Heidi Newfield, The Barfly Sessions, Vol. 1 Review

Heidi Newfield is a good-timing, honky-tonkin’, band-leading, song-writing, love-song-singing, blues-harp-blowing, tradition-nurturing, genre-busting, crowd-carrying, the full-hearted flag bearer for all that’s true about music. Newfield gained notoriety as the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and harmonica player for the band Trick Pony, alongside Keith Burns and Ira Dean from 1996 until 2006. Newfield started to pursue a solo career on Curb Records in 2008 with the single, “Johnny & June.” The song peaked at No. 11 on the Hot Country Songs charts, and was followed by her debut album, What Am I Waiting For. Newfield is now releasing her latest album, The Barfly Sessions, Vol. 1 on Not Famous Enough Records.

Bottom Line: Newfield has a tuneful country voice that is steeped in cowgirl style and inflections. She also plays the harmonica and is a gifted songwriter. She co-wrote twelve of the fourteen songs on the album. The Barfly Sessions, Vol. 1, was produced by Newfield and Jim’ Moose” Brown and recorded by Jeremy Brown at The Mooselodge Goodlettsville, TN. The session includes some of Nashville’s finest players with Al Anderson, Leslie Satcher, Chris Stapleton, bassist Michael Rhodes, and steel player Bobby Terry. There are also stunning performances by guitarist David Grissom. “I Won’t Wait Around” has a hip country boogie feel with Newfield singing an empowering story of love it or lose it. Newfield gives us a short taste of her excellent harp skills during the solos section, and her vocal fills are impressive during the cadential figure, wish there was a little more of that! “Whitley’s Tombstone” features the haunting pedal steel of Bobby Terry. Special guest Mickey Raphael sings a powerful duet with Newfield. The country roots are deep on this one y’all. There is a wide range of diversity of styles, sounds, and tempos throughout the album. The standout is Etta James’ “The Blues is My Business.” Newfield’s blues harp opens the funky roadhouse groove. For the melody, Newfield is joined by Delbert McClinton. The band is excellent, and plenty of musical gems are happening behind the theme to keep you interested. Newfield’s harp solo is solid. Overall, The Barfly Sessions, Vol. 1 will not disappoint with an appeal to a broad audience; Newfield is a solid vocalist, and the musicianship is too outstanding. That’s the short of it!

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