Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra is a band that is hard to pigeonhole. The band is influenced by rockabilly, blues, country, swing and soul, but the way they turn these styles into a ‘melting pot’ is quite unique. With ‘Feet First’ the gentlemen are already on their sixth album. This album was recorded in two days at the Lightning Recorders studios in Berlin. Studios that are known for authentic analogue recordings. ‘Feet First’ was recorded without overdubs and is therefore the capturing of a musical moment. In short, authenticity is the key here! In addition to Rob Heron (vocals, rhythm guitar), the band consists of Tom Cronin (baritone guitar, mandolin, harmonica and backing vocals), Ben Powling (tenor sax, clarinet and backing vocals), Adam Richards (upright and electric bass and backing vocals) and Paul Archibald (drums and percussion). Of the 14 tracks, 13 flowed from Heron's pen and one, namely 'Happy Hour' is a song by Arnold Lasseur. The songs meander between rock-'n-roll, blues, country and folk and everything in between. The arrangements are however so unpredictable, which reveals an original and unique sound. A sound that has its origins in the clubs, dance halls and theatres of the middle of the previous century, but which is given a contemporary but above all idiosyncratic look by Heron and his companions, which gives each song a life of its own. For example, 'Six Month Sleeper' evokes a somewhat Vaudeville atmosphere, while 'Three Button Suit' clearly refers to authentic country. Swinging is 'I Blinked And It Was Over', which can boast a nice part of harmonica. A touch of folk later adorns 'Hungry For Your Love'. A song that also contains a nice change of tempo, after which we waltz through 'Another Night In The Doghouse'. ‘Every Day Is Misery’, which comes later, is built on solid rock-‘n-roll foundations.
Rob Heron is not only a talented songwriter who does not shy away from humor in his lyrics, but also a passionate performer. An album to cherish!

Recently you already received the reviews of the fourth volumes in the series ‘Stroll-A-Rama’ and ‘Jive-A-Rama’ on this site and now it is the turn of ‘Bop-A-Rama’. Here too the Atomicat label serves you 30 boppin’ tracks. 28 of them date from the golden period 1953-1963, supplemented with 2 tracks from the Rhythm Bomb Records archives. Brace yourself for energetic rockabilly, rhythmic country rockers and tight blues. Tony and Jackie Lamie with The Swing Kings may surprisingly give the starting shot with ‘Sunset Blues’, a song that has rockabilly, country and blues in it. The next one to be discussed is a well-known one, namely Moon Mullican. The fiddle breathes both hillbilly and country in ‘Jenny Lee’. Among the accompanists we find guitarists Hank Garland and Grady Martin. Martin returns later for brilliant guitar work on the bopping ‘Be Bop Baby’ by Autry Inman. Grady was a much sought-after studio musician, because he also provides a sublime sound on the six strings on Johnny Bond’s country-like ‘All I Can Do’. Clever guitar work also adorns ‘You Can Have My Love’ by Judy Capps and Pat Kingary. A cool rock-‘n-roll song comes with ‘It Ain’t Right’ by Gordon Terry, who brings in wonderful backing vocals with The Jordanaires. Mojo Buford became known as a harmonica player in Muddy Waters’ band. Here you can hear him at work on the blues harp in the instrumental ‘Can’t Sit Down’ by the Voodoo Men. Buford also has a link with the next number, the well-known ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’ by that other blues harper James Cotton. When Cotton left Muddy Waters’ band in 1967, Buford returned to replace him. Cotton leaves the harmonica in the box here and concentrates on the vocals. Also note the beautiful guitar of Pat Hare. Henry Wilson with The Bluenotes present a top rockabilly number in ‘Are You Ready’. Curley Jim was originally a country singer. That rock-‘n-roll is also in his genes, he proves with The Billey Rocks on ‘Rock And Roll Itch’. Sonny Hall also provides more rousing rock with ‘My Big Fat Baby’, as does Ricky and The Stompers with ‘The Wild One’. Rock-‘n-roll in its purest form comes later with Billy Smith and ‘Tell Me Baby’. Guitarist Joe Maphis was Larry Collins mentor and Joe can also be heard here. Larry formed The Collins Kids together with his sister Lorrie. Youthful rock of the highest order is the result here and can be heard on ‘Hoy Hoy’. ‘Great old school country’ is next with ‘Wishin’ I Was Kissin’ You’ by Leon Merritt. Vocalist and drummer Willie Nix worked with blues legends like Earl Hooker, Walter Horton and Joe Hill Louis. Of course his ‘Just Can’t Stay’ can also be classified as blues. More blues follows immediately afterwards with grandmaster Lightnin’ Slim in ‘Have Your Way’. On the harmonica you hear super face slider Lazy Lester. You certainly know the country blues ‘Step It Up And Go’ from Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. In a completely different arrangement, with beautiful backing vocals by The Jack Halloran Singers, Mac Wiseman presents the song here. The Netherlands also made itself heard through Peter Koelewijn in the golden years of rock-‘n-roll, and….. in Dutch. No ‘Kom Van Dat Dak Af’ here, but the equal ‘De Hele Stad Is Gek En Dol’. A beautiful steel guitar characterizes the mix of hillbilly and country in ‘Baby I’ll Soon Be Gone’ by Lattie Moore. Unfortunately unknown to many!
Tracks 29 and 30 are reserved for the songs from the archives of Rhythm Bomb Records. First up, the British Rhythm River Trio may perform with the seventh take of ‘I Can’t Go’. A song that can be heard here for the first time. The Australian Chrome Daddies may close with ‘It Must Be Something’. The released version can be found on their album ‘Gear Up Daddy’.
Frontman of the Daddies is Doug Wilshire. On the previously reviewed fourth volume of ‘Jive-A-Rama’ you can hear him under his own name in ‘Five Star Boogie’.
It is clear that the Atomicat team does not ‘take any chances’ when compiling albums. These series never disappoint, but……….. they do leave you wanting more!

