KATHY STEWART - Almost Home

Our home grown CD this time around comes from Borders based KATHY STEWART
Although a native New Yorker, singer songwriter Kathy has lived over here for over 30 years. In that time she has been seen performing with the likes of John Hinshelwood, The City Sinners and Another Country (I still have a couple of Another Country’s cassettes in the library!), and she has opened for the likes of Tom Russell and George Hamilton IV, and even had a song recorded by Vince Gill. Her first solo release earned her HMV’s Best Country Newcomer title back in 2009.
Her third album, “Almost Home”(Treehouse Records) has just been released. It’s a really lovely listen, although probably leans more towards folk and celtic than Country music.
Recorded in Penicuik, with Dave Gray, the album features Kathy’s band The Frequent Flyers.
Stand out tracks for me, included “Old Campaigners”, with it’s simple piano backing and the opening track “The Shine On You”, which had echoes of Mary Chapin running through it.
I have to say that I also enjoyed “Leaving (A Ghost’s Lament)”, a beautiful song, with some lovely violin and pipes. But Kathy’s vocal delivery really makes it for me.
Kathy wrote all but one of the 10 tracks on the album. The exception is “First Robin Of Springtime”, written by Canadian Bruce Murdoch. Another track, the rather bluesy “Go To Bed Happy” was co-written with fellow Borders writer Bob Lawson”.
In the main, not a Country album, but, nevertheless, it’s a beautiful listen.

THE CLINCARTS - A Taste Of Salt

We’ll kick off this time with an interesting concept album recorded in Glasgow by THE CLINCARTS. The main man behind the group, is Davy Clincart, who has a wealth of musical experience, having played with The Dixon Street Soul Band, The Crowdaddies and Brian Hughes’ Loansharks amongst others. The Clincarts did release an EP of original Country & Bluegrass a few years back, but now embark on a totally fresh approach to Country music in Scotland.
Not only is this a new CD, titled “A Taste Of Salt”, but also an audiobook called “The Coffee Grinder And The Green Ray”. The package also includes a printed booklet, if you want to read it for yourself, rather than listen to Shawn Hastings narration.
Musicians on the album include Eddie Brown, Cal McKinlay and Roy Fruede, with Siobhan Glendinning and Brett Hamlyn providing backing vocals.
The story centers around a Glasgow chap who catches his wife cheating, and reacts by heading to London, before landing on his feet in France.
The music, all of it original, fits into the storyline along the way.
The music, itself covers quite a variety. Much of it is Country rock.
It all kicks off with “A Taste Of Salt”, a catchy upbeat number, which set the toes tapping.
Some of the tracks are more pop, notably “Trait 2” and “My Own Terms”. Although quite rocky, I did enjoy “Pandora’s Pain”. It had a good catchy beat to it.
The tempo does slow down on tracks like “The Venom In Me”.
“Just A Smile” and “Flowers By The Roadside” are much more mellow numbers, as the story sees the main character settle into a new life. The main Country interest is with “The Old Cliché”, as he heads out to a Country Linedance festival. The line dance for this song, choreographed by Cathie McAllister, was featured in the last magazine. It’s a really catchy number, and stands out from the rest of the album.
The CD rounds off on quite a rocky beat, with “The Green Bay”.
It’s an interesting concept project, and covers such a variety of genres from Country & line dance to literature.

