"The Texas Twister," Donald Fuller's first album, really surprised us. Texas-born Fuller started his musical career young, and from there it has grown. To hear such a large amount of talent on an newcomer's album is just incredible. He includes the traditional country music instruments, and also throws his unique spin on the music, make it his own. We are really looking forward to see more from Donald Fuller in the near future.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 This album was one that really surprised us. We really haven't heard much about Davey T, but this release should put hium in the public eye shortly. The fact that he sang, arranged, produced, recorded, mixed, AND played over 5 instuments on his own album really left us speechless. The talent that Davey T shows through this album was so enormous, we are surprised that he hasn't been at the top of every chart at one time or another. An amazing CD that should be in everybody's possesion.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 Petunia has been making his way acroos Canada for some time now, dazzling people with high-energy, action-packed shows, and bringing great albums to the population of most anywhere. Now, with The Loons backing him, they bring to life another creation, beautifully done, stunning us for sure. The CD starts off with "My Bacon Princess," an energetic intro to the CD, and winds down with "How Long Would It Take?" otherwise known as Christina's Lullaby, with other hits in the middle. A couple notable songs are "Tick Tock" and "Big Wide River Of Love." A great CD for anyone.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

 This CD was great from the time we started it until when we when we finished. We have heard these songs before off of their first two albums, but listening to it live really makes you feel as if you are there watching their show. The album mixes traditional country with a pop country sound, and doesn't ever stop for breath. Great album with some of our favorite songs included on it.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Before listening to “Guardian,” by Duncan Walters, we were anticipating an exceptional album, and Walters really delivered. Overall, this album includes a wide array of musical talent, ranging from the strings of the guitars and fiddle, to the melody of the pianos. Also, a real Cajun feel was added due to the accordion. What really stood out though were the vocals throughout the entire album. Whether Walters was singing a fast paced, square dancing song, or a slow, melodious song, he really brought about a successful conclusion. Altogether, when all the different sounds in “Guardian” were combined, they created one unique sound.

Quentin Foster - RMR Staff Reviewer

With Eric Congdon’s newest release Angels and Cigarettes you get an ample dose of this gifted artist’s inspired musicianship and innovative songwriting. Guitar fans will be wowed by the jam sessions that Eric skillfully sprinkles throughout the tracks and then blends them with trilling piano and souped up harmonica. The end result of this masterful combination is an overwhelming desire to move, sway and/or smile.

Mr. Congdon’s talent as a songwriter and storyteller is showcased many times over in this CD that brandishes a variety of styles. His versatility in presentation is also clearly evident. The peppy/upbeat “Bootlegger” gives a very interesting perspective on that occupation and “Oil Tycoon” is a real “tell it like it is” gem.
This CD on the coattails of “Green River” only heightens the anticipation for his next work.

Robert Bartosh - RMR GM

“Memories Left Behind” is a compilation of beautiful, heart-felt songs by Amie Comeaux. The tunes showcase Amie’s amazingly clear, strong voice and her distinctive style. Her rendition of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself”, the last song on the album, will simply blow you away. Throughout the CD, the listener can’t help but get caught up in Amie’s soulful ways and artistic presentation. She just has a way of connecting the listener to the song.

Amie’s versatility is also evident on the CD. She gives the unmistakable impression that she could sing just about any type of music and do a masterful job.

Regrettably, Ms. Comeaux lost her life in a one-car accident at the tender age of 21. The music industry lost a huge talent in that mishap.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

When an artist puts out her debut CD, it is critical that she put her best foot forward. That is precisely what Marybeth D’Amico has done with her CD “Waiting to Fly.” While only five songs, it is a veritable showcase of this artist’s plentiful talent.

D’Amico has a vivid, one-of-a kind voice that can gracefully slide from a lilting whine to a tempered growl when the lyrics dictate. And speaking of lyrics – Wow! Using her considerable songwriting creativity, D’Amico weaves stories that tap a spate of emotions with the dark, heart-wrenching tune “Leaving” at one end of the spectrum and the grab-the-brass-ring “Waiting to Fly” at the other. Somewhere in the middle is the rocking anthem for rebellious, yet striving youth, “Summa Cum Laude.”

