In the first of a short series of interviews with artists appearing at this year’s British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, we* spoke to Laura Johnston, one half of Cornwall-based duo Our Atlantic Roots. She tells us about how they formed, their new single ‘Golden Hour’, what to expect from their next EP, and whoContinue reading “Introducing Our Atlantic Roots”
Category Archives: A Christian Connection
Anne Wilson – My Jesus
Anne Wilson is a name that may not have reached the ears of most country music fans thus far. Yet her southern upbringing and admiration for the genre runs through the core of her debut album ‘My Jesus’. The title track has already proved to be somewhat of a breakthrough hit for Wilson, recording overContinue reading “Anne Wilson – My Jesus”
Tenille Townes – When’s It Gonna Happen
Tenille Townes continues to bear her beautiful soul with her latest single ‘When’s It Gonna Happen’. Honesty has always been the Canadian singer-songwriter’s best policy, and here she reveals how she feels sometimes about being single. Delivered in her own inimitable style, she discloses a part of herself usually hidden behind the “laughing… smiling face”Continue reading “Tenille Townes – When’s It Gonna Happen”
Rachel Jane – You & Me
‘You & Me’, the latest EP from Rachel Jane, is a much lighter affair than her last. This is perhaps not surprising given its themes of love and romance. She manages to avoid the schmaltziness associated with such topics however, particularly at this time of year, by retaining an essential RnB sound which, when coupledContinue reading “Rachel Jane – You & Me”
Pistol Annies – Leanin’ on Jesus
It wouldn’t be a Pistol Annies album without a little bit of gospel – though the surprise here, for a Christmas album, is perhaps that ‘Leanin’ on Jesus’ contains no references to the most wonderful time of the year. Instead, it offers a diversion into the purely devotional, avoiding any mention of snow, sleighs, orContinue reading “Pistol Annies – Leanin’ on Jesus”
The Merthyr Stigmatist – Sherman Theatre
The beauty of The Merthyr Stigmatist lies in its contemporary gospel message. “Why shouldn’t God send a miracle to Merthyr Tydfil?” is the strapline. One would be hard-pressed to come up with an answer at this play’s ending. Writer Lisa Parry carries something into her production which feels like its been formed in the fireContinue reading “The Merthyr Stigmatist – Sherman Theatre”
Carrie Underwood -My Saviour
Gospel albums can be a bit hit and miss, particularly if they feature well-known, well-trodden hymns. It can be difficult to find a fresh angle on songs that have been covered by so many. Carrie Underwood has managed to breathe new life into a dozen classics however on her latest album, ‘My Savior’. Released asContinue reading “Carrie Underwood -My Saviour”
Rae Sam – The Great Escape
There is something incredibly uplifting about Rae Sam’s debut album The Great Escape. The Welsh singer-songwriter has found a winning combination of positive lyrics, upbeat sounds and pleasant vocals. All contribute to a feel-good sound that makes you want to get up and dance for the most part, with only a couple of tracks windingContinue reading “Rae Sam – The Great Escape”
Hark! A Nativity Story – Saltmine Theatre
Hark! A Nativity Story was filmed live at Dormston Mill Theatre under strict Covid-19 guidelines. This one-off livestream provided the perfect tonic to a Christmas darkened by lockdown restrictions and marked by botched family plans.
Jess and The Bandits – My Country Christmas
If there’s one Christmas album that is determined to lift you out of your lockdown blues then it is the new release from country band Jess and the Bandits. My Country Christmas is a barnstorming record that has happiness and joy written all over it. Opening track ‘Sleigh Ride’ is emblematic of the album’s resemblanceContinue reading “Jess and The Bandits – My Country Christmas”