Spotlight - The Front Porch Country Band

I'm out there on the scene as much as I possibly can and I've seen/heard a lot of different musical styles. But, the one thing that I haven't seen/heard a lot of is country music. Yes, I know, I'm sure they're out there. Maybe I'm not in touch with them because I'm not looking in the right place...and maybe it's because I'm not really into country music.

The first country band that I ever really got into was The Alison Wonderband. Okay, so they were doing pop music when I hooked up with them. But, they went on to do a country album, which was sent my way and I actually liked it. As people, Alison and her husband, Richard, have a lot of personality and it comes across in their music. That's probably why I got into it. Well, that and the fact that it was really good music.

Anyway, since most of my writing was on rock 'n' roll bands and I wasn't writing for everyone on the planet at this time, there wasn't much I could do for the band. But, that didn't stop me. I tried pushing them through the rock 'n' roll audience that I was reaching.

I kept in touch with the band on somewhat of a regular basis. I would write or call every few months just to see what they were up to and if there was anything I could do to help, meaning, anything new that I could write about. Well, it's been quite some time since I got in touch and I was sitting here one night and I thought, hey, why not call and see what they're up to. Turns out that The Alison Wonderband is taking a break for awhile. But, Alison and Richard are still out there, this time as part of a group called The Front Porch Country Band.

Some of their music was given to me to review and, I must say, I'm impressed. The first was a CD single called "Hot Rock Came To The Country" and it's a very upbeat tune that brings to mind that song about the devil going down to Georgia. You know which one I'm talking about. This is a cool tune that's got a lot of energy and I'm sure that when the band plays live, this one's a real crowd pleaser.

The other release, well, I've gotta tell you, this could very well be the best album to ever come out of Pennsylvania. "America Standing Tall" was, unfortunately, born out of the tragic events that shocked our world on September 11th, 2001. But, you know how they say music can be a great comfort? Well, this release might very well be able to ease some of the pain that those events brought us as a nation.

"Echoes Of Your Love" is a beautiful song about the people who made last minute phone calls to their loved ones as they faced death in the Twin Towers. This is a song that will touch the deepest parts of your heart. This is, at least in my opinion, the stand out track on this release. "American Skies," as the liner notes state, is the anthem for a new, united America and "America Standing Tall" is a song that describes how our country can still stand tall in the face of tragic events, such as September 11th and December 7th, which was the attack on Pearl Harbor.

These three songs are also featured as one combined song called "The American Trilogy," which is an extended play version that features various excerpts of American Presidents' historic calls to defend America's freedom.

Finally, as a special bonus, this release features the full statement that George Bush made to Congress and the nation on September 20th. Everyone reading this review has probably heard this speech. But, still, months later, the words of George Bush are still both moving and inspirational.

When you put it all together, it's an exceptional recording that's sure to become part of American history. I don't view this release as a reminder of September 11th. I view this release as a reminder of how strong we can be as a nation. I also view this release as a reminder of how caring some people can actually be. It's a very moving and inspirational release and, yes, I've gotta admit, I was touched.

I don't care what style of music you're into, this release should be added to your collection because, it's part of our history and it will be forever remembered as one of the greatest releases to ever come out of the state of Pennsylvania. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

http://www.frontporchcountryband.com

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/315/front_porch_country_band.html