HAZEL CUMMING - One Step At A Time

Now for some homegrown music, and a new CD from newcomer HAZEL CUMMING.
The Coatbridge based singer went to Ireland to record “One Step at A Time”, and certainly has that happy Irish feel to her music.
The album kicks off with a couple of Dolly covers in “Coat Of Many Colours” and “Backwoods Barbie”. She then goes back to the old Ray Griff song, “Light In The Window”, and Isla Grant’s “Look Me Straight In The Eye”, both keeping up the beat.
After Billie Jo’s “Sing Me An Old Fashioned Song”, she slows it down a bit on the sentimental “Daddy’s Hands”, and the old Barbara Fairchild song, “Teddy Bear”. I really liked Hazel’s version of this song.
After “Let Me Be There”, she really lets rip with Loretta’s “You Aint Woman Enough”. She certainly delivers the message! Then she slows down, and goes way back to Kitty Wells days with “How Far Is Heaven”, before rounding off with “A Mothers Love’s a Blessing” and “Red Is The Rose”.
It’s an album of covers, but the song choice is varied, and will serve as a good introduction to Hazel. As the title says, “One Step at A Time”. She’s in fine voice, and the production is excellent.
Originally from Ayrshire, Hazel launched the album in Kilmarnock in late January, and has been getting some good reaction to it. I hope she gets the attention of the Irish fans with the album. They’ll love it. But I also hope she also gets the support of the fans here, and isn’t forced to follow the likes of Lisa McHugh, and move over there.

GEORGE L GOODFELLOW - A Handful Of Diamonds

GEORGE L GOODFELLOW & THE GLG BAND have just released their sixth album. As before, “A Handful Of Diamonds” (Smallboy Records) is full of original songs, all penned by the Hawick based songwriter, and mainly recorded in Galashiels.
The songs are well crafted.
“My Time” is a catchy number which caught my attention.
“This Letter” also caught my attention. It’s a good upbeat number, with some neat fiddle and banjo, but some of the chords sound rather similar to a certain “Blowing In The Wind”. Hope Mr Dylan does read this.
He shares a little philosophy, on “In A Heartbeat”, with lines like “I’d Rather Die Now For Something (Then for Nothing Later On)”.
Slowing things down, “Make Every Moment Precious”, has some nice lyrics. Other ballads worth a listen include the title track and the opening track, “Sign On The Wall”.
 “Don’t Talk (No Conversation”) may seem a strange title for a song, but it works for George.
It’s an interesting album. All original, and one for the songwriter fans to check out.

GEORDIE JACK - Choices

We’re kicking off this time with a new album from GEORDIE JACK. Geordie was very much the voice of British Country music in the 1980’s as front man of Colorado. Various attempts to move on from the Colorado days, through name changes to Caledonia & The Jacks, didn’t distract his legions of fans. Having retired The Jacks a couple of years ago, nobody believed that we had heard the last of Geordie Jack.
And, sure enough, he’s back. He’s still got that unmistakable Sutherland accent, and sounding better than ever, on a new album, “Choices” (Pan Records).  The arrangements are quite simple, just sons Kevin & Trevor, and some fiddle from Gordie Gunn.
The title track is the old George Jones anthem, which Geordie delivers well.
The album kicks off with the first of three self penned numbers. “No Can Do” is a catchy up tempo number, which was a little different to what I expected, but worked well.  The other two self penned numbers are “The Bride’s Song”, a lovely song for a wedding, and “Unconditional Friends”, a bit of a life story, the sort of song Geordie has put his trademark on throughout the years (think “Making Friends” and “We’ve Got Something To Say”). He really has a knack of writing life reflecting songs.
There’s a cover of Hugh Moffatt’s “Loving You”, which is suits Geordie’s style just so well.
There’s also covers of Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’ “ , Wendell Atkin’s “Falling For You” and John Anderson’s “Would You Catch A Falling Star”.
Merle Kilgore’s “The Folk Singer” is given an interesting arrangement, with some lovely harmonies from daughter Kim.  Kim also features on a haunting version of the rather tragic “The Butcher Boy”. This song is so atmospheric that you can feel Geordie & Kim sitting in your living room performing it.
Having missed our annual fix of Geordie Jack at the Caithness Festival over the last couple of years, it’s just so good to hear him in such fine voice, performing songs so suited to his vocal style.
It’s a lovely album. One to be proud of.

