Not That Kind of Girl

Produced by Herb Pedersen
Street release April 2015

  1. Independence Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 2:47
  2. Not That Kind Of Girl Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 2:55
  3. Heartland Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:43
  4. Millionaire Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 4:18
  5. That's How I Learned To Sing The Blues Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:08
  6. The Mountain Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:49
  7. Don't Resist Me Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:38
  8. This Old House Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 4:20
  9. Dens Of Yarrow Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:43
  10. Prisoner In Disguise Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 3:52
  11. The Last To Leave Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 4:02
  12. Never Give Up Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band 4:49
“…from Celtic folk to the Blue Ridge Mountains…through honky tonk shadows of west Texas taverns…innovating…through song craft with instrumental skill and soaring vocal distinction.”
No Depression
“…Their best album yet…pushing their own boundaries…challenging themselves in musical diversity, original songs and fresh interpretations.”

FolkWorks

Boasting guest artists Herb Pedersen, Chris Hillman, Joe Craven and Skip Edwards, the album represents the work of the Hilonesome Band for the last two years since releasing the critically acclaimed “White Swan” in March of 2013. 

Recording began in January 2014 with Herb Pedersen and Chris Hillman joining us in the studio to create our version of  J.D. Souther’s classic song “Prisoner in Disguise.” Besides “Prisoner,” other cuts on the album include six originals from their own Rob Carlson, along with covers from David Olney, Denise Hagan and Ernest Troost.

The feel of the album is decidedly Americana, a true melting-pot of folk music sounds including standard country, contemporary folk, Texas swing, Joni Mitchell-style jazz-rock, traditional old-country ballads and bossa-nova-style jazz, with the classic 70’s sound of “Prisoner in Disguise” featuring Hillman and Pedersen topping off the eclectic mix.  Pedersen also appears on several additional cuts on guitar, vocals, resonator guitar and 5-string banjo.

Not That Kind of Girl (Reviews)
June 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlThe death of Jean Ritchie at age 92 this past June signified the sad loss of one of the most vital and beloved of American folk artists. Ritchie, whose family were visited by Cecil Sharp in his song-collecting travels across the States in 1917, and whose 1962 album Jean Ritchie Singing Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family was the first folk LP to be issued by Elektra Records, epitomizes Appalachian authenticity for many. Full Article on PopMatters The death of Jean Ritchie at age 92 this past June signified the sad loss of one of the most vital and beloved of American folk artists. Ritchie, whose family were visited by Cecil Sharp in his song-collecting travels across the States in 1917, and whose 1962 album Jean Ritchie Singing Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family was the first folk LP to be issued by Elektra Records, epitomizes Appalachian authenticity for many. Few contemporary groups have been more vocal about Ritchie’s importance and influence than Susie Glaze and the HiLonesome Band. Tennessee native Glaze has featured on several tribute projects dedicated to Ritchie; in addition, not only did the group’s last album, 2013’s splendid White Swan, sign off with a cover of Ritchie’s “The Soldier”, but the record also came complete with a complimentary quote from “The Mother of Folk” herself: “With people like this to trust, my music will go on living, and soaring. And so will I.” Ritchie’s spirit is indeed kept soaring on Glaze and co.’s new album, their fourth studio release. Not That Kind of Girl (and it seems doubtful that a Lena Dunham homage is intended in this title) sees the band continuing to develop and hone the synthesis of bluegrass, Celtic and other folk traditions in a way that would doubtless continue to win their mentor’s approbation. What sets this quintet apart from more staunch and staid traditionalists, however, is their choice of material, which mixes original songs penned primarily by the group’s lead guitarist Rob Carlson with some often surprising contemporary covers. In fact, Not That Kind of Girl features only one traditional track: a spare and haunting take on “Dens of Yarrow”, built around Mark Indicator’s fiddle, Skip Edwards’ accordion and Glaze’s shimmering, Judy Collins-channelling vocal. The consistency of the group’s interplay is such that the album flows seamlessly, with much of the new material sounding at once time-honed and fresh. The instrumental opener “Independence” is as clear and bracing as a stream. The title track is a charming affirmation of faithfulness on which brisk picking of fiddle, bass and guitar is perfectly complemented by Glaze’s perky vocal. “Heartland”, from Belfast singer-songwriter Denise Hagan, is stunningly beautiful, with mournful fiddle and Glaze’s moving vocal digging deeply into the song’s sentiments of homesickness and longing. Bouzouki and mandolin player Steve Rankin gleefully takes the lead on a taut cover of David Olney’s unrepentant-criminal narrative, “Millionaire”, and also contributes a hilarious spoken word part to “Don’t Resist Me”, a wry stalker’s anthem (written by Carlson) that finds Glaze’s singing at its wittiest. And Chris Hillman joins the party on “Prisoner in Disguise”, contributing mandolin to a heartfelt and wistful rendering of the JD Souther song made famous by Linda Ronstadt. Two of the stand-out tracks on White Swan, the murder ballad “Evangeline” and the sublime family reminiscence “Harlan County Boys”, came from the pen of Kerrville New Folk award-winning songwriter Ernest Troost, and Glaze and co return to Troost’s writing for one track here. In this case, it’s a lithe and lovely reading of “The Last to Leave” (drawn from Troost’s 2014 release O Love) that turns the track into a gorgeous parlour waltz. Taking its title from a Harriet Beecher Stowe quotation (“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn”), the closing track, “Never Give Up”, is defiant, dynamic bluegrass infused with a hint of gospel (and a nod to Pete Seeger) in the harmonies, epitomizing the generous spirit of this timeless and hugely appealing album. [...]
