| Redneck Fiddlin' Man - Charlie Daniels Band | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
The legendary Charlie Daniels is releasing yet another album sure to become a fast favorite. It is from Audium records and has some incredible songs on it. Redneck Fiddlin' Man is already one of the CD's that I consider one of my favorites, and I've only had it a short while. Due to the high energy level on the majority of the songs, this would be a great CD to pop in the stereo for a fun get-together. As the title suggests, there is some terrific fiddle music, and it is impossible to not tap your toes and move along with almost the entire album.
I enjoy how they start the album. You hear the sounds of a quiet country evening. Then you hear a car driving up with its radio on. They advertise the Charlie Daniels Band should be hitting the stage right about then and that they are going to "Rock This Joint" tonight. That is not an idle statement. Charlie immediately sets the tone for the whole album with his high-energy performance of this song. It is certainly "Rocking"! Great instrumentals and you can't help but bounce along with it.
In "Waco," he laments the fact that he just wants to go home. He wants somebody, somewhere to just pick him up and take him back to Waco. The big city sidewalks just don't fit his shoes. He goes on to list the things he misses from his home, and he has a bad case of the Blues. This will get fairly repetitive, but again there are great instrumentals showcasing the fiddle.
We continue to "Rock" with "Little Joe and Big Bill." It seems to be about a little club that has a fairly hefty reputation in the area. They have great food and they like great country and they like it LOUD. It is another fast moving song that is just talking about some down-home country fun. For those who grew up in areas where little clubs like this were or still are popular weekend hangouts, this song will bring back nostalgic memories.
"The Last Fallen Hero" is another song as only Charlie can do it. It is tribute to the hero's of September 11 and all those who have continued those acts of heroism in the aftermath of the tragedy. It is written beautifully and does not have the same overtones as his popular, but often controversial, song "It Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag." "The Last Fallen Hero" is just a promise to never forget and not slack or rest until the last fallen hero rests in peace. It is a very powerful song, and very well done. It uses drums as a featured instrumental - done in the manner of what you hear as the drummer leads the way into battle.
"Southern Boy" is a duet with Travis Tritt. These two southern boys can really do some "cookin'" when they combine resources. It talks about what it means to be a "Southern Boy." Living the life they are meant to live, working hard and playing just as hard. They say their "sirs" and "ma'ams." They say that if you haven't lived in Dixie, then you are only camping out. Having lived in the South for a few years now, I will have to say that there is a definite change of attitude in the southern states. Things are much more relaxed as a rule.
Charlie throws in a rousing Cajun song for good measure as well. "Fais Do Do" is pure Zydeco all the way. Head on over to the Fais Do Do, wear your pretty clothes and don't be late. Everybody's gonna go. It is almost impossible not to be up and moving with this song.
The title song is fairly self-explanatory. "Redneck Fiddlin' Man" is song about a small town in Mississippi with a four-piece band. This song is sung somewhat along the same style as "Devil Went Down To Georgia." The words are sung fast and the ends are almost spit out. After each chorus they throw in some awesome fiddling. They also throw some piano and other instruments in for good measure near the end of the song. The premise of this song is that the band may be small, but the music they create isn't.
"Crosstown Traffic" is a completely instrumental selection. The guys in the band are very talented and this is a great way to showcase that talent.
Bottom line is that this is one of the best Charlie Daniels albums I have heard yet. The songs are well written and the lyrics are backed up with great music. I would say that this is a must have for anyone who enjoys the "Southern Rock" style of country. It is also another really good choice for an album to have on a party play list. Charlie continues to show that his blood truly flows Red, White and Blue by closing the album with the "Star Spangled Banner." It is a fitting close to a wonderful album.
Song List:
- Rock This Joint
- Waco
- Little Joe and Big Bill
- The Last Fallen Hero
- Southern Boy *duet with Travis Tritt
- High Speed Heroes
- Fais Do Do
- Muddy Mississippi
- Redneck Fiddlin' Man
- Crosstown Traffic
- My Baby Plays Me Just Like A Fiddle
- Star Spangled Banner
Album cover used with permission of Audium Entertainment.
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