Lee Roy Parnell is basically a Texas born-and-bred country hit maker. That said, it's no secret he's also constantly beating down the boundaries that categorize and enclose the genre. There've been many excellent country pickers over the years, and although he's one of them, Leroy possesses a diverse style that's all his. His new CD, Back To The Well, substantiates that.

Back To The Well, Parnell's first release in four years, is twelve songs that draw attention to his soulful vocals and smooth picking style, and also his signature Gibson CS-336 into Marshall sound. Lee Roy often double-tracks lead, rhythm, acoustic, and slide guitar throughout the whole album.

The opener, 'Back To The Well', gets it all going in a down-and-dirty, roadhouse style. Lee Roy plays slide, electric rhythm, and acoustic on this one. Although his expertise is portrayed adequately, and the song itself possesses a hard driving aggressiveness and excellent slide work, the follower, 'Something Out Of Nothing', puts his vocals and guitar playing upon a deserving pedestal for all to take notice. It's an easygoing ballad that's soulful, bluesy, and potent. The guitar tone is pleasantly refreshing from start to finish.

Though there's a fine mix of easygoing and rocked up songs on this release, it's basically laidback and relaxing. 'Just Lucky That Way' is reminiscent of a Clapton contemporary, melodic and satisfying. The guitar solo midway possesses that Parnell signature Gibson tone also. 'Old Soul' is another gentle flowing track, nicely done, with Jessi Alexander on background vocal.

'Daddies And Daughters', lyrically, is what one might expect by the title. It's a pretty song, regarding the love and common bond that develops between fathers and daughters as they age. The pleasant soft rock flow and workable lead display once again his propensity to blend styles.

Just when you think you'd heard it all, as the CD is a bluesy and soulful blend of country and rock, the closer, 'Cool Breeze', flaunts Parnell's ability to fly off in a jazz direction, revealing yet again that boundaries are often no more than a figment of the imagination.

This is a pleasantly satisfying CD, especially when in the mood for something mellow, laidback, and discerningly contemporary. It's a collection of solid songs, with earthy vocals, fine musicianship, and incredible guitar tone.

Lee Roy Parnell - lead, rhythm, slide guitars, and vocals
Steve MacKey - bass
Lynn Williams - drums and percussion
Kevin McKendree - B-3 and Wurlitzer
Tony Abata - rhythm guitar
James Pennebaker - rhythm guitar
Mark T. Jordan - piano and Wurlitzer
Assorted background vocalists

Back To The Well, Track Listing
1. Back To The Well
2. Something Out Of Nothing
3. Just Lucky That Way
4. Old Soul
5. Don't Water It Down
6. Daddies And Daughters
7. You Can't Lose 'Em All
8. Breaking The Chain
9. The Hunger
10. That's All There Is
11. Saving Grace
12. Cool Breeze

Produced by Lee Roy Parnell
And John Kunz

Universal South 2006

Related Links
Lee Roy Parnell
Universal South
Back to the Well on Amazon.com