June 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlI must admit I asked my editor for this disc because I liked the cover, a black and white old-time photo of a little girl with a banjo bigger than her, her mouth open in song, sitting next to a happy dog. I wasn’t disappointed. This expressive album is chock-full of pleasing bluegrass, swing, old-time and Celtic, played by a sharp band featuring Susie’s classic bluegrass voice. The band wrote some of the songs, with guitarist Robert Ralph Carlson at the helm, and played with enough energy and talent to power an entire town. It’s all produced by Herb Pedersen, a man with accolades longer than your arm; he’s worked with everyone from Emmylou Harris to his own Desert Rose Band. Full Review on SingOut.org I must admit I asked my editor for this disc because I liked the cover, a black and white old-time photo of a little girl with a banjo bigger than her, her mouth open in song, sitting next to a happy dog. I wasn’t disappointed. This expressive album is chock-full of pleasing bluegrass, swing, old-time and Celtic, played by a sharp band featuring Susie’s classic bluegrass voice. The band wrote some of the songs, with guitarist Robert Ralph Carlson at the helm, and played with enough energy and talent to power an entire town. It’s all produced by Herb Pedersen, a man with accolades longer than your arm; he’s worked with everyone from Emmylou Harris to his own Desert Rose Band. A Celtic leaning instrumental, “Independence,” starts off the release. Rich with many textures, it features a soaring fiddle and excellent contributions of guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and bass. The title cut offers some tasty flatpicking from Rob Carlson, and Herb Pedersen on backing vocals. “Heartland” and “The Last to Leave” are melancholy pieces while “Never Give Up” presents a more positive view. It’s got a great toe-tapping groove, but contains an odd reggae beat in the middle. I love the twin fiddles in the swing tune “Don’t Resist Me,” a plea to a would-be sweetheart, and the more modal sound of the fiddle in the heartbreaking traditional song “Dens of Yarrow.” Susie’s emotional vocal on that one reminds me of a young Jean Ritchie. “The Mountain” is a standout with lyrics about the destruction of the environment from mining, “God made the mountain/Only God could tear it down.” The lively banjo is a contrast to the biting lyrics. And speaking of biting, the acerbic David Olney offering, “Millionaire,” is a good choice for this band. Steve Rankin sings the lead and also plays mandolin and bouzouki. While Susie does most of the lead vocals on this disc, the guys occasionally take the front. It’s a little puzzling since her name is featured. The men have good voices, but if you’re going to feature a vocalist, use her out front on all the songs. (Harmonies are a different kettle of fish.) The band aptly covers John David Souther’s “Prisoner of Disguise” in a more rootsy way than he did, and features some fine mandolin work from Chris Hillman. If you’re an Americana fan, and a sucker for those high pretty bluegrass sopranos, you’ll want to pick up this great collection. — Jamie Anderson [...]
