Steve Newman & Friends
Old Country

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  Steve Newman & Friends give you a taste of the Old Country on their new CD. Newman plays the keyboards and harmonica and Jason Shela sings as if he is back in an old pub in England eating "Fish and Chips" and swilling down some foamy cold ones. While he is doing this, he asks himself why he ever left "Liverpool" in the first place.

Patti Rothberg adds her talents to the mix with her distinctive vocals and some well-timed kazoo playing. It's all such fun and comical, and I think it was meant to be that way. On "Lullaby For Lawyers" Rothberg does not sing the lawyers a real lullaby, it is a sardonic slap in the face for all of those that are in the profession. The words are quite frank, comparing those that practice law to skunks and several disgusting diseases. The one song that really paints a realistic picture is "Bulldog Rovers," it takes you right to the pub, sits you down at the round table with all of your buddies to reminisce about the football game you lost in the beloved cup game.

Anyone that enjoys Celtic music with that good time and rollicking in-the-pub ambiance will get a real charge out of this CD. The musicianship is quite good, particularly the piano playing of Steve Newman. Upon first listen your focus will be more on the lyrics and then after a few more spins, you will be able to appreciate the music behind the words. It all comes together nicely if you give it a chance. Pull up a stool, grab a cold one and sing along. All your troubles will disappear for a while when you hear this.

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