Good Luck Mountain
Mike Ferrio’s previous band, the Tandy, came to an end with the untimely death of his musical partner Drew Glackin. Good Luck Mountain is his response to the shock and grief of that event, and also a fresh start in a new direction. Good Luck Mountain is the name he’s adopted for his new band as well as the name of the first record.
He describes his new band mates as “seasoned players”, who include Konrad Meissner from The Silos (with whom Drew Glackin also played) and Matt Mays, formerly of The Guthries. The album features contributions from numerous additional musicians, creating music that is meticulously crafted – layers of sound emerging from synthesiser atmospherics in the background, with shifting focal points characterised by the thoughtful incorporation of strings or horns.
This was originally going to be about second album “Too” but since the first has also appeared from the pile, this is more generally about the at times otherworldly sounds. I’ve picked ‘The Seven Sisters to illustrate the sound because it covers pretty much all the ground in one song.
Bruce Robison:
One of Texas’s finest songwriters you’ve never heard of is Bruce Robison. Notable achievements include The (Dixie) Chicks’ Number 1 hit “Travelin’ Soldier,” George Strait’s version of “Wrapped,” and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill interpretation of “Angry All The Time.” He’s an old school writer, performer and producer. Everything is recorded on analogue tape “with no digital shenanigans – just like back when music was good.”
The album that popped out of the boxes of discs I mentioned last time was ‘Country Sunshine’. Released in 2001, the album features Robison’s distinctive straightforward Texas delivery. It blends good ole traditional country elements with more contemporary stylings without losing that bit of grit which good country needs. It also features his then wife Kelly Willis on a few songs as well as ex Face Ian McLagan and bassist Doug Crouch on the guest list.
Standout tracks include “What Would Willie Do,” a tribute to Willie Nelson’s influence on country music, and “Desperately,” which was another turned into a hit by George. The album also contains the original of the aforementioned “Travelin’ Soldier.”
Not much music to offer online so this time it’s had to be dreaded Spotify I’m afraid, hopefully enough to show the quality and why you should listen to him.
