Roger Wallace

01.09.2008 -- Review by: John Walker

Born and raised surrounded by country music in Knoxville, Tennessee, Wallace’s parents were constantly playing music for their son. He grew to appreciate it, but longed more for the depth of blues music. It was not until a trip to Austin after college that he came full circle. He borrowed a CD from a friend to listen to on the trip. That was his introduction to Hank Williams Sr. He immediately felt the pain and sorrow that Hank so eloquently sang, and knew this was the direction for him. Once he got to Austin, he was further influenced by artists such as Wayne Hancock, Junior Brown, Don Walser, The Derailers, and Ted Roddy.

Wallace�s new CD is nothing short of spectacular. He wrote 12 of the 13 songs which appear here; his band mate Jim Stringer wrote the other. Wallace has written songs which cover all facets of country living: honky tonks, love, misery, self-loathing, cigarettes, religion, and of course a great murder ballad. Each song flows effortlessly, as he tells stories, accompanied by great instrumentals.

The CD hits home immediately with “My Little Corner of Honky Tonk Hell.” Wallace’s vocals are accentuated very effectively by the steel guitar of Jim Stringer and bass of Brad Fordham, in a story about personal demons.

Wallace proves that having a sense of humor is useful as well. In his song “If It Wasn’t For Me”, he explains that if it was not for himself, he could have been just about anything. His vocal drawl enhances the stories, and has you shaking your head in agreement.

The highlights of the CD, as if there were any low points, are the last three songs. “Prodigal Daughter, Favorite Son” is a classic deep south song, that includes great harmonies and fiddle. “My Way’s The Highway” is an acoustic love-gone-wrong song by Wallace, which is very reminiscent of Hank Sr.’s style and sound. The final song of the CD is the murder ballad written by Stringer titled “The Confession.” Wallace speaks as the lone character, desperate and on the run, in an intriguing story you truly have to hear to treasure.

Even after this CD, Wallace may not gain notoriety, but he definitely deserves praise. He has shown that traditional country sound, songs telling stories and delivered passionately, are worth writing. A lone voice, accompanied by only the basic acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle and bass, can speak volumes if allowed to flow. He has done just that.

John Walker resides in the heartland of the US, in the great state of Indiana. An IU alum, John enjoys a variety of music genres, but prefers artists who write their own music and deliver it with passion. When not writing about his music addiction, John can be seen out spreading his love of music by singing in a band with his wife Stephanie.