Search - Lee Roy Parnell :: Back to the Well

A soulful, moving, honest record

DanD | 03/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Parnell's "Back to the Well" is an Oasis that Refreshes

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 04/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Under-appreciated artist, great talent, great guy!

D. Terry | Newport News, VA United States | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"