Norman Borland - One In A Million

NORMAN BORLAND is a name that many readers, especially in the West of Scotland will recognise. Norman has just released his second album, One In A Million”, which, although recorded at Stealth Recording Studio in Glasgow, is aimed at his native Irish market.
The album features 15 songs, which only a few songs are instantly recognisable. These include John Denver’s “Back Home Again” and “Somedays Are Diamonds”, and Gail Davies’ “Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You”.
There’s also George Strait’s “Love Without End, Amen”, Buck Owens’ “Roll Out The Red Carpet” and the more recent Josh Turner hit “Me & God”. Norman does very good covers of each of them.
The title track closes the album. It’s a sentimental little song about babies. Norman does a good version, without being over sentimental.
With a rich vocal style like Mick Flavin, it’s no surprise that he really does a good job on “The Rarest Flowers”.
I also enjoyed “Highway Of Life” and “The Same Way You Came In “.
Norman’s in fine voice throughout the album, which is well worth a listen!
It’s available on his website www.normanborland.co.uk

OneDay40 - Unfinished Business

ONE DAY 40 is the group that picked up where the popular Evangeline left off. The band are George Adams, John Naismith, Andy Holmes and Billy Matthews, and the album “Unfinished Business” features 12 original self penned songs.
Recorded at Park Lane studios in Glasgow, the guys have put a lot of energy into the songs. As with their Evangeline material, it’s not aimed at the Country music club or linedancer. But this will appeal to both the Country fan who appreciates the talent of songwriters and original material, and the wider audience, pop & rock fans, student venues etc.
“50 Miles” is a haunting song that’s already had a bit of airplay.
Horse joins George on a duet for the acoustic “Love Aint Always Pretty”. The song is one of the highlights on the album. Probably the most Country song on the album is “Sad Cowboy”, inspired by one of their fans, who called them that.
“Unfinished Business” is a first class album. It defies labels, so should appeal to country fans, and those who think they don’t like Country music alike.
Check it out at their Myspace : www.myspace.com/oneday40

Wayne Stewart - Some Dude Singing / Heading For Somewhere

At the end of their recent visit to The Prairie Star club, I got, not one, but two CD’s from WAYNE STEWART, who is building up quite a popular following on the local scene.
The albums, “Some Dude Singing” and “Heading For Somewhere” are similar in style, and aimed, very much, at the local club audience.
There’s 14 tracks on one and 15 on the other, and include such songs as “Mi Vida Loca”, “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”, “Dance The Night Away”, “Good Hearted Woman” and “Past The Point Of Rescue”.

Mary Kathleen Burke - A Song in Her Heart (Greentrax)

Celtic Music Radio presenter Mary Kathleen Burke sounds really at home with the music on this album. But the County Derry born singer, who has been in Scotland for many years is well known on the the Scottish Country music scene.
Remember Tanya from the bands Nevada & Sneaky Moon? That's right, Tanya is now Mary, and well settled into folk music these days.
She's had great reviews and airplay on this album, which includes some of her ownsongs, alongside Eleanor McEvoy's "A Woman's Heart" , Donovan's "Catch The Wind" and Iris Dement's "When My Morning Comes Around". She even covers Burns, with an amazing version of "Ae Fond Kiss".
Country music's loss is Celtic music's gain.