Collin Raye
Album: Greatest Hits Live
Label: Cleopatra
Tracks: 18
Website: http://www.collinraye.com

Collin Raye has been a favourite on the country music scene for a good many years, indeed, his early hits are some of the first songs I remember loving in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

This live album was recorded in Panama City 2012; refreshingly it feels like an actual concert, without the echoey applause and snipped chat from the artist, so often found on live CDs. Instead, there is no mistaking how lovely, genuine and appreciative of his fans, he is.

This performance includes rocking versions of upbeat favourites, such as My Kind Of Girl and Little Red Rodeo,alongside emotive versions of his standout ballads; of the Love, Me, In This Life, Little Rock and She's With Me, with a very moving introduction.

Several years ago I was lucky to happen upon Collin Raye in concert at The Grizzly Rose in Denver, Colorado. Listening to this it is clear his voice has very much stood the test of time and sounds just as good as it did back then.

A great CD for all fans of Collin Raye, and a great introduction to those new to his music, and indeed, him.

Helen Mitchell