BECKY SCHLEGEL

For All The World To See—Lilly Ray Records.

Tracks: For All The World To See; Bound For Tennessee; Best Time Of The Day; Why Maybe; I Need Your Love; Jenny; Lonely; 99%; Spotlight; Sound Of Your Voice; Hills Of South Dakota.

Born and raised in small town South Dakota Becky Schleger joined her mother’s band The Country Benders as a piano player in her early years, remaining with them for 13 years. She moved to Minnesota in 1993 to further her education. She started to play guitar and immersed herself in the local music scene.

In 1997 she formed her first bluegrass band True Blue. The following year the band cut their first CD that enabled the band to win several awards. By 2002 Becky had cut her first solo album of all original songs, again winning a shoal of local industry awards. She cut her second solo CD of self-penned material in 2005 and continued winning awards while getting married and bringing two sons into the world.

The big challenge now is to take her latest album For All The World To See into the international marketplace. Again all of the 11 tracks are self-penned opening with “For All The World To See”—in proof that Becky has the right ingredients for future stardom. Good voice and songwriter as well as an ability to produce along with Brian Fesler. I like the earthy approach which fits well into a folk/country format.

“Bound For Tennessee” tells of leaving small town for the bright lights of Tennessee—love the steel guitar work of Kenny Wilson. “Best Time of the Day” allows co-producer Barry Fesler to shine on banjo—a great bluegrass sound. “Why Maybe” offers romantic uncertainty while showing Becky’s soprano perfectly. “I Need Your Love” gives another slant on the love theme, this time with a rural back home feeling.

“Jenny” is a beguiling love song telling of the love for a fellow human being. “Lonely” is a beautiful singer-songwriter song dedicated to a guitar. “99%” gasses up the grass to high octane and it’s splendid—bound to be a live show stopper with its high energy “Spotlight” slides perfectly into a romantic country mood to blend the older traditional with today’s modern country without a rock ‘n’ roll compromise. Well someone had to say it and I am glad that Becky gave me the chance!

“Sound Of Your Voice” reflects on going back to visit the joys of yesteryear with a visit home. My take on this is simple, without yesterday there cannot be a today or even tomorrow and Becky certainly awoke my precious memories with this song. The lady justifies progression with “Hills Of South Dakota” to close this fine singer-songwriter album that given the chance will capture the heart and minds of country folk everywhere.

By BRIAN AHERN