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Justin
Haigh • People Like Me • www.justinhaigh.com - 7 Stars
Justin Haigh's People Like Me CD opens up with
the song, “All My Best Friends (Are Behind
Bars),” which should be a country music
standard. Some of Nashville's finest songwriters
contributed songs to this traditional country
project and it shows. Justin's voice shines on
all the top-shelf material, but particularly
appealing is “Is It Still Cheating” and
the cover of Waylon's “A Rose In
Paradise.” This young man has a very bright
future! |
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Kelly
Parkes • First 5 • www.kellyparkes.com - 6 Stars
Kelly Parkes' new release, First 5, gives a
little glimpse into her contemporary style. From
the powerful straightforward ballad, “Don't
Make Me” to the Cajun-flavored up-tempo
song, “Girl With A Fishing Rod,”
Kelly's vocals don't disappoint. Looking forward
to the next five! |
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Mike
Short Jr. • Stirrin' Things Up • www.mikeshortjr.com - 6 Stars
Mike Short Jr.'s Stirrin' Things Up album starts
out rockin' with songs “Stirrin' Things
Up” and “It's All Good.” However,
he is overpowered by electric guitar on those
first two selections, but by track 3, Mike's
talent really begins to shine, particularly on
the self-penned songs, “She's Good At
Sunday” and “Slow Dancin' With A
Memory.” |
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Byron
Hill • Radio Songs • www.byronhillmusic.com - 5 Stars
Byron Hill is a songwriter extraordinaire with a
long list of credentials. For this album, he
picks some of his chart hits for artists like
Johnny Lee, George Strait, and George Jones. With
songs like “Pickin' Up Strangers” and
“Fool Hearted Memory,” this CD is a
walk down memory lane. These stripped down
acoustic versions highlight why Byron Hill is one
of Nashville's best. |
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Jennifer
Drummey • From Then Till Now Till When
• www.jenniferdrummey.com - 5 Stars
From Then Till Now Till When from folk artist,
Jennifer Drummey highlights not only her smooth,
easy vocals, but her songwriting skills (writing
nine of the eleven songs) and her musicianship
playing acoustic guitar and percussion. An
all-around talent, Jennifer delivers songs like
“You Come To Mind” and “Barren
Land” with ease. |
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| April 2012 |
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The
Bellamy Brothers • www.bellamybrothers.com - 7 Stars
Let Your Love Flow: The Ultimate Bellamy Brothers
Collection
The Bellamy Brothers extraordinary music career
is highlighted in this 4-disc CD set released by
Reader’s Digest. It’s full of hits like
“Let Your Love Flow,” “If I Said
You Had A Beautiful Body,” and “Get
Into Reggae Cowboy.” Their consistent
smooth, easy style is reflected here and reminds
us all why the duo continues to be a strong force
in country music. |
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Dean
Johnston • Start With Goodbye - 7 Stars
www.myspace.com/deanjohnstoncountrymusic
Another Australian making his mark on Nashville,
Dean Johnston offers up some true
two-steppin’, toe-tappin’ country music
in this CD, Start With Goodbye. He wrote or
co-wrote all the songs on the project and
delivers them with ease. Particularly
ear-catching are “She’s So Right
It’s Wrong” and “Wild Side.”
