MILLS OGILVIE - Yesterday And Today

Coming home, and Tayside’s Joe Ogilvie & Alex Mills are best known on the local Country club scene as duo, Tin Star. But Joe & Alex have been around for many years, and have written a good number of songs between them. Now they’ve put them down on CD for the first time under the name MILLS OGILVIE.
“Yesterday And Today” is a collection of self penned songs, some of which are many years in the process. Some were, perhaps, not written as Country songs at the time, but they all come together in a modern Country sound in 2017.
Recorded in Dundee, the CD features 12 tracks.
Some of the tracks have quite a pop/rock beat, notably “Someone You Don’t Know” and “Lady Of The North”. Others like “Woman’s Eyes” have a big ballad feel to them.
Other tracks are quite melodic, like “Crazy” and “Losing You”, whilst “Good Old Honky Tonk” is just what’s on the label – a good old honky tonk song. I also liked the beat of “How Lucky”, one that’ll keep the feet tappin’ and dancers on the floor.
One of the tracks, “Good Ol’ Memories” was written by fellow Dundonian Les Barr. It’s a stone Country number, as you would expect.
These songs have been kept under wraps for too long. It’s time for them to be heard. The CD is available at Tin Star’s gigs across the country or through Joe on 07924 490194.

LAURA McGHEE : Life Is Bigger Than A Dream

LAURA McGHEE is back home in Angus, after spending seven years writing and recording in Nashville, and touring with the likes of John Carter Cash, John McEuan (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and The Nashville Celts. She first headed Stateside after graduating from the RSMAD, and her first gig in America was on the same bill as legendary folk singer Pete Seeger.
But, for now, she’s home, and she’s brought with her a superb album, “Life Is Bigger Than A Dream”, the follow up to her highly acclaimed “Celticana” album, which made the Top 40 on the Americana Charts. 
The album brings together the three sides of Laura. Firstly, as a songwriter. She’s worked with people in Music City, like Doug Kahan, Jon & Sally Tiven, Sarah Peasall, Rebecca Moreland, Janie Lidey and Patrick Martin (from The Nashville Celts), and has come up with a good set of songs.
Secondly, Laura’s vocals are well tuned to the songs.
And, finally, as a musician. Laura’s first love was the fiddle, and it’s very prominent throughout the album, especially on the introductions.
The songs range from the impressive title track, one of four she wrote with Doug Kahan  (who has written hits for Trick Pony and Deanna Carter), to the softer “Always Tomorrow”.
“How Leaving Feels”, starts off slow, and builds up to a foot tapping down home catchy little number, with touches of blues and bluegrass along the way.
Her celtic influence emerges on “You Make The Moonshine”, which has a soft haunting feel to it, with references to the celtic sky, and making the moon shine.
“Shoulda Come Over” is a really catchy number, especially the fiddle licks. It’s all about a guy jilting the girl, and what he’s missing, whilst “It’s Still You and Me” tells of a strong team that survives all life throws at it.
“I Got My Mojo Back” is more of an upbeat number. It’s a bit different to the other tracks, with a bit more instrumentation, including harmonica from Charlie McCoy.
But as I say, Laura’s earliest foray into music was with the fiddle at the age of 8, and it’s very much in evidence on the album. As well as the co written songs, there’s two instrumentals. The first is a toe tappin’ traditional American tune, “Salt Creek”, which she does a great job on, and the other, a slow lament, “Commemoration”, which she dedicates to the victims of 9/11.
The album was produced in Nashville by Mike Loudermilk (son of the legend John D Loudermilk), who has worked with Crystal Gayle and Chet Atkins.
It has a celtic feel, without being too folky. I really enjoyed it.
This album has been a long time coming, but it’s been worth the wait.
“Life Is Bigger Than A Dream” is available from online outlets now, and Laura will officially be launching it at the Monifieth Theatre on October 7th.

