Country Backroads

About the Artist
NEWELL OLER PIANIST EXTRAORDINARE 08/17/1934-10/21/2001

Newell Franklin Barrett was a product of Texas. He grew up in Mount Pleasant, Texas and lived with his grandparents, Rich and Ethel Barrett. They, along with his aunt, Arrie Barrett Moreland were very influential to his upbringing. Arrie figured strongly in his formative years as a pianist by supervising his practice and encouraging new goals in contest performance. She was the one who discovered his ability of perfect pitch. Around 1938, about age 4, his uncle pulled into the driveway and tapped twice on his car horn. Newell ran over to the piano and climbed up on the piano stool and played middle c and e above. His aunt heard him and came into the living room and said, "Do that again." Newell played the notes again and said "car horn." That was how this piece of talent was discovered.

While growing up, there were always recitals and appearances in and for local service clubs. He also frequently performed in this grandfather’s restaurant. Classical music was about all he could play and the local folks would applaud politely. Every once in a while someone would come over and ask, "how about giving us a little boogie woogie?" That was sometimes tough to accommodate since there were few boogie woogies in print in those days. Newell was a serious young man and one of the most significant needs in his early life was that of solitude and time to pursue knowledge from books and exploration of hobbies. Of course, the old upright piano was also a constant friend in early childhood.

As he matured, his facility with the piano was such that playing things by ear was easier than learning the music. However, once in college, one of his Russian teachers discovered that Newell preferred the keys with flats, over the keys laden with sharps. So, this teacher, gave Newell Rachnaminoff concerto in F# minor, a Stravinsky etude in F3 major and a prelude and Fugue by Bach. At this time, Newell also began studying with German, Italian and Russian teachers and composers, and earnestly pursued the quest for excellence in his music throughout his college years.

From age 16, he had dreamed of a piano that would have its own string accompaniment with perfect synchronization. In 1977 he drew up some designs for the pianist to access various sting sections utilizing the latest synchronization techniques. The design was enough to get the Yamaha Company to study it and five years later (1982) things begin to happen. In reality, it was five more years before this piano was actually ready for Newell to play for the first time. He was so pleased, he eventually acquired two of the pianos.

His career spanned over five decades and his accomplishments were many. From teaching children's music, to performing in various highly respected bands and orchestras. Newell’s experiences eventually led him to his distinguished solo career. He shared his gift, playing the finest venues in the Dallas area, including the Loews’s Anatole hotel for twelve years. As a recording artist, Newell produced 23 CD’s of his own inspired piano interpretations of classic and popular compositions, as well as his own original works.

Newell fully appreciated the wondrous musical gift he was given by god. Next to his family, music was always the main focus of his life. He also had a great sense of humor and passion for knowledge and learning. His great music accomplishments will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Product Description
This CD features solo piano arrangements of country songs, played in a classical style.

Country Backroads,Newell Oler,The Orchard,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: Great music and a piece of blues history Fantastic. Blues greats, best of blues artists Outstanding Great!

10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD) Kenny Wayne Shepherd Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Harmonica Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Freedom's Road Turn Around Painkiller Dirty Deal In the Palace of the King ASIN: B000IFQLSW Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Prison Blues
2. Potato Patch
3. Honky Tonk
4. The Thrill Is Gone
5. Tina Marie
6. Born in Louisiana
7. Chapel Hill Boogie
8. Tears Come Rollin' Down
9. Knoxville Rag
10. Big Daddy Boogie
11. U-Haul
12. Red Rooster
13. Sittin On Top Of The World
14. Spoonful
15. Grindin' Man

