On an incredibly soulful album, Toni Price really lays everything in her down, as this album promises to be one to remember for a long time. As we listened to this album, we were astonished that anyone can wring their soul so dry of emotions and feelings, and pack each and every one of the songs full of that emotion. We thought we recognized the backing talent, and sure enough this album is full of some of Austin's most reknown artists.

Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

Before we heard this album, we had heard some negative comments about it. As the title suggests, Howard combines his unique sound with some newer sounds. To us this unified sound was awesome. Howard has really matured in his ability since what we last heard from him. He wasn't bad before, but he has really come a long way, and his music really shows it. He is a talented and skilled songwriter that just continues to get better as his career grows.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

The unbelievably marvelous sophmore album by Sleeper car, "Love & Anxiety," showed us once again that Sleeper Car doesn't belong in any genre. Their music may seem as if it fits into one genre, but each song differs from the one before, making it difficult to classify. The music of Sleeper Car has always been good, but they really stepped it up a notch on this album. We belive we will be enjoying this album for a long time to come, and hope to see more from them.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

In this album, Firefall succeeds where many other artists have failed: covering The Beatles. Perhaps it was all the time put into the making, or maybe it was the meaning behind the whole CD. Instead of just copying the songs with their own sound, they decided to strip the songs bare, and start from the ground up on each one. Through each song, we could really hear the honor and adoration from Firefall to The Beatles as they created this awe-inspiring tribute to some of the best music ever created.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

Truly amazing! "Zephyr in the Confetti Factory" is a beautiful piece of artwork brought to us by two of the best musicians of their kind, Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder. This album has a very unique sound, with influences from Irish, Scottish, and Celtic music. As we made our way through this CD, we were astonished with the quality of the music presented on it. We immediatly fell in love with this album, and every time we listen, it gets better and better!


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

"Blizzard Boheme," by the group Balval, is one of the most interesting albums we have gotten our hands on in quite some time. The way that Balval throws a modern twist of many different genres, rock, blues, and jazz included, and blended them with the older music of many different cultures shows that they are one of the most original artists in their particular style. If you haven't given this albbum a listen, we recommend that you get it as soon as you can.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

Great album, and that is all that there is too it. This album doesn't disappoint, from the first track to the last. Unique melodies that are blended with inspiring lyrics make for a great CD, and that is what is deliveredon this album by Lux Land. We have listned tima and time again to this album, and it just gets better all the time. If you are looking for a great, new sound, and want it rightthis minute, look for this album. You won't be let down.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

Talk about starting over. This album really blew us away. Not that the CD was bad, it is just a little different. After learning that Filkins played every song on his handmade guitar, and picked each track in a different room in his house, we really saw the beauty in this album. The attention Filkins payed to each and every one of his songs really shows his appreciation and love of music. A beutiful album, one that you really shouldn't miss out on.


Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

A mindblowing experience. This is the best way to describe our time listening to this album from artist Paris Luna. "City Lights" is a strange assimilation that unites the genres of pop, rock, blues, and folk and makes the one perfect fusion. The music is very original, and very catchy. A great album for anyone who even remotely likes music.

Quentin Foster - RMR Reviewer

On his CD, “Pipe Dreams” Chris Booher has put together a compilation of his favorite tunes; and after listening to this fine piece of work, they will no doubt become your favorites, as well. You get a grand variety of some easy listening, some swing and some pop with a good measure of jazz and blues to top it all off.

Nine of the eleven songs are instrumentals and on them you are treated to some extraordinary musicianship indeed. On a couple of the tunes, Scarlett’s Boogie being one of them, Booher unleashes his amazing piano talent. During some of the solos, his fingers must be just a blur as they dance across the keys. Booher really is an amazing artist and to sweeten the experience, he has enlisted additional, remarkable talent from some other accomplished musicians. Booher also gives you a sample of his pleasant, soothing voice on the title track “Pipe Dreams.”

Throughout the CD, you can picture this group of master musicians just having fun playing their music. You can have as much fun listening to it.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Christie Lynn’s CD “Christie Lynn Sings Country, Gospel & Bluegrass” is an impressive demonstration of this artist’ deep-rooted talents. As the CD’s name reveals, you are treated to her offerings of a variety and she presents them all masterfully and passionately.

   Christie has a crystal clear, melodic voice that demands your full attention. You will love her soulful renditions of the gospel tunes, per performances of some rocking bluegrass and her down-home country music.

   She also has some very impressive company on the CD. On a couple of the tracks she teams up with Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Partnered up with the country music icons, Christie harmonizes artfully and adds her own high-spirited touch to the music.

