Lonesome Whistle
22/03/11 16:52 Filed in: The Roys
The Roys are a brother / sister act. Born in Massachusetts, they moved to New Brunswick, Canada at an early age, Elaine and Lee Roy are now living in Nashville. They have won ICM (Inspirational Country Music) Duo of the Year Award for two consecutive years. Both are very accomplished writers and musicians who have produced a very polished bluegrass album. They have written or co-written ten of the eleven tracks on the album.
The opening track “Coal Minin’ Man” Written by Lee and Matt Rogers (who has strong family ties with the mining industry) tells of a man who starts his 12 hour shift before dawn to go down a dark hole to earn a dollar. A stick of dynamite is the only way he knows to take out his frustrations at work. At the end of the day, his wife makes his life worthwhile.
Elaine takes the vocals on ”That’s What Makes It Love” tells of relationship problems and life’s ups and downs, but overcoming them makes lasting love. ‘It is the greatest of emotions, the deepest bond of trust / and that’s what makes it love./’ Ricky Skaggs and The Whites add their musical and vocal skills to this track.
The title track “Lonesome Whistle” Is a sad song, telling of a couple whose lives revolve around a train. The train carries him off to war and the same train brings his coffin home to her.
“I Wonder What God’s Thinking” is a nicely performed Country Gospel song with down to earth lyrics. This is my favourite track.
“Give A Ride To The Devil” is about a young lad who is tempted to steal some gum, but a tap on the shoulder by a stranger, tells him not to go down the road of crime. The song continues about various situations in life where we have to choose between right or wrong .
On a lighter note “My Oh My How Time Flies” has your foot tapping, with excellent harmonies and lively accompaniment.
This album is predominately bluegrass, but those who enjoy excellent musicianship and pleasing vocal harmonies will also appreciate it.
The Roys vocals come over loud and clear, unlike some bluegrass albums where the music overrides the vocals.
Although I am not a dedicated bluegrass fan, I really enjoyed this album.
Mike
The opening track “Coal Minin’ Man” Written by Lee and Matt Rogers (who has strong family ties with the mining industry) tells of a man who starts his 12 hour shift before dawn to go down a dark hole to earn a dollar. A stick of dynamite is the only way he knows to take out his frustrations at work. At the end of the day, his wife makes his life worthwhile.
Elaine takes the vocals on ”That’s What Makes It Love” tells of relationship problems and life’s ups and downs, but overcoming them makes lasting love. ‘It is the greatest of emotions, the deepest bond of trust / and that’s what makes it love./’ Ricky Skaggs and The Whites add their musical and vocal skills to this track.
The title track “Lonesome Whistle” Is a sad song, telling of a couple whose lives revolve around a train. The train carries him off to war and the same train brings his coffin home to her.
“I Wonder What God’s Thinking” is a nicely performed Country Gospel song with down to earth lyrics. This is my favourite track.
“Give A Ride To The Devil” is about a young lad who is tempted to steal some gum, but a tap on the shoulder by a stranger, tells him not to go down the road of crime. The song continues about various situations in life where we have to choose between right or wrong .
On a lighter note “My Oh My How Time Flies” has your foot tapping, with excellent harmonies and lively accompaniment.
This album is predominately bluegrass, but those who enjoy excellent musicianship and pleasing vocal harmonies will also appreciate it.
The Roys vocals come over loud and clear, unlike some bluegrass albums where the music overrides the vocals.
Although I am not a dedicated bluegrass fan, I really enjoyed this album.
Mike