Inbox Reviews: Guthrie Kennard, Austin Cunningham, Somebody’s Darling, Terri Hendrix, The Wayward Sons, Opie Hendrix, Michael Martin Murphey

Originally posted at A Truer Sound

Got a big batch this week (actually this was last week’s batch, but hey I’m still catching up). The styles of music range from gritty blues to folky pop to slick bluegrass but there is one common link between all these albums, and that is that they are all by Texas artists. This will end our belated Texas Week.

Guthrie Kennard – Matchbox (2010 Shuteye Records)

This one is likely my favorite of the batch, and that’s not such a surprise once I found out Guthrie is actually Ray Wylie Hubbard’s bassist. Matter of fact this album is not only produced by Ray Wylie but he also plays all over this thing. If you are a fan of dirty country blues….well this is something you will love. I know I do. Fans of Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, Gurf Morlix, Buddy Miller, Billy Joe Shaver, and all those other gritty songwriters will definitely want to check this out. Makes a great companion to “A: Enlightenment, B: Endarkenment……” Buy the album here

Guthrie Kennard – My Mind Rolls Like A Wheel

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Austin Cunningham – Made To Last (2009 Senior Partner Records)

I had never heard of Austin Cunningham until last week when I was in Dallas. The reason I was there was for an engineering conference, and Austin and his band were actually playing one of the receptions one night. A welcome surprise to say the least. Especially when he told me he used to play and write with Chris Knight. The CD here is his latest, last years Made To Last…and it’s damn good. Just listen to this sample track cause I think it’s something a lot of you will really dig. Buy the album here
Austin Cunningham – This Town’s Getting On My Nerves

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Somebody’s Darling – Somebody’s Darling (2010 Shiner Records)

I’ve actually had this one for a while but have never had a chance to seriously listen to it. I will say I always loved the band’s name and cover picture. After listening to it, it reminds me a lot of Band of Heathens only with a female lead singer (and boy can she belt out some twang). Not such a bad thing. Fans of that band will definitely want to check this out. Buy the album here
Somebody’s Darling – Lonely

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Terri Hendrix – Cry Till You Laugh (2010 Wilory Records)

Terri Hendrix may be best known for her close association with The Dixie Chicks, but she’s a solid performer in her own right. Pretty laid back female singer-songwriter type stuff. All of this is not really my thing, but the folkier, less pop oriented songs on here are pretty damned good. Fans of Jewel or Lucinda’s softer side will likely dig this. Buy the album here, stream it here
Terri Hendrix – Come Tomorrow

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The Wayward Sons – On The Wayward Path: Live! (2010 Porchlight)

Not to be confused with the 80’s buttrock coverband from LA of the same name, these guys are about as far as you can imagine away from that. This is raw roots tinged rock and roll. Fans of Lucero, Two Cow Garage, Michael Dean Damron, and all those other punk twinged acts will likely want to listen to this. I hear a lot of Ryan Bingham in this stuff too…. particularly in the lead singer. So if you like Ryan Bingham but wish he was a little rawer….you might want to check this out. Buy the album here
The Wayward Sons – Midnight Song

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Opie Hendrix – Camino Alto (2010 Def Texan Records)

This is one where I think it sounds like he is still trying to find his voice, but I will say the songs that are “on” on this thing, are really on. At his best he reminds me of a cross between Robert Earl Keen and Todd Snider. He also has a killer name, and I love the cover. Not sure if he is related to Terri (or Jimi for that matter). Buy the album here
Opie Hendrix – Hayes For Horses

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Michael Martin Murphey – Buckaroo Blue Grass II (2010 Rural Rhythm Records)

Michael Martin Murphey rose to fame in the 70s with his own blend of cosmic country and singer/songwriter type music. He had a major hit on the charts with the song Wildfire (there is a remake of that song on this album). He continued to dabble with the country charts throughout the 80’s and early 90’s before getting left on the country wayside like so many others. He seems to have found a new niche now in the bluegrass genre. There is some hot hot playing all over this thing, and fans of Allison Krause, Union Station, and Ricky Skaggs will want to pay attention to this. Great crafted songs with great playing. May be a little slick for some, but for that “slick” bluegrass sound this is up there with the best. Buy the album here
Michael Martin Murphey – Renegade