Jaywalkers - Move On

February 27, 2025 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Americana, Country

Jaywalkers first came to prominence via an appearance in the finals of the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2008. In the years since, the trio has built a solid following, effortlessly merging folk, country and bluegrass into their particular brand of English Americana via a combination of impressive musicianship, impeccable harmonies and a knack for identifying a good tune. Their latest album ‘Move On’, sensitively produced by Joe Rusby, is an impressive addition to their discography.

John Surge and The Haymakers - Maybe You Don't Know Me EP

September 18, 2024 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Alt-Country, Americana, Country

To quote John Surge, “These five songs represent a real cross-section of the music we make”. John is referencing a new EP aptly titled, ‘Maybe You Don’t Know Me’. The ‘Almost Time’ album from last year was well received, but Surge still had a host of material that wasn’t quite right for that record but worked well in his live set. A live set that had gotten John noticed on the LA country scene in the first place. Surge re-connected with highly regarded Texas producer Tommy Detamore {Doug Sahm, Jim Lauderdale, Sunny Sweeney, Jesse Daniel} and reenlisted many of the ‘Almost Time’ crew including his right-hand Haymaker guitarist Randy Volin, plus Brennen Leigh on harmony vocals, Brad Fordham (Dave Alvin/Hayes Carll) on bass, Tom Lewis (Junior Brown/Raul Malo) on drums and Floyd Domino (Asleep at the Wheel, Merle Haggard) on keyboards.

Richard Marx - Songwriter (Album Review)

September 30, 2022 by David Vousden in 80s, Album Reviews, Classic Rock, Country, Pop, Singer-Songwriter

From his self-titled, triple platinum-selling debut album in 1987 to ‘Limitless’ in 2020, Richard Marx has had an unerring knack for a melody (not to mention a pretty wonderful voice). Marx's songwriting skills have enabled him to stay relevant throughout his nearly forty-year career. His sound has evolved over time, with the punchy guitars of the late 80s replaced by a smoother, more R&B/pop sound tailored to radio and streaming services. Along the way, his song craft has been in high demand, co-writing and/or contributing songs to a startling array of artists from Kenny Rogers to Keith Urban via NSYNC, Luther Vandross and Vixen. An impressive CV, but where does that chameleon-like ability to pen hit songs come from? How does he do it? Hopefully, ‘Songwriter’ might give us a bit of a clue as we take a journey through twenty tracks encompassing four genres; pop, rock, country and ballads.

Anna Howie - The Friday Night Club (Album Review)

March 24, 2022 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Country, Singer-Songwriter

If anything positive came out of the pandemic for musicians, it could have been that artists had to get inventive if they wanted to be heard. Anna Howie had spent time in Nashville pre-pandemic recording the ‘An Idiots Guide To Love’ EP with producer/guitarist Bob Britt (Leon Russell, Delbert McClinton and Bob Dylan) and attended a songwriting camp with Gretchen Peters. As with so many artists, Nashville had been inspirational, so a return was on the cards until it wasn’t. Undaunted, if a little apprehensive, Anna embraced the world of online streaming to connect with her audience and The Friday Night Club was born. The 28 online sessions would be a great success attracting almost two million views creating an online community almost by accident, offering Anna the freedom to try out new material before an appreciative virtual audience. Those Nashville plans might not have come to fruition, but Anna connected with producer and multi-instrumentalist Lukas Drinkwater (Jacob & Drinkwater, Emily Barker) and slowly but surely, over six months, pieced together ‘The Friday Night Club’ album at his Polyphonic Studio in Stroud, UK.

Sam Outlaw - Popular Mechanics (Album Review)

March 02, 2022 by David Vousden in 80s, Album Reviews, Americana, Country, Singer-Songwriter

The press release that accompanied ‘Popular Mechanics’ referenced Kenny Loggins, Tom Petty and Cyndi Lauper, all acts that have a home in my collection, so I was intrigued to hear what exactly Sam Outlaw had in mind on his new album. Listeners familiar with Outlaw and his impressive back catalogue might find the mention of Cyndi a tad incongruous as his previous records had received positive reviews for their take on the southern California country sound. As it turned out, I was pleased to find Outlaw might have taken a left turn, but he was far from lost.

