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Lance
Miller - Studio 330 Sessions
By George
Peden
 Our
wings waiter, Lance Miller, isn’t too hard to find. The
good-looking singer and songwriter can be seen opening shows for Tim
and Faith, in the company of his musical buddies The Warren Bros,
and fronting his live CMT showcase. And here’s a CSO prediction:
if his debut album kicks, soon to be seen and heard in even more
places.
The
former Nashville Star finalist is hitting American jukeboxes with
“The Beach”. The single, off his Studio 330 Sessions
extended play, ponders why some modern cowboys are coastal rather
than country. The hook driven waiting-to-happen hit finds support
within its catchy lyrics, reminding us Johnny Cash never sang about
the beach, and, either did Waylon.
Maybe,
but Miller isn’t water-logged or sand-soaked on his EP. Produced
by The Warren Bros, Brett and Brad, “The Beach” (both album and
acoustic versions appear on the collector’s Walmart release) is a
good commercial radio vehicle for Miller, a die-hard Haggard fan.
Miller has “it” –the needed ingredient for country. He
delivers grit, emotion and melody, and all in equal measure.
If
you think I’m a fan, you’re right. I’ll be keen to hear his
album, Back In The New School, Warner Bros, due for release
later this year. In the meantime …Sessions will serve as an
entrée to the main course. “She Really Loves Me”, another tune
claiming radio interest, opens the set. Telling of signs painting a
faulting and folding relationship, the Miller and Jay Knowes
co-write is a signpost for the hurtin’ “Can’t Get Enough”
and the bluesy “Time To Go Crazy”.
Look
out for Lance Miller. It won’t be a long wait.
Website
MySpace
Amanda
Henkel
By Jim Weaver
 More
talent is emerging from LA, and I don't mean Los Angeles. Amanda
Henkel hails from Slidell, Louisiana (LA) and has had a tremendous
career in modeling and being a representative of Hawaiian Tropic for
many years, but her heart and her future lies in country music. I
would imagine it would be pretty hard to grow up in Slidell and not
be immersed in country music, that's kinda like having a crawfish
boil with no zydeco band, ain't happinin'.
Don't
for one minute think this another one of those hoity-toity models
that's gotten bored with the runways and now wants to do something
else until she gets bored with that. Amanda and her sister have traveled
the fair circuit in Louisiana as a duo called "Lil Sis" so
she has already paid some dues toward the focus of her new career.
She not only has the beauty and charm but also the talent to back it
up.
I
had the pleasure of meeting Amanda back in December of '06 along
with her manager Keith Andrews and budding fellow artist Cody
McCarver. Henkel was in McCarver's first video for the song
"Red Flag". I was more than impressed with her personality
and looks then, and even more impressed now that I've heard her
sing.
So
guys, if you can, put your eyes back in your head cause this gal is
a standout, A-team, first-stringer with a voice. (Sorry for the
football references but the NFL season starts this week!)
MySpace
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