Customer Reviews

Back to the Well

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With his last record, 2001's woefully-overlooked TELL THE TRUTH, Lee Roy Parnell made a drastic departure from his previous music. During the nineties, he was a country hitmaker--his radio friendly hits were, to be honest, better than most of what was played at the time, but they still didn't showcase his soulful, "rugged down-home voice" very well. The afore-mentioned album, however, did just that--by going back to his roots, Parnell made an honest, bluesy, jazzy, country/rock record that told it like it was.

Fortunately, Universal South--a label that, in my mind, is becoming reknowned for letting artists be themselves--allowed Parnell to keep that honest music going. BACK TO THE WELL is just as strong as its predecessor, maybe even more so; Parnell's lyrics are as honest as ever, his guitar picking is still to be reckoned with (I can think of no better slide-guitarist today, or in the past couple decades), and his music is, for lack of a better word, soulful. These are lyrics you can relate to, and melodies that will move you. Call it country, call it rock, call it blues, call it whatever the heck you want--no matter what name it goes by, it is still good, true, HONEST music. Lee Roy Parnell has found his musical niche; and though he may never again attain the commerical success the nineties brought him, he is destined to become an underground legend.

Prime Cuts: Saving Grace, Old Soul, Daddies and Daughters

No one imbues their country with such an ineluctable funky blues like Lee Roy Parnell. Yet, Parnell still has the ability to stay commercially assessable. Signed to the most temerarious Universal South Records, whose roaster include gutsy left of center artists such as the Notorious Cherrybombs and Shooter Jennings, this is Parnell's second chance at a major label. After his substantial stint at Arista Records with a string of hits such as "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am," "On the Road" and "Love without Mercy," one would have expected Parnell to buy in to the Music Row hit-making machinery of recycling today's country hit songs. But, this Texas-bred musician has wisely chose to follow his blues-infested heart in creating one of his most honest and engaging records. On the other hand, Parnell has not given in to an over indulgence in his craft, making this record far too idiosyncratic. Rather there is a cadence that welcomes the uninitiated and given the right promotion, "Back to the Well" ought to appeal en masse.

Of note is the presence of Tony Arata's pen. Arata, whose songs has made it to the catalogs of Garth Brooks ("Anonymous"), Patty Loveless ("Handful of Dust") and Emmylou Harris ("I Hear a Call") among others, shares the same ink with Parnell on 6 stellar cuts. Best of which is "Old Soul," a bluesy lament about a lady who has come to grips with the negativity of life, finds its gravitas in Parnell's sensitive vocal nuances. Though Patty Loveless has delivered a tour de force version of "Old Soul" on her latest CD "Dreaming My Dreams," Parnell's own version does not pale to Loveless'. Despite Parnell's bearded tough guy disposition, he does get intimate on one of his best ballads "Daddies and Daughters" which also features the tender backing vocals of daughter Alison. Kicking up his heels with a thumping backbeat, "Something Out of Nothing" is another Arata/Parnell gem, this time finding Parnell rocking along a la his "Lucky Me, Lucky You" days.

Of the tracks untouched by Arata, "Saving Grace" is a stop-in-your-tracks love ballad with a celestial gospel-like overtone. On the more commercial side "Just Lucky That Way," finds a bewildered Parnell unable to decipher the complexities of love. While on "The Hunger" Parnell wades in the Bruce Springsteen territory complemented by Parnell's signature gruff yet searching vocals. Nevertheless, on the title cut, "Don't Water It Down" and "You Can't Lose Them All" are typical Parnell rockers with his signature searing jabs of electric slide and propulsive drum beats. They are all made for good listens, but they veer on the side of ordinary. Further, "Cool Breeze," the album closer, is a forgettable instrumental that has become a staple typical of a Parnell CD.

Overall, there's more on "Back to the Well" that satisfies than disappoints. In a genre where many country songs hinges upon cliches and what itches the ears of the audience, Parnell sings without any scaffolds. For those who have a low threshold in monotony, "Back to the Well," with its variety of styles, themes and tempos, ought to satiate. Indeed, in the desert of sound-alikes, "Back to the Well" is an oasis that refreshes.

