Kellie Coffey, a reknown country singer, once again graces us with her amazing musical skills. Throughout her new album, "Walk On," she shows us everything she's got and more. Her voice stunned us track to track, and the fact that she writes her own music really shocked us even further. The title track "Walk On" seems to be a unanimous favorite, while the songs "I Would Die for That" and "There You Go Again" are also wonderful. Through the entire CD we loved her music, and look forward to hearing much more of her in the future.

Quentin Foster- RMR Reviewer

  Many different influences come into play in "Autoharpoon," the second album by The Salty Dogs. Whether playing country with a hip spin, a gospel spin, or a more psychedelic spin, this album is assuredly one you need to tune in to. We really enjoyed listening to the song, Heaven's Gates/Hell's Flames Parts 1 & 2, along with Water To Wine. A must have for any country lovers music collection.

Quentin Foster- RMR Reviewer

   The 2007 release of The Derailers' "Under the Influence of Buck" pays respect to Buck Owens, a friend and big influence to The Derailers. This album is a collection of songs either written or covered, in the case of "Johnny B. Goode", by country legend Buck Owens. Many times have The Derailers performed on the same stage, and they have always looked up to him. The Derailers didn't stray too far from the original sound of Buck Owens, but we got that familiar "Derailers" feeling as we made our way through this album. For any country fan, and even music fan, this album exceeds any expectations by far.

Quentin Foster- RMR Reviewer

If you know what's best for you on a Saturday night, then you'll pick up a copy of "Horseshoes & Hand Grenades," for a driving set of Summar’s rockin' country music. Actually, he calls it "farm rock," a convergence of Chuck Berry and George Jones. Full of grit, Trent incorporates strong rhythmic intensity as the foundation for his striking stories and just plain ol' fun rowdiness. The elements all lend perfectly to our listening amusement. They hit the ground with a steady gallop from the first song to the last, even with the brief eccentric punk/grunge moments in "He Stopped Loving Her Today" that will either get you frowning or smiling depending on how
open-minded you are to the boys having a little fun with the country classic.

I haven't heard the album that Trent put out in 2000 (or his 1994 "Hank Flamingo" release), but understand that it brought plenty of airplay, gig
and tour offers. Even landed him a showcase on the Grand Ole Opry. Produced by Rand Bishop, "Horseshoes & Hand Grenades" further indulges us with some eclectic alt-country instrumentalists and background vocalists. Remember the Ozark Mountain Daredevils with their blend of country rock, bluegrass, and southern boogie? Bassman/vocalist Michael "Supe" Granda was a founding member of that group. And the 1980s Atlanta-based Georgia Satellites with their Stones-like guitar grunge? Guitarist/vocalist Dan Baird was a key member of that enjoyable band. Steel guitarist Gary Morse is a regular with Brooks & Dunn. Other experienced musicians in The New Row Mob include Dave Kennedy (drums), Ken McMahan (guitar), and a host of others who appear to a lesser degree on the CD. Mike Webb's piano and B-3 organ are noteworthy.

Besides those collaborations with other Nashville-based writers, a number of the musicians on the album co-wrote many of these songs with Summar. And you may have already heard some of the songs covered by others like Billy Currington ("She Knows What to Do With a Saturday Night"), Gary Allan ("Guys Like Me"), and Jack Ingram ("Love You"). That's a feather is Summar's cap for other up-and-coming singers to acknowledge the sturdiness of Trent's material. Without being too disparaging, I found the similarity of the beat in a few of the songs to create a modicum of banality. But, for the most
part, the set progresses as a successful, raucous journey from beginning to end. Reminiscent of the Bakersfield sound, the country rock-infused groove and clever lines convey some deliriously fun messages. Some other catchy hooks, and even some rustic bluegrass flavorings, are found in songs like "Hayride," "Pink John Deere," and "Girl From Tennessee." Hitting you like an express train, "Louisiana Nashville Line" is full of steam. In "Guys Like Me," Trent sings "It's hard to find a place to play my guitar, they're trying to put an end to guys like me" and "I'd like to find a place where love surrounds me ... where you can land your dreams on solid ground." I'd say this album will fetch him plenty of fame and gigs. Trent's well on his way to landing his golden dreams on solid ground.

