#dutchbickell

  It was 2011 when his debut album, “On My Way To Finding You” made its way across my desk.  It was from Drake Jensen, a promising new member of Canadian music.  I was intrigued and hooked from the very first time I played the album.  The emotional lyrics and rugged vocals were a perfect match to my ears.  I knew immediately that I wanted to share Jensen’s music with whoever was willing to listen to me rave about it. 

Fast-forward to March 2013, I was anxiously awaiting the release of the follow up album, “OUTlaw”.  I had a chance to preview the video and listen to the leading single, “When It Hurts Like That”.  Once again, I was hooked.  After I received my first copy of “OUTlaw”, I found myself listening to the album over and over again. 

From “When It Hurts Like That” to “Be”, I listened to the entire album from start to finish.  I absorbed all of the emotions and stories.  I am a sucker for a song that paints images in my mind and makes my imagination run wild.  From the opening bars of “Checotah, Oklahoma” I had goosebumps.  It has been one of my favorite songs to date not only by Jensen, but one of my all-time favorite country tunes.

The entire album is full of stories.  Love stories, sad stories, and happy stories.  You can run a full range of emotions listening to “OUTlaw”.  There is a little bit of something for everyone.  I often refer to something I call, “studio magic”.  It is not what I refer to when I am implying that music is made to sound better in the studio than on stage, but what I use to refer to the essence that is captured in the studio when working on these songs.  The raw and real honesty that projects from each track is heard throughout “OUTlaw”.

“Checotah, Oklahoma” strikes a chord, alongside some other great tracks.  “Fast Enough For Me”, “Be”, “Crazy Beautiful”, and “Midnight Forest Cricket Chorus” are a just few of the ones that I find myself hitting repeat when I throw on the album in my CD player or iPod.  I have been adding Jensen’s music to my library since 2011.  I am proud to enjoy his music.  Like every other album in my collection of artists and music, it holds a special place.

“Everytime I See Your Picture” is the newest single from Jensen’s album Retro.  I strongly recommend checking out the video and track for yourself, along with the rest of Jensen’s music library.

  “Pray For Peace” is a brand new song by the extraordinary Reba McEntire.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have been a huge fan of McEntire’s for as long as I have loved music.  She has a powerful and captivating presence, both vocally and dramatically.  Members of country music, loyal legions of fans, and members of the media and music industry have shared many words of admiration for McEntire, myself included.

The concept behind “Pray For Peace” is quite simple, so simple in fact, the title sums it up.  Never be fooled by simplicity.  The emotion behind the song is what makes it so powerful.  Hard hitting lyrics, with words that can relate to almost everyone is what makes it so relevant. 

The video for the song is backed by images and videos of different people all around the world in varying conditions and landmarks.  From smiling children in third world conditions, to the Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, Canada.  The entire video hooks you and holds your attention.

McEntire mentions on her website; “The idea to write the song “Pray For Peace” came to me last year as I was walking on our place in Gallatin, Tn. For days I’d sing, “Pray for Peace”, over and over. It wasn’t until several months later did the other parts start to fall in place. Some, not until we got into the studio to record it. I feel this song is a gift from God. I have never worked on a song as long as this one. It went from a bass drum, fiddle and singers to guest artists singing with me, adding more instruments and even a choir and a bagpipe!”

McEntire has always used her talents for making a positive impact.  The recipient of many awards and nominations not only honoring her musical accomplishments, but her philanthropic efforts as well.  McEntire has received such high honors as; the Minnie Pearl Award, the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, and the Johnny Cash Visionary Award to name just a few.

Even more amazing than the impact McEntire herself makes with “Pray For Peace” is the chain reaction and contribution of other members of country music and the musical world itself has produced.  “Pray For Peace” is a wonderful message when those in troubled times need it most.  What I love most about “Pray For Peace” is that there are no theatrics, no gimmicks, and no hidden motives.  It is McEntire sharing her love with the world, her family, her musical family, friends, and fans.  All she asks is that we simply, “Pray For Peace”.

It was 2007.  I was excited to see one of my favorite Canadian Country Music artists, Aaron Pritchett.  On the bill was an “opening act” whose name I had not heard of before.  The music started, the lights came up and Jessie Farrell hopped on stage.  She was a beautiful and talented red-headed country singer from British Columbia.  I was so impressed with her set; I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of her debut album “Nothing Fancy”.

Those who know me know that one talent I often favor is those of singer/songwriters.  I love artists who can create original material all on their own.  Don’t get me wrong there are many talent music artists who can sing the heck out of anything, but couldn’t write a song to save their life.  I find deep emotions when I listen to an artist performing an original song.  I often compare it to watching a parent with their child.  Anyone can baby sit a child, but you pay special attention to your own.

Farrell had her hand in writing all ten tracks on “Nothing Fancy”.  Don’t let the title fool you, it has a polished sound that is not often achieved on a debut album.  It is slick, well written, and vocally strong.  This should come as no surprise considering Farrell raked in three Canadian Country Music Awards that following year, including Female Artist of the Year.  When you put hard work into a project, it pays off.

Like every other album in my collection, I have spent hours listening to “Nothing Fancy”.  A perfect blend of sassy up-tempo tunes and deep heartfelt ballads.  For the past seven years I have considered this album one of my “musical friends”.   It has a little bit of something for everything.  When I need a fun tune to rock out to during a workout, I jam to “I Guess” and “Sorry For You”.  When I need a song to escape and enjoy being in love, I throw on “Fell Right Into You” and “Best Of Me”.  When I am missing someone, I turn to the sweet sounds of “Coming Home (Jono’s Song)”. 

Farrell manages to keep my attention from start to finish.  This is an album that I can play from track one to ten and not find myself constantly flipping around and playing a few tracks before switching it out of my cd player.  She has a unique blend of country music that brings to mind her inspirations from artists such as Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, and other strong female influences.

To see Farrell perform these songs live is like watching a parent read a bedtime story to their children.  It is something special that is not often captured in the studio and on stage.  She loves each and every single one of these songs.  She is smart, sassy, and beautiful, but most importantly she is honest.  The stories behind each of the songs are as interesting and entertaining as the song itself.

It stands out in my collection, and I often refer to it as one of my favorite albums.  I am happy to share this album with you this week and I hope that you find the same enjoyment listening to “Nothing Fancy” as I have. 

It has been a while since I have heard a really well written tune.  Earlier in 2014 I was fortunate enough to hear the brand new single from Terri Clark, “Some Songs”.  Instantly I was hooked.  It’s a sweet and infectious tune that could be a great summer hit.  She has poured a lot of effort into her upcoming album.  I am very excited to hear the album upon completion. 

Check out the brand new video for “Some Songs” here and the stunning album cover. I cannot wait until this album is in my hands!