Amazon.com

This "back-to-the-roots" road-trip documentary CD/DVD from blues-rocking guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd can be viewed in two ways--it's either the culmination of a long-held desire to promote and play with some unheralded blues veterans before they pass away (as six had already done since the recording was made, 2½ years before its early 2007 release) or a way to regain the blues audience Shepherd all but alienated on his artistically and commercially disappointing 2004 hard-rock release, The Place You're In. Ultimately, it succeeds on both accounts. Regardless of the project's inspiration, the results by and large justify whatever the means might have been to get this show on the road--literally and figuratively. Shepherd hit the highway for a week and a half along with producer Jerry Harrison (ex-Talking Heads), a portable studio, and backup musicians including the rhythm section from Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble. He searched out blues artists both obscure (the late guitarist Etta Baker, who plays in her kitchen, is a highlight) and better known (Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and B.B. King) for a series of acoustic and electric jams, all of which feature Shepherd--who, to his credit, generally keeps his hot-dogging tendencies in check. A closing concert featuring members of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters' bands never quite generates the heat it should, but country bluesmen Cootie Stark, Neil Pattman, and harmonica ace Jerry "Boogie" McCain provide plenty of sparks. Shepherd seems sincere enough, but the real stars are the ageing musicians who have maintained their chops and intensity through a lifetime of performing music that clearly comes from the soul. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Kenny Wayne Shepherd's reverence for his musical roots are center-stage on Ten Days Out...Blues From The Backroads, a CD+DVD package that features the guitarslinger and Double Trouble rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton performing with some of the greatest blues players of our time as well as lesser-known but historically significant bluesmen. Traveling to their hometowns to record everywhere from juke joints to front porches, from New Orleans to Kansas, Shepherd celebrates and becomes part of blues history with Ten Days Out...Blues From The Backroads.

Customer Reviews:

Great music and a piece of blues history.......2007-07-19

This is a wonderful bit of blues history. I take my hat off to KWS for taking a back seat to these blues legends. The music is fantastic and the DVD/CD catalogs an art form that is loosing its greatest performers every day. If you are a blues fan or want to know a bit of its history you need to get this release. It is one of the best.

Fantastic........2007-07-18

Maybe it's the rythm section as well, but Kenny adds another layer to these old blues guys. I would like to see a lot more of these types of CDs before we lose some of this great music. Since the recording and the release, 5 of the players had died. What a shame for the loss, but thanks Kenny and company for exposing them to a greater audience. They all deserved it.

Blues greats, best of blues artists.......2007-07-07

Wonderful DVD/CD chronicling major historic blues artists - one of a kind album - a 'must have' for the blues enthusiast. Highly recommend!

Outstanding.......2007-07-04

I bought this CD/DVD AFTER seeing KWS in concert at Viejas here
in San Diego. What a treat to see and hear Pinetop Perkins and
Hubert Sumlin among others! My estimation of KWS as a performer
and good guy increased by a quantum leap after seeing the show.
He may be one the best guitarists I've ever seen live, and he
respectfully kept that fiece talent in check when the others were
stepping out. He seems a real gentleman as well as lover of the
music and the people.

The package is excellent, a real gem. The interviews and background
materials are touching, especially of the folks that have since passed.

BUY THIS CD. THESE GUYS ARE THE REAL DEAL. YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

Great!.......2007-07-04

This is actually my second purchase of this item. When I purchased one for myself and realized how good it was, I purchsed one as a gift for a friend. Highly recommend for anyone who loves the blues.

Average customer rating: Overlooked.

Backroads Ricky Van Shelton Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Loving Proof Wild-Eyed Dream Fried Green Tomatoes Bridge I Didn't Burn Love and Honor ASIN: B0000027EL Release Date: 1991-05-21

Tracks:

1. I Am A Simple Man
2. Rockin' Years
3. Oh Heart Of Mine
4. Some Things Are Better Left Alone
5. After The Lights Go Out
6. Call Me Up
7. If You're Ever In My Arms
8. Who'll Turn Out The Lights
9. Backroads
10. Keep It Between the Lines

Customer Reviews:

Overlooked........2002-10-13

This cd is a very solid effort. A lot of people don't like Ricky Van Shelton for some reason. This cd is stone country, not "new country." It features the awesome and the very criticized duet with Dolly Parton. This cd is still worth buying, and is a steal at a bargain price.