MARY K BURKE - Sweet Is The Melody

Regular readers will remember MARY K BURKE from her days in popular bands Nevada and Tanya & Sneaky Moon.  She has spent the past few years performing with more of a folk sound, but her new album, “Sweet is the Melody” (MKB Independent Records) sees her return to Country music, albeit with Irish influences.
The album kicks off with a pacey cover of Nanci Griffith’s “I Wish it Would Rain”, and she covers Tanya Tucker’s “Hanging In”, Tom T Hall’s “I Miss A Lot Of Trains”, Patsy’s “Stop The World” and “Here Today Gone Tomorrow”, made famous by Philomena Begley. Mary’s version of the latter is a shade slower and features Joe Davitt. It’s a really nice version of the song.
Being a bit fan of Iris Dement, two of her songs are featured here, the title track, and the wonderful “Mama Was Always Telling Her Truth”.  I just love the old timey, piano arrangement on this song. The song has special appeal for Mary, as it says so much about her own mother, who passed away recently.
The old Rita MacNeill number, “I’ll Accept The Rose” also has the old timey feel to it, which works really well.
One song that really stands out for me us “Broken Stones”, written by fellow Glasgow songwriter Charlie Sharkey. It’s a particularly strong Country number. It’s really catchy, and suits Mary’s Country style to a tee. It’s a stand out track for me.
“Bright Blue Rose”, written by Jimmy McCarthy has an interesting arrangement, featuring some impressive mandolin from Lar Kenny. “The Banks Of Mulroy Bay” has a strong Irish influence, a style that obviously suits Mary.
There are two songs, which Mary was involved in the writing. Both numbers reflect her life, being born and brought up in County Derry, and living over here.  “Ireland I Miss You” is a beautiful homage to her homeland, whilst “Glasgow” is a really catchy song about her adopted home city. It’s a song that the whole city can associate with.
Recorded in Arklow in Co.Wicklow, the sound throughout is superb. She’s sounding great, with a great mix of songs, well chosen & well produced. I thoroughly recommend you check her out, and hopefully we’ll see her back on the Country scene before long.
marykburke.bandcamp.com

JACQUI SHARKEY - Shine

JACQUI SHARKEY is a Glasgow girl making a name for herself across in Ireland. Her third album, “Shine” has just been released, and is a mix of self penned & original numbers, and a few chosen covers.
The West Donegal based singer songwriter has one of the most beautiful voices around, with more than a canny resemblance to that of Anne Murray. That’s quite evident on the opening track, a beautiful ballad called “You’re The Reason”, one of three self penned songs on the album.  But Jacqui’s much more than an Anne Murray soundalike, as a listen to this album demonstrates.
Long time songwriting buddy Ian Smith, from Kilmarnock, co-wrote another beautiful ballad called “I’ll Be Missing You” with the Scots born singer.
But she proves that she can rock it up too, with the catchy “Let The Sun Shine On Me”, from which the album title comes.  There’s a bit of blues thrown into the mix, but works really well. There’s also some neat fiddle from multi talented Rob Hajacos, who has appeared on everyone from Alan Jackson to Glen Campbell albums.
Ian Smith also teamed up with Irish songwriter Jody Gallagher to contribute the upbeat “Arabica Blues”. It’s quite a different sound for Jacqui, but works well.
Another Irish songwriter Shunie Crampsey wrote the gorgeous “Take Me To Paris”, a song that Jacqui had released as a single a while back.  He also contributed “In Chicago”, another really beautiful song that suits Jacqui’s romantic vocals to a tee.
There’s also an original song from the New England songwriting duo of Marla Rubenstein & Fran Beaudet, called “Still Hoping”.
The covers on the album cover a wide range of styles from the bluegrassy “Lonesome Standard Time”, previously recorded by Kathy Mattea, The Eagles’ “Love Will Keep Us Alive” (written by Jim Capaldi , Paul Carrack and Peter Vale), Patty Loveless “Blame It On Your Heart”, Allison Moorer’s “A Soft Place To Fall” and she also does Shania’s “Dance With The One”.
To round it all off, she does a stunning version of the traditional Irish song, “Carrickfergus”, which runs to over 6 minutes.
Recorded in Errigal Studios in Donegal, Jacqui co-produced the album with Seamus McGhee, and features notable musicians like Ray McLoughlin, Des Sheerin and Jonathan Owens.
Jacqui has one of the most beautiful voices around today, and has really crafted her music on this album. Just the right balance of old & new, fast and slow. An absolutely stunning album, one that will definitely put a “Shine” to your CD collection.

