Music Reviews
Oct-Nov 2004
Music of the West
Sing and Swing
By Hugh McLennan
Magical Mystery Man
Billy Chernoff
 Billy Chernoff and Dean Phillips wrote all 10 songs on this new collection. The project was recorded in two of Alberta's well-known studios, Hamiltone Productions and Sundae Sound. Most of the tracks have, to my ear at least, more of a classic country sound than what I'd call pure western, but the lyrics and storyline do qualify several of the tracks for airplay on Spirit Of The West.
Several great musicians add their talents including Dave Hamilton, whose Hamiltone Studios are well-known for a good country sound on acoustic and electric guitars. Jeff Bradshaw is featured on steel guitar and dobro; Dean Marshall on fiddle and Keith Flowen on piano. It's a bigger group than you'd find around the average campfire. Ron Casat plays a Hammond B3 organ, Bill Hills supplies harmonica sounds and Phil Hall sings background vocals.
Songs like Your Cowboy Loves You and Rodeo Miles will have folks flocking to the dance floor. My Old Compadres and Me has some great images of the Porcupine Hills and foothills of Southern Alberta. That one and Hard Living Cowboy would be my favorite tracks. Well-written songs, nicely sung, backed up by good musicians. You can place an order either online at www.oldhippyrecords.ca or by calling 1-888-464-9700.
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