   A first rate CD by a first rate performer.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   If you are not in the Christmas spirit, but want to be, then pick up this special new CFD “Greater Than That: The Best Christmas Songs You Never Heard.” If Mr. Scrooge had heard this CD, he would never have muttered “Bah, humbug!” The really cool thing about this CD is that it spans many different genres, so regardless of your particular musical bent, there is something for you.
   Bev Houston has produced this CD & pulled together songs from over a dozen artists and, as a result, you get a fantastic blend of blues, jazz, rock & roll, pop, country and inspirational. The renditions are soulful, inspired, humorous, heartfelt and poignant.
   Oh, if you are already in the Christmas spirit, get this V+CD and you will be more so – these truly are the best Christmas songs you never heard.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   It is not very often that Reggae and Rocking Blues music come together on one CD. Be glad they did on Bernadette Lawrence’s CD “Try Romance”. Be very glad! This is feel-good, romantic music at its best.

   Lyrically, Lawrence is right on. Seven of the ten tracks on the CD are originals and they impressively reflect her talents as a songwriter. The songs are powerful and soothing at the same time and they are rich and vibrant-obviously products of the heart.

   Vocally, Lawrence is first rate. Take those awesome, inspired lyrics and present them via Lawrence’s rich voice which is nothing short of captivating and you have got one magnificent piece of art. This CD will be a sure hit with women audiences, filled with strong vocals, great tunes and lots of romance.

   Her clear melodic voice combined with the unique Caribbean rhythms will have you swaying, smiling and wanting more and wanting to Try Romance.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   When Eddie Turner fires up his guitar, incredible things happen. In his new CD, “The Turner Diaries”, you get to partake in these incredible things. The kind of bluesy rock that he creates will leave you spellbound. Coming up with enough superlatives to describe this master musician’s brilliant guitar playing is both a daunting and frustrating task. He will amaze you.
   Turner is often compared to Hendrix. Like Hendrix, Turner can produce myriad sounds from his guitar that beg the question, “How does he do that?” Butt Turner’s definitely his own man. While the Hendrix influence is unmistakable, Turner cranks out a sound that is uniquely personal, uniquely his.
   Given his guitar genius, it is easy to overlook his singing and songwriting – but don’t. Amid the musical wizardry there are achingly revealing lyrics that tell tales and experiences that define the human condition. And isn’t that what blues is all about? Thoughtfully and poetically presented, with just the right amount of synchronized accomplishment, the lucky listener gets the best of both worlds of blues and rock.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   With Clay McClinton’s debut CD, Out of the Blue, you get eleven original, great songs that give the listener a really cool blend of blue’s, honky tonk with a little rock mixed in. True, Clay is the son of Grammy winner Delbert McClinton and so Delbert’s influence is pretty much to be expected, but, even though the acorn did not fall far from the tree, the music you hear is Clay’s own unique style. And you are going to love that style.
   Clay really gets into his music. Using his strong vocals, he sings his tunes with a conviction and feelings that embrace the listener and does not let go. In addition to his singing prowess, Clay is also an extremely talented songwriter. His stories are inspired, poetic and reflect a sense of maturity that really belies his 31 years.
The musical accomplishment on the CD is incredible. Clay and his band present the just right mix of strings, drums, horns and keyboards to complete an already dynamite CD.
   As the son of a Grammy winner, expectations can be extremely high and can create a daunting challenge. Based on his debut CD, Clay McClinton is most certainly up to that challenge.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   What do you get when you blend a little rock, a little jazz. A little country and a little blues with a generous portion of talented musicianship, songwriting and singing? You get Melody Mann. They play these diverse styles of music exceptionally well and make them even more entertaining by adding their own unique Texas style.
   “Hard Road”, Melody Mann’s debut CD is a telling example of this group’s multiple talents and extraordinary versatility. Head vocalist, Kelly Williams-Mann, has a strong, compelling voice that grips the listener, seizes the emotions and pleases the ear. Add to that the awesome keyboards by Thomas Mann and some other very smooth musical accomplishment and you can see why the sky’s the limit for this talented group from Austin.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Lovers of mixed country and blues do not miss talented Darcy Lynne Ward’s debut CD “What else is New.” This gifted artist from Ontario, Canada will literally wow you with her soulful renditions and peppy lilts. She has the unique kind of range and versatility in her voice that allows her to provide exquisite sounds, regardless of the type of songs she sings. Whether she is singing her Cowgirl’s Lullaby or the more up-tempo Jealous Jane, she is right on the mark. The listener can actually feel the energy that she injects into every note.
   Not only are you treated to her beautiful voice, but also she is an extremely talented musician and excellent songwriter. The lyrics of her original tracks reveal inspired heart-felt emotions and the creativity of an extraordinary storyteller. To accentuate Darcy’s versatility, you will even hear some Scottish bagpipes in a couple of her songs. But, whether it is guitar, bagpipes or piano, all the instrumentation is done to perfection.
   If you have not already heard of Darcy Lynne Ward, you most likely will in the not-too-distant future. Hers appears to be very bright indeed.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Guitar Player, Singer/Songwriter Extraordinaire, Lee Roy Parnell is back and has just released one of the coolest sounding CDs of his impressive career. Back To The Well covers the spectrum of musical genres such as Roots Rock and Blues by presenting Lee Roy as a performer that can sing and burn a guitar on any style of music that he has written. The fact that he has co-written every track on this CD is refreshing because who is to know how to present a song better than the songwriter himself? The production is outstanding and the songs are storytelling from the heart that resonate feelings from the soul of Lee Roy Parnell. This album is at the top of the list of unique albums to be released in 2006.

