Ray Goss and "Rebound"
January 30, 2005
I went to The Keys in Montgomery last night to listen to my friends play some
music. What I witnessed was a band that COOKS!! And....I mean....COOKS! Guitar, bass
keyboards and drums were smokin'. The vocals were superb!! It was made to look easy, when a lot of other musicians look like they are struggling to get out a decent sound. It made me feel GOOD listening to a tight, professional sound.
Ray Goss has been my friend and my brother for 40 years. His stage presence and persona is not only entertaining, but it makes one feel that he is totally in charge......the "doctor" of sorts. What can I say about the bass playing? No
question....GREAT!
John Sandy has always been admired by me for his drumming ability and his singing. His constant smile and the fact that he appears to have a great time performing sets the audience that much more on fire.
Bruce Bentley is in that "league" of guitar players that is over the line into a
solid professional and super dexterous musician. His great demeanor adds to the admiration.
Charles Langley, the keyboard player was awesome. His contribution was the anchor of the musical fulfillment that the band displayed. He just knows what to do, and is a cool guy on top of that. His overall diversity combined with
the rest of the band, gels into a solid great group that they should all be proud of.
And last, but certainly not least, my man....my man.....Duane Parker, was in a setting where he needs to be. His ambition to have a singer / songwriter career begins with a mix of what I saw last night. He sounded and looked good. He is
serious about his music and it comes across when he plays and sings. I was really proud of him last night. He has a good future in the business.
I enjoyed the other musicians that sat in. It spiced up the night, and was good for our musical brotherhood.
George McCain
March, 2005
Country music legend John Conlee has a new music video, which features his new patriotic song, "They Also Serve". This song is included in his latest project, which is a fine gospel album entitled, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".
The song is directed at the families and friends of those who are serving in our armed forces in the war to bring freedom and democracy to countries overseas. Those families and friends "also serve", because they are affected every day as their loved one(s) are away at war. Mr. Conlee's son, Johnny, is a recent graduate of
boot camp of the U.S. Marine Corps, so
John, his wife, family and friends have joined the ranks of those who fit in the theme of the song. It is a very moving video, and it makes one proud and feel so blessed to have the finest military services in the world. The video was featured on
Fox News Magazine on February 27th, and has drawn rave reviews from around the country. The song is timeless, because this situation prevails in any war that occurs.
To view the video you can go to http://www.defenselink.mil
on the internet and click on John Conlee - They Also Serve - Play Music Video.
Because of my long friendship with John, I am aware of his sincerity and his character. This is the biggest reason that I am personally touched and moved by his latest work. It is a project from the man's heart. The gospel album is a collection of fifteen (15) songs that include "The Old Rugged Cross", "Peace in the Valley",
"Amazing Grace", "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
along with several other old time favorites we have all sung from the pews in our churches. This is a keepsake album for the ages; a
"must buy", if you will. You can purchase this album either by visiting www.johnconlee.com, or emailing me at gmccain@eezznet.com
Brad Cotter, 2004's winner of Nashville Star, performed in Andalusia, Alabama on Sunday March 6th. I had the pleasure of being there for the concert, and I must say it was a good one! Since I have met Brad, I noticed that "what you see is what you get" with him. He exudes his true personality on stage, which makes the concert great fun for all who attend. The players in the band are nice guys who really cook musically, and seem to enjoy every song to the fullest.
You can now describe me as a true fan of Brad's,
and I feel like he is in for a long and prolific career. You can visit him at www.bradcotter.com to see how to obtain his album and his tour dates. Brad is a good musician and singer, and I recommend you follow his career. I think you will like what you see and hear.
Watch out, world! There is a beautiful young girl named Shelley Hatcher, that will knock your socks off when she sings. I admit that I am overly critical sometimes with some musicians, so I am happy to report that I have found a performer that not only sings practically any genre of music, but sings in a perfect pitch with dynamics and extraordinary articulation and style. She makes every song her own. She sings anything from Gretchen Wilson to Norah Jones to Aretha Franklin to Christina Aquilera and sounds like.....Shelley Hatcher! When I hear that energetic pop
or bluesy country, I can't get enough of it. What a singer! She is on track to become a major performer, and you will see what I mean when you hear her on stage or in a future album. In addition to her singing ability, she plays
guitar and horn. She is highly respected in the music community, and I think you will agree with me when you see her show. Watch this webpage for future updates on this star-in-the-making.
George McCain
July 2005
This week's review comes from Nick's Cheers in Troy, Alabama. Nashville recorded artist Jason Foster and Blue Dog Country from Opelika, Alabama took the stage Friday night, July 8, 2005 and again Saturday night IN SPITE of Hurricane DENNIS!
Jason Foster demonstrated his ability to connect with the audience and make them feel like part of his show! Starting out Friday night with some original music (soon to be released on his new CD "Follow That Road") written by Nashville writers, Jason made his way to the stage through the audience singing "Country Girl"! The crowd was delighted to see this high energetic, young musician pounding away with his band to the sounds of good ole' Southern Rock country music!
Jason signed autographs and sold CD's for eager fans. The Hank Williams Museum also was on hand with a display of pictures and souvenirs from the museum for Hank William's fans. Local businesses took part in sponsoring the show, such as Budweiser, WBAM out of Montgomery, Alabama and the United States Army.
It was country rocking, boot stomping night in Troy, Alabama! If you missed it, there's more to come soon! Jason's web site is being re-constructed to allow for interaction with his fans! He also will be headed back to the studio soon to work on more music for his upcoming CD. Keep an eye out for the dates of the CD Release Party!
Hope to see you soon and remember to "Follow That Road" WHERE EVER it leads!!!!
George McCain
