It's a killer sound they have. The Second Wind Bandits are this kind of band that makes you feel plenty of energy. I believe this is really better a live sound band instead of a Cd, live is wheree you can enjoy the most their unique sound. But as you can't see them every day (some of us never), so why not give the album an opportunity? I have enjoyed a lot while listening and you'll do the same. This is an album I have recommend. "A Gift Of Love" isd a perfect roots/americana release and you'll find no better music for your ears. This roots rock band comes from Rockville, Maryland. They perform on this CD as if they were performing a live gig. The harmonies are excellent and all vocal performances are unique. Info at http://www.secondwindbandits.com

The Flatcar Rattlers are a raucous grimey bluegrass group with all the fixin’s. They mix up rootsy backwoods Appalachia with fast punk rock to make up a distinct new-timey sound implanted with mountain songs and murder ballads. Their high octane live shows have created a nice buzz in a short time ranking them in the top ten of Best New Bands and Best Bluegrass Bands in the Austin Chronicle’s 2008-2009 Music Poll.
"Which Side Are You On?" is their latest Cd release and it is a wonderful demonstration of what 7 excellent musicians can do together. They are creating music that will remain with us for a long long time. Visit http://flatcarrattlers.com/ for more info about them.

Martha Ann Brooks hails from Georgia state in the USA. Her brand new album, full of her own compositions, is a very nice mix of country, blues, folk, etc etc. What they call now Americana is there, from the first note to the last, it has everything in common with all genres, it has nothing in common with them as well. From the catchy sounds of "Rattlin' My Chains" or "Lately..." to the beautiful ballads like "Deliciously Lonely ", the album is a wonderful travel to Martha Ann passion, love, life, influences. She's so nice as a singer, but take this along her excellent work a storyteller, a superb acoustic guitar, a good team of studio musicians for this recording, and you will agree with me that we all need to share this lovely news with the music world. Martha Ann Brooks is here and she must have a listen!!! Visit www.marthaannbrooks.com for more information.

A great recording which is a must for traditional country fans. Contact Billy D. Hunter at his e-mail hunterhamilton@earthlink.net

European Kings of Hillbilly music, the Swiss band Rhtym' Train brings us their latest release, a Cd called "Bad To The Bone", with 13 tracks full of a lovely rhythm, of excellent songs, and just a demonstration of vocal and musical top abilities. Bad to the bone was released in 2008 by K-tel International (Switzerland) and Part Records (Germany), and it is a mix of old hillbilly music, rockabilly and country sounds, but never forget they are all originals by Urs Odermatt, one of the 4 members of the band. Rhyhtm' Train started playin' their kind of 40's and 50's music in 2001, and they are one of the top band sin Europe right now, both as a recording act but also with their live show, which is among the very best this old beautiful continent has seen. But they are more than just a band: it is a gathering of four like-minded friends. As gentlemen of Hillbilly they appear sharply-styled and uniformly attired to spread an infectious enthusiasm for their music amongst the audience, that is, melodious country songs, heartbreaking ballads or thundering rockabilly numbers that animate the listener to dance.

Rebekka Paige is an up and coming young country artist from Eastern Ontario, Canada that has been performing for 5 years. Rebekka has her own unique style of singing. In comparison to other artists, she shares a distinct sound between Emmylou Harris and Natalie Maines. Rebekka recorded her self-titled CD, Rebekka Paige at Audio Valley in Perth, ON and was released last year. The CD was produced by 2008 inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster. Her first single, titled Good Riddance was released in May 08 and received air play on Canadian Country Radio accross the country. Rebekka Paige released her second single called Watch Your Back to Canadian Country Radio August 10/08. Country Music News March 09 edition Top 100 CANCOUNTRY HITS, Rebekka's single Girls Like Fast Cars Too first charting single at #83.
Rebekka's debut album is a very good one, and you should give it a try. Fresh nice air to country music worldwide. Check it at http://cdbaby.com/cd/rebekkapaige or visit Rebekka's website at http://www.rebekka.ca/
 

Linda Welby is a singer, musician, songwriter and a piece of Heaven that God send to Ireland, and to the music world because He knew we need somebody with her special vision of what music needs, or better, what music should be. Stories from her album "A Story To Tell" that touch your soul, that you can feel down your skin, talking to you heart-to-heart, covering different musical genres, but being also in the original branch of irish country music. I love it, and sincerely think that there are very few albums better done that this Cd for Law Records. Visit her website at www.lindawelby.com
And like her Cd back cover says, "Linda comes from the rich musical tradition of the West of Ireland with stories to tell. These original tracks capture the unique twists of love and loss in the tapestry of life with creative musical arrangements and instrumentals in the finiest Irish tradition". Lovely...