LISA McHUGH - Wildfire

Another Glasgow girl, who now calls Ireland home, is LISA McHUGH. She has never looked back since moving to Enniskillen to pursue her Irish Country music career a few years back. With total respect to the legends of the scene from generations ahead of her, Lisa found her place, and is now firmly establishing her own mark on the Irish Country music scene.
Her latest album. “Wildfire” is certainly proof of that. When talking with Lisa prior to the album release, she promised, ”some modern, some classics, and some fun”. She sure has provided that.
Several tracks have already been pushed out as singles, including the catchy CD opener, “Mean”, and her cover of Aussie group The McClymonts’ “Favourite Boyfriend Of The Year”, which she debuted on the glitzy Irish TV Country Awards Show.  There’s also the duet with Nathan Carter on “You Can’t Make Old Friends”, as they recreate the old Kenny & Dolly hit.
The classics include “57 Chevrolet”, Shania’s early hit “Dance With The One” and Carlene Carter’s “Every Little Thing”.  She gives new life to “Livin’ in These Troubled Times”, which Crystal Gayle had a hit with, way back in the early 80’s before Lisa was born. (I suspect Lisa’s version will be more likely to have been inspired by Maura O’Connell’s later version). Then there’s Dylan’s “Banks Of The Ohio”, most famously a hit for Olivia Newton John. Lisa has stripped the arrangement right back and it comes out as a beautifully haunting folk ballad, a style which I really think Lisa excels in.
Another song that picks up on the same style is the Victoria Shaw song “Never Alone”, which I first heard The Rankin Family do a few years ago. I never thought anyone could deliver such a stunning version as they did, but Lisa certainly comes close.
The fun comes over in “Bring On The Good Times”, written by Donegal singer songwriters Jody Gallagher & Mickey Joe Harte, and also on “Wildfire” which is the title track to the album.
There is a “hidden” track, an acoustic cover of Ed Sheerin’s “Thinking Out Loud, which Lisa delivers well.
It’s another winner from Lisa McHugh. Her fame is certainly spreading like “Wildfire”.

THE MAIRS FAMILY BAND -LIve !

THE MAIRS FAMILY BAND are Scotland’s premier bluegrass band. Previously known as New Redwing, the group consists Mum & Dad Louise & Alan, and daughter Hazel, with the addition of Danny Hart.
Over the years, their family harmonies and neat picking on traditional bluegrass instruments, including dobro, double bass, banjo & acoustic guitar have won them much admiration at both home and abroad.
Their new album, simply called “Live !”, gives the game away. Yes, recorded live, at both The Moniaive Bluegrass Festival, and at The Meeting Place, Rutherglen, where the group host monthly acoustic evenings.
The album features 9 tracks, a mix of classics like “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby” and “Jimmy Brown The Newsboy”, and newer covers like Alecia Nugent’s “The First Mistake” and Peter Rowan’s “You Taught Me How To Lose”, alongside an instrumental and gospel numbers. There’s even one of their own songs, “No Words”.
And it all rounds off with Hazel’s rousing version of “Rocky Top”.
The Mairs Family Band are well worth catching live every month at The Meeting Place, or wherever they play. This album really catches the live feel of the band.
Superb stuff !

