Tony Kerr CD Review By Davy Kennedy
New Album Release "If It Weren't For Country Music"
I have a policy of only reviewing new albums I can say good things about, but the news that a reviewer has been sued by a label, for criticising a certain CD, and the lack of finances in the Kennedy kitty, has made me even more selective.
But, out of the blue, this excellent album by Tony Kerr popped through my door, and it only took a quick listen to the first few tracks, to reassure me that I would be completely safe with this one.
‘If It Weren’t For Country Music’ has taken Tony to a new, high level.
With the help of the brilliant Paul McNeilly as producer, Tony gives us an album which ranks with only one or two others, as possible Irish ‘country album of the year’.
Yes, it’s that good.
If you like real, honest country at it’s best, then I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to recommend this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Tony has included so many styles, within the ‘true country’ genre, that you can play this one again and again, without getting bored.
Indeed, it has that rare quality of making you constantly change your mind, if you attempt to list your favourites.
For that reason, I don’t really have ‘favourite tracks’, but some of the ones I find myself playing most are, the title song, which is certain to be heard a lot on radio.
‘Stand At Your Window’ and ‘The Pocket Of A Clown’ are also very ‘radio friendly’, I also love his gospel. ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’, his nod to Merle in ‘Sing Me Back Home’ and of course no Tony Kerr collection would be complete without a ‘slice of Slim’, in this case, ‘Love Song Of The Waterfall’.
I love them all, but if my arm was really twisted, and I could only choose one, it would be ‘It Takes So Long To Say Goodbye’ a little known Dean Martin song, which was an excellent choice, as it brings out the very best tones in Tony’s voice, and allows him to include a hint of a yodel, which results in a recording close to perfection.
If it weren’t for Tony Kerr, who, apart from his talent, is a real nice guy, then country music would be a poorer place.
Davy Kennedy.
Track Listing
If It Weren't For Country Music
It Takes So Long To Say Goodbye
Stand At Your Window
I'll Never Always Love You
The Pocket Of A Clown
No Reason To Quit
Uncle Lem
Thake My Hand Precious Lord
Beginning Of Goodbye
Living With The Shades Pulled Down
Sing Me Back Home
Lovesong Of The Waterfall