Robin Salmon is an anthropologist of sorts. At times living the life of a gypsy, traveling the world, amassing the experiences it would take most several lifetimes to accumulate. From this he has developed an intrinsic understanding of what it means to be human. A base insight that somehow eludes most, perhaps due to lack of awareness or just simple indifference. It is songwriters like Salmon who help us to look at ourselves and this world in which we live with a bit more clarity. Born in South Africa, Robin Salmon came of age in a disjointed country plagued by violence and political turmoil.
Americana music, undecorated and intelligent, was a genre of music that resonated deeply with a South African refugee raised on a Texas Longhorn ranch. From this came a new body of work and Salmon’s 7th album, Gasoline. Recorded in East Nashville with some of Nashville’s most highly esteemed musicians, Kenny Vaughn, Stuart Duncan, Al Perkins to name a few, Gasoline truly showcases the poignant songwriting and rich melodies that Salmon is known for. His latest album, "Come On Home", was released in spring of 2008, and follows the steps of Gasoline, with 15 original songs that fits in an excellent way in today's country alternative way of music tradition. It is somethiong you must hear, pay attention to, and feel the emotion in the album itself. Visit www.robindeansalmon.com

Brett Hill is one of those rare phenomena that suddenly appears in the world of music. Artists who surprise you by their sweetness, its words, with songs that get to touch listeners' soul.
"The Truth Of It all" is an excellent work, plenty of songs to love and to live.
Living in a small, country town just in Tennesse and enjoying of a country way of live from his chilhood, he got the privilege of growing up on a farm and running through the hillsides of middle Tennessee all of his younger days. He's not just a songwriter and singer, as he has written two books. We truly recommend a listen to the album and a visit to his website at http://www.myspace.com/bretthillsmusic

Scout Finch is a young and very talented singer. She has been working in her debut Cd for almost three years. It was released last 2007, but it is having a great and wonderful recognition this beginning of 2008. The album is something you should like.
The songs chosen for this album are great! The songwriters are so gifted and the musicians are top-notch. Scout has been singing at festivals, state fairs, restaurants, coffeehouses, and was even the opening act for the opening act for a Merle Haggard concert.
For more information about Scout and her brilliant debut album, he lovely voice and her interesting to follow career, visit http://www.scoutfinchmusic.com

Stacy Mitchhart presents his last release, "Gotta Get The Feelin Back Again", which was released 7/24/2007. This is also an interactive CD! Stacy's latest is one of those rare recordings where the artist has his own distinct voice yet is able to play so many different styles: blues, funk, horn driven soul and touches of rock. Then throw in two deep, soulful covers of classic "rock" songs, "Black Dog/Whole Lotta Love" and "Whipping Post" and you have a truly fine recording. Mitchhart's original material is equally good and one can hear the varied influences of Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and Delbert McClinton in his music. I really like his voice and the song arrangements as well. Definitely give this one a listen. - Brett Fleming

Jeannie Romeo and Alice Lockwood have released their third cd of originals entitled “The Ladies Love Country.” Romeo and Lockwood recorded their third CD at two studios in Nashville. This exciting country duo is comprised of two talented performers and song writers who have individually enjoyed extensive musical careers.  The music tracks were done at Water Shed Studios with Arvel Bird coordinating the project along with the ladies who did much pre production work on their new CD. All the songs were written by the duo or individually, and Jeannie and Alice say they are so proud of their latest effort. Visit Romeo and Lockwood's website for more information about this wonderful and excellent recording.

Artist: Laura Bell - Album: Longing For A Place Already Gone - Label: LAB.
Value: 9 about 10.  Contact: http://www.labrecordsmusic.com
Laura Bell! Fantastic music, charming voice, nice image, wonderful lyrics and an incredible feeling. Excellent from the pure country music rhyhtms to somewhere close to rockabilly music. Material is really interesting and we should take a look on this lady to follow her career.
It's a pleasure to discover a new star in the making. Hope she is..

Artist: Ernie Oldfield - Album: I got what I am - Label: WIR Records
Value: 6.5 about 10 - Contact:  www.ernie-oldfield.com
Ernie covers different styles on this interesting album, where all songs have been written by Peter Jordan. The CD is out on an European record label. It has some songs that can easilly be loved by country listeners, it is an album that a regular country listener can enjoy listening to it. Ernie's voice is pure, is a traditional passionate country voice

Artist: Frank Carlier - Album: Americana 101 - Label: JRS Music - Americana Music
Value: 7.5 about 10 - Contact: www.frankcarlier.com
Someone out there would like to call this album another "roots" release, or "Americana", or ... Frank delivers music, and I don't want to label good music. Yeah, his lyrics are down to Earth and just somewhere between your heart and your soul there's the answer to your feelings while listening to the Cd. It is dark, but has more light than many of the commercial country releases. Lovely release with a superb songwriter and story-teller.