Joe Ross - rossjoe@hotmail.com

    The Doo-Wah Riders’ CD “Live!” is a recording of their concert at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. You immediately get the sense that these consummate showmen really know how to wow their audiences. They involve the audience in the fun and listening to this CD puts you at the concert. It is like you are actually there.

    The CD is full of great dancing tunes. If you are not in a dancing frame of mind, you will be shortly after you push “play.” The opening medley gets you in the mood in a hurry.

    The Rich vocals and superb harmonies you have come to expect from the Riders are there to the max, further engaging the listener. And throughout this work, there is extraordinary musicianship with some frenzied, high-octane fiddle and steel guitar.

     There are a couple of original tracks on the CD that reveal this groups ample creativity. That creativity also spills over into their remakes of some of the old favorites. You will love their version of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and you will quickly recognize the lyrics of “Neon Moondance” but the melody is uniquely Doo-Wah Riders, with a nice rhythmic beat.

     The CD is cropped off with an awesome rendition of “Orange Blossom Special” complete with Middle Eastern and Spanish sounding segments (more of that creative flair). Listening to this CD will make you sorry you missed the original concert. The good news is you can always press “replay”.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Aron Dees demo here offers three songs off his upcoming album and while the three are three totally different tunes, they each have characteristics of each other.
   “Along for the Run” includes the verse “we take a little, give a lot” and this song does just that. It takes your attention and gives you the toe tapping music that a good country western song gives. It’s a great two-step dancing song.
    “Fortune Teller” comes on with a slow start but  catches up with a lot of country twanging of the guitar strings, There lyrics however don’t seem to keep up with the  beat of the music quite as well.
    “ Ride” is the haunting melody of a cowboy who should leave his love after hurting her again to ride off into the sunset.  While catching the listener’s attention with the drawn out melody and verse, the message is just not as clearly deciphered as it should be, but the talent you hear in Dee’s voice throughout the three demos  makes you want to hear more anyway. The anticipation for the album grows.
 

Diana Aguirre Martinez

   With Tim Harwill’s new CD, All I Really Need, you get all you really need in the form of good country music. This CD is another fine piece of work from Harwill and gives the listener that good old, deep down soulful, country sound. The songs tend to whisk you back to a less-complicated, but harder time, and you can feel the passion in his delivery.
   Harwill is a gifted songwriter who creates well-crafted stories. He combines rhythmic vocals and insightful lyrics to captivate the listener and create vivid images that linger long after the song is over.
   His authentic acoustic sound is uniquely his and you will want to listen to this CD again and again.

Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Attention honky-tonk music fans! Mike Clifford’s newest release, The Heartbreak Grill and Bar, is an absolute must hear. The 11 tracks on this CD vividly demonstrate the immense talent of Clifford as they run the gamut of all the things that are good about country music.
   The first thing that strikes you as you listen to Clifford is his distinctive voice. He exhibits excellent versatility as he puts his heart and soul into each of his songs and sounds equally comfortable whether he is singing a soft melody or belting out a faster paced tune. He also possesses a very impressive vocal range, moving up and down the scale with remarkable ease and clarity.
   Clifford is a very gifted song writer, as well. Writing 10 of the 11 songs on the CD, each number spins a great story, captures the listener’s imagination and leaves you wanting more. Still another great feature of the songs on this CD is the “dance ability”. As you listen to these tunes, you will find yourself clamoring for the dance floor. The music just makes you want to move.
   If good old country, honky-tonk music is your thing, do yourself a huge favor and get this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   Hold on to your Stetson, because Steve Tenpenny and his band do it again! They give you some great country listening, entertaining lyrics and they give it their all. Their tunes come at you hard and fast blending some strong vocals with talented guitar playing.
   The band’s energy comes through in each and every song, whether it is their country rock they are treating you to or their slower paced tunes that your are listening to. Either way, the fast paced numbers will have you on your feet and your head bobbin and the slower songs will have you swaying to the music.
   Among his other talents, Tenpenny is also an inspired songwriter. He tells some really great stories that capture the listener’s imagination. The fact that these stories are set to some awesome musical accomplishment is the icing on the cake!

