That's Not Me - Randy Thompson

Terrific new voice.

One of the real perks of being a reviewer is getting to hear new artists. Randy Thompson is a new artist that is a stand out.

The crippling losses which country music has suffered since the turn of the century have resulted in the diminishment of the genre, as so few are coming forward to fill their shoes. Recently, we've heard from Josh Turner, who has been compared to a young Johnny Cash. Now here's Randy Thompson, and I have to say, he's worthy to try on the boots of Ol' Hoss himself.

Randy doesn't sound LIKE Waylon Jennings. But there is a similarity, something that struck me as I listened to this disc. There's a lonesome growl in the low tenor voice, a cry in the Telecaster, a plaintive quality to the lyrics and a country-blues beat that just feels like Waylon. Randy Thompson presents his music without excuses, he simply sings his songs.

Leading off with a short Steve Young composition, "The Whole World," this debut disc is powerful straight through. Thompson's no-nonsense vocals are accompanied by a strong backup band and light-handed production which, although done by several people in several different places, seems to retain a unity of whole.

Randy Thompson makes a dandy first impression. I hope to hear a lot more from him in the years to come.