| Twang on a Wire - Kate Campbell | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
Twang on a Wire is an awesome album from independent artist Kate Campbell. The CD is an enhanced CD, and allows you to see some live footage including interviews, the making of the album and general conversation about the album. The interesting thing about her song choices is that each was a hit between 1968 and 1975 for a woman. When you think in terms of today, that doesn't seem like a big thing. When you look back in terms of how the industry used to treat the "woman singers", it is a testament to the true talent and perseverance shown by these great ladies. Back then, a woman was just not supposed be a major contender in the field. This album tips a hat to women like Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Jeannie C. Riley, Jeanne Pruett and Lynn Anderson among others. They are responsible for the ability of today's women to enjoy the success they do.
The song choices were actually the first thing that caught my attention on this album. Almost all of them were favorites of mine when I was growing up. "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, is a particular favorite. I had my doubts that anyone else could do this song justice, but Kate stepped up to the plate and did an awesome job. She tweaked it a little to fit her style, but it isn't bad. The great thing about all of these songs, is that they aren't arranged so differently from the original versions that you are uncomfortable singing along. In fact, it is almost impossible not to tap your toes and chime in with her. Kate has her own singing style and is very comfortable in her profession. What comes through in the album is her genuine love for what she is doing.
I used to drive my dad nuts when we went anywhere near a jukebox while "Rose Garden" was peaking on the charts. I played that song until everyone around me was sick of it. I was finally banned from the jukebox, but I never got tired of the song. Kate has done a superb job with it. This version is more acoustic than the original, but it is a perfect showcase for Kate's voice.
Kevin Gordon joined Kate for "Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man," and it is darn close to the original. Yes, the name is typed right. Kevin is from Louisiana and Kate is from Mississippi, so they tweaked the name a bit to fit their circumstances.
Tanya Tucker is not one to shy away from something she wants to do, and the eyebrows were raised all over Nashville when she recorded "Would You Lay With Me In A Field Of Stone" at 15. Not only were the lyrics a little steamy for the conservative industry, but her age played a big factor in the refusal of many radio stations to play the song. Be that as it may, the song was done extremely well and became a major song for Tanya. Jeff Finlin joins Kate on this song and together they make the song their own.
Dolly Parton is unquestionably a driving force in country music. She has opened many doors for female artists to follow in her footsteps. One of the two Dolly penned songs that are on this album, "Down from Dover" is a ballad that sounds great with the acoustics and fits in with the simplistic style of this album.
"Harper Valley PTA" was a major hit for Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. It stepped up to the plate for somone on the receiving end of pointed fingers. She stood her ground and when all was said and done, her choice of wardrobe was minor compared to the sins of those pointing fingers. Even though it has been over 30 years, it still personifies small town thinking in many ways. It is a great choice to include on the album.
"Twang on a Wire" was written by Kate, and is the lone song on the album that isn't a cover. The lyrics are about women who love to pick and sing and this song fits in with the other songs extremely well. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than "twang on a wire" to relax.
Anyone who enjoys the acoustic and laid back style of classic country music will love this album. It is easy to listen to, and very hard not to sing along with. Kate Campbell does not have a cookie cutter voice. She has her own style, her own sound and her comfort level with what she is doing makes her all the better.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of Large River Music.
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
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