Here at
CountryStarsOnline.com we’re always on the lookout for emerging
talent, and acts that have been around for a while, but
without the fanfare they deserve. That’s going to change. Here in
"
Waiting In The Wings" we’re going to introduce you to acts and
performers who, for one reason or another, have caught our eye and
our ear. We think you’ll like them.
Chris Gray - From Where I Am Mirrome Records
By Cheryl Harvey Hill
There are several nice tracks on this CD and I
actually didn't get the urge to fast forward through one song;
this is always a good sign. Chris Gray definitely has the right
voice for the tears in your beer ballads and he also has a knack
for songwriting. He had a hand in writing three of the songs from
this album including "Red, White and Blue" which he
wrote while still in the Navy aboard the USS Missouri in the
Persian Gulf War. You may have seen the music video for this song
on GAC. It first aired in 2002 in medium rotation and is still
played. I'm a sucker for the patriotic songs but although
"Red, White and Blue" is a nice song, it wasn't one of
the most outstanding on the album.
Gray was a local, state and regional winner in
the former True Value/Jimmy Dean Country Showdowns. As a
singer-songwriter he remembers the first time he performed for a
live audience. "It was like coming home. I get a huge rush
when I connect with an audience." As a songwriter, Gray
says he begins with a hook, finds a complementary melody and goes
from there. With his impressive voice, connecting with his
audience is a definite given.
Proud of his small-town Louisiana roots, Gray,
who plays guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and trumpet, got his big
break in country when he began opening at the Louisiana Superdome
for George Strait's Straitland Festival, a special honor. Gray
credits Strait for a powerful influence on his own career. "George
Strait is a genius at picking hits and he’s always stayed true
to himself. He’s never let fame interfere with being a family
man."
Stand out tracks: "I Keep it Under My Hat," "That's
As Far As it Goes," "From Where I Am," "How
Much Your Love Means to Me"
Wyndi Renee - She’s Done A
180 The Babette Record Company
By George Peden
When
Virginia-based Wyndi Renee sings about the pain, losing and hardship
of life, you can believe her. She’s been there. She’s done that.
Several times. In her seven page media autobiography for her
latest release, she journals the trail of shattered dreams, missed
hopes and recording disappointments, only to arrive through the
ordeal bruised but not broken.
As she tells with revealing honesty,
“I’ve had a very long, trying experience in this world of the
music industry with so much more than I could ever write.” In that
promised book alongside chapters of depressing deals, one night
shows and gigs that hit the wall, there should be a page dedicated
to Doc Holiday. The famous Doc, a music veteran enjoying current
popularity with his “This Is About As Country As I’m Gonna Git”
album – a download favorite on iTunes –has been the visionary
mentor to the recently married Renee.
With an association spanning years
and several developmental albums, Doc has guided the young wannabee.
Now with a 13 track album that has the radio popular “She Done A
180”, the effort is seeing results.
While Renee charters her course to
stardom -- ask her and she’ll tell you that despite the setbacks
this is still the only path for her -- this own label release should
serve as a musical testament for determination and can-do
persistence. The music may be for her and the fans, but her
autobiography is a reality check and industry signpost to those who
write and record. Listen to the album and read the bio. It’s a
lesson for the learning.
Best tracks are the introspective
rocker, “She’s Done A 180”; the patriotically soaked “In
America” and the lover’s lament on “You Wouldn’t Lie To An
Angel, Would Ya?” The album also comes with 5 bonus tracks.
Malibu Storm
- Debut CD Rounder Records
By Jim Weaver
I've
always said that there's nothing better than sibling harmony and the
debut CD by Dana, Lauren and Michael known as Malibu Storm proves it
once again.
Malibu
Storm has been singing and playing together as professional
musicians for over 9 years now but obviously they've been singing
and playing together since they were able. Why are you just now
hearing about them? Simple, this is their first attempt at
"main stream" country music. The brother and sisters trio
have been performing in their native California for years as a
Bluegrass band and you can hear it in their music. So what we have
here is a band that can not only sing but they play the heck out of
their own instruments too... I love that!
What
you won't find on this album,
over-produced-Nashville-hit-machine-horse-hockey. What you will find
is pure country music with a west-coast Grassy feel, great harmonies
and good songs. If that's what turns your sound-crank then this CD
is a must have.
And
no, you aren't seeing double, Dana and Lauren are identical
twins, Michael is their younger brother.
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CSO.
There are several nice tracks on this CD and I
actually didn't get the urge to fast forward through one song;
this is always a good sign. Chris Gray definitely has the right
voice for the tears in your beer ballads and he also has a knack
for songwriting. He had a hand in writing three of the songs from
this album including "Red, White and Blue" which he
wrote while still in the Navy aboard the USS Missouri in the
Persian Gulf War. You may have seen the music video for this song
on GAC. It first aired in 2002 in medium rotation and is still
played. I'm a sucker for the patriotic songs but although
"Red, White and Blue" is a nice song, it wasn't one of
the most outstanding on the album.
When
Virginia-based Wyndi Renee sings about the pain, losing and hardship
of life, you can believe her. She’s been there. She’s done that.
Several times. In her seven page media autobiography for her
latest release, she journals the trail of shattered dreams, missed
hopes and recording disappointments, only to arrive through the
ordeal bruised but not broken.
I've
always said that there's nothing better than sibling harmony and the
debut CD by Dana, Lauren and Michael known as Malibu Storm proves it
once again.