Blues-Rock-Country Review: Dion-Girl Friends

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Label: ‎INGROOVES

Website

Dion has been making music for a mighty long time. He is one of the few who recorded music in the 50s and 60s that is still alive and relevant. That point alone should tell you something about the man's resilience and determination. It tells me a lot.

 

Girl Friends is another winner, his most recent release with an all-star cast. As you can see by the CD cover, all his guests are the ladies accompanying him on twelve tracks of blues, rock, and country-flavored tunes. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and Dion is in fine form musically and vocally.

 

Track one begins "Soul Force," an excellent way to kick off things with the fiery Susan Tedeschi. They both rock the house as Dion sings, "Superpower stronger by the hour."

 

"I Aim to Please" with Danielle Nicole is a country-inflected mover! This one has a great call answer from the duo and is a real toe-tapper. 

 

"Stop Drop and Roll" with Valerie Tyson features a strumming acoustic guitar with lots of rhythm and harmonizing. It is a country pop tune with banjo and excellent electric six-string licks. Some foot-stompin' country, y'all!

 

"Do Ladies Get the Blues" with Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies asks the question. By all accounts, it is true. The ladies and Dion bring it home to make you a believer as some stinging electric guitar heats things to a boil and the bottom end cooks right along with it.

 

"An American Hero" with Carlene Carter is my favorite track because of its meaning. Dion sings, "We need an American hero to stand up for everyone." Never was there a time in our history was that truer. Carlene Carter was a great choice with her voice, and they punctuated every word, which gave me chills.

 

"Don't You Want a Man Like Me" with the soulful Rory Block and some acoustic slide guitar to get those embers of passion burning. The rhythm section is rock solid; hard rockin' blues burn the fuel as they sing "Some Like It Hot."

 

"Sugar Daddy" with Christine Ohlman's breathy vocals and steady rhythms merge for another rockin' blues workout. Acoustic and electric guitars soar!

 

"Endless Highway" with Randi Fishenfeld features exceptional bass, with the track deep in Americana roots and country twang. Dion is in great form.

 

"I Got Wise," with Maggie Rose starting the vocals, is the first on the album without Dion leading off. Dion comes in to answer her at a slow and emotional pace—a very atmospheric track.

 

"Hey, Suzy" with Sue Foley is a kind of old-fashioned love song. The duo combination is perfect, with Dion showing that he still has some range in his vocals. The country and blues-varied guitar lines hit the bullseye.

 

"Mama Said" with Shemekia Copeland is soulful, with Shemekia singing "Listen boy"…as Dion responds. It was another strong and well-rounded effort by the duo.

 

"Just Like That" with Joanne Shaw Taylor is a great closer with smokin' hot guitar lines as they cross the finishing line with conviction.

 

Girl Friends is an eclectic range of artists providing music and vocals that keep it a satisfying listen from beginning to end. The booklet accompanying the CD has an excellent write-up from Dion about the "feminine genius" and how it has surrounded his life. Also, he adds comments about each artist.

 

Dion proves once again that age has nothing to do with a great musician and a singer's capabilities as long as you have the experience, confidence, and belief in your craft. It is a solid release, and everyone involved should be proud.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

February 27, 2024

Tracks:

01. Soul Force with Susan Tedeschi

02. I Aim to Please with Danielle Nicole

03. Stop Drop and Roll with Valerie Tyson

04. Do Ladies Get the Blues with Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies

05. An American Hero with Carlene Carter

06. Don't You Want a Man Like Me with Rory Block

07. Sugar Daddy with Christine Ohlman

08. Endless Highway with Randi Fishenfeld

09. I Got Wise with Maggie Rose

10. Hey Suzy with Sue Foley

11. Mama Said with Shemekia Copeland

12. Just Like That with Joanne Shaw Taylor

Country Review: McMains-American Soul

Pre Order Here-http://www.mickmcmains.com/products.htm
Label: Welland International

Website: www.mickmcmains.com

McMains is Mick McMains and his new recording is titled American Soul. Some folks may recognize his name as the producer of 2 excellent CDs for the art ensemble known as DJ Monkey. I was actually introduced to this music by Joey Alkes the founder of DJ Monkey.

So Mr.McMains is one of the blue-blooded Americans that has descendants that go back to the days when the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s were feuding. One look at the CD and it gives you an idea how far his heritage goes back. American Soul indeed.

