / 626-893-5216
Josh@moonstruckmanagement.com

Roys Start new CD with #2 Ranking on Billboard Bluegrass

THE ROYS' NEW DAY DAWNING Debuts On
 Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart At Number 2
 

 
 
Nashville, TN (September 5, 2012) - THE ROYS' sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' disc, NEW DAY DAWNING, debuts at Number 2 on Billboard's Bluegrass Albums Chart.
 
NEW DAY DAWNING is a seven-song EP (a first for a Bluegrass artist) that finds the siblings in fine form.  Their impressive traditional-style vocals ride high over progressive musicianship, keeping the duo's sound fresh and energizing. Their songwriting talents are truly remarkable, and the disc's first single release, "Still Standing," written by Lee and Elaine is already proving to be another "winner."  Other highlights include the live-show favorite "Grandpa's Barn," the heartbreaking "Daddy To Me," the moving "Windin' Roads" and the hypnotic "Fast As We Roll."
Reviewers are hailing NEW DAY DAWNING, saying:
 
"The album showcases Lee and Elaine's smooth, enjoyable brand of modern, Country-influenced Bluegrass." - BLUEGRASS TODAY
 
"If you are new to the magic of family harmony in Bluegrass, start with THE ROYS.  If, on the other hand, you are steeped in the Louvins, the Stanleys and the Osbornes ... when you first hear NEW DAY DAWNING your reaction will be 'Yeah man, that's it right there! Don't change that channel.'" - WORLDWIDE BLUEGRASS
 
"On their new studio album, NEW DAY DAWNING, the brother/sister duo continues to blend an uplifting message with a traditional sound and sibling harmonies as they take time to reflect on their own roots." - GAC
 
"There's not a weak song on the album." - BLUEGRASS NOTES
 
In case you missed these features and reviews, click on BILLBOARD, GAC, ROUGHSTOCK, Examiner.com, ParcBench and NO DEPRESSION.
 
In addition to glowing reviews, the EP is drawing high numbers in the Social Media world.  During a Twitter chat on August 28 with Jessica Northey of #CMChat, over 25 million impressions and a reach of 1 million were tallied. "Great numbers for a special Tuesday chat with THE ROYS," notes Northey.  "It was wonderful to have Elaine and Lee as guests on #CMchat!  They are both so talented.  I loved hearing their personal stories and delving deeper into the Bluegrass genre."  Lee and Elaine's Facebook pages and Twitter accounts have also enjoyed high levels of activity since the EP's release was announced.
 
The brother/sister duo's first Rural Rhythm release, LONESOME WHISTLE, debuted at Number 7 on the same chart and ended up with a spot on BILLBOARD Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 chart.  That CD also generated two hit singles: "Coal Minin' Man" and "Trailblazer."
 
Fans can follow THE ROYS online at THEROYSonline.com, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.
 
BOOKING
Moonstruck Management
Josh Trivett
626-893-5216
email
 
 
Media Contact for The Roys:
Martha E. Moore 615-746-3994
 so much MOORE media
somuchmoore@charter.net


Rural Rhythm Records:
615-470-5451
Facebook
Twitter
 
Media:
 Penni McDaniel, email
678-377-3298
Radio:
 Rick Rowler, email
615-470-5451
NEW DAY DAWNING available to RADIO now at AirplayDirect.com
 
Album Photography and Graphic Design by:
 Anthony Ladd, Kneelindesign
 HIGH RES pic  here
HIGH RES cover art of NEW DAY DAWNING here.

 

"New Day Dawning" - The Roys - A Review

This collection of songs by Lee and Elaine Roy has the same refreshing vibe as exhibited on their last Rural Rhythm CD, "Lonesome Whistle", their sound is fresh ,especially their harmonies which have that special sibling sound.  Their music has a unique bluegrass/country acoustic sound. They do this with the help of alot of Ricky Skaggs band and other studio musicians. Randy Kohrs plays dobro, Mark Fain is on bass, Cody Kilby plays guitar, and Justin Moses on banjo. Andy Leftwich helps produce and plays mandolin and some great fiddle.

  This CD features songs all written by the Roys with some help from some friends such as Lonesome River Band's Brandon Rickman. This is actually an EP ,with seven songs, but it is cheaper and in my opinion there are no filler songs on it. Their first single has already been released and has been a breakout hit. It is "Still Standing" which has great lyrics and an infectious melody.

  I love the first song on the EP, "New Day Dawning" ,the title track, which starts the album out with an upbeat bluegrass sound, and I love the theme of this EP, which is basically family and life story oriented. For example, the songs "Daddy To Me" and "Grandpa's  Barn"  are both family oriented ballads which are just plain solid songs.

