Late Summer Music:
Mellencamp, Marty Stuart,
Blue Rodeo and more

John Mellencamp: Trouble No More, Columbia Records

John Mellencamp, never one to sit still musically, has jumped on the roots Americana bandwagon with “Trouble No More,” a disc largely comprised of cover versions of traditional blues and folk songs.

There are but two originals, including  “To Washington,” an old-fashioned topical protest song that has stirred up a little controversy, not only among those with a political bent, but music fans as well. Mellencamp is sincere in his appreciation of American roots music and his band responds in kind with sympathetic performances that do the material contemporary justice without changing it radically. “Trouble No More” is an entertaining disc, but not an essential item.

Tommy Castro: Gratitude, Heart & Soul Records

For years, this writer has been a vociferous critic of San Francisco-based guitarist/vocalist Tommy Castro and his made-for-radio, commercial blues/rock, which I summarily dismissed as lightweight trash. I still haven’t changed my opinion, but I am very happy to report that Castro has finally made a great record, the emotionally wrenching “Gratitude.”

Here, Castro pays tribute to artists and songs that influenced him along the way in his musical development. Included are tracks by Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, James Brown and more. Castro sings and plays guitar with passion and fire, and his band is no less spectacular. “Gratitude” is a guitar fan’s delight from start to finish. It also proves that Tommy Castro, who gained his initial fame playing bars on the west coast, is still at his best as a cover artist, playing other people’s material.

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives: Country Music, Columbia Records

Marty Stuart is one of a handful of Nashville-based country artists who have grown jaded with the star-maker machinery, shallow plasticity and business games of the Music City.

While still on a major label, Stuart, a downright country traditionalist who’s not afraid to rock, has come roaring back with this knockout disc of hot country music that pays homage to country’s roots while keeping the sound fresh and modern. While no doubt looking for a hit record, Stuart never loses sight of where he came from and remains an artist of integrity throughout. Tracks like the old folk standards “Satisfied Mind,” “Sundown In Nashville” and “Tip Your Hat” are standouts, but it’s all good and all worth hearing.

Albert Cummings: From The Heart, Under The Radar Music

What do we have here? Another Stevie Ray Vaughan wannabe? Albert Cummings is the latest in a never-ending line of young blues/rock guitarists who’s lives were changed forever by Vaughan’s music.

Actually, Cummings is a promising guitarist and a serviceable singer on this, his debut CD. While the Vaughan influences are apparent, Cummings seems to be trying to make his own way. His material is listenable for the most part, and his guitar playing is spare and tasteful. With some development, Albert Cummings may have a decent shot at fame.

Blue Rodeo: Palace Of Gold, Rounder Records

Canada’s Blue Rodeo has a loyal following north of the US border and a cult thing happening here. The band has been around for years, playing its own brand of country-tinged rock.

With a sound that reminds me somewhat of Buffalo Springfield and The Eagles, Blue Rodeo’s material runs the gamut from melodic rock to wild rave-ups and weepy ballads. The songs are generally above average, but the band tends to get bogged down in ballads, which slows the pace to a fault.

The highlight, oddly enough, is the next-to-last track, “Bad Timing,” a heartbreaking tale of regret and love gone awry that is sure to strike an emotional nerve with anybody who ever messed up a relationship and tried to make sense of it all later on. Despite a preponderance of ballads, Blue Rodeo’s “Palace Of Gold” is a solid effort all around.