Every song on ‘Rugged Elegance’, the majority of which are Rose/ Tolchin co-writes, is a distinct portrait of someone or someplace beloved, but they all emanate from a singular place of honesty, reflection and a desire to embrace one another in times of difficulty. Its sound channels the icons who have defined her old-time roots – Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt to name three. The release ‘Rugged Elegance’ is a an anointing for your soul ! 

Singer, songwriter, producer and label owner Jim Terr delved into his Blue Canyon recording archive and selected 21 tracks for this album 'Treasures From The Blue Canyon Vaults' released by Bear Family Records. The same Jim Terr also wrote the liner notes for this release, and also provided all information and photos regarding the tracks and the artists. The recordings cover the period 1970-2022 and contain highlights in the singer/songwriter, folk and country genres. These include songs by country legend Steve Young, who wrote hits for The Eagles and Waylon Jennings, among others. Also present is the alternative country star Junior Brown. This compilation contains previously unreleased songs by this duo and a number of original songs by the 'crème de la crème' of the New Mexico music scene. As becomes apparent upon listening, this scene contained a diversity of country genres. It is not surprising that several of the artists presented here won New Mexico Music Awards, because the country music presented here is certainly top-notch. In addition to the beautiful harmonies in the opener ‘She Gave Her Heart To Jethro’ from Terr and Brown, the banjo in ‘Plains Of San Augustine’ by Elliott’s Ramblers provides a light bluegrass feel. Lara Manzanares serves up some wonderful up-tempo country a little later in the ‘Census Song’ written by herself. Chantel Mullen shows that Jim Terr was also a talented songwriter in the lovely ‘Another Sweetie Has My Heart’. The great Steve Young is there with the impressive, emotional ballad ‘Always Loving You’. Wonderfully up-tempo is ‘Dig That Crazy Music’ by Jim Terr and Junior Brown, including excellent guitar work. To get into that typical Mexican atmosphere, there is Carlos Medina with his accordion in ‘Mi Amigo Soldado’, which immediately reminds us of the work of Los Lobos. The vocals of Yara Sisters Madeline and Mia in the song ‘Every Time I See Your Face’, which also came from Terr’s pen, are certainly catchy. Terr can be heard later on in the typical country song ‘Talkin’ To My Wine’ by Bob Aldo, as well as in the song ‘Objects In Mirror’, written by himself.
The album contains several spoken songs, including the beautiful ‘Son Of A Rabbi Man’ by Kate Bennett.
The only two non-original songs are the opener ‘She Gave Her Heart To Jethro’ by Tom T. Hall, performed here by Jim Terr and Junior Brown, and Tom Faile’s spoken trucker classic ‘Phantom 309’ by Junior Brown and The Last Mile Ramblers.
‘Treasures From The Blue Canyon Vaults’ offers a wonderful insight into the rich country scene of New Mexico. The label Blue Canyon Records, as well as the region of New Mexico, are still unexplored by many. Undeservedly so, as this compilation shows. So it was high time that this changed and Bear Family Records has proven this beyond doubt.