  This is a very well produced CD, which has been recorded at Skaggs recording studio, like their last CD. Go check out their website and get a good deal on an autographed CD.      

                         www.theroysonline.com

"Move Me Brightly" - Tribute to Jerry Garcia on 70th Birthday,TRI

Honestly, This show blew me away, I was not prepared for this wild ,eclectic, huge crowd of musicians. Phil, Thanks for starting your night off here, before you left for your own show, which was at your studio. Mike Gordon fit in very well, and played each song like he had known it for awhile, which, he probably had. I have watched all of the highlights show, which was an excellent choice of shows. Bobby, great job as emcee, and keeping everything going smoothly. This in my own honest opinion was the Best presentation of Dead songs since the last days of the Dead, and some of the "Furthur" shows. There is something in the music this night, that is just so cohesive, that is a vibe of the presence of the Dead. The show starts out with a reverant version of "The Wheel", which is a Jerry song witha Spiritual side to it. Phil came to play in the songs He played in, He looks good for all of the health problems that he has had over the last number of years, He also sounded very good, both on bass and his vocals in the first 2 songs that he sang in, "The Wheel" and "Cumberland Blues" . As He left, Mike Gordon came up on stage with Phil's bass, for which I did not know was going to be for the next 4 hours. I really appreciate what Weir had in mind when that studio was built,I am sure there is some great normal CD recording that goes on there but it was built for streaming video, and internet shows. This is going to be a hard one to top. The first one to show up was the 2 hour highlights version, which is the best of the best and now, right beside it on youtube, is the whole 4 hour 23 minute show. What is remarkable is the quality of the picture, probably would look great on a 36 inch screen. Also, They have a huge selection of vintage mikes, amps, guitars, pedals,lots of guitarists were bringing out that Envelope filter sound that Garcia put in his sound in the seventies. OK, some quick faves of mine,"Ship Of Fools" sang masterfully by Neal Casal and he also took my head off with his guitar solo. "Mission In The Rain" sang by Jonathon Wilson made you think that Jerry was in the house, as he sang this and also when he turned on his envelope filter and played an awesome guitar break. Donna Godcheaux was on the stage for these two and she was singing fine and just getting into it. "Terrapin Station" took me back to another time as these young guitarists on stage just about nailed the song, especially a 3 part harmony guitar part that was incredible. Cass McCombs sang the lead on this as he did on "Dupree's Diamond Blues", Cass did a great version on both of these songs. This is as good of a version of Terrapin as I have ever Heard. In ending, I don't know how this concert could be topped today, but I am happy that We have TRI Studios to hear good music on. Excellent production.                            -Check Out You Tube for 4 Hour Show-

The Roys

"Lonesome River Band" - Chronology,vol. 2 - A Review

Disc two of the Lonesome River Band  Chronology has a similar sound to the first one, It starts off with a bonus song,written by their guitar player, lead singer, Brandon Rickman. The song is an upbeat tune called "Barely Beat the Daylight In". This is the first single from the EP, and it is a rich sounding upbeat song about trying to get home on time. It has a catchy melody full of some neat hooks with some great parts by the banjo,fiddle and mandolin. I was happy to see this disc mentioned in Audiophile magazine, because like the first disc, the Sound Quality produced by the folk up at Mountain Fever Studios and the mastering by Bill Wolf at Wolf Mastering is equal to audiophile. The tonal qualities are sweet and as good as it gets for a regular CD, That's why you should get the CD, because if you download this selection of songs ,they won't sound as good as the CD, an overcompressed mp3 file was not designed to be listened to.

  The other seven songs are from the 92-02 season of the Lonesome River Band. The twist is that they are done with today's version of Lonesome River Band and their sound, so they are not supposed to mimic the original versions. Lots of songs about heartbreak and hard luck songs, but they really don't project those moods, it is an upbeat mood. "The Crime I Didn't Do" is sort of a slow sad song about a guy who ends up bustin' rocks for something he didn't do. I really like "Sweet Sally Brown", just a real nice upbeat love song. I have watched several youtubes of this group and they sound excellent live. They just look like they enjoy what they do. And I bet they put on an awesome live show, this CD sounds like a live type performance rather than a studio recording. Sammy Schelor is one of my favorite banjo pickers, He just gets some great tones out the banjo and he is a master of the instrument. This group is full of great pickers and they are so good, really precise and original. Hargrove on fiddle does an excellent job as does Randy Jones on mandolin. Brandon Rickman lays down a real solid rhythm guitar for the vocals and lead instruments. As Barry Reed does a fine job on the bass. Watching the group play live, they really are together and Sammy Schelor has a big smile on his face has his group tears it up. This is great CD for chasin' away the blues. Enjoy!