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer

   While "modern country" rules the roost in Nashville, it's writers like Radney Foster that anchor the genre from complete hokum. In any genre, at any time, there are exceedingly few artist that have released a body of work that consistently hits the high watermarks as Foster's career has. As a new recording artist, Radney Foster's first significant project, Foster & Lloyd, released three albums and received critical acclaim but got little attention at the cash register. In the early 90's, when country radio nose dived into mass pop culture, Foster, along with many of Country Music's greats, were left out in the cold. Foster's opportunity for national attention has been hampered by a lack of major label marketing dollars; however, his unique ability to write a truly great Americana song has never waivered. Along with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, and Dave Alvin, Radney Foster has penned some of the finest songwriting this genre has to offer. (If you've ever rolled down the car window to sing along with The Eagles you already know that Americana is a catch-all category for music that's too rock for country and too country for rock.) Foster's latest album, This World We Live In, is a delightful ten track trip down Nashville's back alleys and courtyards.
   According to his label's promotional material, "Instead of hiring the same Nashville studio musicians, they called in some friends: Waddy Wachtel and Charley Drayton (members of Keith Richard’s side project, the X-pensive Winos) along with Wallflowers’ keyboardist Rami Jaffe and legendary bassist Bob Glaub (Jackson Browne, C.S&Y, Warren Zevon) 'Those guys come by the roots-rock feel pretty honest,' laughs Foster. 'I knew they were great musicians, and I figured if I knew the songs well enough upfront, they could just fall in. I wanted to keep it simple. By going to Los Angeles to record, time and money were naturally limited-but it was a good limitation. Sometimes I think we do too much just because we can. Instead, we went in and cut the tracks in two days.' "
   What Foster accomplished in two days is remarkable. This World We Live In is a well rounded collection of ten songs that represent as complete an album as is being released today: there is no filler as each track unfolds its own story line. The entry point to the album is the powerful ballad, 'Fools That Dream' which features the impeccable harmony vocals of Kim Richey. Together they sing, "The only ones that make love last forever are fools that dream." The next song, 'Never Gonna Fly' has a Springsteen like quality; effervescent with hope. "A young man full of pride don't need much hope, Thinks he's got it made even when he don't, Thinks all he's got to do is order up a beer or two, And make work what everybody tells him won't,...You're either in or your out, It's better to burn than it is too fade, You want to feel the wind, You've got to take a ride, You better dream big, If you want to touch the sky, You can't be scared to risk it all, You're never gonna fly, If you're afraid to fall.'
   Foster's, 'Half of My Mistakes' is as funny as it is touching. 'Half of my mistakes I made stone sober, Half of my mistakes I made at closing time' or the line where Foster makes the obvious statement that any listeners can relate to, 'Half of my mistakes I'd give anything to change how it ended, Half of my mistakes, God, I wouldn't change a thing.' Foster's ability to uplift the listeners while sharing the pain of the common human experience is a rare art. Throughout this album Radney Foster proves, once again, that he is as significant an artist as any: that he has perfected his art form.

