"The Flame You Follow," the second CD from Jason Spooner, shows an incredible amount of singing/songwriting capability that is rare to find in most artists. Out of the entire album, our favorite track would have to be the title track, "The Flame You Follow," although it is filled with great songs. The production quality is also quite outstanding, and they couldn't have done better arranging of the CD.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 “Landlocked,” the fourth album from Jeremy James, is an interesting piece of work. James really harnessed his inner storyteller, and translated them into lyrics, intertwining them with music, all simultaneously throughout the entire album. While listening to this CD, we felt we were being catapulted into each song as it began, then sorrowfully ripped away at the end, just before being thrown into the next. James and all his musical help really showed talent, and the production quality of this CD was incredible. All in all, this was a great album, one we really enjoyed.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 “At Least That Much Was True,” by Jeff Talmadge was unlike anything we have heard in quite some time. The way he incorporates so many descriptive words and verses into his songs paints a clear picture for his listeners. The lyrics provide many stories throughout the whole album for the listeners to follow, whether a story of which path you should take in life, or a song reminiscing of past love. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not this is an album worth buying, and we definitely say yes.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 Al Brant’s latest CD, “Songs for the Early Morning Sun” is one really fine piece of work. The CD contains 12 tracks, 11 of which are original, and provides great variety and style as Mr. Brant wows you with his voice and his exceptional songwriting.

Al’s lyrics are simple, yet thoughtful and so very soulfully presented. On a couple of the tracks, he demonstrates his impressive vocal range and throughout the album you can enjoy his unique roots style. Even the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”, the only non-original on the CD, has Al’s distinctive spin on it.

This is truly a great CD and one that is fun and easy to listen to. The only thing on the CD that will disappoint the listener is when the last song ends – but then, that’s why we have “Replay” buttons!

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

Troubadour Dennis White has North Carolina roots and some Tennessee branches before his relocation to the wide, open state of Montana. During his college days, he did field recordings in Virginia and seems to personally relate to the message of the Carter Family's "Fifty Miles of Elbow Room" that he first heard back then. "When the gates swing wide on the other side, where the flowers ever bloom, on the right hand, on the left hand, fifty miles of elbow room." At present, he works in Bozeman, Mt. as musical director for the Montana Mandolin Society. With many performance, production and recording credits under his belt, it's interesting to go back and review his 1998 release that represents his musical journey through traditional, folk, bluegrass, string band, classic country, and original music. White likes plenty of room to move and operate in, and the versatile multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, banjo) covers a broad scope of acoustic music. Why, he even offers "Christuma," a Brazilian huapongo dance tune! Then, there are the songs from Bill Monroe, John Hartford, Marshall Wilborn, Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Pat Alger, and Eric Anderson. Dennis' own originals include "Way Down in Dixieland" and "Laughin' Man." The former has a bluegrass bite and nostalgically dreams of home while on the road playing one-night stands. The latter is a lively instrumental contradance tune that is sure to impart some vigor to your step.

With plenty of authenticity and unpretentious picking and singing, Dennis and company demonstrate relaxed musical showmanship and presentation. The aural kaleidoscope incorporates acoustic string instruments along with some other unique flavors - touches of accordion, jew's harp, bones, hand drum, congos. I also like his approach of infusing his music with various banjo styles such as plucking, frailing, clawhammering, and bluegrass picking. When Dennis put out this album, he had an eclectic band called The Station Wagoneers. I'm assuming that some of the featured guest musicians were in his band at that time, and some may still be picking with him in the Montana Mandolin Society. "Elbow Room" is like an old window that allows us to cast a glance through a historical pane back to Dennis White's earlier roots. It is both pleasant and intriguing music, presented with solid musicianship from that region. "Elbow Room" is a bonanza of rich musical ore. Since then, numerous highly-acclaimed albums from the Montana andolin Society have been added to Dennis' continuing discography.

