Pamela Gordon

The Lone Bellow – Debut Album

Listening to my “OLD FAITHFUL” radio station 90.7 WFUV one autumn afternoon, a voice came through the speakers of my car. I said to myself, “Is this some sort of compilation featuring Steven Tyler?” I listened hard and still couldn’t figure out and reached for my Shazam app for assistance. THE LONE BELLOW – YOU DON”T LOVE ME LIKE YOU USED TO.

After a little research, it turns out that Steven Tyler has nothing to do with THE LONE BELLOW. The group is actually from Brooklyn, NY who formed after the lead singer Zach Williams, wife suffered temporary paralysis. He learned to play the guitar and discovered that his vocal range was extraordinary and began to pursue his career. THE LONE BELLOW now consists of Brian Elmquist on Guitar and Vocals, and Kanene Donehey Pipkin on mandolin and vocals.
The harmonies created by the group are clean and cut. Replicating the sound of a fine trained choir while beckoning the American Folk Rock genre. To have such a clean sound with this genre really makes THE LONE BELLOW stand out with the best.
In their opening track “Green Eyes And A Heart Of Gold”, they set the mood with a train like enthusiasm of getting up and going. He keeps his lyrics simple but not boring. Where some groups simply repeat their chorus, verse or bridge (middle 8), Zach Williams recreates it. During the first half of this track, he has a sub chorus / verse that starts of as “We’re Broke in NYC…”. It is sung simply with the standard melody of the song, and then in the last half of the track he breaks it out again but almost as a bridge, where you can’t even distinguish that the two sections are one in the same aside from the lyrics being identical.

Probably my favorite, and I think their first single is “Bleeding Out”. Harnessing the power of the three to create a beautiful trio of harmony, in a Vienese Waltz, while having a more rock edge with a folk sound. The literal beating of the drums lets you feel the emotional beating that Williams experienced while his wife was suffering. I imagine him walking down the streets with the weight of the world on his shoulders expressing
All the buildings, they lean and they smile down on us
And they shout from their roof tops, words we can’t trust
Like you’re dead, you are tired
You’re ruined, you’re dust
Oh you will amount to nothing, like tanks full of rust
But we scream back at them
From below on the street
All in unison we sing, at times, been redeemed
We are all of the beauty, that has not been seen
We are full of the color, that’s never been dreamed
Well, nothing we need ever dies, yeah

The group is full of passion, harmony and simplicity. THE LONE BELLOW is on the radar to be one of those break out groups and with a little bit more promotion, touring and street cred, this group has the potential to share the spot light with groups like Mumford and Sons and The Punch Brothers. Tomorrow night the debut their first show at Carnegie Hall. So if you’re in the area, I’d grab tickets and get the full LONE BELLOW EXPERIENCE.

The Loss Of Franco Gordon

by Pamela Gordon

For those of you who don’t know me, Franco was not a person, he was my dog. For those of you who do know me, you understand why I have not written “The Loss of a Pet”. Franco was so much more than a pet, more than a dog, more than an English Bulldog….he was my best friend

The day I finally got Franco was one of the best days of my life. It was around the end of March in 2012. I wasn’t supposed to get a boy dog. It was by luck that Franco came into my life; the original person who was supposed to have him ended up not getting approved by the breeder. So lucky me I got literally the perfect looking bull dog. He was so handsome, with symmetrical fawn coloring on his face, and a “black mask” around his eyes. The rest of his body was a beautiful mix of both fawn and white.

Franco really was the best puppy. He was so happy, he loved everyone and only minimally tore up our home. But really what he did was bring our family together. My entire families life began to literally revolve around Franco. We coordinated our schedule so we were sure to always have someone home so he didn’t have to be alone (until he got a bit older at least). Once he was big enough he always slept in my bed, and if I couldn’t be home for the night then he would sleep with “Big Mama & Papa” where he would lick everyone to sleep! When we were with friends we were always showing pictures of him like he was a new born baby, because in our eyes he was cuter! He was the center of everyone’s conversation and of course the center of my Facebook News Feed!

Franco became a hit with all of my Facebook friends too. I had people who would tell me that they always looked forward to the “FRANCO PIC OF THE DAY”. He had touched so many lives on the internet it was extraordinary. He came everywhere I was able to take him; pet stores, drug stores, friends houses, car rides, Huntington Village and even Yogurt stores for his favorite taste of Vanilla!