   The Coming Grass presents a mixture of formats on this release. Roots Rock, Folk and a bit of country flavor this CD. This is one of the most universally talented bands that have sent a CD to us here at RMR. The Coming Grass is dynamic and their sound is comparable to none.

   This live recording features some of the most intense guitar playing and vocal performances to soon dominate the roots music world. Robin Trower is simply one hot guitar man and his songwriting is uncommon unblemished and straight to the point. Radio should turn up the headphones and get ready to spin the hell out of this new release.

   Sometimes setting aside the time to listen to an album is tough. My poor kids hear more music being chauffeured around town then they probably deserve but driving from here to there is often all the time the day allows. When Dean McTaggart’s album arrived in the mail my first impression was that the cover art did not implore listening.
   Music is emotion; so the first few spins are just trying to get an inkling of where this collection of songs is coming from. I really enjoyed listening to Shed My Skin. McTaggart’s music is founded with very good song writing, high brow playing, and a rockin’ groove that all benefit from excellent arrangements. More soulful rock with a gospel touch McTaggart exists where the blues meets country with just that extra touch of soul. The wide variety of styles and the multitude of textures may initially scare off the average listener but think about a rocking Lyle Lovett and you’ll get it quickly. Dean McTaggart is an established Canadian artist that has written numerous hit for established country artists such as Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark, and Anne Murray among others.
   Driving down the road, with the stereo blaring, the zydeco beat of “Clear As Mud” got an immediate, “Dad, play that again!” from the backseat. Hmm, that’s an interesting response me thinks. Swinging like a Lyle Lovett church tune meets Delaney & Bonnie’s thick muddle, McTaggert’s slide guitar solo is crisp and short.
The fifth track on the album, “Crazy Enough” has a strong Exile on Main Street sound with McTaggert blending vocal lines with Susie Vinnicks and Ricki Lee Jones. Yeah, McTaggert is not the cocky swashbuckler that Mick Jagger is but the thick organ leads and fuzzy guitar harkens to the pop-gospel stylings of Sweet Black Angel.
   By the time the eighth track on the album comes up the sound is comfortable and familiar. Once again, “Dad, play it again!” You know there’s something amiss when you and the kids are diggin’ the same tunes. “Done Deal” has a swagger and swing that sets up Vinnick’s vocals to be a perfect foil to this well written track. To his fans this album is obvious, to the rest of us; it’s a diamond waiting to be discovered.
                        -Reviewed by: Rick Galusha

To send your CD to Rick to be reviewed for Roots Music Report mail to:
12005 North 34th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68112
 

    One of the greatest things about Marc Broussard’s new album, Carencro, is that everyone can find something about the sounds and words that draw them in. Broussard’s CD is a masterful combination of country, blues, rock, and even a hint of gospel and pop. Broussard’s rich and versatile voice adds the finishing element to the album. The album also includes a fantastic array of instruments.
   Broussard’s voice is not only a unique sound when compared to other singers, but it is also unique during each song on the CD. Besides having a beautiful quality of tone and pitch, Broussard’s voice is also pleasantly soothing and relaxing to listen to. His range is phenomenal. One minute he will be deep and rich sounding and the next minute he’ll blow the listener away with a stunning high note.
   One of the best songs on the album is the first track, “Home.” The music is reminiscent of the Oh Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack and particularly the song “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys and Dan Tyminski. The song includes a great combination of different instruments, from the traditional acoustic guitar to the Wurlitzer and washboard.
   This CD takes the listener from traditional American roots music to modern country and pop. The CD is excellent, and Broussard’s voice is breathtaking. Time spent listening to Carencro is time well spent.

Lindsey Marshall: Roots Music Report
Email : lynzmarshall@yahoo.com

    Dave Alvin is a well established musician who definitely knows how to make the music that stirs the soul. With a sound that's a little folk, a bit of blues, a touch of country and a lot of heart, Dave's album Ashgrove is certainly a great mix of song and must have for all music lovers. This of course is not a one-man project though, Dave Alvin is joined by Greg Leisz. Leisz has recorded with many prominent artists such as K.D. Lang, Joni Mitchell, Beck, and many more. This collaboration of knowledge and experience makes for a wonderful collection of music. This is a fine group of artists with nowhere to go up.

By: Waylon Digges Roots Music Report
Email: waylond@hotmail.com