JOHN CORRIGAN - Inchfad Drive

JOHNNY CORRIGAN is a Glasgow born singer s
 ongwriter, who certainly made impressions with his last album, “Inchfad Drive”. As the publicity sent out with his latest album, “Down The Line” points out, the previous release was essentially a rock album, yet it was nominated at the UK Country Music awards. Similarly, despite containing not one word of Gaelic, it was Album of the week on Radio Nan Gaidheal.
“Down The Line” is no more Country than his last offering, but there is obviously an appeal amongst Country fans for Johnny Corrigan’s music.
The title track is a slow, sensitive number, which I really quite enjoyed. Indeed most of the songs are quite slow, including “If I Had” and “One Way Train”.
The more uptempo songs, including “Hallie-Luiah” sound quite Country, with some nice steel in the mix. This was certainly my stand out track.
“Stay Young”, which closes the album, features some lovely harmony from Irish songstress Heidi Talbot.
The musicians include top notch players like Alan Thomson, John McCusker and Stuart Nesbit, and was recorded at Castle Of Doom studios in Glasgow (not to be confused with Castle Campbell in Dollar, also known as the Castle of Doom).
It’s a nice listenable album, although not one for the hardest core Country fan.

RAINTOWN - Writing On The Wall

The new album from RAINTOWN seems to have taken forever. But the wait is over, and “Writing On The Wall” (BMB) has finally arrived.
And I have to say, it’s been worth the wait.
Paul & Claire have made some good music together for a number of years now. The have obviously matured in their writing and performing since their last album, “Hope In Troubled Times”. They have written, or co-written nine of the twelve tracks on the album. The thing that impressed me most, is the crisp clean arrangements on many of the tracks, which really match the American Country sound.
Each song is handled differently. In some, Paul takes the lead, in others, it’s Claire. On tracks like “If This Was A Love Song”, the single from the album, their harmonies come out in force.
On tracks like “Missing You”, Paul leads the first half of the song, before Claire takes over. This song was written in the aftermath of Glasgow’s Clutha tragedy.
Most of the tracks are quite upbeat, like “Beautiful Life”, and “Writing On The Wall”.
“Forever Isn’t Long Enough” and “Better Beautiful” are more of a medium paced ballad, with lead vocals by Claire, whilst “Shut The Front Door” is an upbeat attitude song, one of the more rockier tracks on the CD,
“Nineteen Again”, written by Brian Hughes, is a good upbeat number, which sounds like it came right out of Music City USA. It’s a really strong radio friendly number. By contrast, “See You Again” is a beautiful ballad, with a simple piano, bass and steel arrangement.
Recorded at Par Street Studio in Liverpool, producer Justin Johnson has really captured Paul & Claire’s talent down to a tee. Fellow rising stars Laura Oakes and Luke Thomas also feature on the album.
Altogether, it’s a good modern Country sound. This album is right up there with the cream of the Nashville releases.