Joe Ross - rossjoe@hotmail.com

Czech this out! The international appeal of bluegrass music is far-reaching, and there are a number of fine groups in the Czech Republic who can relate to the acoustic nature, themes and broad appeal of the genre. It does seem that the further a group is from Appalachia, the more eclectic and independent their musical amalgamation becomes. Druha Trava (translation: "Second Grass") provides an enthusiastic grassified spin to tunes from Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, John Fogerty, Peter Rowan and Kris Kristofferson. Add in an original song ("When Death Does Us Apart") and a few of their own instrumentals ("Fall Farm," "Ossian" and "Caurea") and you've got a unique blend of music with Slovak, Moravian and Czech dialects. Actually recorded in April, 2004 and then released in their country on the Universal label, "Good Morning, Friend" was then released in the U.S. in 2006 when Compass Records decided to put it out. Compass had previously distributed their Czechmate, New Freedom Bell, and Piece of Cake projects in the U.S. about 1999.

Mandolinist and vocalist Robert Krestan's full-bodied, gruff voice sounds a bit weather-stained. But despite his raspiness, he provides a certain gusto to lines like Johnny Cash's "Yes I'm feeling like a million since I've got you livin' in." European audiences are not necessarily looking for that "high, lonesome sound" in their bluegrass, and Krestan's multi-year wins of "Male Vocalist of the Year" (Banjo Jamboree Festival), "Country Artist of the Year" (Czech Music Academy), and "Best Male Vocalist" (Bluegrass Association of the Czech Republic) prove that. His gruffgrass vocals are complemented by some excellent banjo, guitar and Dobro instrumental work courtesy of Lubos Malina, Emil Formanek, and Lubos Novotny. Malina also provides some refreshing whistles to the Celtic-flavored "Ossian," and clarinet to Dylan's "Goin' To Acapulco." The band's solid bass lines are provided by Petr Sury. Guests provide background vocals, harmonica, violin, resoradio and vibratongue (whatever those last two are). Druha Trava has collaborated on recording and touring with Charlie McCoy on numerous occasions, and his harmonica is a welcome addition to the mix of six tracks. It would've been nice to hear more of Stano Paluch's fiddle than just on the three cuts including him. I was also a tad disappointed that the mandolin is relegated to a rather minimal role on the CD.

Druha Trava dates back to 1991 when Krestan and Malina left the band known as Poutnici. Within a year, the new group had won a Czech "Band of the Year" Grammy. Over they years, they've done considerable recording and touring, sometimes singing in their native Slavic language and sometimes including a drummer. From 1993-97, Druha Trava toured the U.S. acoustically. From 1998-2001, they toured with a drummer. Beginning in 2002, Druha Trava again
began touring the U.S. as an acoustic band. Their varied presentations indicate their diversity and open-minded attitude towards finding their own niche. The all-acoustic and all-English elements of "Good Morning, Friend" will help them to continue building their American fan base among aficionados of their new acoustic music with interpretive twists.

Druha Trava proves its familiarity with straight-ahead bluegrass ("Sitting on Top of the World"), but they tend to show more of an affinity for strong and evocative singer/songwriter fare from country and folk tunesmiths. While the contemplative lyrics are certainly interesting, the presentation of them occasionally feels like they are missing some of the relevant emotion needed to convey the sentiments. A reflective song like Dylan's "Ring Them Bells," for example, requires a philosophic air as it concludes "Oh the lines are long, and the fighting is strong, and they're breaking down the distance, between right and wrong." Some enigmatic songs come from the pen of Mark Knopfler. With its references to Edinburgh and Charles Dickens characters, I believe that "What It Is" was written to evoke an environment with historical impressions and ambiance from another time and place. "Speedway at Nazareth" builds an analogy between CART racing and life -- "And the raceways were the battlefields and we fought 'em all the way." We learn from mistakes in life, and if we can get it perfectly right, success will be right behind. Maybe this is a perfect anthem for Druha Trava that is chasing their dreams.

