The Waymores (from the album Greener Pastures

The Waymores (from the album Greener Pastures

The Waymores (from the album Greener Pastures available on Chicken Ranch Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

Kira Annalise and Willie Heath Neal — the duo known as The Waymores — specialize in making Classic Country — that is, authentic American music imbued with the heart and soul, best described as the real deal. While they keep it contemporary, echoes of Johnny and June, George and Tammy, Conway and Loretta along with Porter and Dolly never stray far from the surface, creating a sound that bears both a distinct dynamic and expressive intent that ensures their songs come across with passion and personality.
 
That’s especially true of their new album, euphemistically dubbed Greener Pastures. Here however, they get added impetus from a very special person who sits at the helm, a legend, in fact — producer Shel Talmy.

Talmy is, of course, the man who was behind the boards for any number of classic songs marking the formative era of the so-called ‘British Invasion’ in the early to mid-‘60s. With clients that included The Who, The Kinks, and early David Bowie, among many others, he made his mark in the annals of Rock history. Greener Pastures is, by his own admission, his first attempt to produce a contemporary Country record. As before, he succeeds admirably.
 
Even so, Talmy’s touch never overshadows the duo’s efforts, and apparently the two weren’t intimidated by his presence. Then again, there was no reason they should be. Their songs shore up their strengths here, with “Under Your Spell Again”, “You Got Gold”, “Tavern Time”, and “Don’t Worry” sounding for all the world like they’ve been lingering in the ethos forever. They sound like standards from the get-go, flush with hooks, ready refrains, plenty of pedal steel guitar, and shared harmonies. Whether it’s the substantive sway of a song like “Time to Ramble”, the sadder strains of “Hill Country Waltz”, or the down-home delivery of the title track, the music comes across with the fullness and finesse of singular standards. It’s to the duo’s credit that they’re able to craft songs that combine irony, emotion and enthusiasm in such perfect proportion. 
 
Indeed, Greener Pastures marks a major breakthrough for The Waymores. Should it get the attention it deserves, those greener pastures will likely provide as much promise as possibility. (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Waymores from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit The Waymores website