This project should garner Dean Johnston plenty
of new fans! |
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The
McClymonts • Wrapped Up Good • www.themcclymonts.net - 6 Stars
Australian sister group, The McClymonts are
taking America by storm. After reaching the top
in their homeland, Brooke, Samantha and Mollie
set their sights on Nashville and are garnering
the attention of not only Music Row, but that of
the country music fans. This CD, Wrapped Up Good,
is twelve songs full of sisterly harmonies and
solid lead vocals. Their high-energy contemporary
style is particularly evident in the title cut,
“Wrapped Up Good, as well as
“Cannonball” and “Kick It
Up.” Fun and entertaining! |
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Mike
Bryant • New Friends Are Silver Old Friends
Are Gold - 4 Stars
www.mikebryant-nashville.net
Mike Bryant’s New Friends Are Silver Old
Friends Are Gold CD is a collection highlighting
his diverse skills - he wrote the songs, sung
lead and harmonies, played steel guitar, bass,
piano and keyboards, engineered, produced and
even did the graphic design. As mentioned in his
liner notes, this project was heavily influenced
by the death of two friends and has an overall
somber tone – almost too much so at times
even for traditional country music. |
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Brenda
Lynn Allen • Thoughts Of Me And You - 4
Stars
www.brendalynnallen.com
Thoughts Of Me And You is the debut CD from
Brenda Lynn Allen. Adding familiar songs like
“The Wayward Wind” and “I Still
Miss Someone” to seven of her original songs
offers a nice mixture. While this is a worthy
start to her recording and songwriting career,
with a little more experience and development,
her next project should be a better showcase of
her talent. |
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| May 2012 |
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Ann
Claire • Honkytonk Princess - 6 Stars
www.princessannclaire.com
Ann Claire's CD/DVD, Honkytonk Princess is a
snapshot of what this real-life princess is about
- writing eight of the twelve cuts - she captures
a modern country sound. Particularly intriguing
is the title cut, “Honkytonk Princess”
and “Let's Go to Mexico.” This princess
should be welcomed into the “country music
kingdom” by country music fans around the
world. |
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Scott
Carey • Long Road To Nashville - 5 Stars
www.scottcareymusic.comScott Carey's CD Long
Road To Nashville opens with “Little Bit A
Country,” a very modern country number heavy
on the rock'n roll guitar. Once he settles into a
more solid country style, his talent begins to
shine. Writing or co-writing all the songs, his
interpretation is honest and real particularly on
“Smile” and “Love Me Again.”
A very commercial and radio friendly CD.
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Mark
Wayne Glasmire • Mark Wayne Glasmire - 5
Stars
www.markwayneglasmire.com
Mark Wayne Glasmire's self-titled seven-song EP
includes material written or co-written by Mark.
There is a variety of songs from “I Like
You” which has a “Jimmy Buffet”
feel to the more personal anthem, “The Last
Of A Dying Breed.” There is a refreshing
simplicity to this project yet he delivers his
vocals with a great deal of emotion and
believability. |
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Mike
Rodgers • Down For The Taking - 5 Stars
www.myspace.com/mikerodgersmusicThe Down For The Taking EP by Mike
Rodgers is an edgy, rock-oriented album, complete
with five of Mike's self-penned tunes. There is a
unique depth to his writing and his vocals convey
those lyrics with passion. “So We Run”
stands out and is a good indicator of his musical
talent.
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John
Prestia • It's Only Me - 4 Stars
www.myspace.com/johnprestiamusic
An aptly titled album, It's Only Me, features
only John Prestia - songwriter, singer and
musician. While the production is sparse and was
“recorded in hotel rooms and nooks and
crannies along the way on the 2011 Tim McGraw
„Emotional Traffic' tour,” it's a
welcomed rough and raw look at how John
envisioned his songs. A nice bluesy songwriter's
album. |
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| June 2012 |
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Grady Skelton • Live Simply - 6
Stars
www.gradyskelton.com
Texan, Grady Skelton, delivers a
Texas-rockin' style CD with plenty of
toe-tappers like “We Like
Drinkin'” and “Cruel
Intentions.” His single, “Girl
I Love” is an attention-getter and
should garner some radio airplay. His
vocals are strong and the production
compliments the songs. |
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Joe Eskridge • Lines - 5 Stars
joeeskridgemusic.webs.comLines
showcases Joe Eskridge's writing skills
as much as his vocal talent. His lyrics
are relatable and strong. He delivers the
songs with a smooth easy vocal style, and
the production while simple at times is
appropriate. The title-cut,
“Lines,” is a heart-wrenching
and emotional song - it will bring tears!
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Various Artists • “Help for
Today….Hope for Tomorrow” - 5
Stars
John Penney Music
www.johnpenneymusic.com
John Penney spearheaded this project to
raise money for the National Breast
Cancer Foundation, Inc., by pulling
together artists like Marty Raybon, Buddy
Jewell, Johnny Lee Cook, T. Graham Brown
and more. John's song, “I Will Be
Saved” opens the CD and is an
honest, from the heart, grass roots
gospel song. Each song delivers a message
of hope - good cause - good music! |
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Jefferson Grizzard • A Crack In The
Door - 5 Stars
www.jeffersongrizzard.comJefferson
Grizzard wrote all the songs on this
11-song disc entitled, A Crack In The
Door. His edgy rock style, while familiar
is uniquely his own, even incorporating
the steel guitar and harmonica, which is
particularly nice on “Since You Come
Around.” His vocals are emotional
and bluesy.
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Doug Briney • It's All Country - 4
Stars
www.dougbriney.com
Doug Briney recorded this CD in Alaska -
and while it offers up some traditional
country music, there is some northwestern
influences that can be heard.