The band shows a lot of optimism, perseverance and dedication even when they're touring far from their European homeland. With Tom Waits' "Hold On," the message conveyed is "When it's cold and there's no music / well your old hometown is so far away / but, inside your head there's a record that's playing, a song called hold on, hold on, you really got to hold on .. " Although they've already accomplished a great deal, Druha Trava is evidently focused on even greater heights. While Kristofferson's "Nobody Loves Anybody Anymore" is more about love, I'm sure the band can relate to the greater message of "And if it don't come easy now, It ain't worth fighting for." The entertaining band seems to succeed best when they're exuberantly "Goin' on the run, Goin' down to see some girl, Goin' to have some fun." (Goin' to Acapulco). Now isn't that what music should be all about? Besides proficient musicianship and simply having fun, their strengths are clearly their confidence and composure with music that knows few boundaries.

Joe Ross - rossjoe@hotmail.com

During her lifetime from 1867-1957, Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a famous series of eight "Little House" books that trace her family's history through the west from 1867 to 1885. Published between 1932-1943, the books have become classics in American children's literature. Within her stories are references to 126 songs. There are songs from the parlor, stage, minstrel shows, church and school. Laura's guiding musical spirit was her singing and
fiddling father, Charles "Pa" Ingalls. On this musical tribute, the second CD in a planned series of ten albums, we are treated to contemporary renderings of 18 of the 126 referenced songs. Recognizing the esteemed place that music-making once held within the lives of ordinary American families and pioneers, the set's producers and many participating artists are song carriers who understand the importance of preserving music tradition. The Natl. Endowment for the Humanities has also taken note of the project, and they supported the 2005 release ("Happy Land") by including it in the "We the People Bookshelf" program that resulted in 2,000 copies to be sent to libraries throughout the U.S.

Two tracks (The Blue Juniata, Happy Land) on this second album, "The Arkansas Traveler" were previously released on the first, "Happy Land," that title cut which appears more often in Wilder's books than any other hymn and came to epitomize family strength and opposition to unruly outside influences. Different interpretations of The Devil's Dream, The Arkansas Traveler, and Oh! Susanna appear on both albums. Rather than just instrumental, this CD has narrator Ranger Doug providing dialogue from 19th century sources with "The Arkansas Traveler." And Wilder referred to an undocumented "Devil's Hornpipe" in the book so Butch Baldassari and David Schanaufer play "Devil's Dream" at hornpipe tempo in a spare setting with only octave mandolin and dulcimer. In a similar manner, Oh! Susanna features only Alison Brown (banjo, guitar) and Andrea Zonn (vocal, violin, viola).

In a sense, the concept albums are the books' soundtrack. Fans of the "Little House" books will especially thrill in being able to hear the music that was an integral part of pioneer life on the prairie. Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music Professor Dale Cockrell recruited well-known mandolinist Butch Baldassari to co-produce the project. Top Nashville musicians enlisted to participate include Elizabeth Cook, Riders in the Sky, Dave Olney, John Cowan, Buddy Greene, Andrea Zonn, Alison Brown, Deborah Packard, Pat Enright, Doug Green, Keith Little, Mike Eldred, Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, Judith Edelman, David Schnaufer, Mike Bub, Pat Flynn, Bob Carlin, John Mock, Butch Baldassari, Peggy Duncan Singers, Mac Wiseman, Byron House, Blair String Quartet, Jeff Black and Jeffrey Taylor. Lyrics for the songs are available at www.pasfiddle.com

The result is a set of contemporary renditions of American folk music, a melting pot of hymns, minstrel show songs, spirituals and fiddle tunes. A 12-page CD booklet provides background about the songs and a few nice 1870s Currier & Ives print reproductions. One should imagine the days before radio and TV when music-making was a family activity pursued for fun, entertainment and education. For that same reason, families today will obtain plenty of enjoyment together with the rediscovery of classics, as well as new discoveries like "The Gum Tree Canoe," "Daisy Deane," "Roll On Silver Moon," "The Gypsy King," and "Bye Baby Bunting." 19th- century disc jockeys might've had program play lists that looked like these albums' repertoire. And in Wilder's books, it was always Pa's fiddle at the end of the day that helped the family get through tough times. A bonus track closes the album with a contemporary composition (by Stan Link) that brings an old singing/clapping rhyme song, "Pease Porridge Hot," back to life in our century as a perfect example of how the folklore tradition works to pass information, usually verbally, from generation to generation.

