Regular Columnists

Artist: Billy Rawlett
Album: Latent Treasurers
CD Review: This album, Rawlett's third, opens with the fabulous Americana uptempo "Strange Girl", written a whole 25 years ago. Immediately I thought of Raul Malo and the Mavericks, with their falling melody lines and powerful vocals. "Your Lovin' Comes Easy" and "Fallin' Angel" follow along a similar path. This album will easily find a home with Americana and Roots fans. It has all the classic elements of the genre; from the instruments used, the story telling throughout and the arrangements which really form a solid base for the vocal to be heard. Rawlett's voice is emotive, powerful and tender throughout. His storytelling is most powerful in the poignant "Crying In The Wind" where Rawlett sings "God only knows what's happened to that child, Now the mother only heard cries in the wind." A radio version of this track is included on the album, a fine choice for a first single in my opinion.

My guess is that Rawlett is an even more engaging performer live. These songs are probably even more striking hearing them in person. A lot of these songs would do well in the movie business. I suggest that Rawlett do some marketing in this area if he hasn't already. Two thumbs up to the musicians, producer and engineer on this project. On an administrative note, some of the lyrics sung don't actually match the lyrics in the jacket. Simply put, this is a wonderful album. Congratulations to Rawlett and be on the lookout for this man.

http://www.billyrawlett.com
bullydog@swbell.net
(214) 502-2861