A return to classic George Strait ~ Just perfect for an old fan who, like this reviewer, had grown a bit disenchanted with Strait's last few attempts ~ It is apparent George is in his comfort zone--this CD is a return to the music he was born to make ~ "If The Whole World Was A Honky Tonk", pays homage to George Jones as "The King" and speaks volumes of Strait's honest to goodness character (as big as GS gets, he's still a fan) ~ Strong song selection and unpretentious delivery of melody give one a feeling of sitting on a front porch in Texas...just you and George ~ Hats off to George for including a duet with fellow Texan, Lee Ann Womack ~ Musicianship on this project proves less is more--no showboating here ~ (Now, Macon’s ability to rate a country album is at best in the infancy stage—he doesn’t know what good county music is, so I wonder if he’ll even hear how unsullied this is!) A true understanding of dynamics from the players is evident ~ SOMEWHERE DOWN IN TEXAS leaves you longing for an encore track and searching for George's summer tour schedule ~~~ Cleveland

I’ve just finished installing some planter speakers on one of God’s greatest gifts to me, my front porch. One warm Tennessee afternoon, I sat and listened to George Strait’s SOMEWHERE DOWN IN TEXAS in the company of a good cigar>>>I had heard the current single (“The Other Side”) on the radio and had some preconceived notions that this album would be very contemporary. After listening to a few cuts, I knew I had misjudged it>>>This is an album recorded by the “old watch”—produced by Tony Brown and George Strait and picked by the masters of Nashville>>>If a soul wants to know what real country is and how to do it, listen to this album. The Nashville rhythm section, complimented by Stuart Duncan on the fiddle and Paul Franklin on steel, is masterful in technique and man, do they have tone! The writing is well crafted with meaning>>>George Strait? Well, what more is there to say about him? He’s still in the pocket, a gentleman crooner with just the right amount of Honky Tonk>>>This album is mellow and personal and contains songs about Texas. Is this a farewell? I hope not>>>I think my Yankee-dog nemesis (Cleveland) will like this album but I wonder if he will truly appreciate the down-home, heartfelt stuff within it. >>>Macon


Patty Loveless
DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS (SONY-BMG)
(Produced by Emory Gordy, Jr. and Justin Niebank)

>>> My collection of this Kentucky native’s works began in 1988 with a cassette copy of IF MY HEART HAD WINDOWS produced by husband, Emory Gordy and Tony Brown. I have been a fan ever since. Her mournful delivery and soulful interpretation combined with her easy singing style has a way of grabbing the listener and calming their very being. Two tracks on this particular project confirmed my conviction that the best female country singers do come from Kentucky. The first, a song called “Baby’s Gone Blues” (an offering somehow overlooked by country radio until it was cut by REBA some time later) and “If My Heart Had Windows.” Program directors did finally wake on the release of “If My Heart Had Windows”--a tune recorded originally by George Jones. Most artists would avoid covering a tune already released by the Possum; not necessarily out of respect, but more because of their inability to make it any better. Patty did! >>> A string of Top 40 Hits followed—the most memorable to this reviewer: “Don’t Toss Us Away,” “You Don’t Even Know Who I am,” “Nothin’ But the Wheel” and “Here I Am.” >>> Then Loveless released MOUNTAIN SOUL. I had suspected for years that Patty’s vocal chops and phrasing were derived from her bluegrass roots. In this collection, she revealed a whole new facet of her endless talent--man does she shine! >>> Her history (after appearing to be long-winded) brings me to her current effort DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS. Patty elegantly blends bluegrass with classic country (a different sound for Patty, yes, but sure to entertain fans and attract new ones). >>> Songwriters on the project include award-winning writers such as Jim Lauderdale, Delaney Bramlett, Thom Schuyler and Tony Arata. My favorite cut is “My Old Friend The Blues” written by Steve Earle—the mandolin, fiddle and dobro meld seamlessly. >>> I’m not confident the survey laden, demographic seeking, age restricting radio executives will welcome this effort. >>> DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS (much like MOUNTAIN SOUL) reflects the artist’s vision of song and music and Patty (who celebrates 20 years in the business) has certainly earned the freedom to express herself in both. Let’s all hope the album does in fact get airplay so we can continue to reap the harvest of this Appalachian treasure. >>> I envision my counter part, Macon, is scratching his graying head on this one. He’s got about as much “soul” as a loaf of Wonder Bread! >>> CLEVELAND

MACON<<<Here is another interesting work from one of country’s reigning queens. <<<I’m sure even my Yankee, spandex-loving, mullet headed partner (Cleveland) will agree this vocal performance is exquisite. Patty Loveless is the real thing. Every inflection in her voice and her delivery is perfect. (I bet her producers, husband Emory Gordy and Justin Niebank, have very little use for pitch correction!) The production is of high quality although the sound is not mainstream country. <<<DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS leans toward a Bluegrass feel and some tunes are in fact pure bluegrass! On the other hand, the innovative electric guitar work and drums move the listener out of the bluegrass realm. <<<A number of the songs are penned by heavy-duty Nashville writers (including Steve Earle and Jim Lauderdale). The sound and the writing on this album (with the exception of a couple of lighthearted tunes) are too deep and dark for my taste. Midway through, I found myself feeling like I needed a release from the blues. Some of the production also became predictable. <<<I must say though, of all the music I’ve heard lately, I will probably listen to this CD. Patty Loveless is like this orchid I have sitting in my kitchen window. I know she is a rare and beautiful flower, but like my orchid, DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS is not blooming for me this year. <<<