MONRO - Coming Home

It was great to read in the last mag, that Jayne Murdoch and Richard Smith, who many readers will remember from the band Hullabaloo, had formed a new duo MONRO, and great to hear their five track EP, “Coming Home” (Smart Indie). 
Jayne leads the vocals on all the tracks, which are all quite varied.
The CD kicks off with “Sweet Sorrow”, a catchy number, with more than a hint of bluegrass.
“Let It Go” is another catchy upbeat number, as is “Bubbalee”.
“Walking With Angels” is quite an anthem ballad, and “The Vow” is a beautiful ballad, looking back on how life changes.
Five very different songs, all well produced and performed wonderfully. Jayne has a great voice, and this CD really helps deliver that.
Great to hear Jayne and Richard back. Check them out.
http://smartindierecords.com/product/munro-coming-home

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN

 Heading up our homegrown releases is a wonderful recreation of old American folk songs from REDWOOD MOUNTAIN, a duo that features Dean Owens and fiddler Amy Geddes.
The self titled CD has been built around Alan Lomax’ “The Book Of American Folk Songs”. A friend, Neil May, gave Dean a first edition copy of the book, who became intrigued by the lyrics and characters, and began devoting new arrangements too them.
Dean’s old Nashville pal Suzy Bogguss did a similar project a few years ago, and whilst Suzy choose some of the best known old American Folk Songs, Dean and Amy have gone for much lesser known songs. Throughout the album, Amy’s fiddle and harmonies beautifully contrast Dean’s vocals.
Many of the songs are performed in an old timey, ballad style. Certain songs, like “On The Range Of The Buffalo” had me thinking that Dean’s interpretations were similar to what you’d expect Marty Stuart to come up with.
“Run Boys Run”, is the one track which really shows Amy’s harmonies off, and also the Double Bass, played by Kevin McGuire, the only other musician on the project.
“Fair Thee Well Honey”, has an old English (Greensleeves) feel to it.
The first minute of “East Virginia” needed no instrumentation, before Amy’s fiddle just squeezes in for effect. It’s a beautiful arrangement, and really stands out.
There are a couple of numbers with a bit more upbeat, modern arrangements, like “Railroad Man” and “Rye Whiskey”.
There’s also a couple of fiddle instrumentals, one composed by Dean, the other by Amy.
As was with Dean’s previous Johnny Cash and Hank Williams albums, the project concludes with a Dean Owens’ original. “Take It Easy, But Take It”, is a modern song, but still fits in with the rest of the album. Dean has certainly got himself immersed in this music, and the result is this beautiful album.
He’ll be touring with the project in the summer, including The Southern Fried Festival in July, In the meantime, get the album from his website www.deanowens.com

ISLA GRANT - I'm A Survivor

ISLA GRANT is one of Scotland’s biggest musical exports. She’s continues to be one of the most popular names on the Irish concert circuit. She’s off on a tour of Newfoundland this month, and in the autumn has a 2 ½ month tour of Australia and New Zealand lined up.
Although Isla is well recognised as a songwriter, having written such well covered songs as “Cottage In The Country” and “It’s a Dream Come True”, her latest 16 track album, “I’m A Survivor” only has three self penned numbers.  This gives us an insight into Isla’s own musical tastes, and quite varied they are.
She kicks off the album with Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”, covers Willie Nelson’s “Alice In Hullaland” and “Nothing I Can Do About It Now” (written by Beth Neilson Chapman), Marty Robbins’ “Fly Butterfly Fly”, and a couple of Lacy J Dalton songs, including the title track, “I’m A Survivor”.
She even has one for the line dancers, with a cover of Rick Springfield’s “Speak To The Stars”.
But one that really sounds close to one of her own composition’s is “The Bridle On The Wall”, written way back in 1936 by Carson Robertson. Boy, has Isla put her own stamp on it. One of the album’s highlights, for sure.
Talking of her own songs, “Love Me” and “A Love That Used To Be” are both nice melodies with lovely lyrics. “Back Home”, is a real Isla style homecoming song. Isla’s done so much travelling over the years, but still calls Scotland home. It’s a really heartfelt homely number.
Elsewhere, I really loved her treatment of “Leavin’ And Sayin’ Goodbye”, originally a hit for Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seeley. A special mention for “They Called It Music”, a catchy number originally done by bluegrass band, The Gibson Brothers. Isla really sparkles on this number.
The album closes with the sensitive “In The Time That You Gave Me”, which is a song, so associated with Joey Feek.
Another lovely heartwarming collection of songs from the wonderful Isla.
www.islagrant.net

