SILVER LAKE 66
RAGGED HEART
BLUE EARTH COUNTY–RAGGED HEART–BROKEN–FADED TATTOO–TENDER–CHECK OUT TO CASH–HARD THING TO DO–LIKE A RIVER–BROKEN DREAMS AND CIGARETTES–SUCH A MESS
Silver Lake 66 are Maria Francis (vocals, acoustic guitar, and percussion), and Jeff Overbo (vocals, acoustic, electric, and baritone guitars), and they hail from the Portland, Oregon, region. Fans, they have it ALL, y’all–roots steeped deep in classic country, roots, and good ole rock ‘n’ roll, and display it for everyone on ten originals that make up their latest set, “Ragged Heart.” Like any great duet, the pair switch off on lead vocals, and sweet, strong harmonies are plentiful. Their full sound is rounded out by a brilliant band of backing musicians, including producer, pedal steel, and alto sax man Bryan Daste.
Jeff lights the fuse to this dynamite party, joined by Maria, on the country-rockin’ tale of a man tryin’ to “find my blessing” with “Derek And The Dominos to satisfy my mind,” in “Blue Earth County.” Maria takes the lead on the story of busted love and second chances, where “you never said life would be easy,” the title cut, “Ragged Heart.”
Jeff gives a shout-out to Southern rock with “Check Out To Cash,” while it’s cry-in-your-beer time down at Tootsie’s as Maria lays her heart out on the story of lovin’ a cheater, which, as any country fan knows, is a “Hard Thing To Do.”
Our favorite was a gimme. Channeling George and Tammy at their “Golden Ring”-era finest, our lovers trade lines throughout, and each one knows what it’s like when you’re “Broken.”
With the CMA Fest taking over downtown this week, perhaps now might be a great time for the suits down on Sixteenth Avenue to take a long listen to Silver Lake 66 and “Ragged Heart.” It might serve as a reminder to them what that “C” actually stands for. Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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