Alton Elliott "Diamonds in the Rough" is the first album under his name. Joined by Guitarist, Robert Perkins, these 12 selections come from many different sources. "Looking At The World Through Rose Colored Glasses" & "Brown Eyes Why Are You Blue?" was first heard by Elliott on 1920's Brunswick 78s of Nick Lucas. Robert shows his talents as a solo guitarist on "Un Peu D' Amour," this tune is better known under the title, "A Little Love, A Little Kiss" and was first recorded in the early 1920's by jazz guitarist, Eddie Lang. The title track, "Diamonds in the Rough" comes from The Carter Family. Alton admits that some of these songs he doesn't remember where he heard them at first, such as "Just One Rose Will Do", Elliott says, " I think I first heard that antique number in church, By Don & Earl, they used to come to our church back when I was a child and they made a great impact on me, I believe I heard it by them first, I don't know how I remembered the words though because I don't have a recording of it by anyone." And "The Two Soldiers," a story from the civil war. There are a few original songs here too, "Little Woman Waiting For Me," and "Bright Lights, Big City." These recordings by Alton Elliott has many different mood swings, from the heart-felt, "Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City,"(recorded at WDSL radio in Mocksville, N.C.) to the whimsical "Skunk Skin Britches." There is also an interesting take on "Jimmy Brown, the Newsboy" "Long Lost Friend", (recorded on a live radio broadcast at WPAQ in the historic studio A in Mt. Airy, NC) leaves an arousing showing of emotion and climactic end to this disc. This project will warm the heart of any listener who enjoys early American music styles and is essential to the same.--------------------------------ALTON ELLIOTT - DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH - Gold Hill Studio GHS-01. The duo of Alton Elliott ( guitar and vocals) and Robert Perkins (lead guitar and vocals) is also known as Original Formula ( BU, Aug. 2003). This latest recording features a diversity of material, ranging from the traditional ("The Two Soldiers" and "Jimmy Brown, The News Boy") to swing pieces ("Looking At The World Thru' Rose Colored Glasses [sic]"), some gospel ("Just One Rose Will Do"), and a pair of originals. There is even a bit of comedy with Lonzo and Oscar's "Skunk Skin Britches." The highlight is Alton's emotional interpretation of "Long Lost Friend." Anyone who appreciates duet singing in the style of early country brother groups will find much to savor with "Diamonds In The Rough." (Gold Hill Studio, P.O. Box 4613, Asheboro, N.C. 27204, < www.melodymanrecords.com >) BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED MAGAZINE, May, 2004
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http://www.melodymanrecords.comTrack List:
1. Looking At The World Thru' Rose Colored Glasses
2. Un Peu D' Amour
3. Brown Eyes Why Are You Blue?
4. Diamonds in the Rough
5. The Two Soldiers
6. Little Woman Waiting For Me
7. Bright Lights, Big City
8. Just One Rose Will Do
9. Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City
10. Skunk Skin Britches
11. Jimmy Brown, The Newsboy
12. Long Lost Friend
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