The music encompassing the 13 tracks on the CD covers some country, blues, and pop with a definite bite. I would say it leans more towards country than anything. McMains has that “matter of fact” attitude in his vocalizations. I did find it refreshing, and a bit gritty and down to earth, which I like.

This is the kind of album that will grow on you. The first few tracks passed and I was not sure if I was going to get into it. Eventually, that happened with a close attention to the musicianship and lyrical content (which comes inside the CD booklet, an added bonus).

I especially enjoyed the spiced-up version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” This is one of the songs by John Denver that ruled the airwaves in the 70s. So sweet memories came my way while listening to that tune. I thought it was done very well and McMains made it his own. That is not the easiest thing to pull off either, so kudos for that.

If you are in for a countryfied bit of a listen, I think giving American Soul a spin may be just what the music doctor ordered.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 15, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Would If I Could
02. Devil Don’t Care
03. Don’t Say Go0dnight Tonight
04. Since I Started Loving You
05. Is It Over?
06. Shenandoah (with Cheyenne Jolene)
07. End of the Day
08. Hello Heartbreak
09. Take Me Home, Country Roads
10. Never 2 Late 4 Love
11. Slow Down My Heart
12. Time Well Wasted
13. Under The Sun

Country Review: Patty Mattson-Throwdown

Release Date: November 10, 2014

Label: Indie

Website

Patty Mattson has released a new album called Throwdown. The recording features seven strong tracks and the voice of a talented woman with the strength and conviction to deliver the words.

Even though this recording clocks in at just over 23 minutes Ms. Mattson packs it all into one powerful package with her vocal style and straight forward approach. It’s non-stop entertainment from start to finish.

The musicianship is fine throughout the run of this CD and a suitable match for Patty. All thanks go to Simone Sello for a masterful job multitasking and playing all the instruments (with the exception of drums on two tracks courtesy of Billy Pace). I did cover her last full length The Road and was quite impressed so it looks like she picked up right where she left off!

When I heard “Dear Momma” and “Daddy” it made me get all emotional and I suppose that is just what it is supposed to do so a job well done Patty. With all the sentiment aside, the opener and title track “Throwdown” is real kick up your heels and holler off the rooftop number. It’s full of energy and it rocks down the house. Now that is the way you are supposed to open an album. Along those same lines you should close out an album strong as well, so it keeps your listeners coming back for more, well, she does it again with perhaps the strongest cut on the album “I Can Feel It Comin’.”

This album feels like an EP but the range for that format is 3-5 songs. I think the difference here besides two more tracks are that it’s so darn good, you feel like it ends much too soon. That is a good thing for Patty Mattson. Why this lady is not a star right up there with folks like Carrie Underwood and the like, is beyond me. She has what it takes, and delivers the goods time and time again.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Dear Momma, Throwdown, I Can Feel It Comin’

Tracks: 
01.Throwdown
02.Dear Mama
03.Guess Life’s Not
04.Always What It Seems
05.Stranger To Love
06.Daddy
07.I Can Feel It Comin’
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

December 3, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music 

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Country Review: Willie Nelson-Band of Brothers

Release Date: May 6, 2014

Label: Legacy Recordings

Website

Debuting at number five on the Billboard Top 200 chart and number one on the Billboard Country chart for the first time in twenty eight years, Band of Brothers is classic Willie Nelson at his country singing best. Nine original songs out of fourteen tracks bring back what Willie is best at-his ability to write songs that reach into the grit and texture of humanity. 

From the beginning of the album with “Bring it On” you have a harmonica entwined with pedal steel and some percussion that stirs the blood. The lyrics throw a glimmer of challenge to the human condition, daring the fates to ‘bring it on.’ A rousing track, this is the perfect beginning to an album rich with imagery and emotion.

“Used to Her” is a fun and punchy number reminiscent of the faster, dance step country I grew up with. Plucky with cocky harmonica accompaniments, the vocals are well matched with the snap your heels on the dance floor and swing those hips mover of a song. Burnt bacon and bluegrass. How could you possibly go wrong with this inspiring song?

“Band of Brothers” is the title track for the album and one of my favorite pieces. The guitar playing and layers of music are woven together flawlessly. Moving into the future together, family is a bond built by love and respect. Guitar strings, harmonica and some percussive elements swirl and bob along to craft a song full to bursting with memories and life moments.

