If you haven't made any purchases on line yet
then here is a perfect opportunity. Here is a CD
that's not likely to see the light of day over here in Australia, so reward yourself, defy the mainstream and seek 
out this obscure treasure that certainly doesn't
deserve to be buried! Mind you, this is not your
" whiskey and woman" blues but rather your "gospel
and family" type. Now don't write this CD off
because you're not into Gospel and down-home
values! Payne's music is "American roots" at its
finest and deserves a listen. There is a duality about
his music that I find engaging. Duality? Let me
explain. His music continues to grow on me because
of its rawness and refinement, its gentleness and
anger, its passion and intelligence. How does he do
it?
Guitars! …acoustic, electric, dobro, dulcimer, lap
steel and the like shine through with rhythms born
of the delta and honed through folk. There is nothing
too improvisational here, just some
strong, honest and commanding playing.
Vocals! Payne's vocals remind me of Ted Hawkins';
deep, mournful and soothing. He sings about
injustices, woes, memories, mysteries, life and love.
" Mother's Uncle" and "Ancient Eyes" are tracks
where sentiment gets the better of him. "Pissing in
the wind' and "Nothing wrong with Texas ..that
leavin' won't fix" will be more to the likings of
blues fans. It is in "Coercion Street" and "Listen to
the blues grow" where the poetic strength of his
song writing really comes to the fore...

" I was born on Coercion Street
rocks and bottles and fists and feet
ruled the path I daily climbed
all uphill all the time.
Barstool, church pew, a handshake, a clenched fist
I made my choices aware of the risk
Street muscle, blues shuffle
Honed into skills,
Came in real handy climbing that hill
Each step shortened that climb
'til I found the voice that was mine
each man is shaped by his deeds
I survived Coercion street.”           
David Stoeckel,
South Australian Blues Society
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Love this earthy music! This cd is not over-produced either. It's clean and straight-forward. Great lyrics, great voice. Everyone should know about Ernie Payne and the stellar music he creates.
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Ernie Payne is a quiet man with a wit that takes you by suprise.  His songs are haunting and deep.  I was lucky enough to share a night performing in a song circle with him a while back.  His songs knocked the wind out of me.  It was if he was playing what I have been wanting someone to play for years.  I sat next to him as he played, trying to hide my tears.  A shock and a joy all at once.  Thank goodness for Ernie Payne and much success to him!
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