Deep-voiced Lee Roy Parnell is a songwriter who's influenced heavily by the soul and gospel traditions which accommodate his music brilliantly. These influences show trough on this well-recorded outing. Just listen to his duet with the legendary Bonnie Bramlett on his slow soul ballad "Breaking Down Slow" and you'll know! It's the varied material that grabs the listener's attention, from radio friendly "Right Where It Hurts" with fine horn arrangement, roadhouse blues of Crossing Over," fine rocking "South By Southwest," good time feel of "I Declare" featuring Keb Mo or frantic gospel of "Brand New Feeling." One can trace early James Taylor influence in beautiful "Tell The Truth" or even Randy Newman' worth of "Guardian Angel."

All tracks are standout and of high standard in every view and with exceptional guests who include Delbert McClinton, Keb Mo, Bonnie Bramlett and The Mississippi Mass Choir, Lee Roy Parnell just couldn't make bad record. This is stuff of the master who has learned his lessons well and who's messages are simple and heartfelt. His stories has been lived through and their beauty is in the way Lee Roy Parnell brings them to us with his music. This is beautiful stuff and if you give it a listen, you'll agree and love every minute of it.

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