Gig Review - Kyle Park - The Islington

Missing Texas already, Francesca took a gamble and decided to head to The Islington in London to hear Texan Kyle Park sing for the first time on his first UK performance. 

We understand country music to be 3 chords and the truth, so I suppose we must love the honesty when Kyle confessed that all his songs were from the heart but, they might not always be true. 

With Kyle’s own country favourites including Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, George Jones and George Strait; you could describe Kyle’s style as “old school”, but sadly there was no fiddle in the room or even the swing band he is associated with at the Colorado Music Festival. Kyle filled the space with his own presence, oh and that of a beer and a few whiskey shots on the side table; perfect props for Smoke And Beers. 

There is a religious element to his music that we have come to expect from the US. Kyle explained that his song Rio, had both a spiritual and rodeo message – sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The chorus of Don’t Forget Where You Come From: “Pray out loud, make your parents proud and don’t forget where you come from” says it all.   

You couldn’t ask to meet a nicer guy, on or off stage. The audience was treated to Kyle’s newest single – Every Day Kind of Love, dedicated to his wife Brandy, who momentarily stole the show as she came forward to give him a kiss afterwards. She also was the instigator of the two-stepping. 

The dancing and singing along was appreciated and welcomed. Kyle recalled a press conference in Europe back when he was just 21 where he was asked if he minded that the crowd danced and sang, his response – “Have you been to Texas?”!

This moved us nicely into redneck territory, Kyle explained it wasn’t always an insult and he definitely had redneck family members, an uncle that spent more annually on his BBQ pit than his kids’ education.  Kyle wrote his song Rednecks with Paychecks before he realised it was the name of a venue in Texas (check it out at  https://www.redneckswithpaychecks.com/). 

Kyle acknowledged that country music is all about the lyrics (Amen), but he wished that it could get back creativity and focus on the song writing rather than studio tricks, etc. He wants a song that can make you laugh, or cry, even both.  Kyle didn’t fail to deliver with his tribute to George Strait, Fit For The King, an amalgamation of his song titles.

Kyle plays in France tomorrow before returning to Texas. We hope he comes back soon. 

Gig Review - Katy Hurt (as support) - The Islington

One of Silverball Country’s favourites ;0) opened for Kyle last night at The Islington, London.  Throughout the set, Katy referred to Halloween, a little disappointed that she couldn’t embrace the festival but thanked for the crowd for giving her their time. The dark, red velvet décor of the Islington has a slightly spooky atmosphere, preventing the artists from seeing faces of the crowd, a trick or treat?! Katy asked the crowd to step forward, so she could see them better, the crowd duly obliged but not first with a bit of humour and Colin suggesting we all shout “Boo!”

Originally from Long Island but growing up in the UK you can hear both elements in Katy’s music. She has incredible vocals, there is a hint of country twang but also, she can sing soul or the blues. Katy was joined by her guitarist, the very quiet but talented Gav. Katy asked a couple of questions about guitar parts in new music but also need his help, since glasses are “not a cool look”.

Following on from the songs Drink and Sleeping Next To You the crowd was treated to something brand new: Sounds Good In A Bar from the album Unfinished Business out today. A song that reflects what she and other song writers go through. 

With permission Katy moved on to sing something slightly more of the blues, Fire; if you though Katy had a powerful voice before, this song really does highlight her incredible vocals. 

Before singing Revved Up, Katy explained where the song and accompanying video ideas came from. This is dedicated to Clint Eastwood after watching the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but it wouldn’t be complete without making their own western video, so with a car borrowed from her dad, the band headed out to the Spanish desert. Despite finding themselves on a military site, the worst part is that they trashed her dad’s jeep. If the crowd could purchase a CD if would help her to pay him back!

Katy finished her set with Unfinished Business, a song that has changed meaning to her as she has experienced an incredible year and now, instead of being about losing a person, after all the crazy (good) responses is dedicated to all the people that turn out and support independent artists. 

Catch her next in Manchester at the Night and Day Café on 3^rd November. 

Single Review - Whiskey Eyes - Alan Finlan

Alan Finlan gave one of the standout performances on the Paddock stage at Buckle and Boots 2019, attracting a crowd of new friends and fans – as well as being a very noticeable character around site for the whole weekend, including helping out as a relief bartender. He has now taken the chance to show us what he has got with the forthcoming release of his first single Whiskey Eyes.

With a surprisingly clear voice this song really shines a spotlight on Alan’s song writing skills.  Backed by a powerfully strong beat throughout from the guitar and drums this really is beautiful storytelling in the country tradition. The words provide the imagery that lets you really picture that bar and that empty barstool, with the bartender leaning over to ask the guy if he’s alright/needs another shot.  A great example of Alan’s clever wordplay is the double meaning of “give you a shot” – reflecting both the person and the drink.

Don't worry the song doesn't endorse drinking; but a fair few of us can tell you that we find the answer at the bottom of a glass. The theme is a Country favourite – it’s a song about loss and only truly realising what you have when its gone. 

