CD Review: New Music From Indie-Artists Keith Harkin, Michael Tracy And Ragged Union

Irish singer/songwriter Keith Harkin will be releasing a brand new live, acoustic album titled "In The Round" on December 8th. Harkin, who is a member of the popular Irish music group, Celtic Thunder, released his first solo album in 2012 and his popularity just continues to grow. The show featured within this new release took place last summer at Venice Beach, CA, to which Harkin now calls home. The new 14-song set begins with the heartfelt ballad "Lauren & I," then he picks the tempo up with the quick pace of "I Remember It All." You can certainly hear his Irish accent as he describes the ballad "Take Me Down," before he performs a cover of Thin Lizzy's "Whiskey In The Jar." Harkin struts through "Mercy" as the crowd helps him keep the rhythm of this protest-style anthem. His songwriting really shines on the strength of "Care Free Heart," before wrapping up the show with the surf-inspired "September Sessions" and beautiful singing of "Wait On Me." To find out more about Keith Harkin and his new live album "In The Round," please visit keithharkin.com.

Arriving on November 17th, is the fourth studio album titled "Still Got Soul" from American rock 'n' roller Michael Tracy. It will be the debut release on Tracy's own label, TW Music Group and was produced by Bob Marlette (Alice Cooper) and Sahaj Tictin (Ra). Tracy has also recently opened shows for Bon Jovi, Poison and Dokken to name a few. His new 10-song release kicks off with the up-tempo, guitar driven "Laughter." He lets up on the gas a bit for the more pop-oriented "My Lisa," before heading into the blues of the title song, "Still Got Soul." Michael Tracy finds the perfect balance with the exciting delivery of "Call Me Wild" and the country rocker "Sweet Smile." He finishes up his new studio album with the addictive, funky bass groove of "Shake It" and the built-up power ballad "Raven." Tracy also tacks on an original holiday bonus track he recorded back in 2016, titled "Poinsettia Red." To find out more about Michael Tracy and his latest release "Still Got Soul," please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/MichaelTracySongwriter.

From Colorado comes the latest release from the bluegrass/country/folk band Ragged Union. Their new album titled "Time Captain" was released back in October and features 11-tracks of down-home, feel-good music. They begin with the swift pace of "Leaving Louisville" as husband and wife duo, Geoff and Christina Union showcase their wonderful harmonies. Christina takes the vocal spotlight on the storied lyrics of "Time Captain," before the tempo picks up for the spirited bluegrass of "If You Don't Love Me." The album continues with the instrumental piece "Cross Country Chimes," featuring the award-winning performers Jordan Ramsey and Chris Elliott along with musicians Justin Hoffenberg and David Richey. Ragged Union's music carries a nostalgic feel as in "Bridge On Fire" and "Moonshine Boogie," before finishing up their new album with the quick story of "Diamond Joe." To find out more about Ragged Union and their latest release "Time Captain," please visitraggedunionbluegrass.com.