Reviewed by Dave Brassington

During his 30 years career in show business, life and music has taken the popular Irish singer down many roads, including a recent and very well received appearance on one of Britain's most popular television shows Strictly Come Dancing. Mainly thought of as a middle of the road easy listening artist, his original roots were in country music and on this set he performs credible versions of the legendary American country singer Hank Williams, who in the early 1950s wrote some classic country tunes which had a major influence on the popular music scene of the time. The songs really are timeless classics: "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)", "Half As Much", "Hey Good Lookin'","Your Cheatin' Heart", "Kaw-Liga", "Take These Chains From My Heart", "Wedding Bells", "Cold, Cold Heart" and the country gospel anthem "I Saw The Light." The output of great songs from Hank Williams is truly remarkable in that his recording career spanned only six years. Full marks for the excellent selection of material, including some of Hank's lesser known songs such as the humorous "I Won't Be Home No More." Full marks also for the excellent backing as apart from the orchestration on "Take These Chains From My Heart" the accompaniments feature mainly guitar, steel guitar and plenty of country fiddle as well as some tasteful choral support. It seems this fine album has been a labour of love for this very popular Irish singer, and is in my opinion a great tribute to the country giant.

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