Jason Aldean
JASON ALDEAN (Broken Bow Records)
(Produced by Michael Knox)

MACON<<<The opening tune on this CD hits you in the face! Jason and his producer, Michael Knox, pull no sucker punches. They let you know where the music is headed and never let up. <<< I think the radio promotion folks are pushing “Hicktown,” but there is better stuff on this album. <<< The music is rock oriented pushing country to the limit. Heavy guitars and percussion are well done on everything including the ballads. The drummer never lets up. The producer let him pop and he’s poppin’ good! <<< This CD is aimed at the young hardworking (and partying) fly-over country people. Aldean will compete on “now country” radio and give artists like Kenny Chesney a run for his money. <<< The writing is real down home by various well knowns such as John Rich and Big Kenny. There are also a couple of tunes included in this jammin’ collection that swing the mood a little closer to reality. <<< The vocals are fairly solid and delivered with attitude to fit the feel of the music. If the industry allows this kid to develop, we might hear better stuff from him as he matures. <<< Overall, I liked the sound of this album and I especially liked the guitar work. A lot of folks including my Yankee friend, Cleveland, would say this ain’t country and Jason is a green singer. Cleveland, you wouldn’t have as many foot injuries and ailments if you’d keep it outta your mouth! <<<

>>> I began my review by taking a look at his bio. I can relate with Aldean’s struggle to be a success and make a living at something he truly loves. <<< David Allen Coe said it best, “If you’re ‘big star’ bound, let me warn you…it’s a long hard ride.” And, we’ve all heard the old adage “Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it…” Well, I believe the worst thing that can happen to an artist is to get a break too soon. Years of performing in dark, beer soaked honky tonks is what gives a singer a unique sound. <<< As I listen to Jason Aldean, I do hear hints of originality, but, I gotta say, I wish he had more years under his belt performing on the club circuit to enable him to hone his craft and season his sound. This is critical and one of the elements to a successful recording career. So many before him have had great debuts only to be dropped due to lack of experience, confidence and vision. Sorry, but I don’t hear a signature sound that will separate Jason from his peers and put him in the Hall of Fame. Having said this, I do believe that a great song can seal the deal on a successful career for any artist—let’s hope Aldean has a hit! >>> Production and song selection is at best mediocre and tends to minimize Aldean’s talent and ability. <<< Although he introduces Alabama and Ronnie Milsap as his musical influences, this reviewer hears the sounds of Chris Cagle and Kenny Chesney. (Track 4--“Even If I Wanted To” will most probably be a welcomed addition to country radio.) I do believe, Macon, who is the strongest argument against human cloning, will agree. >>> CLEVELAND


Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand
DREAM BIG (Capitol Records)
(Produced by Jason Deer)

>>>My introduction to the band was the song “Banjo Boy” and my initial reaction was “Oh, no, another Big & Rich!” (Nothing against B&R, it’s just I think they’ve filled that niche.) Craig Miner on banjo must be elated that FINALLY it has been expressed intelligently how most banjo players feel! >>> Excellent musicianship and harmonies place this CD a notch above most Americana/Bluegrass projects, yet Shupe and The RubberBand clearly reveal a wide array of influences--all combined to create a unique listening experience. >>> For all of you pickers out there, take a ride on Track 6, an instrumental called “Ambush.” Jump in where you can and hang on (if you can). >>> Macon, a band “Joe” from way back couldn’t even keep up with these guys! >>> Track 8--“Rain Falls Down”--takes me to a sunny Caribbean island with its reggae flavor. (Take notes Kenny C.) >>> To summarize, I must say, these guys took me on a refreshing detour far from the tired Nashville concept of record-deal-worthy music. Way to go Capitol! I think you’ve got a winner here. >>> CLEVELAND

MACON <<< God knows banjos give me heartburn. This group reminds me a little of a group I talked Cleveland into singing for in the late nineties. We had to drink a six-pack (a piece) just to be able to even go to rehearsals and listen to that excessive out-of-tune plunking and clatter. <<< “The definition of perfect pitch is tossing a banjo in the toilet without hitting the seat.” Ryan Shupe and his RubberBand is one you’d better not toss. The opening tune pokes serious fun at banjo and breaks the ice to lead to a very interesting listening experience. <<< The songs are thoughtfully written and the vocals are delivered in an almost Dave Matthews style. The lyrics are busy but this is a new approach to Americana. The production is sound and works for this album. <<< I bet these guys are a lot of fun live and I like the idea that they are a band toughing it out together. <<< I don’t know that I would call these guys virtuosos by Nashville standards but they do play well together as the sole instrumental on the album demonstrates. <<< If they stay together, they may surprise us in the future with some outstanding picking. I believe there is a lot of this kind of music being played in America and it is largely being ignored by the music industry. I doubt country radio will venture to play this music, but I bet Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand find a mainstay slot on Americana avante garde stations and college radio. (By the way, I have great regard for banjo players. Béla Flek is one of the finest musicians on the planet!)