June 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlSUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND TO RELEASE NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL If you delight in the eclectic in acoustic roots music, Not That Kind of Girl pushes the envelope with a variety of sounds within the genre. Produced by the legendary Herb Pedersen, this is the band’s 4th studio album since the band’s debut in 2006 with Blue Eyed Darlin’. Not That Kind of Girl is already attracting praise with Folkworks magazine calling it the band’s “best album yet…in part because this group keeps pushing their own boundaries.” Full Review on AmericanaDaily.com If you delight in the eclectic in acoustic roots music, Not That Kind of Girl pushes the envelope with a variety of sounds within the genre. Produced by the legendary Herb Pedersen, this is the band’s 4th studio album since the band’s debut in 2006 with Blue Eyed Darlin’. Not That Kind of Girl is already attracting praise with Folkworks magazine calling it the band’s “best album yet…in part because this group keeps pushing their own boundaries.” Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band have often been likened to the classic British bands Pentangle and Fairport Convention in that they blend classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate. On Not That Kind of Girl they stretch their musical muscles even further with Glaze professing that the band can “…mix bluegrass with mountain balladry, jazz and Celtic sounds and even a bit of rockabilly and Joni Mitchell-style rock/samba.” Boasting guest artists Herb Pedersen, Chris Hillman, Joe Craven and Skip Edwards, the album represents the work of the Hilonesome Band for the last two years since releasing the critically acclaimed “White Swan” in March of 2013. Recording began in January 2014 with Herb Pedersen and Chris Hillman joining us in the studio to create our version of J.D. Souther’s classic song “Prisoner in Disguise.” Besides “Prisoner,” other cuts on the album include six originals from their own Rob Carlson, along with covers from David Olney, Denise Hagan and Ernest Troost. The feel of the album is decidedly Americana, a true melting-pot of folk music sounds including standard country, contemporary folk, Texas swing, Joni Mitchell-style jazz-rock, traditional old-country ballads and bossa-nova-style jazz, with the classic 70’s sound of “Prisoner in Disguise” featuring Hillman and Pedersen topping off the eclectic mix. Pedersen also appears on several additional cuts on guitar, vocals, resonator guitar and 5-string banjo. Leading off is the song, “Independence”, an original with a newgrass/Celtic instrumental calling up the specter of Irish anthems of glorious historical pasts. The title song, “Not That Kind Of Girl” (also an original) is a new classic country tune in the style of Patsy Cline celebrating fidelity in an amusing double –entendre play on words. “Heartland” is a gorgeous heartfelt ballad from major Irish composer, Denise Hagan. “Millionaire” is a cover of Americana music compatriot, Dave Olney with a strong lead vocal from mandolinist, Steve Rankin. “That’s How I Learned To Sing The Blues” is a Henry Hipkens song that boasts a humorous and great performance from bassist Fred Sanders. “The Mountain”, “Don’t Resist Me” and “This Old House” are all originals with “This Old House” featuring Herb Pedersen on resonator guitar. “Dens of Yarrow” is a traditional ballad that is performed in the old style of the Irish presentation with voice, fiddle and accordions only. Cherished ‘70’s power ballad, “Prisoner In Disguise” (from J.D. Souther via Linda Ronstadt) features Herb Pedersen on guitar and harmony vocals and Chris Hillman on mandolin. There is a video in production for this song that features both the band, and Pedersen and Hillman. Kerriville New Folk winner, Ernest Troost is covered with the song, “The Last To Leave” and the record ends with another Carlson original, “Never Give Up” which featured percussion by the great Joe Craven (formerly of the David Grisman Band). With her renowned standout vocals, Susie Glaze is inspired by some of the great woman singers of country music. Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Jean Ritchie are among a named few. Last year Glaze was honored to have a song included on the Compass Records release, Dear Jean—Artists Celebrate Jean Ritchie alongside such artists as Judy Collins, Janis Ian, Pete Seeger and many others. She sang for Ms. Ritchie at the CD release concert in May 2014 in Berea, Kentucky on the bill with Kathy Mattea and John McCutcheon. “Many fans have told me that on the Jean Ritchie songs they can’t tell if it is me or Jean singing.” Said Glaze, “Jean herself has told me the same thing.” Glaze has a gift for telling stories and communicating a feeling through a song and with a stellar band behind her and the impressive songwriting by Rob Carlson Not That Kind Of Girl is a record to be proud of. “I think what is truly unique about us is our eclectic playlist and influences,” states Glaze. “Rob’s songwriting, my voice and the tight bonding within our band—It all adds up to creating great music that doesn’t sound like anyone else.” [...]
