Release date March 3, 2023 Reviewed on 10/04/2023 by Tom Doel Buy the album here: https://www.florianfox.com/en/shop/
Florian Fox is often referred to as the "Swiss Johnny Cash" due to his powerful bass-baritone voice, evidence of that is on this album where he covers one of Johnny’s well-known tracks Get Rhythm plus some of his later recordings. You may not have heard of Florian Fox before hearing this album but he has been performing since the age of 15 and won a Swiss newcomer award in 2013 and then going on to pick up more awards for “outstanding live performance” in 2020 at the Texas sounds international Country Music awards in Texas after moving to Nashville in 2020 during the pandemic.
Florian Fox: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Chuck Mead: Acoustic Guitar Dave Roe: Bass Charlie McCoy: Harmonica, Glockenspiel Martin Lynds: Drums, Percussion Kerry Marx: Electric Guitar Jake Bradley: Electric Guitar Rob Ickes: Dobro Aaron Till: Fiddle
Get Rhythm: Written by Johnny Cash and released as a B-side to I walk the Line. Re-released in 1969 and reached No #60 on Billboard. Florian does a great job vocally on this track and you get the idea very quickly why he is referred to as “The Swiss Johnny Cash”. Musically the song has a heavier feel the rhythm section sound great (drums on this version) keeping a strong rhythm going while the lead guitar gives the song a more 60’s country feel. I really like this version.
Green Green Grass of Home: Written by Curly Putman Jr in 1965 and made popular by Porter Wagoner. Reached No #4 in Country charts. A country classic recorded by many over the years including Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course Tom Jones. This version stays pretty true to the original.
Redemption: Recorded originally by Johnny Cash in 1994, on the “American Recordings” album which you may be familiar with. This cover version itself has very strong Cash mannerisms, but the artist gives it his own touch with the addition of the harmonica and adds some extra touches to give it a more haunting feel. Again, sounds great.
Kate: Written by Marty Robbins and recorded by Johnny Cash in 1972. This song was originally recorded in 1961 by Rex Allen. This cover version is more like the Johnny Cash version rather than the earlier recording from Rex Allen but both are great songs. I love this cover. It has great bass and drums that keeping it moving along the harmonica is a great addition… add the vocals and you have a great song.
I still Miss Someone: Written in 1958 by Johnny and Roy Cash Jr the original has the well-known sound of Johnny and his band. Florian keeps it pretty much original but has added some fiddle which I am not going to complain about and it’s a nice touch.
Southwind: Recorded by Johnny Cash in 1969 and was released on the 1970 album “Hello I'm Johnny Cash”. Again, kept pretty much to the original with the addition of the harmonica musically spot on vocally excellent a great finish to a very good album.
I really enjoyed this album. I am, of course, a Country fan and also a fan of Johnny Cash but that doesn’t mean I like all artists who cover his songs. Johnny Cash numbers are easy to get wrong and not that easy to get right. I have no issues with artist interpretation but there is nothing better than hearing Johnny Cash being played by a real fan of him and the Tennessee Two. If you like Johnny Cash then you will like Florian Fox. This is pure Country music, I cannot recommend it enough.
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/k6gMEIkVkSo
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