Noah Guthrie - Blue Wall (Album Review)

January 21, 2022 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Alt-Country, Americana, Country, Country Rock, Singer-Songwriter

In 2022 everybody and their dog is making a record which can be both a blessing and a curse (as the RGM inbox often reminds me). The upside to this situation is the myriad ways to discover new artists, which brings me to Noah Guthrie. Admittedly Noah Guthrie is hardly a new name, as watchers of reality TV talent shows will already be well aware (Guthrie reached the semi-final of America’s Got Talent in 2018) and even appeared in the final season of Glee. Neither of these events popped up on my radar, but late one night, lost down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos, I stumbled upon guitarist Rhett Shull preparing for a gig with a bloke named Noah Guthrie…

Andrew Beam - Selma By Sundown (Album Review)

April 12, 2021 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Country

If you like traditional country music Andrew Beam should be on your radar. Raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina as the son of a bluegrass picking preacher Beam grew up in a one-stoplight town where real progress amounted to a second stoplight (yay). Surrounded by music from an early age via the seemingly endless stream of church socials and front porch get-togethers that helped to shape the musical journeys of the likes of Don Gibson, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis, Andrew Beam was no different. After graduating Beam became a game warden with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (Beam is an avid fisherman and serious bowhunter) but getting recognised playing shows in local bars wasn't entirely compatible with his day job so, in 2018, he started to explore music full time. Luckily a mutual friend introduced Beam to veteran RCA Victor/Moonwatcher Records producer and guitarist Joe Taylor and the result is Beam’s debut album ‘Selma By Sundown’.

Morgan Wade - Reckless (Album Review)

March 19, 2021 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Americana, Country, Country Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter

For some artists timing is everything. Sometimes it’s because your face suddenly fits and your take on a chosen genre finds a home, but for others, it’s a little more complicated. Raised in Floyd, a small town in Virginia, Morgan Wade was surrounded by the sounds of country, predominantly bluegrass, from an early age. In later years as she began to progress as a singer and a songwriter, Wade struggled to picture her voice alongside the likes of Shania Twain and Faith Hill on the radio “Alright, well, I’m not going to sing for anybody else - but I’m singing for myself”. Wade played publicly for the first time at 19 with a band picked up via Craigslist (probably not something that I would advise all things considered) and the ball started rolling.

Chris Roberts - Red Feather EP (Album Review)

February 24, 2021 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Americana, Country Rock, Southern Rock, Country

Chris Roberts’ career path is an interesting one. The Austin native had worked on ranches and construction sites in Texas while laying carpet and even washing cars further demonstrate a willingness to get his hands dirty. Roberts would eventually find business success with the launch of Aspen Hatter a highly regarded hat-making business (I kid you not) in Colorado. Needless to say, he’s got the life experience down and with his debut EP ‘Red Feather’ he’s also got his music down.

JuBillee - You And I (Album Review)

November 24, 2020 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Country, Pop

Over the last few years, as the UK public has slowly reembraced country music with an ardour not seen in decades, the previously underground UK country scene has stepped into the light with marked success for the likes of Ward Thomas and The Shires. The latest UK hopefuls to come to the attention of RGM are JuBillee featuring Justine Wilson and Billy Warren whose debut album You And I is available now via new label Vacancy Records who put out the excellent Ashley Campbell album.

Ashley Campbell - Something Lovely (Album Review)

October 08, 2020 by David Vousden in Country, Singer-Songwriter, Album Reviews

Ashley Campbell’s back story is pretty well known, but for any newcomers, Ashley is the daughter of country legend Glen Campbell whose impressive musicality would rub off on her as she learned to play the guitar and latterly the banjo, which became her primary instrument - initially for an appearance in a play she was acting in at the time. Ashley is the youngest of Glen’s eight children and would follow, in what became something of a family tradition, and join his touring band as Glen bravely battled Alzheimer’s, and spread awareness about this most devastating of diseases. Ashley released her debut album ‘The Lonely One’ in 2018 which highlighted her sweet vocals, banjo prowess and emotive songwriting supporting the album with regular visits to the UK, including shows at C2C and Black Deer Festival. As with most debut albums, ‘The Lonely One’ struggled a little to stay focused as Ashley dabbled with country-pop and a more traditional sound, but the album flowed well and was an enjoyable listen. Ashley seemed equally adept in both genres - and the good was very good – so I was eager to see which Ashley Campbell would deliver her sophomore release.

Shannon LaBrie - Building (Album Review)

September 25, 2020 by Rich Barnard in Album Reviews, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, Country, Blues

Shannon LaBrie’s 2017 album War & Peace was met with the kind of critical acclaim most musicians only ever dream of and, while it put the honey-voiced singer on the map, her musical identity remained a little elusive, with her lyrically sharp songwriting left shrouded in smokey soul and easy-country robes.

The RGM Review Roundup July 2020

July 17, 2020 by Rich Barnard in Album Reviews, Country, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Americana

As usual, RGM has been inundated with quality music from here, there and everywhere. We’re not complaining, especially in these difficult times when a good tune can provide shelter from the pandemic storm. RGM scribe Rich Barnard found time from homeschooling and making the kids lunch to check out four recent/upcoming albums that we believe are well worth your time and/or hard-earned money From Canada via the wilds of Scotland to sunny California welcome to the July edition of the RGM review roundup.