June 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlSUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND, NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL The Hilonesome Band is based around the vocals of Susie Glaze. The music here is not bluegrass, but it’s first-rate. There is humor and more than a touch of class to the project. There are some strong original numbers augmented by J.D. Souther’s “Prisoner In Disguise” and David Olney’s brilliant “Millionaire.” “Don’t Resist Me” displays a dark humor that’s beyond most of bluegrass. Full Review on BluegrassUnlimited.com The Hilonesome Band is based around the vocals of Susie Glaze. The music here is not bluegrass, but it’s first-rate. There is humor and more than a touch of class to the project. There are some strong original numbers augmented by J.D. Souther’s “Prisoner In Disguise” and David Olney’s brilliant “Millionaire.” “Don’t Resist Me” displays a dark humor that’s beyond most of bluegrass. The band shows its chops on the opening cut, an instrumental called “Independence.” The title-cut is country cuteness. “Heartland” paints a bleak picture of our loss of power as a manufacturing force in the world. Bassist Fred Sanders offers a nicely tongue-in-cheek rendition of “That’s How I Learned To Sing The Blues.” “The Mountain” and the traditional “Dens Of Yarrow” are plaintive ballads. The first describes mountain-top removal and the latter conjures the darkness of the best of the old gothic ballads. These songs show off Susie’s voice nicely, as does her superb reading of “Prisoner In Disguise.” The last two cuts, “The Last To Leave” and “Never Give Up,” standout for great singing and fine lyrics, leaving the listener wanting more with their urbane arrangements. If there were a word to describe this fine band, it would be sophisticated. They draw influences from disparate sources to meld their sound. The level of musicianship is exemplary. Rob Carlson on guitar, Steve Rankin on mandolin, Fred Sanders on bass, and Mark Indictor on fiddle display a great range of prowess and work as a tight unit. They are ably assisted by several of the West Coast’s biggest bluegrass names, including Herb Pedersen and Chris Hillman. Joe Craven’s percussion and Skip Edwards accordion also contribute to the project. (www.susieglaze.com)RCB [...]
June 20, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlSusie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band blends classic folk with edgy stories of tragedy and fate, all with excellent instrumentation and superb vocals from Susie Glaze. Winner of the Just Plain Folks 2006 Music Award for Best Roots Album for their debut album ‘Blue Eyed Darlin’, The Hilonesome band is Steve Rankin on mandolin (and vocals), Rob Carlson on guitar and dobro, Fred Sanders on bass and Mark Indictor on fiddle. The LA band has appeared at many premiere venues and festivals on the West Coast, including Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, The Broad Stage, the Hollywood Bowl, and CalTech Folk Music Society. You can tell the band has a passion for the American root traditions in their innovative music. The listener will find a blend of Celtic folk, bluegrass and honky tonk country on this record. The vocals and instrumentation are stellar and really enhance the creative lyrical stories. The album opens with the instrumental track, “Independence”. The production features guitars and fiddles, with the fiddle having the larger presence. The song really shows off the fiddle’s range and Mark Indictor’s stunning work on the instrument. It’s a soulful Irish jig mixed with Kentucky mountain music, written by band member, Rob Carlson. Another Carlson tune is the down home “Not That Kind of Girl”. The track crosses honky tonk country with bluegrass instruments, and features sassy vocals from Glaze. The narrator is basically telling a guy that she’s not that kind of girl and that he’s better off finding someone else. “Don’t Resist Me” is a humorous song with a fresh take on celebrity stalking and romance; the tune has a happy-go-lucky feel to it. I particularly liked the mandolin on this track and the verses, “God made the mountain/ Only God shall tear it down”. “That’s How I Learned To Sing the Blues” is a bluesy folk number that has Steve Rankin taking the lead, vocally. Rankin sings, “Find a good gal and treat her wrong/ Then feel sorry ‘bout it when she’s gone/ You’ll beg her back but she’ll refuse/ That’s how I learned to play the blues.” It’s a really fresh, cool sounding song. The standouts on this album are “Dens of Yarrow”, “Heartland”, and “The Mountain”. “Dens of Yarrow” is another Celtic flavored track, featuring a soft fiddle and stunning vocals by Glaze. This song is truly about the vocal performance, it’s absolutely beautiful. Written by Denise Hagan, “Heartland” is about hardship and grace. The stirring vocal performance by Glaze is excellent; her voice sounds like it was made to sing Irish songs. Covering this track was pure brilliance on the band’s part. The instant classic, “The Mountain” was written by Rob Carlson and features driving guitar and fiddle work. It’s a lyrical story of turmoil and loss in the heartland mountains, told through passionate vocals by Glaze. The album concludes on an upbeat note with “Never Give Up”. It’s a driving folk tune with the guitar front and center. Glaze sums up the theme of the song with “Never give up and never slow down/ And never go round/ Never complain and never explain/ and never give up.” This is truly an excellent folk/roots album, a must for anyone’s music collection. The instrumentation is expertly done, the vocals are stellar, and the stories vivid and real. Liz Austin [...]
