The CD, "Shady Country Lanes," is a lingering, thoughtful walk through pure country values on love, friendship and loss.  The presentation, however, created entirely as a voice/bass-instrument duo, is very unique and provocative.   Written and sung by Louise Peacock and supported by Tony Laviola's extraordinary expression on three different bass instruments, the combination is startlingly intimate.   Most of the songs are lyrical observations on kinds of love and relationships, sometimes with a unique twist; several address the timeless sentiments of wanderlust, emptiness and change.  All are well-written.  A very creative effort by the Peacock/Laviola duo, well realized!  
Favourite songs:  #6, #2, #7
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I love the album. All of the songs have great lyrics and tell a "story" that we can all relate to at some level.  The melodies are very catchy, and one finds oneself humming along ..... It's certainly interesting to have only voice and bass - leaving a very basic sound, not muddied by many layers of instruments. The playing is really exceptional ... although they tell us it's only bass - there are times when you could swear there were other stringed instruments playing. ... I have special "fave" songs, and among those is the first one "Red Dress" which about a naive small town girl who meets the wrong guy, and also "If Wishes Were Horses ...". this one makes me all teary... it's sad yet wishful yet joyous too.  Really nice songwriting!
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You've got to hear this.  Only vocals and bass that's why I say it's simple.  But when you listen you'll find a full sound - that's why I say complex.  The bass work by Tony Laviola is amazing.
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It's really not "on" to review one's own material, but I CAN review the very talented Mr.Tony Laviola, without whom there would be no album.......

When we started this project, I wanted it to be just bass and voice.....  During the year that we were working on the project, Tony contributed wonderful arrangements, really good additions to the songs, and last but not least, his incredible bass playing.......

Tony uses his bass as a solo instrument - he used three different basses, one of which was a stand-up bass......

In addition to playing the only instrument on the album, Tony also co-produced Shady Country Lanes, and it is thanks to his meticulous pickiness that we achieved the high standards that you will hear..... and

......All I can say is that Tony is phenomenal, and I'm grateful to him for all his contributions.
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