Post by jptheprofessor on Sept 25, 2006 17:48:45 GMT -5
MIDNIGHT RODEO – SATURDAY NIGHT (no label) Bedford County quintet Midnight Rodeo formed a decade ago, and since then has steadily kept crowds happy throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia with their mixture of modern country and classic rock sounds. Along the way, singer Rick Zimmerman Jr., guitarist Mark Diehl, keyboardist Terry Feathers, bassist Roy Corle and drummer Dana Corle have developed their own library of original songs, resulting in two albums thus far. Their latest album, Saturday Night, showcases the group’s variety of sounds, sharp musicianship and vocals, and relatable, easy-to-digest lyrics. They offer feisty blue-collar rocking honky tonk on the title song “Saturday Night” and “Rodeo Girls,” show a knack for Eagles/.38 Special-flavored country rock on “.44 Caliber Love,” and get rowdy on the country/disco/rock stomp “Get Down.” The group generates a playful country vibe on “What Comes Around (Goes Around), creates a Jimmy Buffett-like tropical flavor on “Get Away,” and taps gospel roots with the uplifting Terry-fronted album-finisher “Glory Bound.” Midnight Rodeo shows a milder side on “A Mother’s Love,” and a flair for ballads on the love song “You’re In My Life” and the reminiscent “I’m There.” The band sounds steady and consistent throughout the album, with Mark’s guitar and Terry’s keys tastefully mingling and complementing one another along the Corle brothers’ strong rhythmic foundation. Rick’s voice sells his words with a bright, rangeful voice that can comfortably shift from tender to rowdy. Recorded and produced by the band at their Gar-Age Studios, Saturday Night sounds clean and clear, simple and balanced; allowing the essence of the group’s overall sound to shine through. Saturday Night offers the sound of a seasoned band that knows and enjoys their musical turf. This album will give listeners a strong representation of what this band is capable of on any given Saturday night, and should please fans from both country and rock persuasions. (The CD can be obtained at shows or by visiting the group’s website, www.midnight.rodeo.20m.com.)