Wilder's eight children books inspired two television series - one that ran from 1974-1983, and the other which had a limited airing in 2005. With the CDs already issued and forthcoming in this 10-album series, we can all work hand-in-hand to help kids discover a rich part of American's musical heritage and legacy.

Joe Ross - rossjoe@hotmail.com

    Calicodrifters CD, “Dreams Are the Ponies We Ride”, is some of the best folk music to come along in a long while. Folk music comes in many different varieties; but the kind that CalicoDrifters plays is the kind that conjures up lasting, vivid image and remains with the listener well after the song is over.
   The original tracks are lyrically well-crafted and extremely well sung. Thomas Burns and Sue Prodell combine extraordinary harmonies and strong, rich vocals to treat the listener to some truly awesome music. And his folk music has a boldness to it that mixes some jazz, blues and Americana.
   The stories they tell strike at the heart. Their heartfelt tales are relatable, thoughtful and thought-provoking. Those tunes play with your emotions sometimes with a cheery air and at other times with an essence that is touching and somber.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Great news, folk music fans! Martha Ann Brooks’s CD, “Simply” released this summer gives you everything you could possibly want in folk music. The songs are folksy indeed and they are presented with such passion and heart that listeners will find themselves totally engrossed.
   Brooks ably demonstrates her considerable creative songwriting talents with imaginative lyrics that are both thoughtful and thought provoking. The songs on the CD contain compelling tales and messages that flood the listener with emotion.
   Her rich vocals crystallize the stories with rhapsodic fervor and the acoustic guitar accomplishment completes the experience. This is just the right amount of instrumentation to allow the lyrics to flow seamlessly.
Listen to this CD and you will be richer for it.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   I loved this CD. Bar Scott and Parachute would be the perfect CD to enjoy after a long stressful day, and then simply float on the easy listening melodies, touching lyrics and beautiful voice. Once I heard this CD I was an instant fan of Bar Scott.

Angie Chaney
Vision Music Group Nashville
Email: office@visionmusicgroupnashville.com

   This is folk music at its best. Ten Mile Tide has a great piece of work with their self-titled third CD. The works on this CD represent a delicious fusion of folk, pop, a little bluegrass and a little rock – all very well presented.
Justin and Jason Munning share the vocal on the tracks and they do a remarkable job. Maybe it is because they are twins; maybe it is just because they are very talented. Whatever the reason their harmonies blend like one voice – one rich, melodic voice.
   Their songwriting talent is abundantly clear as the songs chronicle life on the road as the band toured the countryside. The lyrics tell stories that capture the imagination and at times, tickle the funny bone. The strong vocals and entertaining tales make for some great listening pleasure.
   The guys in the band are equally talented musicians. There is some great fiddle playing and superb musical accomplishment throughout the CD.
 