Gerry has now gathered a whole cast around him, Teresa James comes to sing along in a few songs, just as we are happy to embrace, in addition to the usual instruments, mandolin, violin, dobro and pedal steel. This album is packed with no fewer than twenty wonderful country songs. Great..!

When you first listen to Mark Brown, you might find yourself wondering where he’s been and why it took him so long to get here. Combining a sharp eye with a sly sense of humor reminiscent of John Prine, Mark makes songs that hail from everywhere, incorporating ballads, cowboy songs, jigs, sideshow melodies, and field hollers. His songs give voice to craftsmen, broken-hearted mechanics, heavy equipment operators, squatters and girls with their dirt bikes. Like many of his characters, Mark’s been around: after growing up in Maryland, he’s done some farming, worked as a mechanic, spent years as a commercial fisherman in the northern Pacific and worked as a carpenter in the northeastern US. These experiences have influenced his music the way an oak cask influences good whiskey. In his latest album ‘Happy Hour’, Mark's distinctive voice is accompanied by his band of longtime friends: Ken McGloin joining in on guitar, Mark Murphy on bass, Dean Sharp on drums and the versatile talents of Dean Jones.

Keeping in spirit with his predecessor troubadouring minstrels, Keegan has spent the better part of the last two decades traversing the roads, wildernesses, and cities of the Old World and New, weaving the resulting experiences and observations together with varied influences from folk, country, and the blues to create an original and evolving tapestry of story-driven American roots music.  

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson has announced the release of his latest album ‘Ghosts’ on Pravda Records on 14th June 2024. The album’s ten songs were largely written between 2017 and 2023, and combine “intimate confessions and tightly constructed narratives where there are no clear answers to violent changes. 

Driftless Girl’ is produced by the multi-talented Jolie Holland, with whom DeLisle connected via social media over the Covid period. Holland brought in Buck Meek (Big Thief) with whom she had worked as co-writer and performer on their respective 2023 releases.  She also involved  Nikki Grossman (The Sapsuckers) and guitarist and mixing engineer Adam Brisbin. Eight of the eleven tracks are DeLisle originals.  This is delicious and seductive country….

Three time Blues Foundation Traditional Female Artist award winner, Sue Foley’s new album One Guitar Woman is a heartfelt tribute to the female pioneers of the guitar - including Memphis Minnie, Lydia Mendoza, Maybelle Carter, Ida Presti, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The album showcases the dexterity of Foley’s acoustic nylon string guitar skills as she expands on her blues playing into other genres like Piedmont fingerpicking, traditional country, flamenco and classical.

Singer-songwriter Mira Goto originates from Santa Cruz, California. Even before she migrated to Nashville, country music was already flowing through her DNA. Now there is the wonderfully long-awaited EP 'Before', five tracks recorded in the heart of Nashville at Prime Recording Studios, under the watchful eye of producer Derek Garten. Album opener 'Enough To try', like the rest of the album, is a combination of pop beat with wonderful and light country tunes. Mira's fragile voice is an instrument that immediately gives us a lot of goosbumps. Check it out, highly recommended! 

