ISLA GRANT - Isla Sings Hank

ISLA GRANT is well respected for being one of our top singer songwriters, so when her new album, “Isla Sings Hank” (IGE label) arrived, it marked quite a departure for the lady.
As the title suggests, this is an album of Hank Williams classics, from the opening track, “You Win Again”, to “Move It On Over”, “Hey Good Looking” and “Take These Chains From My Heart”.
What is really impressive, however, is just how she makes many of these numbers sound like they are her own. Best examples of this include, “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight”, “Why Should We Cry Anymore” and “When God Comes And Gathers His Jewels”,
There no less than 14 tracks on here. All of Hank’s biggest hits, done in Isla’s own way. The album was recorded in Galway with some great musicians, including Charlie Arkins, Declan O’Donoghue and Martin Cleary. The whole album has a very traditional Country sound, without losing the Isla Grant sound that is her trademark.
Available from www.islagrant.net

BUZZARD CREEK - Thru The Years

BUZZARD CREEK rekindle memories of one of the hardest working bands of a generation ago. The Falkirk based group are back on the scene, and building up their reputation with gigs on the club scene all over the Central belt.
Their new 14 track CD, “Through The Years” features 14 tracks, isn’t an album of songs from the band’s previous existence, but does include a few songs that have clearly stood the test of time.
The choice is simply down to great songs that the band have found popular with audiences. There are classic oldies like Merle Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and “Sing Me Back Home”, through Gene Watson’s “Carmen” and “Got No Reason Now To Go Home”, to more up to date hits like “Some Beach” and “A Little Less Talk”.
The production is really impressive, especially on the older numbers like “Uinion Mare & Confederate Grey”. They even manage to squeeze in a bit of rockabilly.
A good album, which can only enhance their careers. Catch them on their next club visit.