NORMAN BORLAND - Moved By The Spirit

Although Irish born, NORMAN BORLAND has been around the Scottish Country music scene for many years now. He has built up a following for playing good solid Country music, and that is what you can expect on his new album, “Moved By The Spirit”.
The album, recorded in Yorkshire, features 16 tracks, all well produced and well performed by Norman.
Whilst an album of covers, Norman has chosen a good mix, with probably “Amanda” being the most recognisable number here. There’s a couple of Vince Gill numbers, some Merle and Cash, a bit of Tracy Lawrence and Clint Black too.
The title track is embedded within “Amen Kind Of Love”, a song previously done by Daryl Singletary, whilst the opening track, “Dreaming with My Eyes Wide Open” was a Clay Walker hit. I liked his version of “Brother Jukebox” and his version of Cash’s “Home Of The Blues” really stands out,
I also enjoyed his version of Paul Overstreet’s “Seeing My Father In Me”, and was impressed with his Sam Outlaw cover of “Love Her For A While”. 
I was also pleased to hear Norman’s version of Shunie Crampsey’s “Morning Sun And Memories”. The song has been around for many years, but seems to have become very popular lately. Norman’s version is one of the strongest I’ve heard.
Real Country, a good mix and well produced.  A real winning formula.
Available from normanborland@yahoo.co.uk

BILLY HAMMOND - Morning Sun and Memories

BILLY HAMMOND is a local singer in the Alloa area who has played his music in local clubs for many years, with Country music very much featured in his sets.  His latest album, “Morning Sun and Memories” features 14 tracks, which I’d say is very much aimed at the Irish style market.
The title track, of course was written by Shunie Crampsey, and Billy does a nice version of it.
There are a wide mix of Country covers like Billy Ray’s “She’s Not Crying Anymore”, Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and Hal Ketchum’s “Tonight We Might Just Fall In Love Again”, alongside The Eagles’s “Girl From Yesterday” and The Searchers’ “Walk In The Room”.
But Billy sounds most at home with the Irish influenced numbers like “Absent Friends”, which kicks off the album and, Pete St John’s “Dreamers & Believers” (most recently recorded by Derek Ryan).
Recorded in his hometown at the Bowmar Soundspace, Billy has come up with a really nice listenable album.  He has a good voice, which suits these songs.

RAYMIE WILSON - Rocky River

Glasgow singer songwriter RAYMIE WILSON describes himself as “a 50-something singer songwriter”, and his music “an Americana melting pot of Bluegrass, Southern Rock and Pop Country”.
He’s a multi-instrumentalist, who has been around the music business for 40 years, doing everything from being a resident musician at the Glasgow Pavilion, to backing The Supremes and The Shirelles in Singapore. He has been bit writing songs for years, before putting them down in a recording studio. He has previously released an album and an EP, and now comes “Rocky River”, which I think would appeal to a lot of Country clubbers around Scotland.
The 11 track all original album kicks off with the really catchy “I Never Gave Up On You”, which really catches your attention. The title track is also quite commercial. 
“Big Jock’s Gone” brings it all back home, with mentions of working in the shipyards, proving that you can produce Scottish Country music. Then, there’s “Whiskeybones”, with some neat banjo, and, yes, the bones get an airing too.
Most of the tracks are quite upbeat, but he can slow it down too. “Sorrow Is A Friend” is different from the rest of the album. It almost has a church sound to it. And it works well with the song. Other slower numbers include “Aint It Funny” and the Latin flavoured “She Was a Beautiful Girl”.
It’s not a big production album, but the energy in Raymie’s presentation really made a strong impression on me. I think the Country clubs will like his sound.
Raymie hosts an Open Mic night at the Beer Café, in Candleriggs in Glasgow’s Merchant City every Monday. Be sure to check him out.
www.raymiewilson.com