                            www.lonesomeriverband.com

"Texas, Del Rio, Revisited - Unplugged and Lonesome" - Radney Foster - A Review

This was a great idea and an even better creation. Radney was still getting alot of requests from this CD.and it was out of print so He thought of doing an unplugged version of it. This is Foster's first solo CD after "Foster and Lloyd" broke up. I fell in love with it and know every song on it from the first electric Texas country version of it.

   This is a simple ,but beautiful production. It was recorded in a studio over a weekend, and he had everyone sitting in a circle in the big room of the studio, Really has a great acoustic sound with a pretty impressive guest list. I'm going to list the main players, there were a lot of background singers. One thing I will say, it brings out the same vibe as the original version, plus it has a new song that he just wrote called "Me and John R." on it. Radney does vocals and acoustic guitar, Marty McGuire (Dixie Chicks) fiddle and background vocals, Jon Randall Stewart,acoustic guitar, mandolin,background vocals, Steve Fishell, Dobro and Weisenborn, Brady Black, fiddle on two songs, Michael Ramos, accordion, Wurlitzer,  Matt Borer, percussion and Glenn Fukunda, upright bass.

   The new song "Me and John R." is about his Dad and Johnny Cash. It is an upbeat song, after I read that in the CD cover, the song made sense,a real musical tune with lots of hooks and real pretty acoustic guitar picking and dobro, too.

     I am going to give you a list of the original 10 songs:

        1. Just Call Me Lonesome
        2. Don't Say GoodBye
        3. Easier Said Than Done
        4. A Fine Line
        5. Me and John R.
        6. Nobody Wins
        7. Old Silver
        8. Louisiana Blue
        9. Closing Time
       10. Hammer and Nails
       11  Went For A Ride

          - This is one of the finest acoustic recordings that I have heard in awhile, presented in HDCD,a must have for Radney Foster Fans, Radney Foster is a special talent, who has put out a real winner.

             www.radneyfoster.com

"Mindy Smith" - Mindy Smith - A Review

Mindy came out with her first CD on Vanguard Records back in 04. Seems like such a long time ago. I was crazy about her music, when I heard that CD. Mindy was a songwriter in Nashville working for a songwriting company, where she had access to recording studios to record her demos to give out to Producers and however that company worked. Mindy was originally from Long Island,New York. But she moved to Knoxville, Tennessee because of her Dad's job. In Knoxville, she became interested in playing guitar and singing and then in songwriting.

Smith moved to Nashville to be closer to where her dreams were, singing and writing songs. So,she continued to write and record her music. She had the opportunity to record "Jolene" on a compilation CD and then She started singing around Nashville, and She got together with Steve Buckingham and made her debut CD "One Moment More", which was to me ,an aural masterpiece with the beauty of her vocals and lyrics and the edge of hot electric guitars making her not unlike Lucinda Williams. Her voice had that ache in it from losing her mom, That is what "One Moment More" is all about. Vanguard records released her first four CDs and then Mindy kinda vanished.
I heard about this new Cd on her own label and had to hear it, because her last CD on Vanguard ended up not so good in my opinion. It was called "Stupid Love" and it was more like a pop record, the alt/country trappings were gone. In fact, there was so much distortion on the first 2 songs, you could not listen to them. There was some good songs on the CD , but the magic from her first three Cds was gone.

Well, with a new label and publicist, and a great recording, Mindy Smith is back, singing better than ever, this CD reminds me alot of her first CD. It has everything, from Beautiful ballads like "Tin Can","If I", "Everything Here Will Be Fine", "Devils Inside" to rockers like "Sober", and mid tempo tunes like "Cure For Love" to sad songs like "When You're Walking On My Grave". The music is very well done with Bryan Sutton on guitar and Dan Dugmore on pedal steel who played on her first CD.
Her first single "Closer" is a song that reminds me of "Come To Jesus" with it's loud guitars and mixture of other instruments in a collage of sound. Her vocals are strong and sweet, with some great hooks and lyrics. The flow of songs is great, where there is tension, she will relieve it in the next song with a pretty ballad.
And for something new, Mindy did the great artwork for the CD , and also has been doing a good bit of painting. There is one offer where you can buy some of her paintings. This is literally, a great work of art.

              www.mindysmithmusic.com

"Still Standing" - The Roys - A Single Review

 The Roy's are just about ready to release a new Album. This is a review of their first single from the CD ,named "Still Standing". On this song, they take on a new type of sound, not as processed and country as their last CD. This song is an upbeat song, which sounds very much bluegrass, reminds me a bit of Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. There is lots of fiddle and Dobro. Elaine does the lead vocals and seems very comfortable with this stripped down bluegrass sound.

