Scotcountryalbums

Monday, January 14, 2008

DANIEL McPHEE -Sings Country (Pan Records)


Daniel is the newest member of Manson Grant’s Dynamos, and has really added a lot of variety to the highland showband. He has featured on Manson’s last couple of albums with stunning versions of Marty Robbins classics.
With that in mind, I was disappointed that there were none of Marty’s hits featured among the 12 covers on this solo outing from Daniel.
Old time Country fans wont be too disappointed though, for he does superb versions of Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home”, Bob Wills’ “Faded Love”, Don Williams “You’re My Best Friends”, and Freddie Hart’s “The Wall” (which I had to check back, because Daniel makes it sound like a Marty Robbins song).
He goes a bit more mainstream, with versions of “Snowbird”, “Country Roads”, “18 Yellow Roses” and “Cottonfields”. His version of “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” is pure showband magic.
As well as Manson and fellow Dynamo, Robert Cameron, Phil Anderson , steelie Robbie Turner and fiddler Aubrey Haynie feature on the album, alongside Fiona Sutherland on harmony vocals.
The album was recorded between studios in Wick & Nashville. Manson produced the album, which it has to be said, has a true Manson Grant sound. It’s a sound that works well in the markets they play. It’s a good sounding party album.
Daniel also demonstrates his accordian skills on “Caithness Music Man”, a new 16 track of traditional Scottish sounds. Both albums can be ordered online from http://www.panrecords.co.uk/