[.ca] On a Mission

From Amazon.com:
This fiery young trio's big trump card is foxy lead singer Heidi Newfield, who growls, rasps, and vamps in the hard-rockin' country tradition of half-forgotten divas like Lacy J. Dalton and Paulette Carlson of Highway 101. On their sophomore album, Newfield and the boys--former Nashville sidemen Keith Burns and Ira Dean--are masterfully, if a little too resolutely, devoted to the hard-slammin', party-all-the-time paradigm. Yet they ease into convincing soulfulness on ballads like "Rain," "Love Be Still," and "Leavin' Seems to Be the Goin' Thing." Newfield really struts her vocal prowess and ably holds her own as she duets with guest Willie Nelson on a loud and rowdy reprise of Nelson's "Whiskey River." --Bob Allen

Second Album more fun country-rock, as band gains exposure:
No doubt Trick Pony's numerous mentions at the recent Country Music Awards will continue to translate into more sales, more work, and more fans. Like their debut album, Heidi Newfield, whose raspy growly voice sounds most at home in your basic corner bar, is featured in about two-thirds of the cuts. While many like the title song, it's a bit too much straight rock to suit us. But there is considerably more country influence on "I'm Not Thinkin' Straight Anymore" and the lush ballad, "Love Be Still", which showcases the trio in some lovely three-part harmony. "Whiskey River" has also generated a lot of interest with guest Willie Nelson, who contributes some great acoustic guitar work in a nice solo. "Hillbilly Blues" is almost classic boogie-woogie, with some wild rides on the Harmonica for added fun. Trick Pony's acceptance seems to be growing directly with their increasing exposure. No flash in the pan, the members have been working the bar and circuit scene for quite a few years, so they know the biz inside out. Many hope great success is just another hit or two away.

OK:
Much more mainstream than I expected. It isnt half as good as the first CD from Trick Pony. Im not likely to play it too often.

Mission half complete:
Easy listening country-pop but not as good as the first album. The duet with Willy Nelson is ordinary at best but what were they thinking when they recorded "Love Is A Ball"? I haven't heard worse lyrics in a long time.

Awesome cd:
This cd by Trick Pony Rocks! they combie the styles of old and new to their singig, Heidi's voice is great and really makes the songs! They also sing a song with Willie Nelson in here. I like how they sing with older country legends like the late Waylon Jennings and Johny cash in their first album. If you have the first album you have to get this one. I love how theres a change in songs like some are fast pace like "On a Mission", "Fast Horse", "Love is a Ball". Then there are slower songs and some which have meaning behind it like Ira's song the Devil In Me". I saw them in concert this smumer and Keith, Ira and Heidi really know how to put ona show. They mentioned during the concert that they are almost done with their 3rd album. I canot wait to get it. There isn't one song of theirs oneither album that I don;t like. If you want a cd that rocks you should pick up On A Mission and thier 1st album if you do noyt have it yet. Trick Pony rocks!

Another good time album from Heidi and the boys:
This is a reminder of the kind of music with which Highway 101 shook up Nashville in the late eighties, Trick Pony are not quite as good as Paulette and the boys were, but they still have a lot going for them and should not be ignored. This is their second album and follows the style of the first. Generally, I like them best on the rocking up-tempo songs although there are some fine slow and mid-tempo songs here. As on their debut album, they begin this set with a rocking, drinking song - this time it's On a mission. Among the other highlights is a cover of Whiskey river, on which its originator, Willie Nelson, guests as a duet singer. On a few songs (Love is a ball, Leaving seems to be the going thing, The devil and me), one of the men sings lead, but the style remains the same. Trick Pony are one of the more exciting contemporary country acts around. Let's hope they are able to deliver a few more albums like their first two.

• On A Mission
• Nobody Ever Died Of A Broken Heart
• I'm Not Thinkin' Straight Anymore
• Love Is A Ball
• Love Be Still
• A Boy Like You
• Hillbilly Blues
• Leavin' Seems To Be The Goin' Thing
• Rain
• Whiskey River - Willie Nelson
• The Devil And Me
• Fast Horse