Tami Neilson
Album: Dynamite!
Label: NR
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.tamineilson.com

It has to be said I had ashamedly not heard of Tami Nielson until now but I am really glad I have been able to discover what has to be the best modern 50's country throwback I have heard in ages.

Tami started out touring and performing in the five member Nielson Family Band from Canada who had hits in the 90's and opened for acts as big as Johnny Cash. Fast forward a few years having immigrated to New Zealand, got married, started a family and recently released her 4th album Dynamite!

Previous solo offerings were Red Dirt Angel and The Kitchen Table Sessions Volume One and Two. As the latest album title suggest Tami has turned it up a notch with her best release yet that includes a blend of 50's rockabilly, soul, blues and of course good old classic country with a modern edge spread across ten delicious tracks.

This is a refreshing take on country and as others have noted there are definitely hints of Patsy Cline and Wanda Jackson but I would even say there's also resemblances of Caro Emerald and Paloma Faith. 'Walk (Back To Your Arms)' is a fantastic opening track and you will honestly get transported back to the rockabilly era with this one. Following the fast paced start you get to ‘Texas’ and this is where you can hear the country twang of Tami's vocals. You can instantly hear the Patsy similarity but also the backing vocals are reminiscent of those from yesteryear. Don't be deceived though by the nostalgic elements to these songs as there's definitely more than a modern cutting edge to this fine collection.

'Cry Over You' shows a great range to Tami’s vocals and is sung in an emotional and heartfelt way. You are drawn in and can honestly experience the feelings being conveyed especially in ‘You Lie’ with the lyrics “this town is full of whispers, about seeing you round with her” tell about a partner’s unfaithfulness and deception sung in a heart wrenching and poignant way.

It’s not all serious though as there are fun tracks like ‘Woo Hoo’ and ‘Honey Girl’ but it isn't overdone to the extremes of novelty. These songs will in fact make you want to get up on the dancefloor jiving and swinging with your partner.

The title track has echoes of the Wild West and you could imagine this being sung in a saloon bar in a Texas desert town.

The modern and nostalgic sounds of fiddles and mandolin, piano and the distinctive steel guitar is fused together throughout. There's also drums, percussion, bass and backing vocals courtesy of Marlon Williams and producer Delaney Davidson who along with Ben Edwards have helped create a retro delight. This isn’t only apparent in the music but also in the eye catching sleeve that comes with song lyrics, blurb and credits.

'Whiskey And Kisses' and 'You Lie' cover the classic country subjects of deception, heartbreak and loneliness with the lyrics "How alone, How cold, How Slow, Ticket On a one-track railroad to a solo seat below" from 'Running To You' being a perfect example.

The songwriting is impressive, production first class with delivery and performance of each song exceptional. I cannot give enough superlatives for this album and it will definitely be in my CD player for some time to come. This has to be the album where Tami Neilson introduces herself to a World audience and I’m sure they will be captivated and entertained with many more great songs and albums to come.

Craig Parry