on 2011-06-21 Michael_Morrison Said:

Artist: Steve Warner : The Rolling Coyotes
Album: Train of Life
Label: Talking Horse Music
Website: http://www.stevewarnermusic.com/
Genre: Country
Sounds Like: Willie Nelson, Arlo Gutherie
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 00/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Lyrical Content: 9/10
Best Songs: Train of Life, Rise and Shine
Strengths: Instrumentation, Songwriting craft, Lyrical Content
Weakness: Some dodgy vocal harmonies

CD Review:

Steve Warner hails from West Virginia and is an accomplished songwriter. As well as teaching songwriting, running workshops and judging songwriting competitions he can also be regularly seen out performing with his band, The Rolling Coyotes. The Coyotes are Andy Mosholder (Bass and Cello) and Elliot Simon (Piano and Accordion). This latest offering has 17 tracks on it (3 of which are bonus tracks) and lasts for just over an hour, with the band being joined by Nancy Lynn on vocals.

This definitely feels like the sort of CD that should be listened to while sitting out on your porch looking out across a prairie! It has a very traditional feel which will have any fans of the Willie Nelson style, clambering over themselves to get hold of a copy and they wont be disappointed. The Coyotes are clearly an experienced bunch in this style and mostly the songs flow from one to another, keeping your foot tapping all the while. There are some lovely lyrics throughout the CD  some great observations and some very funny lines that just add to the entertainment.

I must admit that this isnt particularly my thang, but my only criticisms would be that there are some areas of the CD where the backing vocals sounded like they werent quite pitched right. Sadly I didnt like the cover of Sunny Afternoon which I thought sounded a bit too heavy and clumpy  it felt more like an oppressive heat than a welcome one!

REVIEWED BY LOUISELY DAMORE (UK)
Rating: 8/10