TURNER WEST PRESS RELEASE
TURNER WEST COMMIT COMMERCIAL SUICIDE SHOCK
So what is it that bothers people so much about country music? Is it the women of a certain age in church halls and school gyms, in check shirts, jeans and unlikely boots, line-dancing to “Achy Breaky Heart”?
It’s not altogether clear, but certainly if next year’s Christmas TV schedules includes one of those list programs called “BRITAIN’S 50 FAVOURITE WAYS TO COMMIT COMMERCIAL SUICIDE IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS”, it’s not unlikely that the top 3, in reverse order would be “Be a Chicory Tip tribute band”, “Do a cover version of Little Jimmy Osmond’s ‘Long-haired lover from Liverpool’” and “Make an album of British country music”.
So to the unmistakeable sound of careers crashing ignominiously to the floor around us, we are forced to announce that a group of British musicians of impeccable pedigree, with dues duly paid many times over, and known as TURNER WEST have released an album of, yes, well, rather Nashville-type stuff.
After that, if you are still with us in the fourth paragraph, you are no doubt one of a select group, and very welcome. TURNER WEST are David “Dzal” Martin, Phil Rynhart and Barry Owen. Their collective biogs won’t fit on this page, but you find out most of what you need to know at www.morsongs.com.
What you can also find there are the twelve tracks that make up their first album with this line-up. They are an unashamed reflection of their admiration of the luminaries of what, for want of a more accurate definition, we can call “new country” – Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill et al, who for those enlightened souls who manage not to harbour the prejudices noted above, produce some of the best contemporary music around.
If you heard a TURNER WEST track on Nick Barraclough’s admirable Radio 2 show, and didn’t know it was recorded rather closer to the Thames than the Tennessee river, chances are you’d think that you were being introduced to the latest output of Music Row’s finest. And let’s not forget that most of those folk sell albums a million at a time.
TURNER WEST’s big break may well come when one of the above-mentioned luminaries records one of their songs, and has a big U.S. hit with it. Until it does, for the moment you can be first to discover them and spread the word........
Album Review: http://www.countrymusicandmore.co.uk/
Self Titled—Artist’s own
Tracks: Computer Say No; Don’t Tell Me Lies; I Don’t Wanna Fall; Lock Me In This Heaven; Faded And Torn; Real Love Just Walks Away; She’s More Man Than Me; Brightest Star; As The Years Go By; Speed Dating; Spring Clean Your Heart; Her Name Escapes Me; If This Is What It Takes. Running time: 47:11.
The London-based trio Turner West were nominated for an award for Album Of The Year at the 2006 Radio Awards Show presented by the publication Southern Country. To be honest, I have never heard of this outfit but that’s not really surprising because of the fragmented country music scene that exists in Britain these days. I suspect that this is due to the poor support offered by the national broadcasters towards British country music and its performers.
Turner West is Barry Owen, from County Down, vocals and fiddle; David Dzal Martin Guitars. dobro, lap steel and banjo; Phil Rynhart, Dublin, bass guitar and mandolin. All reputable musicians with a love of country music. The band is supplemented by other musicians for the making of this album and includes Melvin Duffy pedal steel guitar and Alistair Gavin keyboards.
I suspect that all of the 13 tracks were written by the band and it goes to prove that the British scene are able, and most defiantly willing, to ply their craft on to an international market if given the opportunity that their talent justly deserves.
The opener “Computer Say No” offers a gutsy newgrass feel with a great dance beat. “Don’t Tell Me Lies” is splendid modern country that shows off Barry Owen’s voice well. “I Don’t Wanna Fall” goes into Vince Gill ballad mode with ease. “Lock Me In This Heaven” keeps the momentum going very well.
“Faded And Torn” offers a further insight into the quality that Turner West brings to the table even though I am still trying to figure the bands name. “Real Love Just Walked Away” again reminds me of Vince Gill. “She’s More Man Than Me” is measured well to up the tempo just in time before the melancholy mood sticks. “Brightest Star” is a beautiful tribute song to a loved one. “As The Years Go By” has a Union Station feel to it.
“Speed Dating” injects some fun and a more modern feel. “Spring Clean Your Heart” finds a very good country groove that would suit the likes of Dwight Yoakam. “Her Name Escapes Me” has a rewarding passion that is so easy on the ear. “If This Is What It Takes” closes this splendid British album—nice and easy in a way that is filled with romance and good intention. I guess that this is exactly as Turner West would want things at this stage.
It gives me the chance to be proud of some of the untapped talent within the British scene that deserves more than it is getting. One day perhaps!
By BRIAN AHERN
Album Review http://www.americana-uk.com/auk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=3057
Turner West “Turner West” (Independent 2007)
Good old country boys doing what comes naturally
If you're going to play music, play it well and play it honestly. If you are a country music band then there's no requirement to be wildly innovative, after all country's survived and thrived for a few years now and there's not much under the musical sun that hasn't found it's way into the genre. But what is unforgivable and probably in country music more than any other genre, is to play without a healthy respect for what you're doing. This is the easiest genre to parody and the most difficult to get right, just stick your ear to the door of any line-dancing class to hear it done badly.
Thankfully, Turner West comprises seasoned and talented musicians and there is not one moment of magic squandered on their eponymous album. Perhaps even more importantly they haven't overplayed their hand either. The result is a beautifully warm and alive album, whose strength is its understated but definite strength of purpose.
It is also a completely unthreatening album, Computer Says No, the opening track , is a neat idea neatly executed but by the time Don't Tell Me Lies, which follows it, fades out you can be pretty certain that you're in for straight talking, fairly traditional country.
However, that lack of real surprise is compensated for by the vocals of Barry Owen, the ballads come from the heart, while the up tempo She's More Than Me is rooted in something more solid than cheap theatrics.
Admittedly, this is an album that won't lift you out of your seat, but settle down with it and you'll be rewarded by some well-written and equally well-played country music. Turner West, band and album, are a real pleasure.
site made by Phil “Turner West”
