Three Chords and the Truth UK

  Clay DuBose had a rich and influential stint as a fledgling Americana artist in the first phase of a career when the genre took a foothold as a radio format. Life subsequently pulled this Texas-based musician in a different direction enforcing an extended recording hiatus. However pent up talent was not destined to remain suppressed and with the helping hand of versatile Californian Ted Russell Kamp, a brand new full length record is hailing the comeback. An awareness void of DuBose’s previous work is not a barrier to grasping the value of FATHER TIME & MOTHER NATURE. The absence has fired up the songwriting juices and a ravenously good record emerges buoyed by relatable themes and a feel right on the mark of the genre he pioneered from the late 80s onwards.   Nine originals, all co-written with Kamp who also engaged in the production process, and two covers form the rump of content stretching the breadth of personal interaction primarily within the immediacy of family. ...

Cool music is spilling out of Grey DeLisle at a rate of knots, though this time the billing is shared. When seeking a vocal collaborator to bring a new bunch of songs to life, Les Greene popped up with the ideal voice and a complementary contrasting duet was born. The simple title hints at some sort of hue duality. GREY & GREENE takes the cue and a shade collision of guttural soul and angelic Americana parades nine originals and a fun cover.  Not a breath is wasted in a brief template. Gripping guitar, natural vocal exchange and astute tempo placement steer a half hour spin down memory lane. Two names in the credits jump out to confirm the direction. Rockabilly icon James Intveld is the producer and ace country guitarist Deke Dickerson adds some licks. With input from these two, a sound akin to 1956 is wonderfully brought 70 years up to date.   Les Greene is well known in the wider entertainment field of film and TV as well as a recording artist in his own right. This side...

  For a slice of honky tonk hedonism, look no further than the latest release by country recording artist India Ramey. VILLAIN ERA takes you on an exotic trip around barrooms, diners, barren wastelands and spots where the tough fight back. Ramey herself hails the album as a no nonsense parade of self worth and the banishment of enforced pleasing others. With a bolt of liberty and brash theatre, ten tracks hail a beatbox of fiery rock ’n’ roll and acutely bonafide traditional country.   Ramey headed West from Nashville to the LA studio of acclaimed producer Eric Corne with the result a brazen bunch of sounds acting as a conduit from a golden past to a vibrant present. Not a breath or beat is wasted with a narrow template packed to the hilt with a flush of fiddle, steel and rampant guitar. At the heart is a songwriter with a voice and a gutsy performance overflowing with sass.   Iconic legendary associations and influences will be self-explanatory throughout the active 32-m...

  Paul McClure makes a welcome return as a recording artist. He successfully simplifies the process of conveying sentiment through ten songs forming an album enriching any zone commandeered. THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF IT is a timely reminder that when resourced and focussed, the Rutland Troubadour can mix it with the best in his field. On a professional level, McClure is defined by the duality of an exceptional songwriter and the exponent of impeccably timed wit. The stage entertainingly blends both, while the former thrives in a studio setting. The poetic strands of everyday feelings weave into a collection of finely constructed songs, while words and music collide in a haven of poignant perception. Themes and musings swing from implicit intent to moments of lucid interpretation. Nature and nurture likely play a role in the songwriting gift and an innate talent is meticulously polished. McClure headed south from his East Midlands home to East Sussex where the Bex-Pop studio of Trevor...