Stonewall Jackson could teach Nashville's would-be stars a lot!

Stonewall Jackson And Super Friends - A Tribute.

If I knew exactly what it is that makes so many folks love true Country music, I'd be a very rich man. I'm not.

I don't know why, when I put Stonewall Jackson's "Super Friends" collection on today, it made me smile.

I knew before I played it that the album was full of good quality Country Music. I knew, too, that the album features a galaxy of Country stars.

But none of that explains the smile. So, I'll stay poor, but happy, and I'll invite you to smile with me.

There are 21 superb songs on this collection, and the super friends here include Hank Snow, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Waylon Jennings, Alison Krauss, Marty Stuart, Roy Acuff, Tanya Tucker, Boxcar Willie, Hal Ketchum, Ricky Skaggs and many more.

From the moment the banjo kicks in on "Poor Boy", you know you're in for a treat.

In truth, much of this album will NOT appeal to younger Country fans. There isn't enough reverb on the vocals, there aren't enough synthesized guitars and bass lines, and - well heck - there's LOTS of words which mean something!

It's a shame. If younger Country fans - and would-be singers - would just take a moment to listen to "Don't Be Angry", they might learn a thing or two.

Like how to use a piano on the off-beat! Like how to sing harmonies, how to mix pedal and fiddle into a song so that it doesn't overpower, but it doesn't disappear.

The harmonies here are provided by a chorus to die for:  Tanya Tucker, Lynn Anderson, Lorrie Morgan and Connie Smith. WOW!

Listen to the amazing 12 string guitar at the start of "B.J. The D.J." and the clean cut of the mix.

And listen throughout to Stonewall Jackson's vocals. Sorry, friend, but I have to say this: they aren't perfect! And that's a PLUS!

What it shows is that this guy CAN sing. No-one's processed the life out of the vocals, processed every syllable, corrected the pitch of every word, reverbed it so it sounds like the song was sung on a luxury bathroom.  Those are all things which make Nashpop what it is - rubbish!

No: Stonewall Jackson could stand on any stage with a guitar and play these songs.

Highlights of the album are "Standing Invitation" sung with Connie Smith, and - for me, "Me And You And A Dog Named Boo".

I confess that way back when, this song was a favorite of mine when it made the UK charts sung by someone called Lobo. I didn't know it back then, but it was a Country song adapted for the UK pop charts!

If you like real Country music with slightly softer edges here and there, this is a must have collection. And if you're a young 'un and would like to learn a thing or two, it's an education!

My View: A superb collection by one of Country's true gentlemen and a cast of dozens of other stars! BUY IT!

What do YOU think?? Tell us here!