Summer went by, fall breezed through, winter froze us, and then came Spring. He was so excited to be able to go outside and not have his paws freeze. He loved the outdoors and being with his best friend Coco next door. The two would play together out back and I would also pay the kids next door to watch him for an hour so he got some extra play time and the kids got to earn a few bucks. Then one day I got a call. I was out to dinner with a friend, and my neighbors were watching him and Coco. They were enjoying themselves playing in the backyard chewing on bones. Then what happened after was unimaginable. Parts of me are grateful for not being their when it happened, but other parts of me still yearn to say goodbye. Franco began to throw up and become lethargic. My parents were home and they rushed him to the nearby vet with my neighbor (the father) where he didn’t even make the 1 mile drive. He passed away in my neighbors arms, where he took has last breath on this earth.

They only told me on the phone that he wasn’t feeling well and I should come home, but I knew deep down something else was wrong. My instinct told me he was gone, and I can’t explain to you why I knew, but I did. I came home and my mother, father and grandfather were in the driveway all crying; when they told me I fell to the floor and couldn’t bring myself to arise to my feet. I was assisted back inside where I cried and screamed and couldn’t hold it together. Shortly after we got a call from the vet. While being in such pain we were baffled at what happened. He was a healthy young pup who had years ahead of him. The vet examined him and found that he had gotten stung several times by a Wasp in the mouth. He had found an abscess the size of a plum in his throat. This not only caused him to not be able to breath, but went into anaphylactic shock.

I was crying, screaming, lifeless and hurting for over a week. Such sorrow had taken over my soul that I couldn’t bring myself to do anything. I was lucky I could shower but fell to the floor every time to cry for over an hour because I was not able to keep it together. Everything that my life had pivoted on for the past year was taken away from me. It was my first glimpse at what it really feels like to take care of something and love something. Not only did I have such strong feelings for Franco but he loved me and relied on me unconditionally. Flowers, food, memorials, and love poured in from friends and family. It showed me how much Franco really affected other people’s lives too.

My parents were due to go to Florida on a business trip that next week and I couldn’t bear to not be with them, so they took not only me and my grandfather with them. We were all able to be there together and support one another and have time to reflect on Franco and his life. I still cried every day and missed him but it slowly began to get easier to cope with. I met with my breeder a few days after it all happened. She wanted me to come by and see his sister and parents, hoping it would cheer me up. Not only were they there but so were a new litter of 5 week old puppies. Technically, these puppies are Franco’s nieces and nephews. I held these pups and dogs like I never wanted to let him go, because at that moment I didn’t. I was still clinging onto anything that had to do with Franco and keep myself connected.

A few days later my Breeder called me and said that one of the pups became available. When I had seen her they were all spoken for, but similarly with Franco, the potential owner was not approved. She said that even though I wasn’t asking for a dog, she thought it may be the best thing for me. I was torn, I didn’t want to replace Franco, but the idea of being able to share all of my love with another dog was appealing. We had a family talk over the next week and decided to take in a new dog. I will tell you now that this was the best thing for me and my family. This is not the best choice for everyone though. Heed my warnings though, if you go through the loss of a family pet, make sure you are going to be able to love the next just as much. Give yourself time to mourn if you need to.

We are now lucky to have Augie in our lives. Augie is now one of the family, as he was the moment he stepped into our home. He is completely different than Franco, both in looks and personality. He is an all white dog, with light spots all over his body. He is going to be larger in size and surely more stubborn! But he is just as sweet and has similar quirks that Franco had too. Franco will never be replaced but rather remembered in our hearts forever. He will always be my first love and I know that he still watches over me. “No longer by my side, but FOREVER in my heart.”

Album Review: Blake Shelton’s “Based On A True Story”

by Pamela Gordon

Blake Shelton’s new album “Based on a True Story,” is a bit like a roller coaster. You go up, up, up but occasionally you go down a bit too much. Don’t get me wrong, it still has great moments, but on some of the tracks I want to shake him around and ask him “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?!”

Opening up with “Boys ‘Round Here” rubbed me the wrong way. It seems to be crawling next to the category of country/pop. Not that there is anything wrong with a little pop, but I expected a little more from Shelton, especially on an opening track. What he follows up shortly with thereafter is like a car crash that I can’t stop looking at, whilst shaking my head in disgust.

