Tawnya Reynolds CD Review

Tawnya Reynolds
Carnival
Wright of Center Music 884501114219
*****
Classy traditional and old-style country with a modern twist
Tawnya Reynolds is a new voice in the world of country music. The first signing to Wright of Center Music, Tawnya is a fine singer/songwriter bursting with talent. Hailing from Ruidoso in New Mexico Tawnya has performed in Nashville for the past six years. Tawnya’s influences include the legendary Merle Haggard and popular female country singer Kelly Willis. Tawnya’s music is classed as traditional and old-style country – listening to this fantastic album it is easy to see why. Tawnya has been likened to artists such as Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss. The album starts off with Worse Things Than Being Alone, a song whose lyrics suggest that just because you are with someone doesn’t mean you are happy. Tawnya is known to be a warm, friendly person with great convictions; she effortlessly brings these qualities to life in her music. Tawnya’s voice is warming and infectious – easy to fall in love with. The instrumentation used on this opening song has a strong traditional feel. I’m Over You is a more modern song yet it still retains an old fashioned country sound and style. Tawnya’s vocals bring to mind acclaimed singers such as Patty Loveless and The Judds. Whiskey Kinda Way follows on in the same vain. This is another highly polished song. Tawnya’s vocals are full of emotion on this number once again. Carnival is a charming song with great backing. Splendid lyrics make this a fine choice of title song. Is It Okay To Cry Now is a slow emotional number bursting with quality. There are hints of Tanya Tucker in Tawnya’s vocals on this evocative number. You Can Bring It Back is a slightly faster song. Tawnya’s voice is gentle never overpowering. Train Without A Whistle feels more modern than some of the other songs on the album. In this song Tawnya compares a man to a train without a whistle. Let’s Burn It Down has a rich feel to it, another song packed full of emotion and sensitive lyrics. Moment Of Weakness is a catchier number with traditional backing. Stay Here sees the listener slip back in time. Patsy Cline comes to mind when listening to this jazz infused old-style country number. Suddenly all the colour is gone and has been replaced by a world of black and white. This is a really sophisticated song that showcases Tawnya’s amazing vocals. Listeners will be overwhelmed by the nostalgia created in the music and style of this song. The album ends with two perhaps surprising yet also amazing hidden songs - I’ll Be Your Whiskey and Standing By The Rambler. Standing By The Rambler is a thoroughly modern country song completely different from anything else on the album. This song is fast paced and rocky. Highly suited to fans of a more modern and perhaps rowdy country sound. I’ll Be Your Whiskey is again very modern in sound but it is also a shinning highlight on this tremendous album. A memorable moving song that is reminiscent in style of the music of Lee Ann Womack. Tawnya’s voice is definitely suited to slow, emotive songs infused with a rich traditional backing yet songs such as Standing By The Rambler show that Tawnya can also raise her game and really belt out a number. With songs like this she could easily give the likes of Miranda Lambert a run for her money any day. I have fallen in love with Tawnya’s vocals and this outstanding album. I am sure many other fans of fine country music will as well.