Average customer rating: Great Listening Fun My Favorite Cd this year. "BACKROADS & BAYOUS" - GOOD STUFF

Backroads & Bayous Karen Collins Manufacturer: Azalea City Recording ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00023JD8A Release Date: 2004-03-10

Tracks:

1. If You're Waiting on Me
2. Blue Moon
3. Trademark
4. The First in Line
5. L' Annee de Cinquante-Sept (1957)
6. Grand Texas
7. Under a Green Oak Tree
8. Hip Et Taiauts
9. Trouble's Back in Town
10. If Her Love Isn't True
11. You and You Alone
12. Don't Come Home A Drinkin'

Album Description

Travel along the back roads of vintage country music with a stop off in the Louisiana bayous.

Backroads & Bayous combines Karen's two musical passions, early country music and traditional Cajun music. The two styles are close first cousins with a similar spirit. Karen performs regularly with two groups The Blue Moon Cowgirls and Squeeze Bayou. Both groups are featured on this recording along with friends Dede Wyland and Ric Sweeny.

Customer Reviews:

Great Listening Fun.......2005-04-12

I stumbled across this album while browsing Amazon's free downloads. It's a great collection of cajun and old-time country style that I had to buy as soon as I heard the sample. The cajun tracks are a lot of fun and they have done a lot with some classic 'oldies'. It's great listening, but there is a lot more of Ira's guitar heard than Karen's fiddle. I hope that the next album includes a bit more of the fiddle. I agree with another reviewer - it's probably my favorite CD purchased this year.

My Favorite Cd this year........2005-02-23

"Backroads & Bayous" by Karen Collins is my favorite CD this year. The selections are well chosen, with each tune bearing its own signature. The material is in keeping with the theme, as Cajun songs are comfortably tucked within the country songs. Each tune is distinct, with vocals ranging from powerful to haunting to sentimental to passionate. But there is a constant element: every note, every harmony, reveals definite purpose and fits just right. The music is mindful but uncontrived. Like
Karen's voice, the CD production is polished yet maintains its valuable
uniqueness and authenticity.

"BACKROADS & BAYOUS" - GOOD STUFF.......2004-05-28

From the driving beat of the first song, "If You're Waiting On Me", to the Loretta Lynn standard, "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'", with a side trip to the wonderful world of Louisiana style traditional Cajun music, this album is exactly as titled - "BACKROADS & BAYOUS". The Backroads country tracts aren't the glitzy commercialized so called country music that Nashville turns out, but a return to old time good singin', good harmony and just good pickin' thanks to Ira Gitlin's talented contributions. Karen displays her musical gifts singing lead and backup vocals and playing fiddle and rhythm guitar. Blue Moon Cowgirls (Ann Porcella & Dana Ward) add harmony as only they can and make traditional country songs like "Trademark" and "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" a truly new listening experience. And who else could turn out a country version of "Blue Moon" but Karen and Blue Moon Cowgirls. Dede Wyland and Ric Sweeny provide almost soulful vocals that blend to produce a very good old time country sound. The Bayous Cajun tracts are typical of Squeeze Bayou and their love for traditional Cajun music. As Karen says, the CD is a unique blend of her two musical passions, early country music and traditional Cajun music, and it shows. They blend together very nicely. I hope this first isn't the last.

Average customer rating: Amazing Voice! I love this from beginning to end.

I'm Okay Angie Stevens Manufacturer: Independent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stand Up Girl 2 Stand Up Girl ASIN: B0009G3B42 Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. I'm Okay
2. Little Things
3. Water
4. First Love
5. Don't Ask
6. Heaven Knows
7. This Soul, These Hands
8. What Is Real Anyway
9. Home Sweet Home
10. Restlessness
11. Sleepwalking
12. Roses and Daisies

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Voice!.......2005-12-20

Angie is great on CD and when performing live. Really worth adding to your collection. Perhaps the next truly great lilith-esque talent.