RAB NOAKES I'm Walkin' Here

RAB NOAKES is one of Scotland’s foremost singer songwriters. He crosses genres from folk and Country to blues and rock. Long time Country fans will recognise his name from the days when Gerry Ford presented Radio Scotland’s Country Corner. Rab was the producer of that show, and later The Brand New Opry. He was also behind one of Glasgow’s Country music radio projects, Neon Country Radio.
As I say, Rab’s musical style is extremely versatile, so his album, “I’m Walkin’ Here” (Neon)  is not all Country by any means, but there are enough tracks that interested me enough to give it a mention here in CMDS. There is an old time Country feel in places, In others, you’ll hear skiffle & rockabilly undertones.
It’s actually a double CD set, with 26 tracks, and 7 bonus tracks, available by going to the website after buying the album. The first CD is all Rab written songs, whilst CD2 is a mixture of influences that has been working on him over the years.
“I’m Walkin’ Here”, the title track, was apparently inspired by Dustin Hoffman in Midnight Cowboy. It’s a good catchy number. One that should find itself onto radio.
“Slippin’ Away” is a driving guitar number, in a kinda Neil Young / Cougar Mellancamp style.
Both songs feature impressive harmonies from Jill Jackson.
Roddy Hart guests on “It Happenned All The Same”, a haunting Country ballad, with a big struuming guitar. Quite imposing.
I mentioned skiffle, and the sound comes up to date on “Out Of Your Sight”. I really quite liked the sound. Rockabilly and ragtime come together on a really catchy number called “Where Dead Voices Gather”. It’s good upbeat number, that really shines through.
CD2 kicks off with an old west inspired version of “Button & Bows”, with harmonies from Barbara Dickson. That ol’ west feel also comes over on “All In Down & Out Blues” and “That’s The Way The Whole Thing Ends”, which features a nice duet with fellow singer songwriter Emma Pollock.
He does an interesting version of the old Skiffle song, “Freight Train”. This song features harmonies and guitar from Jimmie Macgregor.
The download tracks include Roger Miller’s “When Two Worlds Collide”.
It’s actually quite an impressive album. So much ground covered in such a small space.

MIKE DENVER - Love You Every Second

MIKE DEVINE is one of Scotland’s longest established Country entertainers. He’s played support with many Irish and American acts, and even played the Wembley Festival, and that wasn’t yesterday.  He plays mainly in the North, but fans everywhere can enjoy his music with the latest of many CD’s he has released through the years.  (another six currently available on his website)
“Love You Every Second” was produced by Ronnie Ross at Kirhill Recording in Inverness, and features a nice easy listening Country.
The album kicks off with a cover of Isla Grant’s haunting “Ghosts Of Culloden”, and closes with Dave Sheriff’s “Best Of Friends”. In between, you’ll hear everything from “Galway Girl” and the popular line dance tune, “Closer” , to two Charlie Landsborough numbers. He does a really nice version of Katy Moffatt’s “Walking On The Moon” and “I’ll Leave This World Loving You”  really stands out. There’s also Alan Jackson’s “Livin’ On Love” and Mark Chesnut’s “Ol’ Country”.
A really nice listen.
www.mikedevine.co.uk

THE HELLFIRE CLUB - Songs For Fallen Stars

Now, as they say, for something completely different.
Some readers may be familiar with THE HELLFIRE CLUB. They have played around West of Scotland’s Country venues in recent years. But their roots were in the indie scene, and they’ve went back to that side of the live scene, although they’ve certainly kept some of the Country influence for this album, titled “Songs For Fallen Stars”, recorded in Glasgow at La Chunky studios.
The band is a seven piece outfit featuring Bob Anderson, Rab Armour, Nick Ronan, Mark Ferrari, Helen Brown , Willie Brown and Kenny Irvine.
Some of the tracks are quite rocky, but listen out for the Country tracks.
“Cal” has some superb west coast influences, somewhere between Gram Parsons & The Eagles.
“Hint Of A Wink”, reminded me of that other Glasgow band from years gone by – The Humpff Family. A real good time sound, with some great fiddle in the mix.
“Absent Friends” is a bit slower. The instrumentation is quite retro Country. Certainly not a modern Nashville sound.
“Deli’s Clock” is a real uptempo foot tapper, with a really infectious fiddle, and chorus line.
Like some concept albums, there are a few short interludes between some of the tracks. They hardly got going, before fading out. I’m afraid I missed the point of them.
But, I have to say this album was a pleasant surprise. Not what I was expecting. But I liked it.  