Last Saturday evening (July 15th 06), I had the opportunity to meet Lee Roy Parnell. I have been a huge fan for several years after being introduced to his music by a friend who was with me and able to meet him as well. The concert was in an out of the way place in Massanutten Ski Resort in Virginia and the turn out was low. I was tremendously dissappointed with the crowd in attendance. Although they were big fans of Lee Roy, they were quite lackadaisical and quiet. It was interesting that they cheered wildly for the local start up groups that were horrible (to say it kindly)... A very unsophisticated bunch. This is not to cast aspersions on Virginians (being one myself) but I was literally embarassed.

What made the 3 1/2 hour trip was when Lee Roy Parnell came on the stage. At the first note of his guitar I felt like I had found my place in musical mecca! I absolutely love his music. What I was about to find out though was that I really like him. He paid no mind to the small crowd (which had to be a failure of promotion by the resort) and just played his heart out. After the concert, he availed himself to anyone who wanted to meet him. I was up near the front of the line and, trying to be courteous, I tried to be fast as I got his autograph on his new CD - Back to the Well - and was surprised when he really wanted to talk. We discussed his group, especially his drummer, and discussed my name, Darcy, which he immediately recognized as Irish stock and mentioned that he had a cousin by that name. I was surprised at how he really reached out to my friend and I and every other attendee. He is a very personable guy possessed with great talent. I wish more people would listen to his music and get hooked as I have.

As far as "Back to the Well", I highly recommend that you listen to it along with his earlier, more well known music. He is a great guy and his music smokes!

Quite simply, Lee Roy Parnell does not get nearly enough credit for the music that he makes. For years he has been putting out records featuring fantastically written, honest songs, impeccable slide guitar, and a voice that truly delivers.

Back to the Well might be the best overall album he has ever put out, from the funky open of the title track right through to the sweet and loving "saving grace" the album has something for everyone.

Looking for something inspiring, "Old Soul" fits the bill. Want an uptempo bluesy-rocker to hit the road with "Don't Water it Down" or "The Hunger" will fill your tank. Looking for a song to make the tough guys get a little teary eyed? check out "Daddies and Daughters" - with vocal help from his own daughter.

Lee Roy Parnell is back making great music and I for one am glad he is.

Lee Roy Parnell is one of those falls between the cracks artists that can't be described as fitting into just one catagory of music. He's got Country,Blues,Rockabilly and Gospel in his soul and shows it in his music. This cd doesn't rock and isn't as bluesy as his last,the equally excellent TELL THE TRUTH,it's more relaxed and funky feel makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.

I have just recently discovered Lee Roy....Wow! This CD takes you all over the place....from country to gospel to southern rock. His voice is rich..his stories great and his guitar just carries it all along. Sit back, listen and see what you think.

Here's one of the GREAT releases of 2006. Unfortunately, it will be missed by most. I had a rare opportunity to see Lee Roy Parnell perform at a small and intimate concert this past summer in Wimberley, Texas (warm Texas night, cold beer... priceless!). Standing close to the stage (dance floor), I was struck with the vast extent of this man's talent. He does it all... incredible guitar player; strong, soulful voice; beautiful and intelligent lyrics; stage presence; audience interaction; everything. I hadn't heard any of the tracks from "Back to the Well" before the concert, but immediately fell in love with all of them. "Something out of Nothing," "Just Lucky That Way," and "Saving Grace" are three of the best songs I've ever heard... beautiful. Buy this CD and play it over and over... Look Lee Roy up and see him in concert next time he's in town. He's the real thing.

Wow it's so great to hear new music from him. I love the great variety he always has on his CD'. He can rock out or melt your heart with his soulful ballads. Thanks to Leroy my boyfriend has begun to listen to and enjoy country music. I have always enjoyed Lee Roy and am so happy with my new CD.

Even though Back to the Well has been out for a few years I just got around to buying it and I love it. Lee Roy has been a favorite of mine for years and it was so easy to order and get the CD from Amazon.com. I've ordered several products and I've never had one problem. I love it!

Thank the Lord, Lee Roy has gone back to the well. This effort is on a par with "Tell the Truth" and that says a lot.