April 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlSusie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band to release ‘Not That Kind of Girl’ Original Article Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band’s upcoming offering Not That Kind of Girl is reportedly more musically diverse than their earlier albums. The twelve-track disc is a musical mix of genres including Appalachian roots music, newgrass, folk, country, blues and more. It includes a healthy dose of original compositions and cover cuts. Glaze, of course, leads the way on lead vocals. She is backed by songwriter Rob Carlson (lead guitar and vocals), Steve Rankin (mandolin, bouzouki and vocals), Mark Indictor (fiddle and vocals) .and Fred Sanders (bass and vocals). The album opens on “Independence”. It’s an interesting instrumental but reveals little of the band’s true capabilities. It does give the boys a few minutes to show off before the lovely Glaze enters and steals the show though. They move right into the titular track “Not That Kind Of Girl”. It’s an upbeat song that is highlighted by harmony vocals by Carlson and producer Herb Pedersen. “Heartland” is the first number not written by Carlson. It’s a nice American ballad written by Denise Hagan. It’s followed by “Millionaire” which is an adaptation of David Olney’s compelling country composition. This one includes vocals by Rankin, Glaze and Sanders. While the subject itself, greed, is unsurprising the band owns the song. Sanders steps to the front singing lead on the Henry Hipkens hit “That’s How I Learned To Sing The Blues”. It is quickly followed by “The Mountain” which Carlson has written to sund almost traditional. It’s a roots music song about mountain-top mining for coal featuring Pedersen on banjo. “Don’t Resist Me” is one of the best songs here for those who enjoy darkly humorous song satires. It serves as a nice foil to the previous piece. The country ballad “This Old House” comes next with Carlson on lead vocals and Glaze singing harmony. “Dens Of Yarrow” is an early favorite of the critics. It is a Scottish border ballad about love and death. It’s stripped down with Glaze sometimes singing a cappella. Skip Edwards makes it unique with his accordion. “Prisoner In Disguise” is a noteworthy version of the J.D. Souther’s song made most famous by Linda Ronstadt. Chris Hillman guests on the mandolin and Pedersen fills it out on lead guitar and harmony vocals. Things start to wind down with a cover of Ernest Troost’s love song “The Last To Leave” which Glaze makes her own. The album end-note is Carlson’s rhythm-filled finish “Never Give Up” which includes guest percussionist Joe Craven. Watch for Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band’s new CD Not That Kind of Girl when it hits stores this June. You might be surprised to hear how Glaze pushes the band’s musical boundaries here. Sure, she could have stuck with material nearly identical to that on her three previous platters but, well, she’s just “Not That Kind of Girl”. [...]
April 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlAUDRA ELIZABETH YENNY | APRIL 24, 2015 CATEGORY: RUSTY’S MUSIC Rusty’s Score NORMAN, Okla. — All the way from L.A., Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band’s Not That Kind of Girl feels right at home in Oklahoma’s music scene. Being released June 2015, this Newgrass Americana Folk Fusion project pushes the band’s boundaries and gives listeners a diverse mix of music. The 12-track album has a big Celtic vibe but also touches of blues, jazz, old country, and bluegrass throughout. It starts off with an instrumental piece, “Independence” that makes you wish you were in Ireland with a pint in your hand looking out over the countryside. My favorite part about the album was the composition and collaboration of the different instruments. The music is intricate, but comes off natural and beautiful. A combination of hand-picked covers and powerful originals, the album has a nice flow and makes for a good listen- it keeps the listener intrigued and on their toes. Vocals vary from track to track, but Susie Glaze is the main vocalist. Her voice is high, sounding very Celtic and old-time country (think Dolly Parton or Jean Ritchie). The other four band members lend their vocals on different songs, with the fiddle player being the only without a lead vocal role. This close-knit group of musicians works together to support one another. While the band is called Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band, this doesn’t come across as being one star with a back-up band- they are a team. Lyrics range from traditional Irish ballads to light-hearted humor to sassy female-lead stories. The band prides itself on the strength of their songwriting and ability to convey a feeling through their stories in song. As a whole, there is something very old about this album. It evokes nostalgia while still remaining relevant to today’s music listeners. I like old, and I like Celtic music, and found both in this album. You can get more information and hear the album on the bands webpage https://susieglaze.com . [...]