DARK GREEN TREE - Secret Lives

DARK GREEN TREE are an Alt-Country trio, whose roots can be traced back to a meeting during the Edinburgh Festival, 5 years ago, between Jay Brown and Ross Cockburn. They discussed  
writing songs together, but it was a few years later before that idea became a reality.
Last summer the pair get down to recording at the Home at Heriot Toun Studio, when they realised that their songs could incorporate close female harmonies. Enter Cera Impala, and Dark Green Tree was complete.
The album, “Secret Lives” (Haven Records) with 10 self penned tracks, is full of haunting vocal harmonies. Their music has been likened to Buffalo Springfield, and certainly the opening track, “Yearn For Love”, has that guitar driven west coast soft Country rock feel to it. “Rolling Wind” and  “Secret Life” are in the same mould.
There’s some nice fiddle from John McCusker on the folksy feeling “Sarah”.
“Skin And Bone”, “Heart Of Winter” have more a haunting celtic feel to them.
It’s an interesting album. Dark Green Tree have an interesting sound.

THE CITY SINNERS - 2015

For the past nine years, Gram Parsons music lived on across the Scottish music scene, thanks to THE CITY SINNERS. But things move on, and the band recently called it a day.
But, as a souvenir, the band made one final recording, “The City Sinners 2015”, a seven track mini-CD, which, maybe surprisingly doesn’t include any Gram Parsons songs !
There are four tracks from the pen of band leader John Hinshelwood, including “What’s Left (Is What’s Right” and “Tell Me Something”, which have also appeared on his own albums.
There’s an original song, “Newborn Man” written and sung by Kathy Stewart. Kathy also takes lead vocals on Ian Tyson’s classic “Someday Soon” and “Not Yet”.
There’s a lovely blending of vocals on Jesse Winchester’s “A Showman’s Life”. The track also features some wonderful steel guitar courtesy of Malcolm McMaster.
Although the line up changed through the years, this farewell CD , recorded at Carlton Studio in Glasgow, features John, Kathy & Malcolm, alongside David McKee, Iain Barbour and Frank McHugh, with additional vocals from Paula McKee on the harmony laded original “Not Yet”.
This CD is meant as a souvenir for City Sinners fans, and isn’t on general release. But do check the website www.littleroots.com. I’m sure you’ll can secure a copy there.

GEORGE MALCOLM - Inspiration / A Man This Lonely

Next up, we have , not one, but two CD’s from Duke Boy and Northern Nashville Festival compere GEORGE MALCOLM.
The first CD, “Inspiration” is mainly original songs written by George. You may recognise some of the songs. The opening track, “Broken Hearts And Broken Dreams”, was the title track to one of the Dukes old vinyl albums. The songs on this album, vary from the pleading “Lost Love” and the self pity of “Lightning Wont Strike Me Down”, to the bright & breezy “Room Full Of Roses” and “Goodbye Norma Jean”.
One track that really caught the ear was “Country Music”, another Dukes number from way back. It’s a fun number, but George has added to the arrangement, with some non Country instruments like sax. Surprisingly, it works really well.
The one track that George didn’t write is “Bright Lights Of Dallas”, which was written for The Dukes by Tam White.
The CD cover features various members of his family, who he cites as being his inspirations.
The second CD, “ A Man This Lonely”, features covers of Country hits like “Heaven In My Woman’s Eyes”, “Blackboard Of My Heart”, “Pop A Top” and “Seven Spanish Angels”.
The title track is a cover of a Brooks & Dunn song. He also covers Buck Owens, George Jones and The Statlers numbers.
Both albums were self recorded by George in his Caithness backroom. He does a really good job at delivering the songs, whether his own, or covers of others.
Check them out.

NORMAN BORLAND - I'm Just Me

Irish born NORMAN BORLAND has been a popular name on the Scottish scene for some years. We lost him for a wee while, when he moved to Australia, but he’s back in Scotland, with a new album, “I’m Just Me”.
The album, recorded at Glasgow’s Stealth Studios, features a good mix of 16 tracks.
Songs vary from “classics” like “Ashes Of Love”, “Ring Of Fire” and “Love’s Gonna Live Here Again”, to newer covers like “Tequilla Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Wagon Wheel”. There’s a little Irish influence on “Home To Donegal” and Derek Ryan’s “Life Is A River”.
The title track is an old Charley Pryde number, It’s a song that suits Norman to a tee.
I really enjoyed this album. Norman is in fine voice, and the production is first class.  Make sure you pick up a copy when he play’s near you, or get a copy direct from  normanborland@yahoo.co.uk.