-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

   Shawn Camp has exceptional talent as musician, singer and songwriter. He’s been chasing after widespread mainstream success for quite some time, although he has been able to build a legion of dedicated fans in both the country and bluegrass communities. His songs have been covered by many luminaries from both genres -- Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn. Camp’s solo debut on the Reprise label occurred in 1993, but creative differences brought work on his second album to an abrupt halt. So he focused on songwriting and penned hits for Garth Brooks in 1997 (“Two Pina Coladas”) and Brooks & Dunn in 1998 (“How Long Gone”). He’s also co-penned numbers with Guy Clark, as well as with Jim Lauderdale (like “Forever Ain’t No Trouble Now” that was on the 2002 Grammy award-winning Jim Lauderdale-Ralph Stanley album, “Lost In The Lonesome Pines.”) Shawn Camp’s own 2001 “Lucky Silver Dollar” album (on his own Skeeterbit Records) was a strong project but suffered from lack of exposure. Then, some bluegrass shows were recorded and released as “Live At The Station Inn,” in 2002 on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records.
   On “Fireball,” Camp’s songs were written with some of his best friends – Mark D. Sanders, John Scott Sherrill, Billy Burnette, Phillip White, Pat McLaughlin, Earl Bud Lee, Paul Kennerly. Camp, the first class multi-instrumentalist, has a preference for guitars, but he also offers up some tasty fiddle and mandolin. On the album closer, “Drank,” Camp is credited from guitars, bass, fiddle, dobro, horn sounds and whistlin’. Camp’s broad musical interests have him equally comfortable singing a tender ballad (“Love Ain’t Leavin’”) as he is pickin’ the bluegrassy “Would You Go With Me” or rockin’ “Fireball.” It’s an impressive statement that Camp can do it all, and there are some real keepers from the song collection on this high voltage CD. The indefatigable Shawn Camp’s musical demeanor is one full of wry-witted attitude. “Fireball” shows that he continues to grow, to create, and to entertain. - Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.

   77 El Deora is one of the most distinctive sounding bands of 2006. Their music and songs are True Country sounding with a bit of Roots/Americana flavoring wonderfully instilled in each unique sound track. 77 El Deora simply presents some outstanding music on this album that represents the True Country and Roots/Americana sound that is sweeping the nation and the world. This is a winning CD that will bring much attention to this band around the globe.

   If you enjoy the music of Hank Williams you will love this new release by Gary Bennett.
   He has his own sound but there is something about his vocal performance that conjures up memories of Hank Williams the legend. This is True Country without all the bubblegum on most releases coming from Nashville nowadays.
   Great songs, killer music and a super vocal performance by Gary Bennett.

   When real country music is talked about these days in the music world, one artist is mentioned more than any other (Mr. George Strait). George has held true to his roots and has released true country music for fans time and time again. Well it is no surprise that his new release "Somewhere Down In Texas" is as country as country music can get. This is one of the best albums he has ever released and is sure to become a major selling album very quickly. The cut on track # 8 simply titled "TEXAS" will take this one over the top. This CD will more than likely win George Strait the Album of The Year Award at the CMA Music Awards this year. (It is that good!) Get ready radio and music fans around the world as you will be hearing some of the best country music to ever be recorded.

   Big 7 Records has proudly released the debut single, "Wild Wild West" from the new and upcoming CD, 'Ain't No Shame' by the Grammy voted rockin' country boy, Tim Murphy.
   Each element in the production of this disc, such as the fiddle, the slide guitar and the honky-tonk piano has been played to perfection.
   And for those of you out there who are familiar with this man's voice, well, get ready to hold on to your hat! Tim's pipes are stronger than ever!
   This single is so awesome it could never be confused with any other. It truly has a lasso affect that clearly calls to you, drawing you to the dance floor with it's solid rhythm and pounding beat. Your body picks up on the lyrical content right off the top! “Feels like a Friday night about nine o'clock and things are getting ready to roll!” By the end of the first verse, you are already singing as you start to move as one with the music.
   Folks have always said how the "Wild Wild West" was won with the Winchester or maybe it was the Colt 45 but, Tim Murphy's wild west musical extravaganza is a total winner. If this song doesn't make you want to find a dance floor and shake off the week's dust, then you've got the wrong kind of boots on!
   The “Wild Wild West” hitting radio in October 2005, is the first of a string of hits that Big 7 Records plan to release off this new album, “Ain't No Shame” by Tim Murphy. Slated for release in spring of 2006, 'Ain't No Shame' is a compilation of eleven of Tim's finest works yet! And get ready for a hoe-down, show-down!
   As for myself, I give this butt kickin' single "Wild Wild West" and Tim Murphy…A Big 5 Luscious Stars*****