NORRIE McCULLOCH - Bare Along The Branches

Continuing with our homegrown talent, and to an album by NORRIE McCULLOCH , called “Bare Along The Branches” (Black Dust Records).  This is Norrie’s third album, and he’s slowly building up a following on the Americana scene. In the past year he has played Glasgow Americana, Southern Fried and SummerTyne  Festivals.
This album, recorded in the tranquillity of Stirling’s Tolbooth Auditorium, really features a strong production. Players include Dave McGowan, Iain Thompson, Stuart Kidd, Marco Rea and Iain Sloan. 
And Norrie has a superb vocal style.
The album kicks off with a rather folk-pop flavoured number “Shutter”, which was quite was quite catchy, as is “Never Leave Behind”.
The more sounding Country numbers include the banjo and mandolin infused “Frozen River”, the harmonica intro’d “Around The Bend” and the simple acoustic “me & my guitar” rendition of “Turn To Dust”.
Slower numbers include “Little Boat”, “Lonely Boy”, “This Time” and 7 minute epilogue “Beggars Wood”.
I really enjoyed the album. Nice CD cover too.

Dean Owens - Julie's Moon

DEAN OWENS new single, “Julie’s Moon” (Drumfire Records) was released last month to coincide with Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal.  All proceeds from sales of the single will be donated to the Marie Curie charity.
Dean is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest singer songwriters, with fans including Bob Harris, Ricky Ross, Irvine Welsh and Russell Brand.  His songs including “Raining in Glasgow” and “Man From Leith” have been hailed as classics of Scottish songwriting.
In September 2015 Dean’s beloved big sister Julie finally lost her battle with cancer. She was 50. Julie was a huge supporter of her brother and his music, always encouraging him, always at his gigs. Written very shortly after her death, “Julie’s Moon” is one of Dean’s most personal songs, although it was a subject he would have preferred to avoid. But some songs insist on being written, and the final result is lyrically poignant but also characteristically musically memorable.
It’s a beautiful song, with a really nice arrangement. I really like the way that Brian McAlpine’s accordion discreetly makes its’ mark on the song so beautifully.
The single is available from the main download sites.

BRANDON McPHEE -In Country Song

BRANDON McPHEE has many strings to his bow. He’s a champion accordionist, and also presenter of the Caithness Music Television programme each week on Keep It Country TV. He’s also built up quite a following on the Country music circuit, both here and in Ireland, and his new album, “In Country Song” (Pan Records) will surely enhance this side of his career.
The album features Robert, Manson & Keith from The Dynamos, where Brandon has served his Country music apprenticeship, as well as Nashville based Orcadian Phil Anderson, Grand Ole Opry staff fiddle player Eamon McLoughlin, Steel guitarist Steve Hinson and Music city session singer Marcia Ramirez. Bringing all that talent together has produced a wonderful sound, which brings out the best in Brandon.
The choice of material is also impressive. There are some well known covers, like “Harper Valley PTA”, “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down”, “Cry Cry Cry” and “Is Anyone Going To San Antone”. But there’s also some impressive, lesser known numbers. Brandon is a big Billy Ray Cyrus fan, and like his previous Country album, he has covered a few Billy Ray numbers, but this time around, he’s chosen some less obvious material.
The title track, is actually the theme to a film that Billy Ray starred in a few years back. It’s a really infectious number that works well here. He also covers “My Everything” and “Bluegrass State Of Mind”, both Billy Ray covers. The album opens with the fun “Milkman’s Eyes”, which was written by Bobby Cyrus (Billy Ray’s brother).
Other tracks include the old Don Williams number, “In The Shelter Of Your Eyes”, Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All”, Elvis’ “Burning Love” and even The Woolpackers’ “Hillbilly Rock, Hillbilly Roll”.
There’s a lot of variety on the album, and really enjoyed it throughout. He’s quite a talent.

