"AN INDEPENDENT VIEW"
by: Linda Fryer, BMI, CLA
© April, 2002

"TWANG COUNTRY PROJECT"

ARTISTS: COMPILATION, VARIED
ALBUM TITLE: TWANG COUNTRY Project
LABEL: HERO RECORDS
TITLE BY: TOM WARDLE

I love compilations. They give me a very nice chance to hear lots of indie artists who sometimes, can't do an entire album on their own. And otherwise, I may never have a chance to hear them at all. Same goes for a lot of you fans out there. This particular album is not even for sale, but it will be sent out to radio stations across the nation, so most everyone can hear the songs, and aquaint or RE-aquaint themselves with some fine artists.

The very first cut on the CD is done by Hal Willis, and he's one of my favorites. Hal, you'll recall, had some great hits a few years ago, including "My Pink Cadillac". He traveled extensively with Elvis Presley, and had a huge career. He's still playing, still singing, and still writing. Thank goodness this wonderful talent hasn't stopped. I only wish he'd joined the Opry when he was invited. But circumstances at that time wouldn't allow him to make that commitment. And when Hal makes a commitment, he does it "full throttle". Knowing Hal personally, I have no doubt he regrets missing out on that opportunity, but he never looks back in regret. He just keeps doing what he does best, entertain folks. And on this album, "Bring on the Girls" is his contribution. A GREAT one, I might add. I know Hal's grateful to be included on something this good, produced by his good friend, Dick Shuey. How do I know? Because he told me so! Thanks, Hal, and thanks Dick, for such a wonderful CD.

I loved every song on this album. I think everyone did a fine job here. Jack Blanchard, who mastered and re-mixed the CD, played a major role in making sure this one was "radio friendly". I guess a lot of musicians out there, should take their cue from Dick when they want to have something re-mastered or recorded. Take it to another musician who obviously knows what he's doing! Not one song on this CD sounded second-rate! So another big THANKS goes to Jack Blanchard!

There are 21 cuts on the CD, and each one is unique in its own way. But they are all REAL country songs, and for the traditionalists out there, this makes great listening. I have a feeling a lot of fans will be buggin' Dick for a copy, once they hear this one! So, keep your radios tuned to a station that plays the kind of country music YOU like to listen to! You'll hear cuts from this album, I'm sure. There are so many greats included here, like Ernie Ashworth, Marty Martel, Shirley Frederickson, Erin Hay, Keith Bradford, and so many others, it'd take me an afternoon to talk about them all. But trust me, each and every one of them is as entertaining as the last. And rest assured you'll recognize them all, the minute you hear them. Oh, what the heck, let me, at least, just take a minute to tell you the names of these great writers and performers.EVERY artist on this album should be proud of their contribution, they sure do have a right to be! So, add to the list I've already mentioned, Pat Garrett Jackie Burns, Marvin Rainwater, Ken Hurley Joel Mathis, Vernon Oxford, Hermann Lammers Meyer, James Marvell, Joe Sun, Ray Griff, Don Powell, Tony Barge, and Kenny Roberts. Whew! That's one great bunch of artists, don'tcha think? Hope I didn't forget anyone! And you've all heard the saying about "saving the best for last"…well, the real treat and surprise comes on the final cut. You'll be delighted with this duet, performed by two of our favorites, Ernie Ashworth and Dick Shuey. "Anywhere But Here" is a fun song that'll give you a chuckle, for sure, and who could do it better than these two old friends?

I truly hope y'all will have a chance to hear this CD, "TWANG COUNTRY Project". And if you tune in to Dicks Twang Country web-radio station, I know you'll hear it! Stop by his website real soon, http://www.twangtownusa.com , and plan to stay awhile. No since working on your computer in silence! It's a great station, (even without this album!) and it's "streaming" audio, day and night. Nothin' but the best from Dick Shuey! You're gonna LOVE it, but then, hey…that's only…