Ever since learning to play her first guitar chords in a bluegrass jam at the age of thirty-five, Sue has been discovering her truth in song. These days, her music inhabits the borderlands where blues, folk, country, and soul meet. On Keeping Time, Sue’s unique capacity for pairing meaningful and topical lyrics with ear-catching melodies shines through. 

The Alders & The Ashes will be a double-length album consisting of 17 songs laid down at L.A.’s famed United Recording with multiple Grammy-winning engineer Ross Hogarth. The group, led by Romani-Canadian musician Candace Lacina and world-renowned Hammond B3 player Mike Little, The Hello Darlins consist of some of Canada’s most in-demand session musicians who came together to forge a distinct hybrid of country, gospel and blues. 

Ted Russell Kamp's new album 'California Son' contains twelve original songs, written or co-written by some soulmates. On this album Ted plays bass, acoustic and electric guitar, dobro, organ and percussion. Although he does like to be accompanied by a number of guests on various songs. The title track is a song about being a musician, and he mentions some of those iconic places in Los Angeles. An album of hope, with a dash of country, rock and blues...!

For the 43rd volume, Bear Family Records delves into the archives of the Allstar Records label. Allstar Records was based in Houston, Texas and was owned by Daniel James Mechura. Mechura was a songwriter and through The Folk Writers Co-Operative Association, of which he was president, he helped aspiring amateur songwriters transform their lyrics into hits. For a small fee, Dan Mechura had the amateur songwriters send in their lyrics. These were set to music and recorded with talented singers and instrumentalists. Allstar Records had two sub-labels, Kool and Nu-Craft. Together they released beautiful country and rockabilly, both from well-known names and obscure artists. Dan Mechura was also a recording artist himself. He appears twice as Daniel James on this compilation, namely with the rocking 'Rock Moon Rock' and the more country-tinged 'I'm Gonna Move'. The label scored a top 20 country hit with 'Imitation Of Love' by Adrian Roland. Roland makes a very special appearance later with the also country-drenched 'Now I Know' and 'Mr. Bass Fiddle', as the title suggests, with a creative bass in the leading role. But more beautiful country can be heard on this album. Such as Johnny Bush, Earl Aycock, Wiley Barkdull with the impressive 'When You Go' and later with the lightning fast guitar driven instrumental 'Tiger By The Tail', Jerry Matthews, Lawton Williams, Smilin' Jerry Jericho and certainly Red Mansel with 'My Only One'.
Top-level rockabilly is served by Johnny Watson, Bobby Clanton with the raw 'Beat Back Baby', Larry Butler, Tommy Graham, Tommy Hammond, Prince Arky and Rocky Williams.
Someone who clearly had Chuck Berry as an example was Johnny Huskey, present here with 'Red Dress'. Definitely worth mentioning is 'Your Kind Of Love' by Johnny Bush. Song with a great doo-wop choir.
'When I'm Gone' by Jerry Jericho also sounds very nice. Song that combines rockabilly, hillbilly and country. And pay special attention to that wonderful fiddle part.
More than likely, the names of the artists brought together here will not sound familiar to you. High time to change that, because let's be honest, it would be a shame to miss the formidable rockabilly and country of Allstar Records.
In addition, you will receive all information about Allstar Records and the tracks in the attached booklet.

The swinging 'I'll Go Back to Denver' (And You Can Go to Hell) opens the line dancing. Gray has a sweet voice timbre, a vocality reminiscent of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn or Tammy Wynette. From the ballad 'Stick and Poke' (What am I Gonna Do) it goes quickly to 'Wasted' with its pedal steel tunes. It moves quickly to 'Wasted' with its pedal steel tunes, the country rocker 'I Missed You' and that sad title track 'She's an Angel' Great…!