I understand why he decided to record “Small Town Big Time”, he missed home while taping “The Voice” in Hollywood and how importance is on materialistic items and not life. But the auto-tune was unnecessary. I could go on for days on how much I loathe auto-tune, but I will spare you all. To have an artist like Blake Shelton use auto-tune strictly for proving a point and not having to cover up a voice, because he does have a great voice, is not acceptable by me. It brings down not only the song, but Shelton himself. The point was taken through the lyrics of the song,

With them red Maserati’s and them tuned up bodies
And everybody gonna be the next somebody
Yea, this place is a trip
Hey but meanwhile back in the stick

Somebody’s having a small town big time night
Somebody’s rocking the main street with red tail lights
Somebody’s cranking it up or falling in love
Or keeping the buzz sipping on a little moonlight.

Other than these down points, there are some great tracks on the album. “Frame of Mine” emulates the old country western sound, showing off Shelton’s vocal capability. Or during the ballad of “Do You Remember,” I can feel his strong sense of love and devotion being eluded to, that he once had. During “My Eyes,” Shelton shares the microphone with Gwen Sebastian and harmonies about taking everything except for his eyes off that one special lady. Probably my favorite is “Lay Low”, while Shelton swoons from note to note, with the same sounds of one of my favorite tracks by Josh Turner “Your Man”. Although having its own entity, it shares something which brings that classic ballad to my heart.

I may have sounded a bit condescending starting this review off, and I have to somewhat revise my tone. I really do enjoy listening to the album, but those two tracks stick out so much it left me with a bad taste on my tongue. But looking at the album as a whole, it does show the ability of Shelton’s talent and devotion for love and country music.

: Courtesy of tasteofcountry.com

Album Review: The Mavericks – In Time

by Pamela Gordon

The first time I heard The Mavericks I was sitting in my car listening to my favorite radio station WFUV, and couldn’t believe my ears. It was a hybrid of sounds, that was joyously complex, melting both the old and the

new, and the “North” and the “South”.

After a seven-year stretch of no music, The Mavericks have ironically come back with the album “In Time”. It truly was only time that changed since their last album, maintaining their original and unique sound that can only be descried as The Mavericks. Raul Malo’s vocals exudes sex and desire, track after track with his Elvis and Ray Orbison like sound. With the accompaniment of a Ska strumming guitar, Latin brass section and great harmonies, the Mavericks surely are not to be reckoned with.

As you may know, I cover country music here on Manhattan Digest. When you listen to this album you may say to yourself, just as I did, “That can’t just be country, can it?” The truth is, it’s not, The Mavericks are so versatile, they can’t be labeled under just one genre. Their span of style covers Country, Ska, Rock and Banda. Banda you ask me, Banda is a type of music that is brass based, mostly Mexican, and has had a large presence in Mexican Pop.

I spoke with others and asked their opinion on what genre they thought it fit under. After different answers it finally clicked, The Mavericks. That’s what they are, mavericks, “One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group.” The definition itself sounds a bit abrasive, but because of this characteristic they have created a real name for themselves.

With tracks like “Back In Your Arms Again,” and “Born To Be Blue,” the desire to to soulfully sing along is turned all the way up on the dial. The tracks not only want to make you sing but dance as well. During the demanding yet convincing track “Come Unto Me,” my passion to dance the Rumba throws chills from my neck to my feet. I had even brought the track to my dance class where others agreed that the song bled sexuality and masculinity. There is a soft side to The Mavericks as well, during “Forgive Me” Raul Malo masters his vocals, gliding whimsically through lyrics of repent and yearning while accompanied by the tip-toeing of the piano.

If I had the convincing power to make you all by one album that I have wrote about thus far, this would be it. It may have been a long time since The Mavericks have come together to put out an album, but it goes to show good music can not be rushed, and it will come “In Time.”

Album Review: Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis – Cheater’s Game

by Pamela Gordon

Don’t let the adolescent 1970’s album art fool you; Cheater’s Game has an accomplished, new, grown up sound. The married couple of about 16 years has decided to come together and collaborate on this album, consisting of both original and cover tracks. The album wasn’t written because they were cheating, so don’t worry this country power couple is still as strong as ever before. But the songs do carry a cheating and loving theme, so haters beware.

Both Robison & Willis have collaborated on tracks before, but this is their first full album together after taking their own journey as a solo artist. Cheater’s Game still manages to show off the talents of both individuals, while flourishing as a duo too. Vocally, they sing solo and together, some tracks are split 50/50 while others not as equal, but it appears that this may be the intention.