I love this from beginning to end........2005-08-27

I fell in love with this CD from the opening notes of the first song. That led me to check out Angie's live shows, which pack the wallop of a freight train. Now I am a die-hard fan and recommend her to everyone.

A reviewer in Xposur magazine called "I'm Okay" a "do-it-yourself masterpiece" and I would agree.

The album probably best fits into alt-country, but it's in no way cookie cutter anything. It has simplicity, vulnerability, power, rhythm, nostalgia ... I can't speak highly enough about it. The production is spare and, in my mind, beautiful as a result. I hear echoes of 1960s rock, traditional country (early Grand Ole Opry), and bluegrass. But it's broader than all of that. I just tell people it is different and to listen to it.

When I started to list my favorite songs on the CD, I realized I was listing all of them. Still, I have tried to narrow them down to some highlights for people who want to sample.

"I'm Okay" is set to 3/4 time, with the bass leading the way and the drums adding punctuation to Angie's expansive, country-infused vocals. Imagine Leslie Gore's "You Don't Own Me" or the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" stripped of their orchestral strings and beefed up with a stronger rhythm section.

"Little Things" is indie rock with a honky tonk saxophone delivering a frantic trip through one man's homelessness.

"Water" has the sway of a 1950s slow dance, embracing the listener with a reassuring strength and a refrain that says "let it go, let it be, what is done is history, let it all fade away."

"First Love" is a sweet love song blending bluegrass sounds with a Texas-two-step beat.

"Heaven Knows" delivers a rush of pain and anger that only the worst of breakups can trigger.

"What Is Real Anyway" is poignantly uncluttered, allowing Angie's vocals and lyrics to convey a beautiful vulnerability.

"Sleepwalking" is about motherhood, with a sensitive drum beat that echoes the daily rhythms of life. "Dishes done. House is clean. Wishing I was seventeen."

Average customer rating: The end of an impressive run

Backroads Ricky Van Shelton Manufacturer: Sony Special Product ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000APVEF Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

1. I Am a Simple Man
2. Rockin' Years - Dolly Parton, Ricky Van Shelton, Ricky Van Shelton
3. Oh Heart of Mine
4. Some Things Are Better Left Alone
5. After the Lights Go Out
6. Call Me Up
7. If You're Ever in My Arms
8. Who'll Turn Out the Lights
9. Backroads
10. Keep It Between the Lines

Customer Reviews:

The end of an impressive run.......2005-08-01

Ricky had twelve number one country hits, three of which (I am a simple man, Rocking years, Keep it between the lines) came from this album. Of the three number ones, the most famous is Rocking years, a duet with Dolly Parton. I heard a story (but cannot confirm it) that Dolly originally recorded it with George Jones but that he left the record label soon afterwards - Ricky was then brought in to replace George. However good such a duet would have been, it seems unlikely that it could have reached the top of the country charts. In 1991, American country radio was far more interested in Ricky than the other two, who they regarded as yesterday's stars. Yet, both of them have managed to keep their careers going without those radio stations while Ricky has faded into obscurity, his comeback attempts meeting with little interest. It is sad really, because Ricky is an excellent singer.

The three number ones occupy the first two tracks and the final track of this collection. In between, there are many other excellent songs including After the lights go out and the title track, both of which (like the number ones) can be found on compilations of Ricky's music. You might assume that those are the five best tracks but, good as they are, they don't outshine the rest of this fine album. My favorites among the other songs are Who'll turn out the lights and Oh heart of mine, both of which were surely considered for single release. The other three tracks (Some things are better left alone, Call me up, If you're ever in my arms) are also excellent.

Following the success of this album, it seems remarkable that Ricky only had limited success thereafter. Nevertheless, there was a time when Ricky was one of the hottest stars in country music, deservedly so. This is a great traditional country album by one of country music's forgotten stars.