“The Git Go” has a bluesy gospel feel but is the least appealing song on the album. Lessons of life and too much in the way of politics make this one stand out from the rest of the pack. While it has some thought provoking points, it misses the artful mark the rest of the album holds.

In Willie Nelson’s long and distinguished career he has performed countless concerts and has a catalog of albums longer than my arm. His voice is smooth as butter and can turn to steel or velvet depending on his mood. His music has grown with me and seen me through my formative years. It is so wonderful to see this great artist writing original works again. If you are a Willie Nelson fan, you need to get this album. From fun and plucky to a little bit on the political side, it’s a musical experience you’re going to want in your collection.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Bring it On, Used to Her, Band of Brothers, The Git Go

Tracks:
01. Bring It On Willie Nelson
02. Guitar in the Corner Willie Nelson
03. The Wall Willie Nelson
04. Whenever You Come Around Willie Nelson
05. Wives and Girlfriends Willie Nelson
06. I Thought I Left You Willie Nelson
07. Send Me a Picture Willie Nelson
08. Used to Her Willie Nelson
09. The Git Go Willie Nelson with Jamey Johnson
10. Band of Brothers Willie Nelson
11. Hard to Be an Outlaw Willie Nelson
12. Crazy Like Me Willie Nelson
13. The Songwriters Willie Nelson
14. I've Got a Lot of Traveling to Do
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

July 9, 2014

Review Provided By Write a Music Review

Country Review: Johnny Cash-Out Among The Stars

Release Date: March 25, 2014

Label: Legacy

Website 

Johnny Cash has been gone since 2003 and so has his wife June Carter Cash. Their love for each other was so strong that Cash died a few months after his longtime soul mate passed. That kind of devotion and love is a direct reflection of each artist and their music. Johnny was a legend when he was alive and his legacy has continued to grow since his passing. The man and music continue to gain in popularity with the passing of time. Now that one of the most famous music couples are Out Among The Stars the music lives on forever. All the tracks on this new release are previously unreleased which is likely the most exciting factor for country music fans and followers of Cash’s career.

From 1981-1984 Cash recorded the tracks for this new release and Billy Sherrill was on hand to produce. John Carter Cash gave an intro in the CD booklet and called it Visions, allowing those of us from the outside to look inside to see what it was like to be the son of a famous singer. The genuine feeling and emotions come through in that summary and I think when you hear Out Among The Starsyou can understand what John is talking about.

This is a marvelous country album for several reasons, first and foremost it was recorded by one of the all-time greats of the genre and most importantly they are quality recordings. These tracks are not a bunch of unfinished demos or alternate versions. There are two duets with his wife June, “Baby Ride Easy“ and “Don't You Think It's Come Our Time.” The connection they had with each other was electric and spiritual. Both tracks are an example of why they were so good for each other on the stage and off. The best track is “She Used To Love Me A Lot,” which is also a bonus track. The bonus version is dubbed the JC/EC version; the EC refers to Elvis Costello and his part in production. The video provided with this review illustrates the power and magnitude of the man’s voice set to a video. His impact is still felt to this day and a release such as this will continue to cement his image and voice into the hearts and minds of millions. It was the first choice to be released as a single and the obvious choice.

“I’m Movin’ On” with old friend Waylon Jennings is memorable as well (check out the Highwaymen collaboration if you haven’t yet). They sure knew how to kick up their heels and get it done in the studio and were another example of the perfect complement to each other. I believe that the track would be another good choice for a single. There are many choices that could take that route because the release is so strong.

The musicianship is outstanding throughout this recording and Cash’s voice is clear and strong. I have to wonder why these tracks were not released once they were completed. There is always a reason but none of that is important now. What is significant is that the voice and legacy of Johnny Cash lives on. I hope to see more of these great tracks uncovered in the future.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: She Used To Love Me A Lot, Don't You Think It's Come Our Time, I’m Movin’ On

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

April 17, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Tracks: 
01. Out Among The Stars
02. Baby Ride Easy
03. She Used To Love Me A Lot
04. After All
05. I'm Movin' On
06. If I Told You Who It Was
07. Call Your Mother
08. I Drove Her Out Of My Mind
09. Tennessee
10. Rock And Roll Shoes
11. Don't You Think It's Come Our Time
12. I Came To Believe
13. She Used To Love Me A Lot (JC/EC Version)