   The song is about perseverance, talking about identity and getting on with life. I find myself a little bit with mixed feelings, because I do love bluegrass like this, but The Roy's last CD was so Lush sounding and such a great country album with bluegrass influence. This does make me wonder what the rest of the CD will be like. I can't help but think it will be good, musicians follow their heart or ears ,I really like this, I have some other new surprises that I got recently in the mail. Keep your ears out for this one!!  It's a Good song, different, but real good.

                                   www.theroysonline.com

The Wampler Ego Compressor Pedal - A Review

I have had 3 versions of this pedal by Brian Wampler. It is based on his design ,building a compressor for himself years ago, though he has tweaked the design. Very versatile,this compressor has 5 knobs to adjust your compression from full blown chicken pickin' to a much more subtle compression or to a separate clean boost channel.
    It is not parallel compression ,like The Barber Tone Press, It is more like 2 pedals in one, a clean boost and a Ross like compressor. Wampler uses only top grade parts in his compressor, and it is a very well built pedal. The blend knob gives you the choice of how much of each channel you want to use, boost or compression. The attack knob goes into action when the pedal has the blend knob on compression only, Honestly I have not found a setting of this compressor that I do not like. There is included in the compressor box, a very complete set of instructions.
    Finally, Wampler has a tone knob which can give you some bass to treble changes, going to clockwise. This was a request of customers, not the tone knob, it has been there, some customers wanted it's action to change in how it interacts with tone and presence and it is a little different than just a plain tone knob. All in all, it is a very good product at a fair price. I truly love it myself ,recently I turned on one of Philly's best guitarists, Jim Fogarty to it and He said it took his Pedalworx Squeeze Factor off his pedal board for the Wampler.  Listen to Brian's Demo on his website.                   www.wamplerpedals.com

The Grascals Sing The National Anthem

"Up Here In The Saddle" - Todd Fritsch - A Review

Todd Fritsch had a very bad accident roping horses at the family ranch  three years ago. So ,He had to get away from what he loved best and help out at the family business, though the music dream never left his heart.

  I have a theory that the best music comes from a musician who has been through the fires. In Todd's case, I really think that this is true. His vocals sound better and more focused than ever. His sound is more Nashville, but country Nashville, not pop Nashville.

  He really has the privilege of being able to use a very good song catalog here. He has some really good writers at his disposal here. His sound goes from Jason Aldean to George Strait. These songs are my favorites. Todd really puts alot of emotion into this project.

  Some of my favorites are the opener, which is very upbeat,"My Kind Of Crowd", a Jason Aldean type song written by Bryan Simpson. An awesome slow ballad is "Calls I Haven't Made", which might be the best song on the disc.

  "In a Song" by Doug Johnson is a slow song with lyrics that are brilliant and a song that Todd does so well.

  "Horses He Can't Ride Anymore" - This is a Dean Dillon song about a cowboy near the end of his trail, very moving. Dean Dillon does alot of writing with George Strait.

  "That Girls Got A Cowboys Heart", (Dean Dillon) - this is another great song, a bit more upbeat, These Dillon songs sound like A list songs, not throwaways or B list material. Dillon makes a significant contribution to the mood of the whole project.  This CD will be released on June 26, so enjoy.

                                       www.toddfritsch.com

"Up Here In The Saddle" - Todd Fritsch - A Review

Mindy Smith is Back, yes, BACK!!!

Welcome back Mindy Smith with an awesome new album and also some really neat artwork, Look for her on the road in a town near you.
              www.mindysmithmusic.com  CD at website or Amazon.

GraphTech - The Tusq Pick - A Review

I received a small package from Graph Tech about 10 days ago. It had the new Tusq picks I had requested to review. There are so many new cords, strings, pedals and picks out there today for the guitarist to shop for. The nice thing about picks is they are cheap, well unless you use The Blue Chip Pick which costs 35 bucks a pick ,but they are worth it. My most read review was on The Blue Chip Pick. They are a great pick, they are like synthetic tortoise. And they really improve your guitars tone.

    Well, that is the idea here and I think Tusq wins too. You remember when you first heard about Tusq, it was the saddle and nut on your new Taylor guitar. They are very good sounding, a very proprietary blend of some plastic like material. The Picks are cool, I am playing with my favorite right now. It is an ivory colored .88 pick. That one is best for me. The black  .68 didn't have enough mass for me though I could play with it fine. The medium sized Tusq pick is great. (Subjective here, for me it is great.) All sizes come in white,ivory and black. They cost a buck a pick, that really is not bad, They come in packets of 6 for 5.95. They are real stiff, so it is easy to strum or play lead, They are great for playing mandolin runs on a guitar. When you drop one , it has a musical ping to it. They look like they would last forever. I think they will be popular, they ought to be in your store pretty soon, if not, you can get them at Graphtech's website.

                              www.graphtech.com