Don & Annie Kidwell - REVIEWS - Country Music Duo from Bakersfield California

From: www.CountryFryedNews.com
Filed: August, 2001

By Linda Fryer

As I begin this review, I want to first tell you the unusual thing that struck me right away. Ok, it was the MUSIC that "struck me", first, but remember, this is review…so I have certain folks I have a responsibility to mention. Fortunately, in this case, I'm MORE than happy to do so. See, this time I am seeing before me, quite a list of producers! And produce, they DID! This CD was done VERY well, and I'm now playing it the 3rd time. If I don't like one, I don't usually give it that much time. (smile)

So, lets go ahead and list the producers here, so they'll be happy, and I'll be happy, and heck, maybe a LOT of people will be happy! 'Cause for a new album to sound this good, you HAVE to have a good producer! It's imperative! Annie and Don chose theirs well. First, we have an EXECUTIVE Producer named, right on the top of the list! He's George Tillett, and he's done a wonderful job…But not without the help of some of the others. First, of course, were Don and Annie Kidwell, then Scott Lee (track 1)…Scott also Co-produced tracks 4 & 11. Then we have Mark Dooley (co-producing track 2) . It would seem to me that Annie and Don did quite a good job in choosing who worked with them on this one. Because not only are the songs and talent, great, but the quality of the CD, itself, is awesome! That takes a lot of people, and it's nice to see them given credit here, by Annie and Don. I don't know them, personally, but my guess is, they love and appreciate each and every man and woman who worked on that album with them.

Now, on to the music….this is the part I LOVE to talk about (smile). And its soooo easy to talk about music when its this good. We don't have to wait long for a great tune on this CD, either. Nope….the very first one, "River of Nightlife" (George Tillett). What a beautiful song! And it shows off the powerful voice of Don Kidwell, who reminds me of so many wonderful other vocalists we've heard and made legendary. This is a beautiful ballad, written with the intensity of someone who surely must have been in "that place" in his life at one time or another…or at least, witnessed it!

The next song that pops up, is one that busts us right out of the bit of melancholy we may have from the last one…in fact, you may recognize it. I'm sure I've heard it before, but after hearing it sung by Annie, I can't even remember who sang it before! Wellll, maybe Shelby Lynn made a BIT of an impression on me…and maybe on Annie, too? Who knows….but it doesn't matter, cause Annie really carries this one well. She sings it like it SHOULD be sung! Lots of spirit, lots of feeling. And it gives us a chance to hear the REAL Annie Kidwell…ya think? (smile)

There are so many other good songs on this CD, 13 in all…and it's a little too much to try to write about them all. And Don and Annie wrote 7 of them, either separately or as a collaborate effort. It just so happens, that they are some of my FAVORITES! For instance, "Nashville" (Don Kidwell). This one is a toe tappin' tune, for sure! And carries a REAL 'nashville sound'! Then there's that song that starts out with the cool sound of poppin' drums! "Baby You're Gone" (Annie Kidwell), is a tune that also gets your toes tappin. In fact, you just might want to jump out of that comfy chair you're sittin' in, and DANCE! Hmmm, I can almost see ya now….(smile). These are just a couple of examples of Don and Annie's superior writing talent, put together with their ability to perform and carry it off like total professionals.

Now, with all that dancin', you have to have a chance to catch your breath, dontcha? So, they give us their beautiful version of "Rainy Night In Georgia" (Tony Joe White). And a beautiful version, it IS, too. A little melancholy, too. But hey, it IS possible to feel melancholy and happily lost in the music, at the same time! Yes, it is! You'll agree when you listen to another of Annie's songs called "Over You". Wow, its powerful. I loved it!

The last song on the album is titled "Where Do We Go From Here, Annie" (Red Simpson). Don does a wonderful job with this very sad song. But sad, it IS. In fact, I wasn't quite prepared for the way it ends. But I can live with fiction…(smile). And the song is so perfect for this pair of excellent performers, that NO-ONE will leave this CD 'experience', feeling anything but grateful they listened to it!

Folks, I'm so sure you'll all enjoy this couple's talent, that I want you to go, immediately, to their website www.donandanniekidwell.com to purchase one of their albums, and to find out more about them. Heck, why not join the fanclub?! Seems lots of others have! ……..as always, this has been…..........
An Independent View by Linda Fryer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now and then talent comes along that reaffirms my opinion that “REAL” country music is alive and well.

That’s just what I thought when I first met and heard Don and Annie Kidwell perform. Great songwriters, captivating performers and a great addition to what we proudly refer to as the Bakersfield sound.

Having been a disc jockey now for thirty years, working for a radio station owned by the great Buck Owens himself, I feel qualified to make that statement.

Take a listen to these recordings and I’m sure you’ll agree, these folks are some of the best in country music today.

I’m honored to have friends like Don and Annie and I’m confident that the future will be full of their great music.

Sincerely,

Dan Robertson
KUZZ radio personality

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From: The Bakersfield Californian

Music notes for Feb. 16
Filed: 02/16/2001

By Chris Page

Don and Annie Kidwell are a local couple of country crooners playing a hip and original blend of traditional and upbeat barroom country tunes. That the husband-and-wife team has two discs out — 1999's "From the Streets of Bakersfield" and 2000's "River of Nightlife" — is something to celebrate. They'll do just that Wednesday night with a free show at the Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.

Reviews