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   If DC Sills were a painter, no doubt she would use a very broad brush. As a talented musical artist, she accomplishes the same artistic feat. Her music crosses many genres from country to folk to bluegrass to gospel and the really cool thing is that she is versatile enough to perform all these music types well.
   In her debut CD. “Always a Tourist”, the six original tracks are well-writen, well-scored and very well sung. The tunes contain great stories, a testament to Sills songwriting talents and her engaging voice is made to order for this type of music. It holds the listener throughout.
   Whether you are a die hard fan of country, folk, gospel or bluegrass, this CD has something for you. And do not be put off by the fact there are “only” 6 tracks on the CD. The songs play a bit longer than average, so you still get opportunity to enjoy DC Sills.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Fred Eaglesmith, the, multi-talented, multi-faceted artist from Canada has created yet another vastly entertaining CD in his newest release, “Milly’s Café.” The down-home folksy-country music or the great countrified-folk music (take your pick) is just what you would expect from this extraordinary troubadour. And Fred entertains you in a variety of ways. He skillfully strums his acoustic guitar while he croons absolutely fantastic stories.
   He is an imaginative songwriter/story teller and as he draws you into the tune with his strong vocals, you get the sense that he is one who has been there and done that. The stories he tells in his songs are heartfelt and they can move you through the emotional spectrum.
   There are 10 titled tracks on this CD and one unnamed tune at the end. Every one of them is a great piece of music and will have you anxiously awaiting Eaglesmith’s next release.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Doug & Telisha Williams’ newest CD, “Rope Around My Heart”, is a brilliant piece of artwork. This talented duo takes their folksy style of music and captivates the listener with it. Telisha’s clear-as-a-bell, resonant voice reminds you of a cool, crisp mountain morning and when Doug chimes in with his extraordinary harmony, the result is an absolutely beautiful sound, indeed.
   The two are incredibly in sync through each track – each supporting the other to create a synergism not often found. It is as though the two artists become one voice.
   Their songwriting is as dazzling as their singing. Ten of the twelve tracks are original tunes and those ten are both insightful and inspired…
   The instrumentation on the CD is right on. The acoustic guitar and fiddle provide the perfect backdrop and create a fusion of sound to complement the vocals and complete a very pleasurable listening experience.


Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Over the year’s Curt Kirkwood’s music career has had a bit of ebb and flow to it. With his new CD “Snow”, it appears his career is flowing again. This CD, his first solo, is replete with some great songs that reflect both the artist’s introspection and talent as a songwriter. The music is more sedate (and country) than what you would have expected from him in his previous incarnation with the Meat Puppets; but the sound is distinctly
  Curt Kirkwood and it is good. Folk and Americana fans will be pleased with Kirkwood’s handiwork.
  Kirkwood is also an amazing musician. The sound that he can produce from his acoustic guitar compliments his vocals and provide great accompaniment. When he launches into a guitar solo, be prepared to be wowed.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Folk music fans are in for a real treat with Heidi Muller’s new CD “Seeing Things.” The CD may be entitled “Seeing Things” but you will also be hearing things, beautiful sounds. Teaming up with Bob Webb, the two extremely talented artists combine to take their folk music to new highs.
   After listening to Heidi’s melodic renditions, you just feel good, deep down inside. She has a knack of using her lyrics and distinctive voice to engage the listener at the emotional level such that you are both entertained and entranced. Her crystal clear vocals will remind you of a cool, crisp winter’s morn, adding to that feel-good sensation. As an added bonus, her unique instrument of choice, the mountain dulcimer, provides the perfect accent to her lilting voice. That voice and the instrument seem to be made for each other.
   She and Mr. Webb are skilled musicians that obviously put their heart and soul into their music and the listener is the ultimate beneficiary of that kind of commitment.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   What a way to make a debut. Ilsabe O’Connell’s debut CD “Little Lost Cause” is filled with well-written, heartfelt lyrics, excellent musical accomplishment and beautiful vocals.
   Ilsabe has a soulful, penetrating voice that is both pleasing to the ear and perfectly suited for the songs she sings. That gripping voice links her emotional outpouring to the emotions of the listener and this link draws you into the song making you a part of it. What an experience!
   As a songwriter and storyteller, she demonstrates a unique talent. Listen intently to the lyrics and you will find yourself absorbed in her melancholy one moment and chuckling the next.
   Combine all of the above with some skillful application of assorted musical instruments and you have one fine CD.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   With Granville, you get a whole lot of what Americana music is all about. On their debut CD, Feather & Heart, Brian, Butch, Zak and Sam give you an entertaining blend of country, folk, rock and pop. From start to finish, the abundant talent of this group shines through.
Demonstrating a unique songwriting talent and style, Granville’s lyrics strike at the emotions and get to the heart of the matter. The stories they weave are introspective and thought provoking and leave a lasting impression on the listener.
  Accomplished musicians, all of the, they provide a superb accompaniment that compliments their strong vocals. This CD will leave you anxiously awaiting their next.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   While you would probably describe The Gousters CD as alt-country/Folk, these guys actually run the gamut of alternative variety and do it all extremely well. They play their own unique and distinctive brand of music ranging from hillbilly to folk to grunge rock and you are bound to enjoy it all.
   Walt Cronin’s & Zander Schloss’ strong vocals and excellent harmony make the music very entertaining and easy to listen to. But there is a great deal more to their music than just great sound. Listen closely to the lyrics, for they reveal extraordinary songwriting talent. Within those lyrics is a rich experiential content that could only be produced by one who has strong emotional ties to the theme. Those lyrics coupled with this talented duo’s delivery will leave you wanting more.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   If you’re a fan of folk music, especially Irish folk music, then you simply must hear Danny Carthy. Close your eyes while listening to his rhythmic sounds and you’ll swear you’re on the Emerald Isle. His years of folk singing throughout Europe, the USA and the British Isles are evident as he pours his heart and soul into his ballads and the listener cannot help but feel this in his songs.
Danny has a very good voice and is a talented musician. His unique, melodic voice is inspiring and adds depth and feeling to the already moving lyrics. At the same time, his ability to produce complementary sounds from his acoustic guitar complete the listening experience. The excellent vocals combined with his skills as an accomplished guitarist create sweet music indeed.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Addie Brownlee will soon make a major impact on the Roots Gospel music industry with the new release “Back When We Were Christians”. This acoustic performance by Addie Brownlee has a style that will grab the listeners heart and stir their senses. Her vocal performance is uncommon and she has that special sound that sets her apart from any other to be heard. All the tracks on this album she has written, and let me tell you, she writes extremely well and presents some of the most heartfelt material to radio stations and the public around the globe in 2006.

   Wow, Wow, Wow this lady can sing and write a song like very few can do.
Diana Jones performs with a confidence that seldom graces an artist.
Her style is so different that it is refreshing to the senses. And what a great mix on this acoustic CD. This album has got to be one of the top folk CD’s we have ever received here at Roots Music Report. Way to go Diana.

   This folk singer and songwriter is a master of his craft. Storytelling by music simplifies the feel of this album. Believable moving tales of life accompanied by beautiful music and vocals that are haunting and truthful. Canada is crowded with talented musicians and songwriters and Tim Harrison is one of the best.

What a treasure this new music is.

   Under The Bed is recorded raw without all the gimmicks used today to help make artist sound like they can really sing. Well Stephen Clair does not need these enhancements to his vocal. He sings really well naturally and his songs are written as well as songs can be written. Songs that have meaning and substance. This album is an acoustic gem.

    David Francey has such a unique sound and it is impossible to listen to his music and not recognize that it is David doing the singing during the first few words heard. If songwriters were given medals for outstanding songs that they have written David Francey would be wearing a chest full. His music is honest and each song is deep in meaning, but David makes sure the listener understands each one by the way he confidently delivers his music. The Waking Hour is a compelling CD that is certainly one that will influence thousands of music fans around the world.

   “Blue Nightfall” the new release by Jimmy Lafave contains some of the best folk/roots rock songs to be released in 2005. This is folk music that rides on a razors edge of roots rock and on a couple of tracks Jimmy moves to full out roots rock. This CD release is a brilliant project in all aspects of all that is involved in making a hit album. Great vocal, Great Songs, Great Production and Great Musicians. It’s all on this one.