On the Stage
Pat Garrett
Not since Pat’s hit “Sexy Ole Lady” from How’s Your Love Life some 18 years ago has the Pennsylvania man had such a great hit! Pat’s newest album, On The Stage, features two of his new hot singles: “Old Timers,” an upbeat tribute to classic country music performers; and his hit, “In the Blue Mountains.” This song makes me want to drive through the mountains listening to his voice – smooth, deep and melodious as ever.
Not on On the Stage but worth noting, Pat’s new patriotic single, “If You Love America,” is his personal response to the Sept. 11 attacks. Coordinated with the local American Red Cross, the profits from the sale of this CD single will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Grade: B
Divide and Conquer
Danni Leigh
Danni’s first release on Audium Records is Divide & Conquer. Danni arrived in Nashville in 1994 and had years of disappointment, but this album doesn’t represent one of them. She says, “Songwriting is a very important form of expression for me,” and she can indeed express herself.
Danni’s album has 11 songs that showcase her throaty voice. “Last Train to San Antone” is one of Danni’s favorite songs, and it definitely highlights the album. The title song, “Divide & Conquer,” is vocally challenging for her and shows her limited range, but “Sometimes” has a tinge of the blues and it is perfect for her hard-edge vocal. You have to have endured disappointments and heartache to sing the blues like she can. The true highlight is “House of Pain,” and it is hardcore country music. Danni shows her true country roots in this album.
Divide & Conquer is really refreshing. No matter what style of country music you like, you will enjoy this latest album, and the guys tell me she ain’t bad to look at either.
Grade: B-
Once in a Lifetime
Len Doolin
Len Doolin is a traditional country artist with new country flair. The Kentucky-born-and-raised artist is a self-taught guitar player who follows the edgy style of the country music that he grew up with. He began performing young and at age 12 became a member of the Musicians Union. Doolin describes himself as a “good ole boy” who loves to interact with the band members and the crowd in a live performance and just have fun.
Doolin demonstrates the Kentucky musical influences and zest for the more traditional country lyrics and sound on his latest CD, Once in a Lifetime. The album contains 12 songs that range from up-tempo, catchy, humorous tunes to emotional ballads. “Girl with a Bass Boat” is a fun song with a Cajun beat that steals the show on this album. Doolin co-wrote the album’s first single, “Breaking What’s Left of My Heart,” a lighthearted look at a serious situation between male and female. “Redneck Relapse” reminds us all of a friend we have had at one time or another. The patriotic “There Ain’t No Yellow in the Red, White & Blue” has a boogie-woogie beat that will keep your toes tappin’.
Grade: C+