April 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlOriginal Article After three critically acclaimed CDs in the past 5 years, it is not surprising that Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band have created yet another memorable album. But Not That Kind of Girl is more than just “another.” It is, I believe, their best album yet…in part because this group keeps pushing their own boundaries…challenging themselves in terms of musical diversity, original songs and fresh interpretations. Not That Kind of Girl is a potpourri of folk and Americana delights. While retaining their trademark Appalachian roots and Newgrass sound, Glaze and her band have expanded their repertoire to include songs that range from traditional to contemporary folk; from old-timey to country; from tender ballads to light-hearted humor. There’s even a bit of blues; some Caribbean rhythm; and a tribute song to Linda Ronstadt. And all these styles work perfectly together. Half the songs are originals – the work of Hilonesome songwriter, Rob Carlson – and much of the diversity can be credited to his eclectic creativity. But what makes them flow so effortlessly together is the creative energy of the band itself and the amazing voice of Susie Glaze…a voice that can be simultaneously powerful yet playful and beautifully nuanced. Accompanying this one-of-a-kind voice are the virtuoso talents of Rob Carlson on lead guitar and vocals…Steve Rankin on mandolin, bouzouki and vocals…Mark Indictor on fiddle and vocals…and Fred Sanders on bass and vocals. In addition, guest artists include the album’s producer, bluegrass icon Herb Pedersen, on banjo, lead and resonator guitar, and harmony vocals; Chris Hillman on mandolin; and Joe Craven on percussion. The album opens with a stirring, spirited instrumental by Carlson called Independence – providing an exciting showcase for the soaring fiddle of Mark Indictor and the dancing mandolin of Steve Rankin. That is followed by another Carlson original, Not That Kind of Girl, an old-time, good-time sounds-like-a-classic number with Glaze at her all-time best, playfully tripping over the light-hearted lyrics. It’s such a fun, upbeat song – a true delight – enhanced by harmony vocals by Pedersen and Carlson. Heartland, written by Denise Hagan, is a touching ballad of hard times and longing for home, illustrating yet another facet of Glaze’s sparkling delivery. Then the pace picks up again with David Olney’s compelling country song, Millionaire – a timeless and timely tale of greed and ruthlessness – sung by Steve Rankin, with Glaze and Sanders adding satisfying harmony. Fred Sanders then takes the vocal lead on Henry Hipkens’ That’s How I learned to Sing the Blues, as Rankin’s mandolin and Indictor’s fiddle impart an old-time swing sound to this retro-styled number. One of my personal favorites on the album is The Mountain, a gorgeous “neo-traditional” by Carlson about the crime of mountain-top mining for coal. With Glaze singing lines like, “God made the mountain, only God should tear it down,” with passion and clarity, this is roots music at its best…further underscored by Herb Pedersen’s 5-string banjo. Among other standout tracks for me was Dens of Yarrow, a haunting Scottish border ballad of love and death. Glaze captures the sad simplicity of this song with minimal accompaniment –– sometimes singing a cappella. The droning of an accordion (Skip Edwards) and a solemn fiddle recall the mournful sound of bagpipes, while Glaze’s vocal clarity and control lend authenticity and dignity to the narrator’s sorrow. The album is filled with this kind of variety – a light-hearted spoof of old-timey songs, Don’t Resist Me…a country ballad, This Old House….a cover of Ernest Troost’s poignant love song, Last to Leave….and Carlson’s inspiring, rhythm-packed finale, Never Give Up, featuring percussion by Joe Craven. And, of course, there is the very special tribute song mentioned earlier: a beautiful rendition of John David Souther’s Prisoner in Disguise, which was made famous by Linda Ronstadt. This track features the touching mandolin of Chris Hillman, as well as lead guitar and harmony vocals by Herb Pedersen. In all, this album is an ambitious project – polished to perfection. Susie Glaze could have simply chosen to stick with a more traditional set list. But then, as we all know, she’s not that kind of girl. [...]