A great work that will leave you anxiously awaiting her next production.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

Robert Bartosh - RMR GM
rmr@rootsmusicreport.com

   Country music fans can now add another name to their lists of “gotta-hear” artists. That name is Michael Brennan. His CD “Cautious Man” contains eleven original tracks that are what country music is all about. You get good country music with dashes of blues and rockabilly.
   Brennan uses down to earth, real life lyrics that weave stirring stories, poetically telling tales that directly connect to the listener. He is a very gifted songwriter.
   His inspired songwriting is enough to wow the listener, but when you hear those creative words presented through his rich, melodic voice, you will find yourself rapt in the song. His voice has been compared to Ketcham, Jennings, Neil Young and Orbison and those comparisons are good as you pick up bits of these artists’ influences. But, Brennan’s voice is that and then some.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   This is the kind of music you want to listen to when it is time to kick back and escape the hustle and bustle of the rat race. Kevin Larkin’s “Pineross” will sweep you back to yesteryear, to a simpler time, with some absolutely beautiful melodies. And the respite feels wonderful.
   To produce this CD< Larkin combines a really cool eclectic assortment of music, ranging from bluegrass, to old country, to Irish melodies and pulls this combination off masterfully.
   As a songwriter, Larkin does an extraordinary job of telling his tales. You will find yourself enmeshed in the story, picturing the character(s) and empathizing with them, as well.
   Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting around a campfire listening to these awesome tunes - it is a great feeling.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Kinky Friedman has just released Texas style music that is passionate and tells it like it is. His songwriting is truthful and his vocal performances on this album are excellent
   Kinky Friedman is making national news with his race for governor of the state of Texas, but more importantly to music fans he will also be making news throughout the music world very soon with this killer Roots Country album.
   "Why The Hell Not" features some of the best artist and musicians in the lone star state.
   These musicians have been instrumental in defining the Texas Roots sound and they seem to have every intention of making the public around the USA stand up and take notice. This CD should become a shining example of what the Roots/Americana music movement is all about.
   Radio just give this CD a spin and increase your listening audience. It is that good.

Robert Bartosh - GM
rmr@rootsmusicreport.com

   J.B. Beverly is a tell it like it is artist and his CD “Dark Bar and a Jukebox” does exactly that. This is not your mainstream Nashville sound. It is more a no-holds barred assortment of some good old honky-tonk music. The CD is aptly named too, because it is filled with precisely the kind of music you would expect to hear from a jukebox in a dark bar. Some people would describe it as “good beer-drinkin’ songs”. It is that and then some! It is music with an attitude.
   Beverley does a great job with his songwriting. The tales he tells are varied and insightful. They range from tear jerkers to bank robbers to haunted trains which are quite an assortment and the yarns are really cool. Pay attention to the musical accomplishment also. Beverley and his Wayward Drifters are talented musicians, adding that something extra to those well-penned lyrics.
   If you are a honky-tonk, roots music, rockabilly music fan, then Beverley has cooked up a special edition of it for you. Treat yourself with this CD.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   This album is as good as it gets, and Marshall Rhodes nails each song on this album.
   From slow Roots/Americana to up tempo Roots Rock, all the cuts are in the pocket with a distinct sound that showcases a dynamic singer that is second to none. The musicians in the band are compelling and support the feel of each track with craftily created licks that enhance the lyrics and the vocal performance. Their debut release is sure to turn heads throughout the music industry.

Robert Bartosh - GM
rmr@rootsmusicreport.com

   Tim Scott’s “Fabletown” is not your run of the mill debut CD. It contains everything the Americana, country and roots fan could ever possibly want. In fact, the only problem with a debut CD like this is that it sets a very high standard for things to come. However, with Scott’s ample, demonstrated talent on this CD, there is little doubt that he is up to any such challenge.
   The CD gives you a masterful compilation of instrumentation, singing and songwriting. His rich, powerful voice adds a dimension to his imaginative lyrics that make listening to him simply pleasurable.
   Tim sings a type of honest, grassroots country music that creates vivid, lasting images and has an energetic versatility to it such that you are equally comfortable dancing to it or just listening and kicking back with the beverage of your choice. Give him a listen and you will be glad you did.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Douglas Greer’s debut CD, Just A Man, is what roots country music is all about. Each track contains great rhythmic lyrics that weave tales of pure Americana. Greer’s moving vocals complete the rootsy music that reflects a bit of Cajun influence.
   Throughout the CD, you find yourself nodding approvingly of the essential theme of the tune and recognizing that it came from the heart of one who seems to have been there. This authenticity that Greer gives to his music and thus to his listener is normally difficult to achieve, but he makes this link with apparently skillful ease.
   Greer’s delivery of this fine music is his own. Listen closely to the musical accomplishment and you will hear accordion (in line with the Cajun influence) and excellent layering of guitar and keyboards. Not only is Greer a singing talent but he is also a great songwriter. All and all, it is a great CD for the roots fan and you will truly enjoy this CD.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Randy Whitt’s newest CD “We’ve Had Some Trouble” is a beautiful piece of work. Proving the adage that quality surpasses quantity, you get nine tunes on this CD and all of them are absolutely rock solid. Whitt’s artistic presentation is further magnified by his calm, soothing vocals.
   Listen very carefully to the lyrics of his songs. Within them, you will find a wealth of emotion and sensitivity all tied together with some beautiful poetry. He is an extraordinarily gifted song-writer and does not shy away from departing from the mainstream. This uniqueness is further testament to Randy’s talent as a songwriter.
   Those calm, soothing vocals referred to earlier lead to a sublime sensation for the listener. You will find yourself engrossed in the lyrics and spellbound by the voice – the combination of which creates consummate listening experience.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   When you listen to Mark Merritt’s debut CD, Peace of Me, a couple of things will become immediately obvious, you will be struck by his splendid versatility and you will be inspired with his songwriting talent. The twelve tracks on this disc contain some truly awesome country, Americana, folk and rock music. You are also treated to some sublime story telling – songs that are rife with experimental feelings and that engage the listener at an emotional level. Mixed in with his masterful story weaving, you also get an ample dose of Mark’s sense of humor. Some of the lyrics will actually have you laughing out loud.
   Playing his acoustic guitar to perfection, hands and voice converge to create some really great listening. This is a great piece of work and great way to debut!