Artist: Judy Kanyo- Album: Not What I had In Mind - Label: JK - Country
Value: 8.5 about 10 - Contact: www.judykanyo.com
It's a pleasure for me to review the last Judy's album. Seems to me that finally she has found her way, her sound, her true style in country music. I think she has done it right this time. She's been under other's reigns in the past that haven't found the real Judy or their music. I have found areal, natural, wonderful sound, singing better than ever. Nice selection of songs, good band, excellent harmonies. This is the real Judy, no one better than her. 

Jenny Casey's "It's About Famn Time" is an excellent release. She says she's got a dream in her life, being a country singer / songwriter. Certainly she is. We've got a dream too. To have a momma like her playing just for us. Well, today's technology makes this easy for us. Jenny is my kind of mama (even I'm older than her, no doubt about it).
Lovely music, nice written tracks, they connect with everyone, having something great for everyone, and making everyone know what's really inside of country music, and what country is all about.
Jenny's music can be found thru Cdbaby, Tower Records or Amazon, but better if you check her website at www.jennycasey.com  (cheapest and autographed album!)
Ok, and she's also a very very beautiful mom, but... who cares about this?

JC Andersen is not a new singer/songwriter in country music scene. He has appeared with top country stars such Lonestar, Crystal Gayle, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols or LeAnn Rimes among many others. "When The Tide Rolls In" is his new project. We should qualify it as modern country-pop with lots of rocking style on it. All of these made with a very professional sound and mature, captiviting male country voice. The Tennessean doesn't forget the honky tonk on it, and as well as on the sounds you'll find it on the lyrics and the true spirit of a young talent that delivers an excellent recording. His debut album has 10 songs. Lots of people have great singing voices, but very few can stand out in the crowd. J.C. Andersen, from Lakeland, Florida and now a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, is one of those few! At age 21, J.C. has established his own unique and intense style of singing like no other. If its pure entertainment you're looking for, look no further, when J.C. takes the stage he captivates the audience. His high-powered performance makes him one of country music's most dynamic new talents. Visit www.jcandersen.com

A passionate and mature voice comes along with 12 great tracks on this "Nothing Else To Do", the album by young Shelby Downing. She has a very wonderful vocal style which captivates the listener from the very first word til the last, and remains on your head for a long time. If you haven't heard Shelby yet, grab onto your seats and experience an amazing new voice in country music as Shelby's voice explodes through your speakers with the excitement of someone doing what they were born to do. With a long way to go from now, this little young girl (13 years) can take this world by storm, as other teenagers did in their time. Shelby's current single, "Listen To Your Heart" off of her upcoming project "Nothing Else To Do" has been getting rave reviews from radio stations across the world. Shelby has been raising eyebrows for quite some time now. Her voice is a subtle mix of country and soul... her deep, moving tones will certainly take you by surprise! Visit www.shelbydowning.com for more information about this gemn.

Johnny Bulford has released an excellent Cd, entitled "Southern Thing". The album has a total of 13 songs that will fit wonderfully in today's radio scene. Johnny is a singer/songwriter and he's a country-pop artist. Johnny was a Florida finalist in the 2003 Colgate Country Showdown, and missed the 'big prize' by just a few points. He performed a jaw-dropping performance in the 2004 Colgate Country Showdown and earned himself first place. He won the Florida state title in November 2004.
Johnny Bulford received the 2004 Award for Best New Performance Artist/Writer, in the category of New Country, for the Southeastern United States Region given by the IMAA. The combination of Johnny's soulful voice, passionate songwriting, personal integrity and honest work ethic make him a rare and refreshing addition to the country music community.
You should visit his website at www.johnnybulford.com and you'll agree that his "Southern Thing" album is as good as, or better, than anything else coming from Nashville thesed days.

Texas Lightning is a country music band from Germany. This quintet has everything it takes to be hip and old fashioned at the same time. Apart from anything else, they're well-dressed, they're true musicians and they're friends. On the one hand, their repertoire includes material from country legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe or Tex Williams. On the other hand Texas Lightning shows us that a country heart can beat in almost every great song. Classics like "Highway to Hell", "Like a Virgin", "Kiss" or "Dancing Queen" are reborn with a trace of saloon and gunpowder. Last year the furious five released their first longplayer and presented themselves on an extensive tour of Germany. Only half a year later the Texans now win the preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with their selfpenned hit "No No Never". This makes Texas Lightning the very first countryband in the history of europe's most important song contest.