“Voices” is one of the best
songs on the CD which was written by
Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman and Chris
Young. Doug is passionate in his vocal
delivery and the production is adequate. |
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| July 2012 |
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Aubree Bullock • That’s Life - 6 Stars
www.aubreebullock.com
Aubree Bullock kicks off the CD with the uptempo
title cut, “That’s Life.” Produced
by Chuck Day, this CD is filled with inspiration
and hope wrapped in a contemporary country feel.
Mixing Aubree’s strong vocals and skillful
delivery with a strong production and some
accomplished musicians makes this project a
winner. With songs like “If People Never
Dreamed” and “Defeated,” Aubree
brings the message home! |
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Chuck Day • eleven - 6 Stars
www.chuckday.com
As explained in the liner notes,
“eleven” is the Biblical number for
transition - and each song “speaks of
transition” and “hope for change.”
Chuck Day does an exceptional job of delivering
that intended message! Surrounded by top-notch
musicians and a solid production, his vocals are
heartfelt and passionate particularly on “A
Handful of Weeds” and “You Can Always
Come Back Home.” Excellent! |
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Todd Fritsch • Up Here In This Saddle - 6
Stars
www.toddfritsch.com
Todd Fritsch brings it to the country music
audience with Up Here In This Saddle. From the
opening song, “My Kind Of Crowd” to the
final cut “That Girl’s Got A Cowboy
Heart,” Todd’s vocals are on the mark
with honesty and sincerity, yet mixed with a
little bit of edginess. The song selection is
excellent with several from hit songwriter, Dean
Dillon. Songs, production, and vocals - it’s
all solid and on target! |
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Billy James Clayton • Truckload Of Love - 6
Stars
www.reverbnation.com/billyjamesclaytonbjc
Billy James Clayton’s CD, Truckload Of Love
features his rough and edgy vocals which are
complimented expertly by the fiddle and steel
guitar. While rockin’ country trucker’s
songs like “Born On The Highway” and
“Truckload Of Love” are spotlighted
here, there’s more to the album with tender
ballads like “Someone Should Tell Them”
and “What I Wouldn’t Give.”
There’s even a little bluegrass, too! Nice! |
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Kevin Greaves • Daddy’s Radio - 5 Stars
www.kevingreaves.com
New Zealand native, Kevin Greaves, releases a
solid country album with Daddy’s Radio.
Particularly notable and touching is “Your
First Breath (Luka’s Song),” a song
about the birth of a child co-written by Kevin
and Jodi Vaughan. Kevin does authentic versions
of covers like “Be My Baby Tonight” and
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road.”
Nice production combined with solid vocals. |
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| August 2012 |
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Reggie Shaw • Living In The Fast Lane - 7
Stars
www.reggieshaw.com
Reggie Shaw’s Living In The Fast Lane CD is
a first-class mixture of well-written songs,
heartfelt vocals and a complimentary production
with includes a standout lead guitar and steel
guitar. Particularly moving is the song “I
Lost It All” written by Eric Durrance.
Another standout song is “Country Music
Church” written by Reggie and Dave Gibson.
Reggie Shaw has all the elements to be the
“next big thing!” |
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Chase Rice • Dirt Road Communion - 6 Stars
www.chaserice.com
Chase Rice’s 16-song Dirt Road Communion CD
highlights not only his unique vocal style but
also his notable songwriting skill. He opens the
CD with the title cut, “Dirt Road
Communion,” a rockin’ little country
song, which is a great opener. He also shines on
ballads like “Room 205” and the very
personal song, “Jack Daniel’s &
Jesus.” Chase Rice is a star on the rise. |
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Jeffery Deaver • XO The Album - 5 Stars
www.jefferydeaverxomusic.com
XO The Album includes songs from the bestselling
novel, XO by Jeffery Deaver. Performed by Treva
Blomquist, these songs are well-produced and
compliment her solid vocals particularly on the
ballads like “Fire And Flame.” Jeffery
wrote the lyrics and music was composed by Clay
Stafford and Ken Landers. This CD will be
particularly poignant to readers of the XO novel. |
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Kris Miller • The Journey Home - 5 Stars
www.krismillermusic.com
Kris Miller offers inspiration and hope in this
album filled with self-penned tunes. From the
beginning song, “He Is That He Is” to
the final song, “Great Shakening”
(performed by Grace Lister), she carries the
“strength and encouragement” theme
throughout. One can hear a California influence
in her style as she delivers each song with a
heart for the Lord. |
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| September
2012 |
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Pork McElhinny • Stomping Ground - 6 Stars
www.PorkM.com
Pork McElhinny wrote or co-wrote all ten songs on
this honky-tonkin’ style CD, filled with
drinkin’ songs like “One More
Beer” and “Why Am I So Thirsty.”