For example, “Border Radio” is performed equally by Robison & Willis. It discusses a woman who is alone because her man hasn’t come back around. It is implied through the lyrics that the track is neither about Robison or Willis, but rather about another women. Robison takes the lead on “Lifeline”, told from his point of view, and discusses how his life has turned for the worse and that negativity seems to follow him, “Stuck here cursing your name, Last in line first in flames”. The only portion where Willis supports him (both vocally and emotionally) is the chorus, pleading “Send me a lifeline, little bit of hope.” A track where Willis takes the lead is “9,999,999 Tears”, it may sound musically uplifting but it is awfully depressing as the title suggests. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s a great track (a cover of Dickey Lee’s original) but it’s downright sad. She sings “Sun didn’t shine this morning’ it’s been rainin’ the whole day through, suddenly without warning, you found someone new.” The portion where Willis joins her is during the chorus, where his accompaniment practically validates & promotes that she has “Got nine million, nine hundred ninety nine thousand, nine hundred ninety nine tears to go, and then I don’t know if I’ll be over you.”

Aside from the lyrically symbolic talents, the album is full of good tunes. “But I do” is a fast paced song which surprised me with its use of brass starting between the chorus and verse, filling in the hole that the typically would be by the bass. Their harmonies during “Ordinary Fool” project sadness through their vocals and lyrics, providing myself (and surely others as well) with an optimal listening experience. During “Born to Roll” they musically achieve the feeling of driving in a car down a highway. Even without knowing the lyrics, the intention of the music alludes to this. They wistfully sing through track after track without overdoing it or becoming too showy.

Regardless if the track is an original or a cover, each song in it’s own way can be a hit. What must be taken into consideration though is that the album is not electronically heavy. No electric guitar, electric bass, or weird vocal assisting devices. The talent is derived from the lyrics, the acoustical instruments and the vocals. What lacks in electrics is made up otherwise. Robison and Willis not only make a successful marriage, but make a country power couple and album. Who says married couples can’t work together was dead wrong on this one.

Pamela Erin Gordon

Album Review: Tim McGraw – “Two Lanes of Freedom”

by Pamela Gordon

Courtesy of "www.billboard.com" — Courtesy of “www.billboard.com”

Tim McGraw’s newly released album “Two Lanes of Freedom,” has still truckin’ got it! The new album, his first on Big Machine Records, is indicative of its title. After a legal battle with previous label “Curb Records,” he truly sounds like he is free to express his musical talent and kicked the last label to, well, the curb.

The title track, which is the first song on the album, serves as an invigorating introduction to the album. It embodies the heart of country, with lyrics describing, “Now honey, how fast you wanna go, NASCAR driving Miss Daisy” and “God made old country roads for driving and dreaming.”

“One of Those Nights,” the first single released off of the album, has a pretty slow tempo; it’s not as slow as a ballad but not quite there to be considered upbeat. It’s a good track, don’t get me wrong, but I feel that the title track would have been a better single to release first. It’s romantic and sweet and encompasses all that is a ballad except the tempo, explaining a night out with a lover, while being proud and enamored with the one they are with.

The other tracks are just as notable though, and bitterly honest. “Friend of a Friend,” is about a past love who just won’t get the hint to go away, with “Nashville Without You” giving tribute to the town and those who have made it the place it is today such as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, while “Number 37405” chronicles an individual who drank under the influence and took a life, ultimately serving 15 years of prison, all while life kept moving on with out him.

But the most fun track is “Truck Yeah.” It’s a little cliché, but it’s loud, it’s proud and it’s sexy. It shows that country can be trendy and prominent even here in Long Island where it is so easy to say, “I listen to everything except country.” With the raw guitar riffs, relatable content and easy to sing along chorus, “Truck Yeah” invites the listener to sing along and shake it out.

The other tracks are great as well, don’t forget to listen to “Southern Girl,” “Book of John,” “Tinted Windows,” and my personal favorite, “It’s Your World.” You can skip over “Mexicoma” though, it’s a bit juvenile for my taste, but I’ll give McGraw a pass for this one. There’s also a collaboration that is beautiful with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care,” that shows off the talent that all three have together.

The album is superb, and has set McGraw free of himself (and his old label for that matter). He is changing with the times, but still embodying his country spirit, gathering a greater and more diversified listening pool. There are too many great tracks on this album to pass this up and miss out on what I consider a heartfelt and fun album by the great artist Tim McGraw.