Father and son duo from the Dallas/Ft.Worth area have teamed up to recorded a top notch Honky Tonk Shuffle album. There have been lots of music in this genre recorded by others, but this one is probably "top rung" and while most are covers, they've never been performed any better. Instrumentation includes nick, nick fiddles, cryin' steel guitar, electric lead, keyboards, bass, drums and harmony vocals. DEAN a 1970'S alumni from DEWEY GROOM'S LONG RANCH in Dallas knows his business when it comes to Texas Honky Tonk while his son WILL who started performing at the tender age of 11 appearing on the popular 1970's SHOOTIN JIM NEWTON TV program out of Dallas and later appeared with some of the top names in country music learned the craft well & currently he plays drums for the legendary HANK THOMPSON.  A superb country/honkytonk/Texas Shuffle album performed by vocalists and pickers that know how it's done. . Don't pass this one up.

On Friday evening, March 25, 2005, Romeo & Lockwood wowed the crowd at the TCMA Award show in Nashville, Tennessee. Their stellar performance featured 4 songs, including 2 originals, "Aching Over You" and "Sweet Thing" from their new CD "FOREVER COUNTRY," plus 2 Country classics, "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "Oh Lonesome Me." This powerhouse duo combined the vocals of Jeannie Romeo and keyboards of Alice Lockwood with a charismatic stage presence that many attendees said set them apart from the rest.
Adding to these talents are their songwriting abilities, which are beginning to attract a wide audience of fans and praise from their peers, as well as DJ's throughout the world. Be sure to visit their website, www.romeoandlockwood.com for all the latest news and information. Romeo & Lockwood are proud to be promoted by Rhon Bob Promotions.
 

Shelley Buffitt has touched upon many styles in the music industry. Her newest CD entitled "Beyond This Woman" infuses her artistry in the edgy brilliance that music lover's have come to know and love. One listen to this 18 song CD and you are "Buffitized".Shelley Buffitt has released her third CD album, Beyond This Woman, as Jan. 2005. Although she was absent from the CD retail markets and Canadian radio for a couple of years, this multi-talented and compassionate singer/songwriter/composer has not been forgotten. Shelley Buffitt continues to chart world-wide with her music. Want a copy of her album? Visit
 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/buffitt/from/kweevakbaby
 

Billy Gilman is a winning survivor! Back from vocal exile to the business of making music, he introduces his groundbreaking new project, 'Everything and More,' his debut project under the Image Entertainment imprint. 17th years old (born May 24, 1988), the dynamic teenager has lost nothing but time and the new album showcases a voice that has undergone a welcomed mature change. Billy Gilman makes a clear comeback with all of the charisma, youthful energy and pizzazz that made him a child star phenomenon worldwide. 'Everything and More,' is really Chapter V of Billy Gilman's career. Billy introduces his fifth recording: "I think 'Everything and More' is a more mature version of 'One Voice.' The music is fun and includes all aspects of the country genre (including bluegrass, pop, country rock, and traditional ballads) and every song is about a new aspect in my life. One song is about the trying times that I went through with my voice change and my fear that I may never sing again. Another song, 'I'm Not Me Anymore,' is about how I've grown and changed - it's my favorite. This time, I had a say in what I wanted to record and I'm so proud of this project because it's a reflection of who I am today as a young adult. I think the lyrics of each and every song create a picture - just as if you were at the movies. I really hope everyone enjoys my personal 'photo' album!" The music in its entirety was custom written for Billy by Sandy Linzer and Charlie Calello and it is a sampler of all that signifies the best of the best in country music. Producer Sandy Linzer adds, "Billy Gilman is a producer's dream. The only thing bigger than his talent is his heart." www.billygilman.com

Only few artists can claim to have achieved the many and varied extraordinary accomplishments of Lay D. Whether it be with her full-blown German-American Band configuration or simply with her guitar, Lay D. has enjoyed huge success on stage at Europe's greatest Festivals.  Her voice and her songs have won over the hearts and minds of fans both young and old.  Lay D is going it her way and keeping up with the times by keeping her tunes fresh and trendy. This German motorcycle champion impresses with flexibility, versatility, charm, and energy. Her only goal: Win the hearts of her listeners. This is her newest single. Visit www.lay-d.com for more information about her latest album.

"Inside Out" is the debut release by Canadian artist Judy Kanyo. A great album without doubts. It includes 14 songs. Cd is available from her website www.judykanyo.com or thru Cd Baby. For any bookings of the artist contact her at 905 729-2474 or e-mail Judy. Fresh, young and wonderful new Canadian Country Music released to International radio in 2005.

This is the third album and to put my opinion of it in a nutshell so to speak, I think it's the very best album done so far by Rustie Blue. What's more, it also marks the first time Rustie has recorded a song she wrote. The album opens with the title song she performs as a duet with Grand Ol' Opry star and Country Music legend Whisperin' Bill Anderson. The song was co-written by Bill and Melba Montgomery, and it was an smash hit in Europe late 2004, being at the Tlop of the ECMA Top-100 Chart three weeks in a row. Visit www.rustieblue.com for more info on her projects.