The Blue Velvets is a German/Canadian trio consisting of guitarist and singer/songwriter Alistair Christl, Mario Wachsmann on drums and Ralph Sommer on upright bass. Alistair, who comes from Canada, is not only a gifted guitarist but also a more than excellent songwriter. Mario and Ralph, on the other hand, gained their experience in bands like Spo-Dee-O-Dee, The Rob Ryan Roadshow, The Lazy Boys, Rosis Rockets, Johnny Falstaff and John Lewis. A trio that is certainly not up to his test piece. The release of this album was preceded by the vinyl single 'Waiting For A Sign / I'm Her Man'. A single that made us very curious about the full album. Thanks to Patrik Staffansson, head of Enviken Records, the 11-track CD arrived in our mailbox. All songs are by Alistair Christl and that is the first plus. The two songs from the single are also on this album, which opens immediately with the title track. However, those are not the only advantages. First of all, the 11 original songs, which contain influences from country, rockabilly and rock 'n' roll, are of an extremely high level. The trio does not follow well-trodden paths, but consciously explores further, resulting in a complete and, above all, unique sound of its own. This unique sound can largely be attributed to Alistair's masterful string playing. Ralph and Mario roll out such a tight rhythm carpet on bass and drums, on which Alistair can play to his heart's content on his string board. And he does that with verve. His clean and twang sound immediately hits you. In addition, his talent and creativity ensure that his game is full of surprising twists. You immediately get a taste of this on the intro of 'Waiting For A Sign', a high-flyer in the rockabilly genre. You can also place 'I'm Her Man' in the same genre. For a nice intro by the rhythm section, go to 'Troubles Ahead', where the knowledgeable trio slows down a bit. All 11 songs are absolute hits, although we cannot hide our love for the wonderful groove-driven 'Joe Jobs'. Country is the undertone for 'Last Chance Saloon', after which creativity reigns supreme in the super melodic 'A Girl I Used To Know'. Wonderful song, with a guitar solo that Brian Setzer should be jealous of. The intro of 'Long For The Wild' creates an Eastern atmosphere, but nothing could be further from the truth, because the song turns out to be a pure rocker with Alistair in top vocal form. He proves once again that he can go high vocally in 'Amelia'. The Blue Velvets conclude in a rockabilly style with 'Little Jane May'.
We can certainly conclude by saying that The Blue Velvets have delivered a formidable and promising name tag for the future with this debut album. If you like sky-high quality, both in terms of songwriting and performance, then The Blue Velvets is your band. Recommended!

Here Riviere, whose lead guitar infuses the album, is backed by McKendree on keys and guitars along with bassist David Santos and drummer Kenneth Blevins, just your basic four-piece, with the McCrary Sisters (Ann, Regina, & Freda) appearing on the closing gospel tune “Cold, Cold, River.” 