-Pamela Erin Gordon

Country Class from the 2013 Grammy Country Nominees

by Pamela Gordon

Sunday night was a night that I was proud to be representing the country genre on Manhattan Digest as America noticed the Country Class exuding from the 2013 Grammy Country Nominees. From the wardrobe choices, to the performances, the individuals and groups were able to hold their heads high. My predictions were almost spot on, and every winner truly deserved their Grammy.

Move over Beyonce and Jay-Z, because Tim McGraw and Faith Hill stole that red carpet spotlight. Tim looked so dapper in his classy cowboy hat, while Faith was stunning in her sleek black dress. They were not only polite and friendly, but were seemingly genuine and happy to be attending the ceremony.

Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert’s duet of “Home” and “Over You” was a medley not to be reckoned with. The composition was a hybrid of southern belle meets southern comfort with Lambert’s bedazzled white cocktail dress and sweet lyrics, while Bentley’s performance was heartfelt yet edgy.

Lets not forget Hunter Hayes’ interlude of “Wanted”. Although short, he demonstrated his vocal and musical talents in this minute and a half introduction. He managed to shine and woo the audience right before introducing the women of the night.

From the moment she stepped foot onto the carpet, to her exceptional performance, Carrie Underwood glistened throughout the night. She wowed the red carpet without even having to bear any excess skin in a sleek black Roberto Cavalli dress. During her acceptance speech for best Solo Performance, she not only seemed surprised but also humbled, a sight rarely seen. Lastly, her performance of “Blown Away,” literally did what the title says. As spectacular as the light show was, my attention was not taken away from her powerful vocals. She has a command over her voice that should be praised and elegance to her performance that was not gaudy but impressive and creative.

Country has a reason to be proud; embodying class, style and talent at an evening where musicians come together to have their night to shine. If I hadn’t convinced you in my first article to check out some of these talented artists, hopefully now with the show stopping performances, you take a look into what country really has to offer the music industry.

Pamela Erin Gordon

Raw Henry Wagons

by Pamela Gordon

Henry Wagons’ EP “Expecting Company,” brings the vintage Johnny Cash sound back with a twist. Wagons, of Australia, expressively howls through the 7 track EP with the accompaniment of other vocalists on almost each track. It’s a trippy sound with raw vocals that are undeniably full of Western masculinity.

Wagons’ has carefully paired other vocalists on his tracks, where not to shadow his talent, but rather compliment each note. While I listened to the opening track, “Unwelcome Company,” I felt transported into Wagon’s and Alison Mosshart’s state of mind, which was probably altered by some sort of recreational supplement. It encompasses that 1960’s sound and channels the track “Jackson” by June and Johnny Cash, with a darker edge.

During “Give Thing’s a Chance to Mend,” I could not stop thinking about film. Initially I was confused why I felt I was in a movie and then it came to me. All I kept hearing was Nancy Sinatras “Bang Bang” in the female vocals section. I did a little research and found that this song with featured in the film Kill Bill. The similarities are almost frightening. The strum of the guitar progression, the sound of the vocals and even the tempo; it’s a good song, but I still feel the album altogether is missing something.

The track that saved it for me was “I Still Can’t Find Her.” It sounds original and catchy (yet not annoying) while keeping me interested. The track tells a story and is musically and lyrically captivating. It has that something that the other tracks don’t have, and for me that’s heart.

Don’t get me wrong, the other tracks on the album are good, but it feels like Wagons may be trying a little bit too hard. His problem is trying to balance being too cool with a sound of country and a side of raw rock and roll. Sometimes a little bit of everything doesn’t make an album commendable. He should stick to what he’s good at and that can ironically be found in “I Still Can’t Find Her.” Since it’s a short EP it’s fairly inexpensive, so give it a listen it’s at least worth the exploration into Wagons’ head.

Through The Eyes Of Brandi Carlile

by Pamela Gordon

Through the Eyes Of Brandi Carlile

When I used to hear the words “Country Music” I had a narrow minded view of a spoon slapping, twang sounding, lyrically limited genre. Brandi Carlile’s “Bear Creek” is a perfect illustration of how vast country musics reach can be while touching the many emotions of the soul.

Carlile’s lyrical genius manages to evoke emotion and put me in the shoes of a child, a lover, a strong women and a lost soul. Each and every track tells a different story, rather then having a constant theme throughout the album.

