Search - Donna Hughes :: Same Old Me

Distinctive original bluegrass sounds from North Carolina

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I once interviewed many of the best known bluegrass writers in the 1980s and concluded that almost anyone can write songs, but very few can write hit songs. You must have a certain degree of creativity, inspiration and motivation within yourself to be successful. Donna Hughes, from central North Carolina, gives us a crisp mix of 21 originals on this 68-minute release. Some of her songs have the potential to become contemporary bluegrass or folk genre hits. Although classically trained on piano, Hughes has a deep fondness for bluegrass music and has performed with regional bands, Wildwood and Different Directions. Hughes capitalizes on her bluegrass foundation to adorn her presentation with modern perception and awareness. This project's breezy singing, with first-rate accompaniment, will reinforce her position as an enchanting artist with a great deal of charm.Hughes writes and sings her introspective songs with a relaxed, refreshing, contemporary flair in a style not dissimilar to that of Alison Krauss, Jeanette Williams, Valerie Smith, Dale Ann Bradley and Nickel Creek. Familiar themes of relationships, rambling around, perils of drink, heading home, and motherly love are covered. Sometimes her melodies and messages seem a tad alike and trite, especially with her many references to hearts and dreams. The album's opener "Where Are You Darlin'?" is a tale of anguish in which she sings, "Along with all my dreams/I can't go on, I can't go back." "Almost Home" states "I'll be waiting for the day and I'll be dreaming of your face."Happiness and love only appearing in dreams is the subject of "A Dream." Her song, "Memories and Dreams," is a tribute to the favorite things she's taken away from home. "With You" speaks of her desire to dream with her lover, when the moon is high. Even her song, "Lost," about a man who's down on his luck makes references to his possibly having dreams to chase, but at the same time having no one to stand behind them. There are even more references to the heart in Hughes' songs. Of the 21 offerings on this project, my choices for standout tracks include the uptempo "Little Bluebird," 6-minute jammer "Same Old Me" about her "crazy, young, wild and free" side, expressive "With You," and balladic "Chrystal's Song." A nice showcase for her piano playing is "Selfish Heart," arranged sparsely without any banjo or mandolin. Hughes trumps other singer/songwriter projects by featuring some excellent guest musicians: Adam Steffey, Alan Perdue, Scott Vestal, Clay Jones, Ashby Frank, Greg Luck, Zak McLamb, Kevin Richardson and Joey Cox. "Memories and Dreams" and "I Can't Win For Losin'" are sung solo, and the other nineteen songs offer duo or trio choruses with nicely-blended harmonies by Gena Britt, Greg Luck and Kevin Richardson. Many of the accompanists are bluegrass veterans with years of award-winning experience under their belts. A couple others (like Ashby Frank, a two-time winner in the mandolin contest at Galax, Va., and Joey Cox, current banjo-player with "Blue Ridge") are young friends who are building strong reputations for themselves as professional musicians. Guitarist Kevin Richardson (currently with Lou Reid & Carolina) is another up-and-comer who makes solid instrumental and vocal contributions on this project. All of the pickers contribute strongly to the arrangements, and except for a few instances (e.g. "Where Are You Darlin'?" with a little more banjo and mandolin in the mix than I preferred) keep their chops, licks and fills subordinate to Donna's wistful vocals. I evaluated a preview copy of this all-original album, and I hope that the final project, when released, includes the lyrics within the CD's jacket.Songwriting is hard work, and only with a good deal of practice will one become comfortable doing it. As a craft, it can be learned. As a form of communication, a person must master the styles, ways and methods to say exactly what is felt within one's soul. With over 100 self-penned songs, the prolific Donna Hughes clearly has a lot of talent and aptitude in the songwriting arena. Certainly, some songs seem to work better than others, and everyone will have their favorites on a fairly lengthy project such as "Same Old Me." I encourage you to pick up this CD to discover which melodies and lyrics are most meaningful and expressive to you. Get a copy to enjoy some of the new distinctive bluegrass sounds from North Carolina and to share Donna Hughes' reflections, thoughts, and sentiments in song. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"