​In 1938, Gary Williams was born in Spokane, Washington in the Pacific Northwest region. As a child he became fascinated by the music of Jimmie Rodgers, the 'Blue Yodeler'. By the age of 16, he was already playing the guitar quite well and appeared on TV shows on local channel KXOI. At that age, he also attended the second edition of the ‘Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Celebration’ in Meridan, Mississippi. At that memorial he would later perform himself together with the then unknown Elvis Presley. In 1957 Gary Williams made his first recording for Verve with the single ‘Travelin' Blues Boy / I'm Gonna Return’, which included Merle Travis on guitar. Both songs are on this album and you also get the 1960 version of 'Travelin' Blues Boy'. In 1957 the Verve label also released the successful album 'Teen Time', which also featured Ricky Nelson. This gave Gary's career such a boost that he was touring practically constantly until the summer of 1960. He also got his nickname 'Travelin' Blues Boy' from that. During his musical career that spanned more than four decades, Gary wrote more than 600 songs in genres such as country, folk and rockabilly. He recorded with no less than 14 record labels and his songs were covered by Webb Pierce, Freddy Hart and Bobby Wayne, among others. In the late 1960s, he left rockabilly, country and folk behind and recorded Christian-inspired music and gospels. On this compilation you get 34 tracks that are among the very best recordings of Williams. Tracks he recorded between 1957 and 1966, his most creative period. These songs ended up on Verve, Panorama, Manito, WA, Connie Sue and Gary's own label Empire. From his LP 'Gary Williams', released in 1960, this compilation contains 7 excellent songs, including 'Walla Walla State Prison', a fantastic rockabilly song. But there is more to enjoy. So we start with 'Travellin' Blues Boy', which immediately puts the qualities of Williams' songwriter talent in the spotlight. After this, you immediately get a taste of his versatility with the folksy 'Manhunt'. And also 'In This Prison Cell', 'Dueling Green' and 'Buckskin' fit in that genre.
Country forms the basis for, among others, 'Heart Break Special', 'The Great Northwest', 'Fields Of Rolling Green', 'Big City Blues', 'Branded An Outlaw', 'You And Your True Love', while 'Such A Good Good Girl' leans towards good pop.
‘Alaska’ has an accompaniment reminiscent of that other great artist, Johnny Cash, after which ‘Step Into My Heart’, ‘Rule Number One’ and ‘Country Jail Blues’ are examples of what an emotional ballad should sound like.
Gary Williams had all the qualities an artist needs to make it. Songwriting talent, a beautiful voice and providing the songs with arrangements that are not only excellent but also timeless, Gary possessed it all. The formidable accompaniment of excellent musicians completes the picture.
Just before Gary Williams passed away on November 23, 2018, well-known country and rockabilly artist Deke Dickerson interviewed him. Deke was also the person to write the very extensive and well-documented liner notes.
It's just a shame Gary Williams couldn't step out of the shadows of the big names of his time. If one thing is certain after listening to this compilation, it is that Gary Williams should have been among the legendary artists of his time.
'The Travelin' Blues Boy' is definitely worth buying!

​Ed Snodderly is a songwriter, singer and guitar picker,  following in the footsteps of songsters as varied as A. P. Carter to Riley Puckett to Ray Davies.  His songs beat with a strong sense of place and the heart of them is a fresh, creative twist to the listener’s ear.  Combining outstanding musicianship with storytelling, the performances feel familiar, yet enlightening;  like old ropes that pull the bells to ring.  “The charts call it Folk/Americana. I feel it as American Southern music; could be New Hillbilly.”. 
‘Chimney Smoke’ had its origins in Snodderly’s desire not only to make the best record possible but in the concept of creating a quintessential “Southern” album, a chronicle of both his Appalachian roots and his own personal upbringing. The title track “Chimney Smoke” offers a vivid depiction of Appalachian life, and is one of the prime examples of Snodderly’s gift for bringing memories and a deep sense of place to life with his intimate lyrics.

