"HOLLER 'TIL DAWN"

ARTIST: JOHN HINSHELWOOD
TITLE: HOLLER 'TIL DAWN
PRODUCER: JOHN HINSHELWOOD/TIM CLARKE
RECORD LABEL: LITTLE ROOTS RECORDS

John is new to me, but then, he's from Scotland! So, needless to say, I'm not all that familiar with the artists from around there. But he was introduced to me by a good friend (who's become a BETTER friend, since that introduction!). I'm so glad to have the opportunity to meet and/or listen to artists from around the world, and there's little chance I would have to do that, without the many good friends I have in this business. I'm grateful every day for that opportunity.

John Hinshelwood is an artist and writer who has left an impression on me. His music is different from the norm. It's country, for sure, but it's really more than that. The music is the kind that can be playing in the background of your day, and still move you by its mood. It's been described as a mixture of country, folk, blues, and even pop. But I think it's very difficult to pinpoint this music. The only thing I CAN pinpoint for sure, is that its GOOD! John's not only a great writer, I'm sure he's a great observer as well. No one can write lyrics like these, without listening to and seeing what's turning the world around him. And he's written most of the songs on this album. And even the ones he hasn't written, he's put his own brand on, with the talent he has in his performance.

As with many albums I've come across in the past few years, it's very difficult to find a "favorite" tune. So I'm not even gonna try, this time. I will say this, each time I've listened to it, I've had a different favorite. So, maybe that tells ya something. It's a great album, folks. Easy as that! Right now, I happen to be listening to cut 13, "Who Dares Wins" (Hinshelwood). It has a sorta folksy sound. I has a sorta country sound. It has a…well…a sorta GOOD sound! And his artistry on the guitar is amazing! I noticed THAT from the very beginning. It's almost like he and his guitar were a part of each other. And definitely, a very important part of every song on the CD.

John is joined on many of the songs, with Kathy Stewart, who wrote one of the tunes on this album, "Your Secret Love". It's a beautiful song and Kathy is a wonderfully talented writer AND singer. She definitely complements his voice with her harmonies. Other harmony backup singers heard on this CD are Gene Parsons, Catheryn Craig, and Rab Noakes. All are great additions to some very good tunes. My very best wishes go out to John, and I hope his records continue to sell and, most of all, keep him doing what he loves to do.

I hope you'll get a chance to hear this one, folks. You can contact John at john.hinshelwood@virgin.net or take a run over to www.littleroots.com . This is actually John's third album, and its received rave reviews, as well as some pretty good radio play! I haven't had the chance to hear the others, but as we all know, radio is the name of the game. Airplay means "fame and fortune". Wellllll, FAME, at least. (smile) So don't miss this one, ok? I don't think you'll be disappointed, I sure wasn't! But then, as y'all know, that's only …