JAMES EDWYN & THE BORROWED BAND - The Towe

Another home grown offering comes from Glasgow based sextet JAMES EDWYN & THE BORROWED BAND, who were formed in 2013.  The group features Edwyn, alongside Emma Joyce, Scott Keenan, Ronnie Gilmour, Ross McLaughlin and Neil McDonald.
Their debut album, “The Tower” features 12 songs written by the frontman.
McDonald & Gilmour produced the album, at the band’s own “The Cell” studio and at New College Lanarkshire. There was also a session recorded in the Czech Republic, with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, with Roddy Hart guesting on the vocals on “The Last Waltz”.
The album kicks off with an uptempo guitar strumming number, “A New Arrival”, which certainly stirred my interest in the album. It’s followed by the quirky “On Meeting The Man In The Suit”, which kept the tempo up.
“Progress” has quite an upbeat feel to it, with some nice harmonies in the mix. Probably my favourite track on the album. There are a number of slower, more haunting songs, with the harmonies adding nice touches to songs like “Something Cold”
“Epilogue”, is, as you would expect, the closing track to the album. It’s quite an anthem, with a chorus and handclaps from the college students.
They don’t claim to be Country. In fact their bio labels them “a mix of alt country and folk rock roots-orientated Americana”.  Whatever, it’s not a bad listen.

BRANDON McPHEE - The Country Side

Someone who is at this year’s Caithness Festival, as he has been in recent years, is local lad, BRANDON McPHEE. 18 year old Brandon has something of a double career. He is highly accomplished in traditional Scottish music circles, as a master of the 3 row button key accordion, and indeed, is the current All Scotland Senior Accordion Champion. But, there is also “The Country Side” to Brandon, which just happens to be the title of his new CD (Pan Records), and this is the side of Brandon that Caithness Festival goers will enjoy on the Saturday afternoon.
The youngster has, of course, worked with Manson Grant & The Dynamos for the past few years, and Manson, Robert & Keith all contribute to the album, which also features Nashville musicians like Steve Hinson on steel guitar, Hank Singer on fiddle, and Music City based Orcadian Phil Anderson.
I quite liked the variety of songs. He’s obviously a big Billy Ray Cyrus fan, covering some of his hits like “She’s Not Crying Anymore”, “Where’m I Gonna Live” and “Could’ve Been Me”. There are a few older songs, like Haggard’s “Branded Man”, Olivia’s “Let Me Be There” and Cash’s “I Got Stripes”.
I enjoyed hearing his version of  “It Must Be Love”, written by Keith Macleod’s father, David, as well as “Rose Of My Heart” and “Wagon Wheel”.
It’s a real feel good album. Brandon handles the songs well, and the whole project is very well produced.
Highly recommended.  

BILLY HAMMOND - Shades Of Country

Another homegrown album, this time from Alloa’s BILLY HAMMOND. His “Shades Of Country” CD was recorded at the town’s Bowmar Soundspace studio, and features a mixed 14 track selection.
The album kicks off with the old Randy Travis hit “1982”, and he goes on to cover Charley Pryde’s “Comfort Of Your Wings” , Becky Hobbs’ “Jones On The Jukebox”, Alabama’s “Old Flame” and Dr Hook’s “Sylvia’s Mother”, amongst others.
There are a couple of Irish flavoured tracks, “Back In 68” and “Belle Of Liverpool”, which are possibly the strongest tracks on the album. I also liked the uptempo version of “Speed Of the Sound Of Loneliness”.
Billy had been singing around local venues for many years. Good to hear him eventually putting some of his favourite songs down on disc.