MEDIA REVIEWS
Glenn Fournier's CD
"From the Board Room to the Bar Room"
There is very little here that tells me that this is an independent album. Glenn is a very fine singer that reminds me slightly of Roy Orbison on some tracks, but mostly he is just Glenn Fournier and thats the way it should be. In addition to being a fine singer, Glenn has proved to have a good taste when choosing songs. My favourite tracks were "From The Board Room To The Bar Room", "Almost Persuaded" and "Busted Love". I also note to my pleasure that Glenn has not fallen into one of the most common traps for independent singers: To choose any musicians that are available. Instead, he mainly uses the Nashville name players that he and the songs deserve.
My only negative remark is that I think some tracks sound a little bit artificial, meaning too many synths and drum machines. But thats just a slight remark when you have such hard core country songs like my favourite tracks on the album. This album will have continuous play on my CD player for a long time.
Glenn Fournier worked in a bank for twenty two years before he decided country music was much more fun and took to the road. Glenn may not be too well known in the U.K. but back in his native Canada is extemely popular thanks to hits like "Busted Love", "Oh, What A Thrill" and "From The Board Room To The Bar Room", the title of his latest Miko album, now available in this country. This is one of those albums that creep up on you when you least expect it. I'll admit, on first cursory listen I wasn't all that enamoured. Then I played it in the car and did so constantly for a full week, completely sold on "Not One, But Two", "Sweet Loving Daddy", "I'll Give you Love", "Almost Persuaded", "Two Old Flames", "Eulalie" and the three previously mentioned songs. Great backup from Jesse Winchester, Bruce Bouton, Hank Singer and Pig Robbins.
Formerly a bank manager, he quit some fifteen years ago as it was not a lifestyle that fulfilled his aspirations for life. Since then he has travelled extensively, and finally releases his first album, assisted by Pat Donaldson. Hailing from Perth, Ontario, this is a country album, independently released. The title track is somewhat autobigraphical, "Oh What A Thrill" you may know from a few years ago, played regularly on the radio when released by the Mavericks. One to show a singers voice at its best, no worries for Glenn. There is a pedal steel throughout most of the album, but as I like pedal steel, it adds to the album. Whatever the song, each of the nine is different, he shows a fine voice, with some good arrangements and fine production. No doubt there will be further releases maybe even a major label will now show interest. Released in America, the album is available in the UK from Fledgling records.
Now there's an album title. In Glenn's case it's true. With roots in Ontario and Quebec, he gave up a banking career in Montreal to hit the road. After years of performing, he's released this debut. In the traditional country style of Haggard, or Owens, Fournier puts down lyrics with a mature perspective. The songs are well constructed and arranged, and were recorded between studios in Montreal and Nashville with seasoned pickers.
He has a smooth, easy flowin' velvet quality voice but due to the varied studio environments, some tunes have a bigger sound than others, but there's a consistent polish throughout. Best tracks are the honky tonk title cut, the tasteful waltz-time of "Not One, But Two" (choice bow work), and the shuffler "Busted Love", with its great piano and guitar solos.
This likely won't appeal to the young country audience but if you yearn for those grooves of the 50's and 60's, this is a good pick.
Very good singing and music on this very enjoyable album. "From The Board Room To The Bar Room" and "Not One, But Two" are my favourite tracks, followed closely by "Two Old Flames" - all are excellent and really appealing. Glenn's version of "Almost Persuaded" also comes over really well. This good, easy listening traditional country music album, should be a popular release.
Glenn Fournier |
Red Hot Country Magazine Review