This song could relate to a bar/person anywhere in the world, the feeling is the same, the loss and the hope.

The inclusion of Kinsey Rose on this track really is a bonus – both for her harmonies and her own vocals

The other bonus is that she actually comes back!

Whiskey eyes in the first studio single from Alan.  A very entertaining live performer, it will be interesting to hear more of his original music

Whiskey Eyes by Alan Finlan is available download/stream on 7 November

Alan can be found on facebook, youtube and nursing a shot by an empty barstool…

Album Review - Fire & Brimstone - Brantley Gilbert

First announced back in March (2019) FIRE & BRIMSTONE has been eagerly awaited. It’s been three years since Brantley Gilbert released an album: THE DEVIL DON’T SLEEP, and ten years since his debut A MODERN DAY PRODIGAL SON; in those years, the life of the Georgia native has changed dramatically, becoming both a husband and father.

With six number 1 hits behind him Brantley is an established artist; confident in his relationship with both the music and his fans: the outsiders, outliers and zest-for-life livers, collectively known as the BG Nation. This has granted him confidence and a sense of freedom for this album, an album that Brantley claims has allowed him to grow up musically.

The album features a series of powerhouse collaborations with some of Country music’s finest artists such as Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson and Colt Ford. In fact, if you haven’t heard track 4 “What Happens In A Small Town” a duet with Lindsay Ell, where have we been?  The ballad about never being able to shakes the places or people that shape us has already received incredible feedback including a 2019 CMA nomination for Musical Event of the Year.

So, as expected the tracks have a rocking backbeat, with honest lyrics that are relatable. There’s a total jam session going on in Welcome To Hazeville, and you have to listen to the banjo in Fire’t Up. 

The 15 tracks on the album take us on a journey, moving through life and love.

Fire’t Up starts this album full of energy, ready for a good night, tearing it up, that DGAF attitude is still there! It’s almost destiny that from that night out, living it up that we find that person we want to be with. Perhaps the tracks are a little out of order with She Ain’t Home higher than it should be, but it leads to a well love country favourite – the redemption song: Lost Soul’s Prayer, before we move into trying to win love: Laid Back Ride, how it can empower us and makes us want to be better: Man Of Steel and finally the admirations seen in a child’s love: Man That Hung The Moon.  

The album reflects Brantley’s more sentimental side, the changes in his life and that family means a lot to him. There’s a hint of spiritism in the album as expected by the title but it is more about accepting who you are and not judging others.

Some might say it doesn’t live up to its name, but I doubt the BG Nation will be disappointed, the album doesn’t betray Brantley’s style but shows a more mature and vulnerable side to him. It highlights a range of musical influences and therefore should appeal to both rock and hip-hop fans. Personally, I loved it!

The tracks:

1. “Fire’t Up” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Day, Justin Weaver)

2. “Not Like Us” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Amy Wadge)

3. “Welcome To Hazeville” (featuring Colt Ford, Lukas Nelson and Willie Nelson) (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Rodney Clawson, Andrew DeRoberts, Colt Ford)

4. “What Happens In A Small Town” (featuring Lindsay Ell) (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Josh Dunne)

5. “She Ain’t Home” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Brian Davis, Justin Weaver)

6. “Lost Soul’s Prayer” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Andrew DeRoberts)

7. “Tough Town” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Blake Chaffin, Andrew DeRoberts, Josh Phillips)

8. “Fire & Brimstone” (featuring Jamey Johnson and Alison Krauss) (Written by Brantley Gilbert)

9. “Laid Back Ride” (Written by Brantley Gilbert)

10. “Bad Boy” Written by Brantley Gilbert, Andrew DeRoberts, Josh Phillips)

11. “New Money” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Rhett Akins, Brock Berryhill, Brandon Day)

12. “Breaks Down” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Jaida Dreyer, Josh Mirenda, Justin Weaver)

13. “Man Of Steel” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Cole Taylor)

14. “Never Gonna Be Alone” (Written by Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Erik Dylan)

15. “Man That Hung The Moon” (Written by Brantley Gilbert)

The 2020 Fire’t Up tour starts in January in Ontario Canada, but unfortunately there are no UK dates.

Gig Review - Brandy Clark - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

With stiff competition on a Friday night during Country Music Week, we chose to head to the O2 Empire at Shepherds Bush to see Brandy Clark.

Sat in uncomfortable seats, we got a true theatre announcement that the support act would "start in 5 minutes".

Two guys, two guitars. Although normally performing with a six-piece band, Kyle Daniel, with his best friend Seth Rentfrow accompanying him, took to the stage in London declaring it to be a dream come true. As is often the case with a Brandy Clark gig, you feel like you are in a smoky Nashville honky-tonk, despite the venue size, the gig has that intimacy. The dream theme was carried through to their last song American Dream. The boys made time to meet fans in the interval to chat, take selfies and deliver hugs – or “herrgs” as Kyle’s Kentucky accent has it!  A fabulous and friendly pair who are playing again as part of Country Music Week (at Bush Hall on Sunday 27 October) we hope that this won’t be the last time we see them!

