Universal Sound Records is not a hugely prolific company. They do not churn out album after album preferring to
release only when they feel they have a quality product that will both excite and entertain the country ear. It
has been quite some time since my friend T. Jae Christian, the Chief Executive, sent me material but he has certainly
made up for it by forwarding four excellent albums which I shall bring to your attention over the next couple of
weeks. First, “The Vanishing Breed” from T. Jae Christian a collection of eleven wonderful songs, some old, some
new, some original, some covers all beautifully performed by that warm baritone. “The Grand Tour”, “Picture Of
Me Without You” and “Yard Sale” will no doubt draw comparisons with George Jones and that would be right for stylistically
T. Jae and George are not far apart both having an ear for a good song and both can wring every ounce of emotion
from a tender heart ballad. And that is What Christian does throughout this programme adding a few uptempo numbers
along the way to provide that essential light and shade. T. Jae’s own “The Vanishing Breed” and “Yes, There Is
Life After Beth” (what a great title!) should prove winners along with “Another Angel In Heaven”, “Love Me Back
Together” and “I Won’t Be Over You At All”. Great songs, great singer, great musicians – what more could one ask
for? www.cdbaby.com/tjaechristian3
Originally from Idaho, Rick Sharp has been singing since he was three and playing guitar from age fourteen. Rick’s
gritty approach to country and his superb guitar picking have endeared him to fans throughout the world and gained
him the respect of many top performers for whom he has opened shows. They must have been brave performers for Rick
sure is a hard act to follow! The title of Sharp’s new album, “Rick and Ol’ Waylon Still Play On” shows exactly
where this guy is musically. His respect for Waylon Jennings has led to a growing demand for Rick’ tribute show
and hopefully, one day he will bring it to the UK.
The programme has twelve excellent songs, eight from the under-rated (in my opinion) Bob Dellaposta, and neatly
blends tender ballads with foot-tappers to create an album that Rick’s hero would be proud of. The singer pays
homage to his hero with “Waylon Still Plays On” and a revival of “Storms Never Last”, maintaining the “outlaw”
sound throughout with such cuts as “Thanks For Nothin’”, “That’s All She Wrote”, “Countrified” and “Let’s Get Even”
T. Jae Christian produced this not to be missed album. www.ricksharpcountry.com
We continue next week with a look at new releases by Paul Alan Coons and Mary Lee.
“The Advertiser” (UK) 9 November 2007
Continuing from last week with a look at the latest releases from Universal Sounds Records, I turn my attention
to Paul Alan Coons, a singer/writer a have a lot of time for. Paul was born in Gloversville in New York. He first
mastered the drums and became a feature of his father's square dance band. By1971 he realised he had much to offer
as a singer and started fronting his own bands, touring throughout the USA and Europe. When not performing Paul
honed his song writing skills and in 1977 travelled from his home in Montana to Nashville to record his first single,
the self penned "Same Ol' Road" for Caprice Records. Though his records sold well it was twelve years
(in 1989) before he achieved a top twenty placing with "Just A Phone Call Away” (Stargem Records). Throughout
the years Paul has continued to delight audiences with his stone country approach and his easy to relate to songs,
which he includes on albums that once heard become instant favourites. Such is the case with “The Ride Of Life”
(Paul’s first album in five years) a collection of fourteen great songs, five penned by the singer, and which offer
a blend a strong story songs, heartbreakers and two-steppers. Included is the twist in the tail “I’m Getting’ Even
With You”, the tribute to Disney movies, “Mickey And Me”, the heartbreakers “If This Old Table Could Talk” and
“Thank You Daddy” and Paul’s favourite, “Tell Me Again”, a duet with his eldest daughter Tammy Lynn Malone. Thank
you Paul but please don’t make us wait another five years.
Mary Lee is a new name to me but one I hope to be hearing a lot more of. “Naturally”, Mary’s new release was recorded
in Nashville with a band of great musicians who are really in tune with what the lady wants to offer – and that
is top-drawer country music! The eleven tracks feature three songs by Bob Dellaposta, a writer I have a lot of
respect for, including the real feel good “Hang Your Teardrops Out To Dry”. Also included is a neat play on words,
“I Just Get Leavin’” and “Temporarily Yours”, a classic duet with T. Jae Christian. For more on Universal Sounds
Record try www.universalsoundrecords.com/
You take care now!
Pete