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Traditional country music fans, you have got to give this CD a listen. Harold Crosby’s aptly-named new CD, “The Traditional Train” is beautiful music fashioned in the grand style of the country greats of yesteryear. A refreshing compilation of some good old pure country sounds.
   Crosby has a clear, resonant voice that unmistakably expresses the deep feelings he puts into each and every song. The listener can easily get swept away in the lyrics of the great stories and the musical accomplishment, especially the whining steel guitar, seems to transport you to a bygone era.
   Country music fans generally and traditional country music fans, specifically will love every sound that comes from this CD. With 14 tracks on this disc, that means lots of listening pleasure.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Sleeping Trout Music has just released “Who’s Bad Now” - one of most prolific sounding Roots/Americana Country albums of 2006. This album features the songwriting and vocal genius of Michael Oneill and is tailor made for the Roots/Americana Country music enthusiast. Michael’s songwriting is passionate and seems to reflect life as he has lived it. Passionate, playful, heartbreaking and explosive come to mind while listening to this CD. This is definitely not a ‘run of the mill’ release and it covers the gamut of musical genres from Roots Rock to down home True Country. “Who’s Bad Now” will take any music lover on one of the most enjoyable rides of their life.

Robert Bartosh - RMR GM

   Honky tonker Dale Watson’s “Whiskey or God” is the same album formerly released as “Heeah!” but has new cover art with photos by Rob Buck. Watson has put out annual releases for about a decade, and mainstream success has eluded him. “Whiskey or God” has the Texas troubadour telling his stories exquisitely with pure heart and soul. His passionate baritone vocals are delivered with abundant personality, and this makes his songs immediately appealing. Of course, there are a few hooks too in his tightly-crafted and ardent country music. Top notch instrumental support is provided by Herb Bolofsky (drums), Gene Kurtz (bass), Don Don Pawlak (pedal steel), Don Raby (fiddle), Jon Blondell (trombone), and Floyd Domino (piano). They’re an amazing band that encompasses everything that is country. OK, maybe the trombone isn’t exactly country, but it adds some nice flavorings. I wonder how many of these guys are part of Dale’s band, The Lone Stars, or whether they are just ringers brought in for the sessions. If one thing is missing on “Whiskey or God,” it’s some stronger background vocals although Dale does lay in a few tenors to his lead vocals here and there.
   The compelling and exciting set has a number of winners. “Sit and Drink and Cry,” “Darlin\\\' Look At Me Now,” “No Help Wanted,” and “I Don\\\'t Feel Too Lucky Today” are examples of fine songcrafting. They hold their own as distinctive country meat-and-potatoes fare, and some new catchy outlooks are presented in “Truckin’ Queen” and “38..21..34.” If these songs don’t get you grinning, nothing will. Hey Dale, look out for the feminists who might chastise you for the latter.
   Speaking of hooks, Cajun fiddle introduces the spirited and danceable “I Ain\\\'t Been Right, Since I\\\'ve Been Left.” This album does get the good times rolling. With “My Heart is Yours,” Watson proves he can also croon a beautiful love ballad. “Tequilla and Teardrops” would have been enhanced with a more raucous and infectious Tex-Mex mariachi kind of feel. “Whiskey or God” suffers slightly as a result of over-arranged brass lines and the metronomic thumping of snare drum. “I Wish I Was Crazy Again” recalls a dark moment in Watson’s life when his fiancée lost her life in a auto accident on 9/15/00. Overcoming depression, the voices of demons, and a suicide attempt, Watson became the subject of Hollywood director Zalman King’s documentary film called “Crazy Again” that will premiere at Austin’s South by Southwest Festival in March, 2006. Let’s hope that Watson isn’t outta sorts as badly as he sings about in “Outta Luck.” A nod to the western swing style of Bob Wills is given in “Heeah!!,” and Jon Blondell’s trombone gives it an almost big band essence.
   There’s a bunch going on in Dale Watson’s life. The word is that Dale is moving to be near his two kids. There’s also a book about his life in the works, and a live DVD filmed in Holland is forthcoming. Did I mention that Dale has a large following in Europe? In the meantime, Watson refers to most of the music coming out of Nashville as “mechanical pop music.” It’s gratifying to know that guys like him are still racking up miles on the road to introduce audiences from 100 to 5,000 to real country music, with some Texas spice as hot as tabasco.  - Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.