But there is a more serious note on the CD with
“He Calls Me Dad.” The fiddle shines in
the production and compliments Pork’s
redneck vocals. The songs are solid, his voice is
steady - some toe-tappin’ fun! |
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Ellie May Kay • More Of What Matters - 6
Stars
www.EllieMayKay.com
An overall fun and positive 5-song EP featuring
songs written by noted songwriters like Hillary
Scott of Lady Antebellum, Victoria Shaw and Jamey
Johnson. Opening with “Beautiful As
Usual” sets the tone. The title cut,
“More Of What Matters” is a meaningful
piece. Ellie May’s vocals interpret the
songs nicely and she delivers the message with
ease. |
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Debbie Perysian • Country Music Done Country
- 5 Stars
While all the songs are original compositions
there is a familiar sound as Debbie Perysian,
takes us back in time with her hardcore country
production and the twang in her vocals. From the
first song, “Where I Long To Be” to the
final cut, “Angels Whose Voices We
Know,” Debbie stays true to her country soul
- this is country music done country - the
old-fashioned way! |
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Jeanie Sliva • Truth Is… - 5 Stars
Jeanie Sliva wears multiple hats on this project
from songwriter and vocalist to producer of this
CD. Her self-penned songs are produced with a
stylish mixture of Americana, folk, country,
bluegrass and even a little bit of blues. The
dobro is particularly appealing on the first cut,
“The One You Keep.” Heartfelt vocals
matched with an inviting production make this an
enjoyable CD. |
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| October 2012 |
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Billy Dean • A Man Of Good Fortune • www.billydean.com - 6 Stars
Billy Dean has an impressive history in country
music, but it’s been a while since he has
released an album to the country music market.
His new CD, A Man Of Good Fortune, only
solidifies his standing in country music. The
album includes inspiring songs like “The
Seed” and the toe-tapping “Middle Of
Nowhere.” His vocals are as strong as ever
and he should be back on the radio again soon! |
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Herrick • New Dance • www.herricklive.com - 6 Stars
Herrick is a high-energy group comprised of Donna
Herrick, Kerry Herrick, Jefferson Rogers and Zach
Ballard. They have incorporated their dynamic
stage energy into this recording, which some
groups never accomplish. Donna’s vocals are
powerful and surrounded by a nice harmony mix.
All but two songs were co-written by one or more
members of Herrick - a diverse group that know
how to rock! |
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Michael Garland • I Heard The Jukebox Cry
• www.nlt-records.com - 6 Stars
Michael Garland’s CD, I Heard The Jukebox
Cry is a portrait of traditional country music.
Relying on legendary studio musicians like Lloyd
Green and Hargus “Pig” Robbins for that
traditional sound, Michael compliments that with
his strong country vocals which are reminiscent
of George Strait. Particularly notable are the
songs “Touch Of A Woman” and “I
Heard The Jukebox Cry.” |
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Janice Gilbert • Bloom • www.myspace.com/janicegilbert23 - 5 Stars
Janice Gilbert’s CD, Bloom, highlights her
songwriting skills - writing or co-writing all
ten songs on the project. With an Americana style
delivery, she interprets each song from her heart
and surrounds those vocals with a solid sounding
production. The stand out song is “Chase
Me” which Janice co-wrote with Ava Rives and
Shantel Adams. This CD should garner Janice some
new fans. |
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Brian Glenn • Full Circle - 5 Stars
A well-known demo singer in Nashville, Brian
Glenn demonstrates why his vocals are so sought
after in this solo CD, Full Circle. He covers
some classic tunes such as “Games People
Play,” “Spanish Eyes,” and
“Highway 40 Blues.” His versions are
fresh and entertaining. There’s a variety of
styles here and Brian even includes a yodeling
song entitled, “Whip Out A Yodel.” |
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| November
2012 |
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Sweethearts Of The Rodeo • Restless • www.sweetheartsoftherodeo.com - 7 Stars
Janice Oliver and Kristine Arnold, better known
as The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, have again
captured their unique sound and breathtaking
harmonies on a new CD, entitled, Restless. The
project is also highlighted by Janice's
songwriting ability, co-writing seven of the
twelve cuts. From the uptempo, “Gone To
Kentucky” to the more laid-back “Maybe
Tonight,” one thing is for sure, The