HEATHER DICKSON - Harley Honey

We told you before about Fife’s HEATHER DICKSON, who recorded her last album in Nashville, then went down to San Antonio to film the video, and got Bobby Flores, no less, to join her on screen.
Well, Heather has been back to Nashville, and recorded a new EP. The first single has been released via the usual digital outlets. It’s a raunchy little number called “Harley Honey”, which really suits Heather. It was recorded at Music City’s Midtown Studios with Nashville musicians.
Well worth checking out ahead of the full release in the new year.

PHIL CUNNINGHAM Christmas Songbook

Now, here’s an album that could really get me into Christmas music. It’s not Country by any means, but really appeals to me. “The Phil Cunningham Christmas Songbook”, features the ace accordion and keyboard wizard, alongside two of Scotland’s most highly acclaimed  Scottish female vocalists, Karen Mathieson and Eddi Reader, as well as John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire.
It’s a really pleasant easy listening selection of seasonal fayre. Some vocals and some instrumental tracks.
There are interesting versions of “Silent Night”, “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Away In A Manger”.
I loved the originality of “Winter Wonderland” with “The Bluebell Polka”, and “Waltz For Aly”, which blends seamlessly into “Silver Bells”.
The album kicks off with “Santa Will Find You”, written by Mindy Smith and Chely Wright. Mindy also co wrote “I Know The Reason”, two of the tracks that stand out for me.
The album is released in conjunction with the annual tour which kicks off in Stirling on December 16th, then calls at Perth, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Now, this is an album that makes Christmas just that bit special.

JACKIE STORRAR - Behind Her Eyes

Jackie’s legacy CD is an absolutely stunning album.  Her voice sounds wonderful throughout, despite being recorded in the final months of her life. The musical arrangements really suit the style of the songs, and is a real credit to her husband Steve Thiebault and Bones Parker.
When listening to the songs throughout the album, knowing Jackie’s health situation when she was recording it, it’s easy to appreciate how a songs words can be adapted to match the occasion. Take the opening track, for example. “One Night at A Time” has a completely different meaning from Jackie, than it ever was with George Strait. Similarly, “But I Will” was on Faith Hill’s first album, but with lines like “The next time would be the last time, and that time came this morning”, you cant help feel how poignant the song was for Jackie.
The album includes four tracks written by Jackie & Steve, including “The Future’s Ours”, a lovely ballad which was the first song they wrote together.
They also wrote the title track, which Jackie writes on the sleevenotes is about people not being what they seem. Again, with Jackie’s positive outlook during her illness, it fits her legacy so well.
The album does include a few songs that Jackie had released as singles over the years, but had not made it onto an album. Included is “My Angel”, which the pair wrote in 2004 after TV presenter Caron Keating lost her battle with breast cancer. How sad that Jackie would face the same battle.
Jackie’s musical tastes were quite varied, and that is demonstrated on the album, by the inclusion of Dougie McLean’s “Caledonia”, and there’s quite a celtic feel to her version of The Killers’ “Human”, and “Wild Mountainside”, written by John Douglas from The Trashcan Sinatras.  She also gives another airing to Motorhead’s “Ace Of Spades”, and, in contrast also covers Carol King’s “You’ve Got A Friend”. 
Steve Black wrote “I Stand Gere Tonight”, and she also covers Shania Twain’s “No One Needs To Know” and The Eagles’ “Love Will Keep Us Alive”.
It’s a beautiful album. It’s one that I’d appreciate whatever the situation.
Thanks for the music Jackie. It’s a wonderful legacy for us all to share in. And remember, the main beneficiaries are Maggie’s Fife. 