​For the title of the second volume in the ‘It's A Hillbilly Booze Party’, compiler Mark Armstrong consulted Hank Thompson. Hank and his Brazos Valley Boys put on a wonderful western swing song with 'Hangover Tavern'. By the way guitarist for the Brazos Valley Boys was Merle Travis. Hank and his boys are coming back with 'A Six Pack To Go'. But before we get to Hank, a lot of beautiful things have passed. For example, Jim Atkins and The Pinetoppers kick off the drinking party with the appropriately swinging 'Juke Joint Johnny'. A swinging fiddle introduces ‘Oh My Aching Head’ by Harry Peppel and His Shenandoah Rangers. Song that clearly also carries traces of bluegrass. After the title track we are immediately treated to 'Honky Tonk Baby' a beautiful song, recorded in 1948 by Sam Nichols with The Melody Rangers. From that period also dates 'Hadacol Boogie' by Jesse Rogers and his 45's. By the way, Jesse was a cousin of the famous Jimmie Rodgers. Songs that also boast sublime guitar performances. Moreover, the songs bathe in a great contemporary sound so many decades later. Handsomely country rocking, Merrill Moore then works his way through 'Bartender's Blues'. Lattie Moore's ‘Too Hot To Handle’ is still one of my all-time favorite songs. No 'Too Hot To Handle' on this compilation, but the equally inspiring 'Drunk Again'. Another personal favorite artist is Hardrock Gunter. He plays a fiery 'Honky Tonk Baby', with possibly Chet Atkins on guitar. More famous people will come later with Johnny Horton and 'Red Lips And A Warm Red Wine'. Johnny died barely 35 years old from injuries sustained in a car accident. Another celebrity, the country artist George Jones is present with 'Bubbles In My Beer'. Leon Payne was known as 'The Blind Balladeer'. 'Brothers Of A Bottle' shows how he could perform ballads and that was not wrong. Leon Payne returns as Pat Patterson with the more swinging 'First You Buy The Beer'. The Oklahoma Wranglers with vocalist Guy Willis also show momentum. Their 'Warm Beer And A Cold, Cold Woman' has a great sing-along chorus. Rather in a storytelling way later Jimmy Swan, Cowboy Jim and His Range Riders bring the convincing 'Juke Joint Mama' that contains some blues influences in addition to country. Storytelling performance is also right up the street of Ramblin' Jimmie Dolan, as you can hear on 'Wine Women And Pink Elephants'. Eugene Scruggs, better known as Earl Scruggs, was a gifted banjo player. He shows that again here on 'Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)' that he recorded for Columbia in 1952 with Lester Flatt and The Foggy Mountain Boys. Song that is also known in the version of the Buckboard Boogie Boys and composed by that other guitar legend Joe Maphis. A song that has been covered many times is 'Drinkin' Wine Spodee-O-Dee'. Song originally recorded by its composer Stick McGhee, younger brother of Brownie McGhee who formed a famous blues duo with Sonny Terry. Here you get a handsome rocking country version of Malcolm Yelvington. A cheerful instrumental country jiver comes with 'Beer Parlour Jive' by The Hi-Flyers, including a formidable performance on steel guitar, guitar and accordion.
Mark Armstrong's quote this time is ‘I Cannot Say No To An Offer To Drink, It's Better To Have A Little, Than Not Have Drunk At All’. Sure it is! Fantastic album!

​There is also an abundance of inspiration at the Atomicat label. This is again evident from the new series 'It's A Hillbilly Booze Party', of which the first volume entitled 'Pink Elephants' has now been released. The album contains 28 hillbilly and country tracks, released between 1940 and 1960, that inevitably get you moving. Don't expect polished songs, however, but songs that will slap you in the face. Johnny Tyler And The Riders Of The Rio Grande make no bones about it. You will have known, 'It Ain't Far To The Bar'. Song that can count on a lot of enthusiasm once on site. The title track 'Pink Elephants', a cool rockabilly song, comes from Wally Willette And His Globe Rockers. A little more country then King Sterling And His Blue Grass Melody Boys move in 'Too Many Taverns'. Lattie Moore serves even more country at the top level in 'Driving Nails'. 'Honky Tonk Down Town' by Joe Maphis and Rose Lee is not only a formidable duet, but you can also enjoy the sublime strings of Joe Maphis. Another song with wonderful harmony vocals comes later with 'Home Made Wine' by Bob And Wanda Wolfe. Saturday night and time to party. But first, ‘Shine, Shave, Shower’ by Guy Willis And His Oklahoma Wranglers. Willis was also featured on Hank Williams' Sterling recordings. Sterling was also the first label to sign Williams. A little later, fiddle and banjo spice up 'Honky Tonk Blues' by The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. Beautiful number! You undoubtedly know 'Bloodshot Eyes' in several versions. Here you get the original version by Hank Penny who recorded the song for King in 1949. You will undoubtedly know 'You've Got The Money, I've Got The Time' from Lefty Frizzell or Willie Nelson. The version you find here was recorded in 1950 by Ernie Lee And His Southerners. Jay Haggard took the blues as the basis for his 'Bartender Blues'. For an emotional ballad you can go to Billy Jack Willis And His Western Swing Band with 'Four Beers And Forty Tears'. More country rocking sounds like 'Firewater Luke' by Eddie Noack.
Also worth mentioning are Montie Jones And The Revin Robbin's rousing 'Moonshine', 'Give Me A Red Hot Mama And An Ice Cold Beer', a dast of honky-tonk by Smiley Maxedon, Georgia Crackers' 'Hangover Boogie' and ‘Honky Tonk Queen’ by Larry Thornton.
This first volume in the It's A Hillbilly Booze Party is extremely promising. The genre is the ideal soundtrack to throw all the brakes loose for an evening. Compiler Mark Armstrong is certainly already in the right mood for it. With 'If we ever meet, let's have a beer together, you can buy it for me and I will happily drink it', he personally addresses the hillbilly fans.

