C’est La Vie formerly The Jon J Paul Band has been away from the Country scene for about ten years. They appear to have the same line up. Jon J Paul, Tony Hornsby, Derek Thurlby and Lee Guyler.
There are twelve tracks on this album. The first being “Rose In Paradise”, it tells a story of a rich man who loves a woman so much that he buys her everything she could possibly desire. He is so besotted by her that he keeps her a virtual prisoner in their mansion. He employs a minder/gardener to spy on her while he is away on business. Unfortunately for him, his rose in paradise and the gardener vanish, but no one knows if they left together. Lady Chatterley set to music? This song was a hit for Waylon Jennings in 1987. Chris Young (on his 2009 album) was joined by Willie to sing ‘Rose in Paradise’.
“Real Love” is a self penned number by Jon J Paul. A lively tune, pleasant vocals and fine musical backing with accordion coming to the fore, akin to western swing, it should go down well with the line dancers. ‘Real Love’ tells of a man, who has found the real deal; it was love at first sight.
“Bad Things”. This song was a hit for Jace Everett in 2005. It tells of a man who has great difficulty in controlling his feelings when he sees her; she takes his breath away.
‘I don't know who you think you are, / But before the night is through, / I wanna do bad things with you.’ A ‘get the party started’ number, some outstanding guitar playing on this track.
“Carrickfergus”. I did a little research on this song, and found it was a traditional Irish Folk song. Carrickfergus is a town in County Antrim. The lyrics tell of a man who wishes he was once more in Carrickfergus, but the sea is too wide, and he has not the wings to fly. He recalls his childhood days, his friends and relations who have all passed away. ’Ah, to be back in Carrickfergus on the long road down to the sea / I’m drunk today and I’m seldom sober / A handsome rover from town to town / But I am sick now my days are numbered / Come all me young men and lay me down /’. A beautiful song, movingly sung enhanced by piano. My favourite track, I wish there were more songs of this caliber on this album.
“Loving You”. Has a 1940 / 50’s feel. The ladies will appreciate this romantic ballad. I believe The Mavericks recorded this number about seven years ago.
“Always Will Be”. The pedal steel enhances this rather bland love song.
Other tracks include, “That’s The Way Love Goes” (a hit for Merle Haggard in 1983), “Precious Time” (Van Morrison hit in 1999), “I Still Miss Someone” (a Johnny Cash hit from 1958), “Tear Stained Letter” (Richard Thompson hit in 1983), “Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” (a hit for Dwight Yoakam in 1990).
I will not write about the lyrics of the these songs as most Country Fans will know them off by heart. The final track, needless to say, is “C’est La Vie”.
I would have liked some newer material or seldom heard “old” songs. C’est La Vie do have the ability to be more adventurous in their choice. I am in my mid seventies, and am tired of hearing the same songs that UK bands have played for years, when there is so much good “new” available. However, I do know how difficult it is to choose songs for a Country album, as when I was talking to a UK band, I was told “ If you put all old songs on your album, the public will say they already have the original hits by US or other acts” he went on to say “If you include too many new songs, the public will say “Are they Country? I do not recognise the titles”.
Musically, a very fine album. C’est La Vie must be one of the best Country music bands in the UK.
Rita