I feel that to do “Bear Creek” real justice, this review must go into several of her tracks in depth, as each has its own special element that deserves to be explored. The opening track, “Hard Way Home” has a musically upbeat sound, including a bit of a “soul clap” giving that boisterous feel. “Raise Hell” encompasses a powerful element, while allowing to feel her struggle not only through her lyrics but through her voice. During “Keep Your Heart Young”, Carlile demonstrates the classic country sound with beautiful harmonies, with an exquisite accompaniment of an acoustic guitar, a walking upright bass line and the soft sound of brushes tickling the snare drum. With the ballad “A Promise to Keep” the sorrow of Carlile is expressed with her melodic lyrics and classical quartet with the accompaniment of a guitar, touching both your heart and soul.

Carlile has effectively and emotionally put out an album with cutting-edge elements that many artists strive to have. She displays lyrical mastery, vocal finesse and is accompanied by a variety musical styles, putting together what REALLY makes an album. Each track has something special to give to the listener, and is worthy of a gander so we can share the Carlile experience together. Do yourself the COUNTRY favor.

Pamela Erin Gordon

A Taste of Fine Country

by Pamela Gordon

A Taste of Fine Country
January 2013

This years country nominees truly gives a look at what this genre is, what it was and what it can be. The groups and individuals compiling the country genre all have the talent, soul and passion, but for the Grammy’s, to win, they have to stand out and have that “something special”. Although it is close, the Grammy SHOULD go to….

Carrie Underwood – Blown Away will likely take home the Grammy “Best Country Solo Performance” category. The song is epic, theatrical and emotional. The lyrics are powerful and her voice makes it magical like you’re in the middle of an Oklahoma tornado. The strings in the song, although not typical country fiddle, give it that epic sound and makes an impact on listeners senses. The other nominees are all great, but for me, they lack that “wow” factor. Dierks Bentley’s “Home” is beautiful, Eric Church’s “Springsteen” makes me think about being a teenager again, Blake Shelton’s “Over” touches the starry eyed lover in me, and the others all having parallel themes.

Eli Young Band – Even if it Breaks Your Heart should win the “Best Country Duo / Group Performance”. The song entails all the good eminence of a single AND it’s a quality track. It is immediately catchy and starts of with simple vocals and a guitar strum. The chorus makes you want to sing out loud at a bar with your friends. It is memorable and makes you want to listen to it again. Although I feel this song should win, I have a feeling it may go to Taylor Swift & The Civil Wars – Safe and Sound. This mysterious sounding song is featured in the film “Hunger Games” and demonstrates Taylor Swifts beautiful vocals. But aside from its beautiful, mysterious sound, the song seems, well, manufactured for a movie.

Carrie Underwood – Blown Away will take home “Best Country Song” for all the reasons listed above. Additionally, the people who made that magic happen, should be acknowledged as well.

Zac Brown Band – Uncaged will probably win the Grammy for “Best Album”. However, I say this with hesitance. I’ve repeatedly listened to each album, both in different mindsets and consecutively, and this was difficult. Zac Brown Band’s album was great to listen to and touches many emotions. It makes you long for someone to still love you during “Goodbye in Her Eyes,” relax on a beach during “Island Song,” and do a strip tease during “Overnight,” right before saying goodbye to your loved ones during “Day That I Die”. This album shows what the future of country can bring; classic country, a touch of rock, and even a little bit of soul. The album is genius and deserves a win. I must reiterate that the other albums are just as good in their own ways. Hunter Hayes’ Self Titled album, at first makes, it easy to say that he is the “Justin Beiber of Country” but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Regardless of your age, you can take the lyrics and easily relate them to your own life. And what is even more impressive is that he played every instrument on the album. The Time Jumpers Self Titled album is another great example of fine musicianship. All of the members are talented studio musicians who came together and made classic Western Country music. Jamey Johnsons Tribute, although a tribute, is a great album that demonstrates not only Jamey’s vocals and appreciation for Cochran, but several other well respected artists contribute to the wonderful sound. Last but not least the impressive Miranda Lambert’s – For the Record is strong; in the sense of being a strong woman with powerful vocals. She sings straight from the heart and empowers the listener. But at the end of the day, Zac Brown takes the cake with the “Fine Sampling of Country”.

Pamela Erin Gordon

Pamela Gordon

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