On the pages of the inside jacket of Parnell's CD, you can read several typed lines of a story his mother had once wrote. She told about how Lee Roy first found his love of music, in an old School Hill Community Newsletter. Instantly, I imagined Lee Roy at the age of seven with his father's old hat and shoe boxes, which he creatively made into a make-shift drum set, as well as the two welding rods he used for drum sticks.

Lee Roy Parnell, born December 21, 1956, in Abiline, Texas, arrived with music in his blood. His exposure to music was very early in his childhood and influenced by "Uncle Bob" Wills. At the age of six he had his first appearance onstage with Bob and the Texas Playboys, which aired on radio station KFJZ. At 14, he was playing with his own band at Texas dance halls and clubs. By his later teens, he was playing with Kinky Friedman's Texas Jewboys. In 1974 Lee Roy Parnell moved to Austin, Texas. He spent time playing with Texas Legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joe Ely, and Delbert Mc Clinton. In 1987, Parnell moved to Nashville to augment his musical talent, per recommendation of his cousin, Robert Earl Keen, and friend Lyle Lovett. In 1989 Lee Roy was the second artist to sign with Arista Records' new Nashville division. Within eleven years with Arista, Lee Roy Parnell had created six albums. Eleven of the songs from these albums made the top ten single charts, and four of them made it to number one!

The Allman Brothers greatly inspired Lee Roy Parnell's music, as well as many other fine musicians. In his biography, which you can read at his web site, www.leeroy.com, he states, "Blues touched me from the moment I heard it. It overshadowed everything else somehow." He also states, "This was one of the most honest record I've ever made." Lee Roy Parnell's CD, "Tell The Truth," doesn't just play by one rule. He plays by many. It's influenced by many, diverse music styles, such as Country-soul, Delta blues, Southern boogie, Gospel, Texas swing, and Blue-eyed soul. Lee Roy Parnell takes a bit of everything and makes something sincerely unique and of his very own.

In track number one, "Right Where It Hurts," I heard Parnell's bittersweet misery, sensed his pain, as well as tasted the salt from his tears. Lee Roy moves from boy to man in "Crossing Over." This song makes my lips curl with lust and satisfaction. It also depicts this songwriter's wild adventures as a boy and the strength it takes to cross over and become a man. Bonnie Bramlett accompanies Parnell in, "Break It Down Slow." I love her sweet, smooth, sultry voice. This song is a lover's lullaby, slow and lovely. I also thought Parnell's voice was like sugar melting on a child's tongue. His Texas spirit is revealed in "South By Southwest," which is adeptly interlaced with Delbert Mc Clinton's awesome voice. It's got that road house blues feel to it, which sets one's soul on fire. The piano accompaniment is outstanding, and the entire song pulsates with vitality and electricity. The tranquillity and sanguine vocals in "Tell The Truth," left me serene and breathless. The lyrics tell a beautiful story and the message dissolves like medicine within one's soul. Lee Roy Parnell unveils his real disposition, unafraid to show the world who he really is. This title track is a country blues melody. Parnell's guitar playing reaches out and talks to you. His song relays a strong message, stating, "True love will never find you're not your true, honest self." Parnell breaks through all boundaries in, "I Declare." The pick, strum, and slide on his guitar speaks to the soul once again. The harmonica playing was unbelievable. This song awakens your senses, making one feel alive and liberated. The Mississippi Mass Choir joins Parnell in "Brand New Feeling." The piano makes your toes tap in beat and your spirit swell. You can feel Lee Roy's gratitude in "Guardian Angel," a ballad, which tell about his blessings in life. The Delta blues and Texas swing come alive in, "Takes What It Takes." His song exhibits his determination, and tells about the trials and tribulations of walking the journey towards a dream. In track number ten, the last song, Lee Roy Parnell re-ignites the spirit of Gretchen Peters in "Love's Been Rough On Me," which has also been an Etta James remake. This talented musician blesses this song with his unique style, significantly making it one of his own.

Lee Roy Parnell returned to his roots when he created, "Tell The Truth." He even used his '56 Gibson, which he's had since the age of 15. This incredible CD featured guest appearances by Keb' Mo', Bonnie Bramlett, Delbert Mc Clinton, and the Mississippi Mass Choir. Parnell stated in his biography that he just got out of the way and permitted the music to come through. It was much different than what he thought it would be.

Lee Roy Parnell is incredibly talented. He not only plays the guitar and sings; he's also a prolific song writer. Lee Roy has won a Gibson Guitar Award in 1998 for Best Country Instrument. In 1998, he received a Grammy Nomination for Country Instrumental, "Mama, Screw Your Wig On Tight." In 1997 Parnell was a CMA Nominee for Vocal Event of the Year "John The Revelator." In 1996, he received a Grammy Nomination for instrumental collaboration "Cat Walk" with Flaco Jimenez. In 1995, he was a CMA Nominee for Vocal Event of the Year, "Workin' Mans' Blues." And in 1994, Lee Roy Parnell was a CMA Horizon Award Nominee.

If you enjoy versatility, grit, boogie, and beat, Lee Roy Parnell's newest CD, "Tell the Truth," is one to check out! You can find his CD at www.leeroy.com or Amazon.com.

This review is copyright © 2001 by Mia Jennings, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.