After the interval it was time for Brandy Clark. Probably one of the most talented but underrated singer songwriters (in the UK at least) it was a joy to see her play with a full band and to a sell out crowd in her only UK appearance this year.

With typically no fuss or fanfare the lights came up as Brandy and her band launched into Girl Next Door. We had been promised Brandy’s new music, but we were all very happy to hear her previous music, and she played through Big Day In A Small Town, Love Can Go To Hell (which sounds amazing with the addition of a Cello), a fabulous guitar solo into Get High and You’re Drunk before switching to her new music.

Brandy Clark is only playing this one UK date this year but promised to return in 2020 with her new album. This was greeted with much delight – underlining her comment that playing in the UK feels like a hometown show

The new album promises to carry on with what we are used to from brandy, expert storytelling in a truly traditional country song writing style – Love Is A Fire, Take a Long Walk, Pawn Shop and Who You Thought I Was were all very well received, and when Brandy sang Pray To Jesus you could hear the whole audience singing along almost like a choir – and word perfect for every song! A story about the movie Jaws was the intro to new song (recorded with Randy Newman) A Bigger Boat – and it felt like an intro that only a storyteller like Brandy could pull off.

A set of covers featuring Brandy on stage with just her guitar showed her incredible singing voice and her influences, then the band re-joined for her revenge songs featuring Daughter and ending the set with the gentle Hold My Hand and the more raucous Stripes. One single song for the encore, a solo rendition of Three Kids No Husband.

Brandy Clark, together with her band, delivered a no fuss set of incredible music – old favourites, covers and tracks from the eagerly awaited new album, but she still feels like a well-kept secret, and surely she deserves to be playing bigger venues to bigger acclaim.

In keeping with the intimacy of the gig, the party carried on in the nearest pub, with Kyle and Seth drinking with fans and Brandy’s band amused to hear one of their songs played by the DJ!

Roll on 2020 for the new album and a UK tour!

Single Review - Rootless - Megan O'Neilll

Having met Megan backstage at the recent British Country Music Festival, I can certainly testify that she has been incredibly busy over the past year or so, and has no intention of slowing the pace, so it is perhaps fitting that the first track of her new album is Rootless.

Opening with fabulous instrumentation, guitar and drum with a hint of a Celtic influence, the melody serves as a fitting backdrop for Megan’s distinctive and beautiful voice, which is the absolute focus of the track.

A song about belonging nowhere could be interpreted as a lament, a sad story but in fact Megan is singing more of the freedom to roam and to live the life she is destined for.  Written in London and recorded in Leeds, one has to wonder if it is semi-autobiographical- even if inadvertently- for the singer who has now returned to her native Ireland!

Megan has been touring extensively in the last year or so, both on her own tour and supporting Sir Tom Jones, and has an exciting new tour coming up, so the line “let the wind take me there” certainly seems apt. Megan is always on the go, but loves what she does – and this new track seems to reflect the rootless nature of her career whilst celebrating the sheer joy of being able to travel, perform and live a fulfilling life.

So not a lament -  an uplifting anthem to being a free spirit – so lets go!

Rootless, the new single from Megan O’Neill is available to stream and download from all major platforms from 25 October

Find Megan on facebook, online and on the wind….

EP Review - One For Sorrow - Josh Beddis

Josh released his first single 'At The End Of The Day' in May 2018, his new, and first, EP 'One For Sorrow' keeps his Americana style and words of wisdom; probably beyond his actual years. 

Just 10 seconds of acoustic guitar before you hear Josh's voice, it contains a sorrow that matches the description of The Old House, and a hint of a classic country warble.  

The female voice sings along to the chorus "With a little bit of love this house could be fixed " adding that silver lining that I love and makes great country music. Throughout the ep this style is continued – Americana/Country storytelling.

City Lights looks back and reflects on the difference between the city and the country; it's a “grass isn't always greener” song where we have to lose something to experience its worth. The harmonica brings a new sound to If I'm Dreaming; probably the most uplifting song of the EP even so, Josh's voice maintains that plaintive edge. She Sleeps Among the Bluebells & Pines as you guessed is the song about a lost love, but interestingly she cheated and the loss is really retribution.   Should we act so quickly? 

Is there any better song than Amazing Grace? Josh has used a harmonised 20 seconds as his introduction to The River, a song encouraging us to seek redemption; a surprisingly catchy song, almost in a Gospel style, but with Josh’s own style. 

This is a very grown up album, quiet and reflective. 

Not one to get the party going but if you want to reflect on what you have, take a drink (something mellow and smoky suits the EP) you'll soon get lost in a train of thought triggered by the music and the stories.

The new EP from Josh Beddis, One For Sorrow, is available to preorder from 25 October and is released on 30 October on all major platforms

Find Josh on facebook, and reflecting...