​With 'Oh Lonesome Me' we have arrived at the eighth volume in the 'Rhythm & Western' series. The series that focuses on the recordings made by artists from the black community. Recordings that could be linked to country & western.
We immediately start with a swinging rhythm & blues version of 'Cherokee Boogie' by Bullmoose Jackson. Song that was also recorded by Hank Williams and Johnny Horton, among others. Another brilliant example comes from Dinah Washington with her version of ‘I Don't Hurt Anymore’, which gave Hank Snow a hit in 1954. Dinah turned it into a beautiful slow rhythm & blues with a somewhat jazzy slant.
The Olympics perform nice harmony vocals in the rousing 'Dooley', which even has some gospel in it. Gospel is undeniably also an ingredient of the classic ‘I'm A Pilgrim’ by the vocal group The Swanee Quintet. The song was also recorded by country artists, such as Merle Travis, Bill Monroe, Willie Nelson and Doc Watson, among others.
A moment Bo Diddley came closest to country & western in his entire career was during the recording of 'Put The Shoes On Willy'. Most of the time you hear Little Walter on the blues harp but in Eddie Wares blues 'Lima Beans', Walter is the guitarplayer. Another legend is Buddy Holly. He serves as guitarist on the cajun country classic 'Jole Blon', performed here by the young Waylon Jennings, w.o. is fantastically backed by saxophonist King Curtis. Grandmaster Fats Domino provides the necessary portion of New Orleans rhythm & blues with 'Lil' Liza Jane'. Closing is done with a wonderful instrumental guitar number by Sylvester Weaver on slide guitar in 'Guitar Rag'.
‘Oh Lonesome Me’ is a wonderful continuation of the path Little Victor took with the Rhythm & Western series. A recommended series!

​Rockin' Rollin' USA, Visit 01, Canada, Shhhhhhh Blast Off' is the first release in the new series from Pan American Recordings. The 28 tracks on this album include songs released on major and local labels between 1955 and 1963. Local labels such as Aragon, Apex Français, Barry, Quality and Rodeo may be less known or perhaps not known at all, but they certainly recorded songs that are more than worth listening to. Every state had a local hero. Some stayed that way, but others left their hometowns and moved on. In this series, compiler Mark Armstrong also pays attention to their musical journey. But before we start our journey through the American states, we first focus on Canada. This first volume features records that were produced in Canada as well as those that were imported there.
What can you expect? That's pretty simple. Vocal and instrumental rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and country at the highest level.
Give that volume knob a good turn to the right, because this new series is the umpteenth direct hit. Unbelievable that there are still so many really great songs, of which we didn't even suspect the existence. Thanks to compiler Mark Armstrong for drawing our attention to this and just as much thanks goes to Henrique San who makes the editions visually attractive with his matching artwork.

The next release that will be discussed in the 'Destination' series, has as its subject a destination where you do not want to end up, namely the prison or 'jail'. In American roots music, such as country, hillbilly and rock 'n' roll, there are many songs that can be placed in this context. In addition to life behind bars, these songs can also deal with gruesome crimes, escapes or remorseful confessions. Examples of this can be found galore on this compilation.
A mix of well-known and lesser-known artists provide formidable thematic country, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly. It's best to stay out of prison, but this album is definitely a winner.