Artist: GROVER WINDHAM

CD: "NOWHERE TO RUN".
"AN INDEPENDENT VIEW"
by: Linda Fryer

Ok, GW, ‘fess up. Where have you boys been hiding??……… South Carolina, that’s where! Come on out guys, I think the world is ready for you! In fact, I’m sure of it! What a great band!! What a pleasure to listen to! And what a surprise!! I even thought I could hear Stevie Ray Vaughn in those guitar strings…but then Gary Curry – lead, slide, rhythm, and acoustic, admits to his influence. And Jim Watson, another great guitar player, bass, was just amazing!

Now, when it comes to great Blues, it seems to me that the lyrics, themselves, are somehow less important, than just the way they SOUND. And there’s no doubt, the sound here, is masterful! But, I’m reviewing this artist for the first time and since Windham wrote these songs, I paid special attention to the lyrics …. which were very blue, indeed. And very good, as well! As I stated earlier though, they don’t mean as much to me, when it comes to Blues, as does the total sound of things. In "What’s Wrong With You", the words and music just seemed to move together so well, that it impressed the heck outta me! And I loved the sad story in "She’s Been Paintin' the Town", although I had a bit of a difficult time
hearing the lyrics. So I listened really hard. Grover told me that he felt they made some mistakes in mixing that particular song, but, believe me, they made up for it in the the rest of the album!!! So, when you listen to it, don’t judge too quickly.

Another "plus" for this album, is the length of each track. How cool to be able to really get into a tune, and not have it yanked right out from under you in a mere 2-3 minutes! Here, each track lasted well over 4 minutes, and sometimes as long as 7!! Wonderful, GW!! That was a touch that I really appreciated..and I think everyone else will, too. Boy, did I love track 5, "Outlaw Country and Lowdown Blues"! First of all, the TITLE alone, grabbed my attention! I knew, after listening to the previous 4 songs, this one had to be good. (Humbly, I say, I was right---again) …….. In fact, "good" is an understatement! I guess if I had to choose the weakest and strongest tunes on this album, I’d HAVE to put "…. Outlaw Country …" on top …. I already told you about that one. "Working Class Go Between" wasn’t real high on my list, though, so I guess I’d have to call it the weakest …. Don’t get me wrong, its not AWFUL or anything…but I don’t think it gives the vocals too much, and even the instrumentals don’t get a chance to shine. But then, dang if it doesn’t slide right on into "Hobo Man", which absolutely blew me away! So what am I complaining about??? Heck, 8 songs outta 9 isn’t bad, huh? (well, really, 9 outta 9, to be honest) And heck, you just might LOVE "…….. Go Between" . I mean, not EVERYONE agrees with me on
EVERYTHING! (something which totally baffles me, by the way.)

Look folks, if its blues you’re after, buy this CD. You won’t be disappointed. And if you’re a little bit Country & a little bit Blues—then this album has everything you want ----- Admittedly more Blues than Country, but for a real change of pace for all you Hank Williams fans, I really urge you to give this one a try. No real MUSIC fan could complain about this CD. Hey… nothing’s perfect… but Windham and his band are sure headed in that direction! (and hey girls, this guy ain’t too hard on the eyes, either!)

Now, get on over to his website, www.tshed.com , take a quick listen, read the bio, and order "Nowhere to Run"!!! Man, I LOVE this CD!! Hmmmmmm…. is it possible to give THREE thumbs up???? If you don’t like this album, let me know why, ok? You know where to find me, by now….. Lfryer1324@aol.com. Yep, I even like letters that DIS-agree… I mean heck, this is only....