Good Thing Going

Rhonda’s definitely got a “good thing going” with this album, the latest in a string of exciting and artistic successes. A surefire mix of mandolin and fiddle comes blazing out of the first track. Rhonda’s brazen confidence is downright liberating for the listener, and we already know her sweet voice will make the most of every song. Listeners who’ve followed her career know she’s versatile, but with her recent mastery of Bluegrass, garnering an unprecedented seven IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year crowns, some folks might be pleasantly surprised at how far she stretches on this album. Sure, it includes the Bluegrass of “I’m Leavin’,” but there’s also Swinging Jazz on “World’s Biggest Fool,” the traditional “Water Is Wide,” and the very Contemporary “Just One Of A Kind.” And it’s not just Rhonda gracing us on this record. Special guests include Keith Urban, Jesse McReynolds, Bryan Sutton, Kathy Chiavola, and Russell Moore of IIIrd Time Out. It’s a masterful compilation of talent, and will be a prized addition to the collection for Rhonda fans and fans-to-be.

Down In New Orleans

Alabama has come to Louisiana, producing a rhythmic collection of Southern Gospel Blues injected with R&B, Jazz and Funk. By making this album in New Orleans the Blind Boys were able to include a dazzling mix of the Crescent City’s top names, including Allen Toussaint, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the Hot 8 Brass Band. What a lineup of tunes by the four-time Grammy winners. The disc opens with a driving version of “Free At Last,” followed by Dr. John’s unforgettable brotherly love anthem, “Make A Better World.” There’s the timeless “Down By The Riverside,” “If I Could Help Somebody,” and the best track of all might be “Uncloudy Day,” oft recorded, but never like this. Of course, the Boys finished with their own version of “I’ll Fly Away.” These full-throated gentlemen have performed together over six decades, and have had quite a resurgence in recent years. Their last several albums have been generously reviewed and enjoyed by new fans and old, and this one will take its place as a classic blend of artists and styles.

Encore

The Clark Sisters, one of the nation’s most soulful and most loved Gospel groups, have released Encore, a compilation of a dozen hits from their days on the Word Records label in the late ’80s. This album proves that they make absolutely timeless music. The Grammy®-nominated Clark Sisters were the leading urban Contemporary female Gospel group of the 1980s. They’ve had a three-decade career, influencing artists such as Mariah Carey, Faith Evans, Bryan Wilson and Smokie Norful. All the original members are performing on a national reunion tour this year.

Live This Life

This is his tenth album, so Dave’s seen a thing or two about recording, and wanted to make this album different. He’s chosen a broad collection of songs, from the Soprano’s TV show theme to “Live This Life,” which was originally recorded by Country duo Big and Rich. Dave has always been known as a pure Country artist, able to play a good fiddle. Now producer Gene Higgins captures that talent and gives it a Dave Caley unique signature. Dave was born in Blackpool, England, but raised in the United States. He came on the Country music scene by singing and fiddling his way throughout the Midwest as a member of a Bluegrass band. Now he’s in Nashville as a performing and recording artist, sharing the stage with Vince Gill, Confederate Railroad, Louise Mandrell, and Brad Paisley. This is honest music, beautifully produced, and a great addition to any collection.

Steppin’ Out

It’s hard to imagine that this mature voice belongs to a twenty-something banjo picker. He takes us way up on that Bluegrass mountain, reminiscent of Union Station, and equally matchless. He’s already seen his share of the business, including playing with Michelle Nixon’s band Drive, and currently he’s in the ultra-hot Grasstowne. Few banjo pickers are known to combine singing and playing, but Jason can definitely handle both. This project offers the perfect balance of vocals and instrumental tracks. Jason wrote one of the tracks himself, “Open Road,” and the other writers featured on the disc include Carter Stanley, Bill Monroe and Loretta Lynn. The result is a refreshing collection of tunes spanning several eras of Bluegrass, rendered with masterful picking.

5th Season

Virginia native Nathan Neff is a Rockin’ Country boy. It’s as simple as that. He prides himself on not sounding like so-and-so from the music scene, and wants to be nothing more than who he is. Congratulations, Nathan… you’ve got it! This unique artist is driven, with a raw outlaw sound on “You’re Invited” and “I Rock The Most,” but softening it up for ballads like “Jenna’s Song.” He’s 100% human being and not afraid to show the full range of what that means. Nathan wrote most of the tracks on this album, proving he’s got the talent to go all the way with his new kind of ‘Here I am – in your face – No holds barred Country.’

My God Still Moves

We’ve got a case of good ol’ Southern Gospel on our hands. With witty lyrics in “Footsteps On The Clouds,” Ron Brewer convinces us that Jesus’ return is just around the corner. In fact, Brewer recounts Bible stories in a way that makes us grin as he begins to sing, and we suddenly recognize the tale. With Ron’s talent for storytelling, and with most of the songs on this project written by Ron and his producer Shane Roark, it’s not surprising he was a 2007 Gospel Music Tour Nominee and 2007 WGC Soloist Nominee. If you’re a Gospel music fan, you’ll love My God Still Moves.

Leavin’ The Station

Hailing from Virginia, North Carolina, and Long Island, New York, these guys have picked out their own kind of Carolina Bluegrass. The reason their sound is so unique is not only their top drawer musicianship, but the fact that band members Mark Roshelli and Tim James wrote all the tracks. If you like the grass, and want to hear it echo through some great new originals, this album is for you.

Mountains To Climb

With faith-inspired lyrics, and Ron Carpenter’s classic voice, this is a distinctive find among Gospel music. He’s a Bible-totin’ cowboy who started playing guitar at a very young age, and only a few years later was able to play county fairs across the nation and even tour with Grand Ole Opry stars. He ended up in Texas playing Western Swing, but after hitting a low point, decided to dedicate his talents to God. Ever since, he’s been using his music to attest to the countless blessings that have come his way, edifying his life and his music. Ron wrote the hit single off this album, “Point Of Grace.”

The Big House On Gold Street

Freddie Johnson’s lyrics are honest, powerful, and remarkably simple, and there’s a good reason they carry such impact. Freddie wrote the songs on this album inside a prison. The Florida native was raised in a Christian home, but openly confesses that he’s led a rebellious life. He strayed so far from his roots, he says, he almost didn’t make it back. Now he claims that this album’s “I Found A Real Love” is somewhat of his personal theme song. There are rousing tunes and gentle ballads, and all the songs stand solidly on scripture in a beautifully produced Country Gospel album.