MARTHA L HEALY - To Be Free

Another Glasgow girl going places is MARTHA L HEALY.  She’s currently in Nashville working on her second album. But for fans who can wait for the follow up to her acclaimed “Better Days” album, she has released a four track EP, “To Be Free”.
It’s a four track collection, recorded at Glasgow’s La Chunky Studios earlier in the year, featuring two original songs and two classic covers.
What really works for me, is the simple acoustic set up. Martha plays acoustic guitar, alongside Rebecca Brown on fiddle, Sean Thomson on banjo and David O’Neill on Upright Bass. Together, they produce a stunning beautiful sound, which really let you hear Martha’s superb vocals.
The lead track is Martha’s own “To Be Free”, a song which really won me over from first listen. It’s a really strong song, and Martha’s voice really delivers. First Class.
The second song, “Too Much Time” was co-written with her brother Paul, who also provided background vocals on the CD.  The two classic covers are Patsy’s “Walking After Midnight” and Hank’s “I Saw The Light”. The arrangements make interesting listening.
Altogether a very nice EP. I don’t know if it will keep her fans satisfied for now though. It’ll whet the appetite for more. Don’t be too long with that second full CD Martha!

Dean Owens - Setting The Woods On Fire(Songs I Learned From Hank)

DEAN OWENS has been one of Scotland’s main Country singer songwriters for over 20 years, firstly with The Felsons, and later with a number of solo albums.
Although very much a songwriter, Dean did acknowledge one of his hero’s Johnny Cash with an album called “CashBack” in 2012. Now, to coincide with a select few gigs, including Southern Fried and the Edinburgh Fringe, he has honoured Hank Williams on “Setting The Woods On Fire (Songs I Learned From Hank)”.
With a neat trio, comprising Stuart Nisbet and Kevin McGuire, (The Celtabilly Allstars), they have come up with an effective sound, which recaptures the original styles of the songs, whilst at the same time, sounding perfect for today’s audience.
There are some of Hank’s biggest songs in the 12 track collection, including “There’s A Tear In My Beer”, “I Saw The Light”, “Why Don’t You Love Me Like You Used To Do” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, alongside a few, perhaps, less obvious numbers like “Alone And Forsaken” and “I Wont Be Home No More”.
As he did on the Cash album, Dean has written one song for the album. This time, it’s “Celebrate The Life”, which could quickly become an anthem for Hank.
Hank Williams music is timeless. Over seventy years on from his death, his songs are still some of the most recognised across all musical styles. Dean does justice to those included here.
A Deluxe version of Dean’s previous album, “Into The Sea” has also just been released.

Lisa McHugh ~ #Country

Glasgow born LISA McHUGH continues to be one of the biggest names on the Irish Country scene. And her latest album, “# Country” (Sharpe Music) will further establish her popularity.
She has established herself on the dance circuit in Ireland with a number of upbeat fun numbers, and whilst there are a number of these included here, including covers of Crystal Gayle’s “Why Have You Left The one You Left Me For”, Alan Jackson’s “Lets Get Back To Me And You”, and her latest single “Satisfy You” (the old Sweethearts Of The Rodeo number), this album does show Lisa’s versatility in mixing in some really traditional Country and folk sounds into her sound. Indeed Lisa says that “the music is slightly more subtle and leans more towards a bluegrass country style than the “comin’ at cha’ songs we’ve done previously”.
There’s certainly some signs of that. Her versions of “Play Me The Waltz Of The Angels” and “I Hope You’re The End Of My Story” are both laced with some lovely mandolin, and “Who’s Gonna Be Your Next Love”, has a good bluegrass drivin’ beat. 
The album kicks off with “He’s A Good Ole Boy”, the old Chely Wright number, which Lisa recalls from her younger days growing up on Glasgow’s South Side. And she goes back to Joni Harms for “That’s Faith” to close the album. Joni, of course, wrote Lisa’s early career song “Old Fashioned Girl”.
She turns in some lovely ballads, including “26 Cents”, and “To Say Goodbye”, which serves as a beautiful tribute to Joey Feek. The song, co-written by Rory, was originally recorded by Joey & Rory.
There’s a duet with Malachi Cush on the old Canadian folk song, “Peggy Gordon”, but for me, stand out track is the old Loretta Lynn song, “Success”. Pure Country.  And not one of the most obvious Loretta numbers to choose.
Lisa’s come up with another winning package of songs, than can only further enhance her career.