Tag: Walt Wilkins

Mike Blakely – CD Review

Published on by Jan Sikes8 Comments

Award-winning novelist and singer/songwriter Mike Blakely has published 18 books, released by major New York City publishers.

As a performing songwriter, Mike has released 12 CDs, performed all over the U.S., and made 16 tours to Europe.  His songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Gary P. Nunn, Red Steagall, Flaco Jimenez and Raul Malo, John Arthur Martinez, Randy Brown, Geronimo Trevino III and Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush, Pauline Reese, Debbi Walton and others.

And now he has a new CD release which I had the pleasure of reviewing.

Keepsake

KEEPSAKE – MIKE BLAKELY

Independent Release

 Nothing describes Mike Blakely’s vocal and songwriting style better than straightforward and genuine.

Listening to his new CD, Keepsake, is like going on an easy rambling trail ride. Mike’s “no frills” music touches something deep inside.

Larry Nye (Guitar), Kurt Baumer (Fiddle), Duke Davis (Upright Bass) and Shane Lively (Drums) accompany Mike on Keepsake, while Annie Blakely, Walt & Tina Wilkins and Larry Boyd sing backup vocals.

The album begins with a poignant song, “A Town Called Paradise,” written by Blakely and Ken Garrett. It is the perfect escape song. “My Same Old New Mexican Dream” is a clever play on words. “Easy Ramblin’” is all about slowing down.

Annie Blakey joined Mike in writing “Keepsake,” and it is a beautiful love song that fits the couple perfectly. “I missed you before I met you/I loved you before I knew you/Before we found each other/I was yours/you were mine.”

“Moonlight Colorado,” captured me completely. The melody and words weave a tantalizing dance.

Walt and Tina Wilkins lend their perfectly synced background vocal harmony on “I am Nobody.” The message carried in the lyrics is uplifting. “I am nobody/Nobody’s perfect/Therefore I’m perfect/Perfect for you.”

Written by Jeff Posey and Walt Wilkins, “Skipping Stone” is sweet and tender.

“Miranda’s Warning” is a haunting melody. He should have heeded Miranda’s warning. “The Island with No Name” has a Mexican flare and features Larry Nye on the acoustic guitar.

The album ends with “Don’t send Flowers” and is the longest track on the CD at five minutes. Wistful poetic lyrics weave a wish. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever heard a more authentically beautiful song about death.

If you enjoy listening to lyrics that have meaning, tell a story or carry a message while the melody flows like a cool mountain stream, you will enjoy Keepsake.

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Purchase Keepsake

About Mike Blakely

AND, Mike Blakely will be our speaker and entertainment at the Texas Authors Institute of History Fundraising Gala at The Main Street Gardens in Dallas on October 6th!

 

Jamie Richards – Latest and Greatest

Published on by Jan Sikes4 Comments

One of my favorite things in life is listening to music. I also love writing CD reviews for new releases that tug at my heart strings.

Jamie Richards‘ newest CD release, Latest and Greatest, does just that!

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I first met Jamie Richards several years ago at a Texas music festival. The thing that impressed me about him then and now is his truth. If you listen to the lyrics to his songs, you’ll understand what I mean by that statement. Below is my review of Latest and Greatest.

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Jamie Richards stands a head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to true traditional country music. He walks his talk, and that is reflected perfectly with the release of his sixth album, Latest and Greatest.

Some of the songs on this album have been previously recorded and are fan favorites. But, five new releases are destined to keep Jamie Richards spinning on the radio. “Second Hand Smoke,” co-written with Mark Powell, was released as a single in September and debuted on radio in the top 100 at #60. It has now climbed to #8 on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. 

The words from Jamie’s song, “Real,” could be a biography from the man himself. “I live it/I breathe it/Like raising hell/ I like drinking/Like fishing/Living on a country road/Don’t believe what politicians say/Don’t think lyin’ is okay/That’s just how I feel/I like real.”

“When You Love Somebody” expresses the joy and hope life can bring when you love and are loved in return.

The message in “Sayin’ Goodbye” brought a lump to my throat. How many times have we lost someone in life and covered up the hurt and pain by staying so busy we never took the time to say goodbye?

“I’m not Drinkin’” is irony at its best. “No, I’m not drinkin’/I’m just thirsty…”

The other songs on the album have become classics for Jamie Richards.

“Last Call,” co-written with Wayd Battle, is a poignant look at a timeless lost love. Jamie puts his signature style on “Any Way You Want Me To,” co-written with Walt Wilkins.

You can hear “Never Gonna Hear it From Me,” “Whiskey Night,” and “Drive,” at most of Jamie’s live shows. The descriptive lyrics along with Jamie’s smooth voice bring the songs to life.

“She’s as Cold as the Beer She’s Drinkin’” is a ballad to the woman who has frozen her heart never to let anyone in.

“I’ll Have Another” is a shining example of Jamie’s songwriting ability and may just be the most well-written song in Texas country music today. It is nothing short of poetic genius and Jamie gives credit for the song idea to Shannon Carpenter.  “Easier by Now” speaks of lost love and Jamie ends this album with a bonus version of “Real” featuring Justin Frazell.

If you love REAL country music, this album needs to be on your playlist and under your Christmas tree!

I invite you to visit Jamie’s Website

Go to CDBaby and preview some of these songs.

Check his tour dates and catch a live show. I promise you won’t be disappointed!!