CD Review by Lyn Thomas M.D.
KMCO Radio 101.3 FM
For Roots Music Report

   This latest release “Small Town Radio” by Todd Fritsch really hit home for my radio station here in Southeastern Oklahoma. It's as if Mr. Fritsch walked into our radio station, sat in on some of our shows during a normal broadcast day and recorded this record. Every note and every word represents our station and audience to a tee.
   KMCO is even small enough to know our listeners by there first names. Were 100,000 watts broadcasting home town values 24- 7 and your invited to tune into Home Town Radio. We've got great entertainment with all the information you'll need for your day with out all with out all the hoop-la. "Were Proud to be " Home Town Radio...Todd puts personal touches on all of his tracks on this record. That's what I think makes a quality singer, song writer and entertainer. Todd Fritsch is a young man with the intelligence of a man twice his age.
   This CD is a major winner! And I know you've heard of the singing Cowboy. Well Todd Fritsch is 100% Cow-boy and then he is a country-singer, making a very nice mixture of talents for a man. Just add a little emotion and some elec. charge. And you will know this is Todd through and through. This release is a winner that will soon to be at a music store near you. So pick this one up and maybe a few 100 extra for all you friends.

Lynn Thomas MD.
KMCO 101.3 FM.
McAlester, OK.
For Roots Music Report
 

   Bobby Flores releases “Too Many Rivers” an album that presents some of the finest country music classics to ever be written. Bobby Flores and his co-producer Bill Green just keep delivering country music the way it was always meant to be presented. Bobby’s vocal performance is outstanding and the music is as true as country music can get. This CD will please any true country music fan and should gain tremendous airplay on radio stations around the globe. “Too Many Rivers” is one of the best traditional country albums we have received this year (and what a great listen it is).

  Extremely Talented describes singer/songwriter, guitar-pickin’ vocalist Brad Paisley in his musical infusion on his new album, “Time Well Wasted.”
   This album will more than supply any hardcore country music fan, including Roots/Americana country enthusiast, with some of the finest music to come their way in quite sometime. Brad smokes his guitar and sings with a passion.
   Brad Paisley delivers it all on this one.

   Country music fans get ready to tip your hat back and hear some of the finest country music to come our way in 2005. Gene Watson has just released 13 of the best real country music songs to be presented by an independent label. Just listen to this album and you will wonder why and when did mainstream radio loose their minds and quit playing real music like this. If this album gets as much airplay as it deserves there will not be a disappointed country music fan in the world. Gene Watson is still singing like he did as a young man. You will hear so many maturing artists today that sound like they must be in the studio for days trying to sing one song correctly. (But not Gene Watson). He sounds as fresh as the day he released his first record years ago. This new release is simply some of the best music any country artist has presented to radio.

   Seldom do you find an artist on a major record label like Dierks Bentley. He has not forgotten that all the great music and all the big production budgets and all the fame began in some small band somewhere or just trying to get someone to listen to you sing.  He has not forgotten his ROOTS.
   His new release “Modern Day Drifter” is what dedicated country music lovers are always looking for on radio but seldom find nowadays. Dierks delivers country music better than 99% of the country performers releasing their new music to the public. This album is just full of fantastic singing and great strait down the line country music. And as an added bonus Dierks performs with the Del McCoury Band and makes sure even the Roots/Americana and Bluegrass fans will appreciate his music. Modern Day Drifter is hands down one the best country albums to roll our way in quite awhile.

   Wow it's been a long time since we received a CD here at Roots Music Report that literally gave all the staff the chills. Wow can this lady deliver a country song. And Amber Digby has a voice that is unblemished and a pleasure to listen to.
   Amber Digby is as country as country can get. This album is just outstanding. “Music From The Honky Tonks” features some of the most splendid Texas Dancehall songs to ever be written. This is out of the ordinary music presented by a lady that has all the emotion and song presentation needed to deliver this style of music. Every cut on this CD is pure quality and played by some of the best country music musicians in the lone star state.
We are as serious as serious can be when we say Yellow Rose Records has just released a fabulous country album. Thanks guys and thanks Amber.

   From traditional country to upbeat Texas swing The Cornell Hurd Band deliver it all up on this new CD. Lots of Texas honky-tonk music on this album. This album is full of light-hearted songs and just a dream to listen to. This unusual group hails from just down the street in Dripping Springs Texas and is a favorite dance band here in the Texas hill country. Fan-mail From The Lost Planet is sure to turn heads in the roots country music industry.