“CRAIG REYNOLDS” A Great Country CD
As a writer, I am often sent various cds or books to review. Many times I do so because I know the artist; at other times it is simply a matter of curiousity. With respect to Craig Reynolds’ new, self-entitled cd, it was both. (Lamon Records: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CRAIGALLEN REYNOLDS )
The danger in such situations is: what if you like the person but dislike the work? That is a risk all reviewers must aways take. In Craig’s case, I figured this would not be a problem, and it wasn’t. His strong personal presence made its way onto the cd, just as if he was singing in the honky tonk where I used to enjoy him.
For starters, Craig co-wrote about half the tunes. Good balance. He has lived enough to be insightful, without being a bore. That is right up my alley, and most other peoples. Secondly, although everyone must restrain their voices some during recording sessions, his remains awfully powerful on this record. He’s in the room when you play the thing.
There are several “must not miss” songs present on this fine first effort. “God Missed Her Most” would be an instant classic if sung by a more famous artist, and hopefully will become one in the future. It is that touching, that good. George Strait, beware. Oddly enough, it is the last track on the cd.
This great recording features eleven songs, and gets better as it goes along. The first tune, “Rollin In The ‘Hey,” is a lot of fun, but not the best included. In fact, I have a hard time really ranking these songs, since they are all very good. They are fun, but also true to life.
These cuts run a wide range from paying respect to the history of country music (“Now That’s A Country Song”) to having a rowdy good time at “Ray Ray’s Juke Joint,” to thinking about “Memory Lane” and predicaments like “Dead Man’s Hand.” The listener gets a variety that is concise, and weaved firmly together by the constant thread of Craig’s powerful and touching vocals. The man has an excellent voice. Unique.
One track on this effort is called, “Moonshine.” It’s a fun one. You will have fun if you purchase this cd, and it will not take any moonshine liquor to make it bearable. We will be hearing a lot from this handsome fellow in the future. Bank on it. “Craig Reynolds” is a definite buy. Grade: A- . Concrete Contractors Atlanta .