April 25, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlNot That Kind of Girl – Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band Original Article From the influence of Celtic folk, to the haunting echoes of the ageless voices from our Blue Ridge Mountain kin through the honky-tonk shadows of dusty West Texas taverns, Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band’s new album Not That Kind of Girl, produced by Herb Pedersen of Desert Rose and Dillards fame, have gathered stories in song that weave a timeless tapestry of the durability of the American spirit through the power of song. This album confirms the band’s passion for the American root traditions as they forge ahead innovating their way through song craft with instrumental skill and soaring vocal distinction provided by Susie Glaze and Steve Rankin who also excels on mandolin. No small credit, however, goes to Mark Indictor whose fiddle work streaks sonic lightening through the songs, lead guitarist and primary songwriter, Rob Carlson and Fred Sanders on sturdy and dynamic stand-up bass.  In the truest sense, they are a great band. While Susie Glaze and Hilonesome have set out from their beginnings to stake out a legacy that reaches beyond genre limitations while honoring past musical traditions in a way that is timeless over nostalgic, this album succeeds in ways beyond the usual expectations often set in Americana music. That is, there is a resonate authenticity and unique dynamic to the proceedings that is a joy to experience. The opening song, “Independence” written by lead guitarist Rob Carlson, sets the pace for the celebration and soulful blend of an Irish jig with Kentucky mountain music.  The title track, “Not That Kind of Girl,” is another Carlson tune. It calls to mind where the journey of early honky-tonk music began with bluegrass instruments and a downhome character-driven vocal by Susie Glaze. Belfast sacred singer songwriter Denise Hagan’s “Heartland, “is a stirring and beautifully realized performance of this song about hardship and grace. Covering this obscure song from Ireland is stroke of brilliance giving Tennessee native Glaze a chance to bring to the American heartland the universal theme of Hagan’s song. “The Mountain,” another original song by Rob Carlson, is a near instant classic which resonates with a driving rhythm and searing fiddle accompaniment by Mark Indictor and a passionate vocal by Susie Glaze which gives life to this lyrical story of turmoil and loss in heartland mountains. There is humor to spare on songs like “Don’t Resist Me,” with a new twist on star-stalking and romance. The song bounces us along with a happy-go-lucky honky-tonk arrangement that is both disarming and alarming-even managing to weave “I’m in the Mood for Love,” into the arrangement.  Carlson’s “This Old House,” keeps the bluegrass kinship alive with a fresh take on the bittersweet memories of an old home gone but still achingly real. The traditional stream flows through hauntingly on a Grammy worthy vocal by Susie Glaze and a spare accompaniment by Mark Indictor on fiddle and Skip Edwards on a beautifully rendered accordion on “Dens of Yarrow.”  A sweet homage is given to Linda Ronstadt on a gentle interpretation of J.D. Souther’s “Prisoner in Disguise,” featuring Chris Hillman on mandolin with Herb Pedersen on harmony vocal and resonator/lead acoustic guitar. L.A. singer-songwriter Ernest Troost’s “Last to Leave” is an eloquently rendered bluegrass torch song.  “Never Give Up,” completes the collection with a dynamic song which comes as close as bluegrass will ever come to rock & roll energy. A clearly inspired gospel finish, it is a danceable song of perseverance that fulfills the sweet optimism and joy which underlies this entire album. Not That Kind of Girl, is a vibrant and energetic an album which serves to challenge the common assumptions about how traditional music can be created with a contemporary feel. It is not so much a fusion as a transfusion of tradition with fresh new vibrant blood. With a skill, expertise and authority that is uncommon even in a genre where these qualities are expected, Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band have broken new ground in the growing legacy of Americana music.   Not That Kind of Girl has a place, not only in the fabric of the best of contemporary Americana music, but in the years to come, as a classic example of music’s ability to draw from the deepest part of our common American soul to inspire and root us in our heritage. Susie Glaze and the Hilonesome Band will be appearing at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, California on Arpil 19 at 8:00 PM. by Terry Roland April 16, 2015 [...]
April 24, 2015Not That Kind Of GirlOriginal Article “Cooking up one helluva Americana/Celtic gumbo this is a killer roots album that sets a new standard for the whole genre. A superstar in waiting, Glaze accepts the challenge to bring it and does an undisputed job of same. This is the kind of set that brings new fans into the tent. Killer stuff.” [...]