   Radney Foster’s third album on the Dualtone label continues in the finest tradition of the Texas music mystique that incorporates elements of country, rock, R&B, and folk. A songwriting craftsman, Foster probably has a vision of touching both young and old audiences with his vigorous and eclectic music. He also seems to display a loose and laid-back manner with his contemplative Texas hill country music, as well as with his more raucous honky-tonkin’. I wonder if he’s really as much of a free spirit as his lyrics seem to indicate. Produced by Darrell Brown and engineered by Niko Bolas, the recording sessions depended on the formidable assistance of friends Waddy Wachtel (electric guitar), Charley Drayton (drums), Rami Jaffe (Hammond organ, keys), and Bob Glaub (bass). Various guests add background vocals, as well as electric guitar, strings, and additional percussion.
   Striving for a more “live, old-school feeling,” the songs were arranged right in the Van Nuys studio, and the “rootsy” tracks were cut in two days. Simplicity with expert musicians is an ideal thing for music like this. Foster owes his own influences to a wide range of predecessors like Buck Owens to The Beatles, Burt Bacharach to Guy Clark. But, in finest Texas troubadour tradition, Foster has found a niche of his own that illustrates that a wise marriage of country music with other influences can result in a fashionable, trendy product without severely compromising a genre’s origins or precedent.
   With both memorable melodies and poignant messages, “The World We Live In” is a thrilling ride. Songs like “Drunk on Love,” “Kindness of Strangers,” “Never Gonna Fly,” “Prove Me Right,” “New Zip Code” and “Half of my Mistakes” are immediately appealing and all pack a punch. While I would’ve enjoyed hearing a little pedal steel and more fiddle in the mix, Radney Foster’s songs still have plenty of spunk, wisdom, and sentiment to yield bountiful rewards.  - Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.

   James Hand’s raw and rootsy “The Truth Will Set You Free” was produced by two luminaries on the Texas music scene, Ray Benson and Lloyd Maines. Benson calls it “true honest down to earth country music songs from the heart.” Maines, who plays acoustic guitar, pedal steel and dobro on the album, offers that this style of classic country music “uses no smoke or mirrors.” James Hand has a weary soul, and his songs ooze with sadness, longing and loneliness. I can tell that he’s been deeply inspired by Hank Williams, Ray Price, Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard. He’s been on stage for over 40 years, and he trains horses when not singing and strumming his guitar in honky tonks and roadhouses.
   Recreating a different musical era, James Hand strives for a raw-boned one with messages about hard knocks and road blocks that could very well be heard on a 1940s vintage Wurlitzer jukebox. Without all the hype and glitter we typically see in country music today, “In the Corner, at the Table, By the Jukebox” really says it all. Hailing from West, Tx., Hand sings life-affirming tales about loving and yearning on the “Banks of the Brazos,” paying the price in “Leave the Lonely Alone,” fighting and drinking in “Little Bitty Slip,” and growing old and being wrong in “Just an Old Man with an Old Song.” It would have been nice if the CD jacket had included lyrics for these 12 originals.
   If there’s any question that Hand has lost his game, think again. There’s something special in these songs and the feelings they express. Hand’s songs are simple, emotional, direct – all the essential rudiments of old country. Just listen to “Shadows Where the Magic Was” with its heartfelt story. Some stellar musicians help out on this project -- guys who know how to tap the river of tradition, history, values and beliefs that ran through yesteryear’s country music. The instrumental riffs and fills emphasize electric guitar and pedal steel, often with some nice harmonies incorporated. Besides Lloyd Maines’ fine work, other kudos are in order for Redd Volkaert’s and Will Indian’s electric guitar work. More of Jason Roberts’ fiddle would have been nice, especially on a tearjerker like “When You Stopped Loving Me, So Did I.” In authentic classic country fashion, backup vocals (sung by Layton Depenning) are very sparse. All in all, the album is honest-to-goodness “januwine” country music. For alternate cuts, some of the same numbers appear on Hand’s live album from 5 or 6 years ago, “Live from the Saxon Pub Austin TX” on the KnightKlub label.

 - Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.

   Listening to this CD while driving along in my car, I felt myself wanting to dance. Nick Lawrence’s self titled CD “Nick Lawrence”, is a combination of those feel good and peppy kind of motivating songs mixed with a heart felt sadder version of songs. It does not matter which song you listen to in this collection, Lawrence pulls you into the feeling he is aiming for. Lawrence sings with strong emotion and you will not be disappointed with this Cd. His song, Detour Left, featuring the legendary Flaco Jimenez is wonderfully collaborated. I would recommend adding this Cd to your collection, you will want to get up and dance like I did.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
paseodelrio2@hotmail.com

   Robin Dean Salmon seems to have written every song on this album with a style that reflects the fact that he has more than paid his dues whilst performing them the same way.
   His new release “Gasoline” has a bit of a raunchy feel that is simply kick ass.
   RMR loves this CD and we are confident that any Roots/Americana country fan will agree with our opinion of this new album.

   This album was recorded live and captures the essence of a Texas dancehall on any crazy night of the week in a honky-tonk. Max Stalling performs several tunes he wrote and you can tell by the crowd that he has more than his share of country music fans and there is a good reason for that. His songs are killer and he sings with that special sound that is born and bread in all regions of the Lone Star state. Save money - why go out when you can play this CD and dance with your lover at home? A super release that will more than satisfy any country music lover.

   This CD has it all goin on from Western Cowboy tunes to cutting edge Roots/Americana country and Roots Rock tracks on the “Hair In My Eyes Like a Highland Steer” release. This is one very cool album. Corb Lund has a unique sound of his own and his songwriting is like no other. Here is down home country stories told the Corb Lund way. Listen up radio for the sounds of Corb Lund and we are sure you will spin over and over.

   Daring, intense and terrific come to mind while trying to describe the sounds of The Dust Devils. This band captivates the listener with each cut on this CD. Each song is ingeniously different sounding with cleverly written lyrics plus the vocal performances are outstanding.  This one is over the top with sound.

   Roots/Americana music radio should welcome this CD with open arms. The Wrinkle Neck Mules release 15 winning songs on their new album “Pull The Brake”. This band drives straight down the white lines of the Roots/Americana country sound with compelling songwriting and dynamic vocal performances. This is as real as it gets. A fantastic album full of attitude and skilful musicianship.

    Put on your seat belt when you put this CD in your car stereo or listen soon to your favorite radio station. It Rocks!! JT Coldfire has just released one of the most prominent sounding CD’s of 2006.
   This man can sing like he’s been there and back. His guitar playing is just phenomenal and JT’S songwriting is as good as it gets. This debut album features a unique blend of sounds from Roots/Americana Country to Blues and Roots Rock. Get ready music fans to hear a sound that is unique, fresh and is sure to turn heads around the nation. This album has the ability to take JT Coldfire to the top of the Roots/Americana music format and beyond.
 

  If you want to hear one of the hottest CD’s in Roots/Americana music today then just listen to this album.  The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash has got to be one of the best bands touring today.  Their music is honest without a bunch of electronic hype.  The vocal performances are outstanding and the pickers are just superb.  Mile Markers is making waves throughout the world and this band is pushing the Roots/Americana music genre to new heights.  Radio stations are spinning this album like there is no tomorrow, and we here at Roots Music Report are sure they will keep playing for sometime to come.  Simply put…  This band kicks the hell out of most and Mile Markers, their new release, is killer.

   Get your wranglers on and get ready to Texas shuffle when you hear this CD. Stuart Adamson releases a killer country album that is just full of great country songs.
   This album is a testament to how real country music should sound and how real country music should be presented. The songs are great the band is tight and Stuart delivers with all the heart and soul of a performer that knows his trade very well.

   Sara Hamilton mixes it up on this album. She sounds like someone that thoroughly enjoys singing the songs she wrote for this project. This lady has a magnificent voice and has a determined sound to her style that allows for a brilliant delivery of each cut on this CD. No matter the feel of the song Sara Hamilton is right there on track with mood and deliverance. This album is a glowing example of what Roots/Americana country music is all about.