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo” are alive and
well! Welcome back! |
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The Roys • New Day Dawning • www.theroysonline.com - 6 Stars
The brother-sister duo, The Roys are bringing
family harmonies back to the forefront with their
unique blend of bluegrass and country. Lee and
Elaine Roy also had a hand in the writing of
several songs on this project. From the uplifting
toe-tappin' sound of “New Day Dawning”
to the sweet memories in the ballad,
“Grandpa's Barn,” there is a remarkable
vocal blend that re-mains constant throughout and
makes this project special. |
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Tobi Gordon • Follow The Star • www.tobigordon.com - 5 Stars
Tobi Gordon's Follow The Star CD, is full of
Holiday charm. It includes a lot of traditional
favorites like “Jingle Bell Rock,”
“White Christmas” and “Winter
Wonderland” as well as some unfamiliar songs
like “Santa's Kicking Up His Country
Heels” and “Ring Those Joy Bells Of
Christmas.” Tobi's heartwarming vocals are a
perfect addition to this Christmas season. |
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Bruck • Whiskey, Women & Rattlesnakes
• www.jbbruck.com - 5 Stars
JB Bruck's new CD, Whiskey, Women &
Rattlesnakes is a showcase for his songwriting
skills having written all ten songs. His edgy,
alternative country music style is perhaps more
thought provoking than commercial with songs like
“If God Was” and “Ain't Gonna Be
Easy.” Bruck co-produced the project with
noted singer, songwriter and musician, Lonnie
Wilson. While a little rough around the edges,
there is some depth. |
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Smokey River Boys • #1 Greatest Country Hits
• www.smokeyriverboys.com - 5 Stars
The Smokey River Boys #1 Greatest Country Hits CD
includes fourteen songs with an overall easy
listening country music style. The project
includes the song, “Lady Liberty”
written by lead singer, Robert Metzgar for the
Obama Liberty Project for handicapped school
children. Other notable songs on the project are
“Let's Fall In Love Again” and
“Under The Moonlight.” |
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| December
2012 |
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LiveWire • Livin’ • www.livewirecountry.com - 7 Stars
The Livin’ CD by Ozark Mountain group,
LiveWire is country music mixed with a spark of
Southern Rock. The band’s performance of
these workin’ man songs about livin’
and lovin’ is filled with passion,
enthusiasm and high-energy. Particularly
appealing songs are “Don’t Nothin’
Take My Breath” and “Gone.”
There’s a lot to be excited about on this
project and a must listen for those that like a
solid group sound. |
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Jeff Maddox • That’s What Love Does
• www.jeffmaddoxmusic.com - 6 Stars
Jeff Maddox’s CD, That’s What Love
Does, is a collection of sixteen self-penned
songs. There is a depth to Jeff’s lyrics and
a conviction in his vocal delivery which is
surrounded by a solid country production with
plenty of fiddle, mandolin and dobro.
Particularly appealing tunes on the album are
“A Woman To Me,” and “Man Behind
The Glass.” This is an impressive project -
looking forward to hearing more from Jeff Maddox. |
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Stephanie Layne • Stephanie Layne • www.stephanielayne.com - 5 Stars
Stephanie Layne co-wrote five of the seven songs
on her self-titled EP, which features a
contemporary country sound mixed with a little
bit of the blues. This is a complete package for
fans of today’s country music with strong
vocals, good songs and solid production. The
song, “Ain’t No Neighbors” is
particularly poignant. Stephanie Layne is
definitely an artist to watch. |
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Jimmy Parker • Home • www.jimmyparkermusic.com - 5 Stars
Jimmy Parker’s album Home is representative
of the true meaning of country music - honest
down-to-earth vocals and heartfelt lyrics about
love and hardship. His vocals are convincing and
the production is nothing but solid country. The
song, “Daddy” is an amazing song and
the stand out on the album. Jimmy Parker is
keeping the roots of country music alive! |
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Del Robbins • Where Did The Love Go • www.delrobbins.com - 5 Stars
Where Did The Love Go CD by Del Robbins is a
little bit of country mixed with an easy
listening feel. It’s a nice laid-back album
with good production, particularly on
“Summer Rain” where the saxophone
shines. A smooth vocal performance by Del makes
this an enjoyable production from start to
finish. The stand out song on the project is the
title cut, “Where Did The Love Go.” |
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