Richard Marx - Limitless (Album Review)

March 26, 2020 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Classic Rock, Country, Pop, Singer-Songwriter

When Richard Marx burst onto the scene with his self-titled debut album in 1987 he enjoyed almost unprecedented success. The album sold more than four million copies propelled by four hit singles which showed Marx was equally adept at penning a hard-rockin' tune as he was a ballad. ‘Repeat Offender’ followed in 1989 repeating (no pun intended) and even eclipsing the success of the debut from a sales point of view. Third album ‘Rush Street’ spawned probably Marx’s best-known song ‘Hazard’ which topped many international charts in 1992. His fourth album ‘Paid Vacation’ was again successful, but Marx’s star was beginning to fade and his sound was becoming increasingly more influenced by soul, R&B and pop which alienated many fans of those early records. Marx has continued to release albums sporadically since his commercial heyday and has become a songwriter in demand penning hits for artists as diverse as Keith Urban, Josh Groban, NSYNC and the wonderfully poignant ‘Dance With My Father’ with Luther Vandross.

King Calaway - Rivers (Album Review)

March 06, 2020 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Country, Pop

Multinational sextet King Calaway have been making waves stateside for a few months now and the UK is the next target for the band with the official release of their debut record and a string of appearances at C2C. The UK seems to have embraced country music in the mainstream for the first time in many years but is the UK really ready for a country music boyband? RGM takes a listen.

The Marshall Tucker Band – New Year’s In New Orleans! Roll Up ’78 and Light Up ’79! (Album Review)

January 15, 2020 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Blues, Classic Rock, Country, Country Rock, Southern Rock

The Marshall Tucker Band released their debut album in 1973, embarking on an impressive run of success that yielded a string of gold and platinum records throughout the decade. This success seems to have got a little lost in the annuals of rock history, but at their best, the band could proudly stand toe to toe with Southern rock luminaries Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band.

The Steel Woods - Old News (Album Review)

January 22, 2019 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Classic Rock, Country, Southern Rock

When The Steel Woods burst onto the scene with ‘Straw in the Wind’ in 2017 they bought fresh new energy to the burgeoning Southern rock scene – not an easy thing to do with the likes of Blackberry Smoke and Whiskey Myers already spreading the word in fine style. A mix of original material and contributions from such heavyweight songwriters as Darrell Scott and Brent Cobb ‘Straw in the Wind’ was a fine record that found the band equally adept at picking out a country tune, when they weren’t exploring a melancholy Southern gothic vibe reminiscent of the solo work of Zakk Wylde. Coincidently, the band even found room for a Black Sabbath tune with a powerful blues-rock take on ‘Hole in the Sky’ which might well prove to be the first of many such excursions into the Sabbath catalogue.

David Leask - Six in 6/8 (Album Review)

January 02, 2019 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Country, Americana

When David Leask reflects on the reasoning behind his latest release, “6/8 feels like a musical home to me, a signature of time, a sense of place” he sounds like a man at peace with his surroundings and the creative process. It’s hardly surprising then that the six songs on this fantastic EP are so impressive, even if the initial idea seems a little off-kilter. Six songs recorded in a 6/8 time signature might sound a little strange until you realise the great range that 6/8 allows, especially when coupled with superior tunes. If you’re wondering about 6/8 then think of it as a variation on a waltz—a lilt if you will—and you’ve got the idea. Many of your favourite songs will have been written in this time signature, trust me we’re not talking weird Frank Zappa approved strangeness here

Amy Ray - Holler (Album Review)

November 08, 2018 by Rich Barnard in Album Reviews, Americana, Country, Folk, Singer-Songwriter

As one half of the Indigo Girls for over thirty years, Amy Ray’s feistiness and grit always served as a contrast and balance to Emily Saliers’ tenderness and sheen and this is doubtless what has made the duo such an enduring success. Ray has, by now, rightly earned her place as a member of folk rock royalty and on Holler, her sixth (who knew?!) solo record, her creative fires are burning as bright as ever.

Amigo The Devil - Everything Is Fine (Album Review)

October 26, 2018 by David Vousden in Album Reviews, Americana, Country, Folk, Heavy Metal, Singer-Songwriter

Danny Kiranos aka Amigo The Devil arrives on the scene with ‘Everything Is Fine’ and the one thing I can tell with absolute certainty is that things most definitely are not fine. In fact, we’re as far from fine as it’s possible to get. “This life is a joke and death is the punch line” gives you a good idea of Kiranos’ state of mind as Amigo The Devil. So join me, if you’d like to partake in an hour or so of Southern gothic murder folk country, with an occasional hard rock/metal left turn, because you never know things might turn out fine in the end, but I wouldn’t bet on it.