Average customer rating:

Flying Down These Backroads Chip Messiner ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000FTBAOQ Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. Flying Down These Backroads
2. All You Ever Want Is More
3. If I Wasn't Already in Love
4. If You Come Down the Road Tonight
5. Tell Me a Story
6. I Wish I'd Wrote That Love Song
7. Old Man
8. You Should Have Seen Her Cry
9. Rodeo in San Antone
10. Oneman Show
11. Since the Last Time We Loved
12. It Feels So Good to Be in Love Again
13. Blessed Be the Children
14. Final Turn
15. Tiny Manger

Average customer rating:

Backroads Divebar Manufacturer: self ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000IAZO1C Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

1. In The Running
2. Lorelle
3. Backroads
4. California
5. Lonesome Blues

Product Description

How does one describe the band Divebar? Well, first imagine Hank Williams traveling through time and having a beer with Joe Strummer. Then imagine that they decide to rent a Pinto and drive cross-country, and along the way they pick up Keith Richards and Robbie Robertson. Somewhere outside of Wichita, they run into Aretha Franklin, and she decides to come along for the ride too, but since it's only a 4-seater, they have to strap her to the roof. None of that describes Divebar in the least, but it's hilarious to picture two dead guys driving a Pinto while the Queen of Soul rides on the roof like Teen Wolf. Also, she's wearing a halter top. Actually, Divebar is an alt-country band out of Chicago, similar in style to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Since their formation in 2003, Divebar has built an impressive following with their crafty songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and energetic stage presence. Their unique sound is influenced by each of the band members' diverse upbringings - the music conjures up images of the vast plains of Kelly's Texas, the rich farmland of Chris' Iowa, the carefree charm of Matt and Dan's small-town Wisconsin, and the ample parking of Aric's Evanston. The name of the band came to them organically in 2003. One summer day, Matt, Dan, and Kelly went to a local dive bar to think of a good band name. After a few beers at the dive bar, they remained stumped. They decided to leave said dive bar and head down a block to a different dive bar. After a few hours at that dive bar, it seemed almost too obvious - they would name their band "Johnny Awesome & the Metal Thunder". Over the course of 3 years, Divebar has replaced 2 bass players and 2 femurs. In 2007, they are hoping for better consistency.

Average customer rating:

Backroads Ricky Van Shelton Manufacturer: Collectables Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B0007783ZU Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks:

1. I Am a Simple Man
2. Rockin' Years - Dolly Parton, Ricky Van Shelton, Ricky Van Shelton
3. Oh Heart of Mine
4. Some Things Are Better Left Alone
5. After the Lights Go Out
6. Call Me Up
7. If You're Ever in My Arms
8. Who'll Turn Out the Lights
9. Backroads
10. Keep It Between the Lines

Average customer rating:

Backroads Heart Attack Jeff Mattison Manufacturer: Madboy Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000A5BRA Release Date: 2003-06-01

Tracks:

1. California Blues
2. Medicine Jar
3. Dreamin' of You
4. Evening Blues
5. Over Yonder Faire
6. I'll Be Your Angel
7. Morning Blues
8. That Old Train
9. She's Gone Again
10. Post-Modern Lament
11. Judgement Day
12. Fire at Midnight

Average customer rating:

Backroads of My Mind Sally Shuffield ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000N5Y0XU

Product Description

1 She Ain't No Emmylou Harris 2 In the Meantime 3 Banks of the Colorado 4 Backroads of My Mind 5 Hummingbird Cafe 6 All I'm Asking 7 There'll be Days 8 Lila and Jack 9 Late Night Grande Hotel 10 The Wakeup Call

Music Album:

1. Country Classics - Male [Karaoke]
2. Country Goes Rock 'N' Roll, Vol. 1 [Import] [Original recording remastered]
3. Country Gospel Favorites
4. Country Heat Classic [Import]
5. Country Hot Hits [Karaoke]
6. Country Men Country Hits
7. Country Outlaw [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]
8. Crazy [Import]
9. Desperate Heart
10. Don Gibson

Music Album