RUBY RENDALL - From Where I Stand

It was a total surprise when I opened up the package containing RUBY RENDALL’s
new CD, “From Where I Stand”. It’s been many years since Ruby’s last CD, and it seems any attempts to tempt her back into the scene
didn’t work. But she’s back, and the Orcadian Rose takes up where she left off. Her material comes from the Patty Loveless, Joy Lynn White,
Nanci Griffith and Kim Richey style of Country music. Songs include “I Wish It Would Rain”, “Blame It On Your Heart”, “Little Tears” and
“Nothing But The Wheel”. She still has hubby Sandy Mackay and long time band member Steve Watt playing on the album, with John Barclay, Brian Nicholson and fiddler Neil Hehir adding their touches to a superb Ruby Rendall sound. And family life has paid its dividends too. For her son Robbie adds his guitar skills to “MI Vida Loca”, and gets the closing instrumental track all to himself. The album is available from
Rockapotamus Music in Inverurie, or contact Ruby through her new MySpace site: www.myspace.com/ruby rendall

KENNY WATSON - KW Country

KENNY WATSON is an Aberdeenshire based singer, who has been signed up by Pan Records (their first act with no Caithness connection).
“KW’s Country” is a nice mix of Country standards, from the likes of Gail Davies, Lorrie Morgan and John Conlee. Songs include “Someone Is
Looking For Someone Like You”, “Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone”, “Rose Coloured Glasses”, “Maria’s Heading Out To California”
and “Louisiana Saturday Night”. He recalls his former job as a long distance lorry driver with a cover of Jimmy Buckley’s “Truckers Wallet”,
whilst his duet with Fiona Taylor on “Til A Tear Becomes A Rose” is probably the strongest track on the album. Kenny’s sound is easy listening, in the same style as many Irish Country acts. He’s backed by Phil Anderson, Gordie Gunn, Manson Grant, Robert Cameron, Keith MacLeod, and Richard Nelson, on the album, recorded in Wick. It’s a well produced album of catchy, though not overdone songs. He does a great job on them. I’ll certainly be looking out for more from KW.

JOHN HINSHELWOOD & SANDRA GELLATLY - Shattered Pleasures

This duo are regularly seen as part of the Gram Parson’s influenced City Sinners band, but are also a popular duo playing in Folk Clubs and other venues. Sandra, originally from Canada, has been in Scotland since 2001, and the pair have been working together for the past few years. “Shattered Pleasures” is their first album together. It features nine original songs, plus covers from Julie Miller, Gene Clark, and ex Pearlfisher David Scott. The lead vocals are shared throughout the album. On songs that feature both, like on the opening track, “Chance & Circumstance”, and “Slow Burning Fuse”, their harmonies work really well. John’s vocals show really well on Gene Parson’s (ex Byrds) “Tried So Hard”, and the sensitive “Long Way From Home”. Sandra’s “Any Road” and “Hear Your Voice”. I really enjoyed the closing track, “Dangerous Journey*, a good tempo number, which, again shows their harmonies, and some neat pickin’ as well. The album is made complete by some wonderful musicians, including Malcolm McMaster, Tim Clarke, Iain Barbour, Dick Drake , Colin McFarlane and Alasdair Robertsdon. It was all recorded in Glasgow. It’s a great homegrown original album, available from www.littleroots.com