Ags Connolly, one of the most authentic western swing artists this side of the Atlantic, has delivered once more with his third studio album, ‘Wrong Again’. Dwelling on similar terms to those previous, Connolly’s mix of bar side drinking songs and human sorrow will be a sure hit with existing fans who enjoy his continuation of Tex-Mex adventures. ‘Wrong Again’, recorded at Woodworm Studios in Connolly’s native county of Oxfordshire, pulls together an eclectic mix of well-seasoned musicians that reflect tastefully in the music.
Notable help includes fiddle player Eamon McLoughlin (Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell) and accordionist Michael Guerra (The Mavericks) who impressively displays his experience when both voice and accordion come together quite beautifully to talk to one another throughout the opening track ‘I’ll Say When’.
Stand out tracks ‘I’ll Say When’ and ‘Wrong Again’ prove Connolly’s stamp as a songwriter, but accolades must also be given for a wholehearted rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Early Morning Rain’ that I’m sure Lightfoot himself would be truly proud of. Here we’re gifted with the richness of Connolly’s deep, warm voice to the backdrop of the entire lead section, each taking a turn to add some soul-warming licks to the story.
For anyone longing to reach country music on real terms, this will be well worth your time.
