Album Notes

I couldn't describe my CD any better than an industry friend of mine who took it along with her on her drive one day...

Thanks Doug for your fine new CD!

I took it out on the road with me today and it proved to be a perfect match. Early in the AM with a small patch of sunny skies showing but back behind, you could see the storm clouds coming on. I had a nice stretch of road to cover so I pushed play and let you tell your stories with that "I've seen it all" sometimes scratchy, sometimes smooth but always in control voice of yours.

The opening tune "Ain't Gonna Play With Your Heart" is great and I really like the way it sets the mood for the rest of the songs to come. I backed it up a couple of times so I could hear that last line again--" I see the lonely in your eyes, etc. Wonderful tie in to the "I don't wanna play with your heart" refrain is the line--"I'd surely love to play that part". It would have been so easy and so cheap to phrase it--I sure would love to play, etc. but by using "surely" you put the whole song into the first class section. Great stuff!

I also liked the way Mary Jane Riley rips and roars. Great tempo--great feel-good song.

Bismarck tells the story just like a country song should and I felt like I was at another table there at the Little Cottage Cafe.

Also liked the Yippee II Yippee AA and its take on the theme of the girls getting prettier at closing time, etc. The other side of the coin is also slick in that the band sounds better, etc.

I deliberately did not read the credits before listening but I could immediately pick out the Matt Wegner influence on the two songs he helped pen One Fine Mamma and To Sante Fe. Nice to see how well you two complement one another.

Nothin Left For Me There is another goodie and has a few surprises in the text, ie. "found your new Mr. Right" really like the use of "new". Very concise way to let us know that this chick is a serial heart breaker. Also liked the finish--"next time I pass this way I'll be doin' fine".

BUT---what I really can't get enough of is "Why Not" What a perfect Country drinking song! It is short and punchy and sums up the "workin' man's blues" to a T. It's completely bare boned--nothing to excess--it just kicks ass from the first note. Love it!! Believe you've got a guaranteed winner with it.

A couple other fine tunes are "Loved You More," and "Waltz Across Montana" ... Sure to be Radio and Fan favorites!

So, thank you Doug for giving me such a fine ride today . Compliments all around to you and your fabulous musicians!

Thanks again Doug and we'll be in touch. Till later,

Mary