Larry Ballard - Honky Tonk Heaven Is A Hell Of A Place To Be - If That Ain't Country

Western Red

Your weekly, 3-hour fix of the very best in traditional country, honky tonk, bluegrass and western swing from the golden years til today. Hosted by Western Red.

Some call it old country; classic country; real country. We call it traditional country, and that's exactly what we do here at "If That Ain't Country". For three hours each week, we feature the very best traditional country, honky tonk, bluegrass and western swing from the golden years 'til today. It's pretty simple but we think you'll like it. Hosted by Western Red - it's US country with an Australian twist, keeping true to the traditions that make country great. With a genuine love and deep respect for the foundations of the genre, the legends are right alongside the best of today's independent artists - a mix you won't find anywhere else. For more information, email: westernred@ifthataintcountry.net. Become a supporter of this podcast (with thanks!!): www.patreon.com/ifthataintcountry

Conseillé par :

Bertrand

In this week's episode we're featuring the second album (of three) for Michigan's Larry Ballard: "Honky Tonk Heaven Is A Hell Of A Place To Be" (1976). "Discovered" and produced by the legendary Pete Drake, there is precious little information out there about Larry Ballard's three albums for Capitol in the 70s. The second of those, however, features some of the finest country singer/songwriter material you've never heard of. With audible ties to multiple genres a la Gary Stewart of the same era, it's no surprise to learn Ballard has a background in rock 'n' roll. Once the switch to country came, Drake assembled a fine studio group to back Larry Ballard and the steel strains of Paul Franklin are simply delightful. Pictured in a cafe corner booth on the front of the album nursing a half-empty beer, cigarette in hand staring wistfully out the window, such classic country imagery doesn't lead us astray: "Honky Tonk Heaven" has plenty to like for listeners willing to dig past the big names in the record bin.. and it makes you wonder why Ballard seemingly disappeared after 1977.