Donna Hughes

Bluegrass NOW Magazine, February 2002
By: Johnny Pearce

The Bluegrass CD "Somewhere In Time" introduces Donna Hughes & friends to the bluegrass world, and, if like myself you have not heard of Donna Hughes, you will be pleasantly surprised. The CD includes some notable original material, as well as a few familiar tunes, that are all done with style and professionalism seldom found on "first releases." In addition to excellent vocals, Donna demonstrates her highly commendable songwriting talents on this album with nine originals. Some of her songs speak of love & heartbreak while others tell stories about family & life. The title cut, "Somewhere In Time," a Donna Hughes original, kicks off the album with a solid bluegrass sound. Another I enjoyed, simply entitled "Johnny," tells the story of Donna's great grandfather, John Hughes, the county sheriff (at the turn of the century) and a colorful character. Other songs include the gospel favorite "Farther Along," and arousing arrangement of the classic "Uncloudy Day." Another highlight is the old Flatt & Scruggs song "God Loves His Children." On this cut, Boyd Hulin does the lead vocal with Donna & others in on the harmony. Another nice touch is the fine lead guitar work of William Britt. Somewhere In Time, a fine CD from a fresh new talent, brings Donna Hughes out of the shadows and will probably garner her a bevy of new fans. Her vocals are refreshingly clear, harmonies are done with an ease and clarity that only comes from equally talented backup musicians. This CD, a well-done project, will compliment most any bluegrass lovers' music library.

Review
By: Jon Weisberger

Every so often an artist will seem to come out of nowhere, and the only question to be asked is why it took so long. Donna Hughes is just such a talent, and it’s a safe bet that her debut CD, Somewhere In Time, will catch you by surprise. Recorded at Greg Luck’s Riverside Audio in North Carolina, Somewhere In Time frames Hughes’ plaintive vocals with backing by her friends, including some of the area’s best-known and most gifted musicians; familiar names include Luck (J. D. Crowe & The New South), Gena Britt (New Vintage, Lou Reid & Carolina), Johnny Dowdle (Mountain Heart), Kim Gardner (Rambler’s Choice), Jeff Davis (New Reflections) and more. Yet what marks this album as something special, beyond the first-rate musicianship and the depth of feeling in Donna’s mournful alto, is its material. Donna Hughes’ songs speak of love, heartbreak, family and faith with memorable melodies and well-polished lyrics that can stand next to the best that contemporary bluegrass has to offer, just as they fit comfortably here with songs from the Beatles, Merle Haggard, the Dillards and Flatt & Scruggs.

Born and raised on a small farm in central North Carolina, Donna Hughes has worked as a teacher, gymnastics coach and real estate agent. Though she began playing piano as a child, her first love is singing, for which she has won awards at local fiddler’s conventions. Taking up the guitar as her interest in bluegrass developed, Donna has performed with regional bluegrass bands, including Wildwood and Different Directions, while developing her songwriting skills after being inspired to set one of her poems (“Simple Man”) to original music.

Now, with the release of Somewhere In Time on her own Running Dog Records label, Donna Hughes talents can begin to reach a wider audience. For listeners in search of meaningful, finely-crafted songs that address timeless themes in a contemporary, yet solidly bluegrass musical vein, here is an album that answers the call with elegance, grace and an abundance of talent.

REVIEW
Published by Joe Ross
NW Bluegrass

North Carolinian Donna Hughes has a very pleasant voice & singing style that is well-suited to contemporary bluegrass & gospel music. I'm certain that we'll be hearing more from this young lady who is also a good songwriter. For this 15-song project, she assembled some accomplished young musicians. Harmony vocals are quite ably handled. Her self penned title cut, "Somewhere In Time," is a love-gone-bad" song that is deserving of more national airplay. The second track on this album, "Loser," is also an original that has a very similar feel to the opening cut. Hughes' song "Johnny," is a tribute to her great grandfather who served 2 terms as Sheriff of her native county at the turn of the century. The band ably covers Lennon & McCartney's "Yesterday." A straight-ahead bluegrass sound characterizes her originals, "In This Prison," and "Rainbow's End." "Farther Along," "Unclouded Day," and "God Loves His Children" are three gospel offerings on the album. This album has a real nice feeling and is a wonderful showcase for Donna Hughes' singing & songwriting skills. Her vocal style is distinctive. Her songs cover traditional themes, yet have a new, fresh sound. Her talented accompanists are first-rate musicians. Her debut album is one that you should pick up and add to your collection.

Review by Bill Yates, Roots66.com

"Somewhere in Time" is the first recording by Donna Hughes, a North Carolina bluegrass singer/songwriter. It is a fine effort and Hughes has the promise of more to come. Possessed of a nice, though not overly strong, voice, well-suited to the material, she is also a good songwriter, having penned nine of the fifteen selections on this CD. The musicians are very good, providing lively, accurate solos and backing.

The title track, "Somewhere in Time" is a reminiscence of lost love. "Loser" is the word for the former lover. "Johnny" is a poetic tribute to Hughes' great-grandfather, a two-term sheriff. How Lennon & McCartney's "Yesterday" got in here, I don't know, but it comes out OK in bluegrass form. "Southbound Train" tells of a young eloping couple. What would we do without lost love? That topic engenders another Hughes song, "Change of Heart". A philosophical song (yes, they do occur in bluegrass), "Autumn Leaves" makes observations on those in an old cemetery. "In This Prison" the singer laments being in the prison of her lover's love. "The Rainbow's End" is a nice Hughes song looking to the future at the end of life. This whole project began with a poetic tribute to her father which she turned into "Simple Man".

Of course, no good bluegrass set is complete without some gospel songs. Hughes includes a lively "Unclouded Day", a nice "Farther Along", and Flatt & Scruggs' "God Loves His Children" with excellent lead vocal by mandolinist Boyd Hulin and harmony provided by Hughes. Hughes again teams with Hulin for Merle Haggard's sad song, "Somewhere Between". Hulin again takes lead vocal in an upbeat rendition of "Old Homeplace".

"Somewhere in Time" is an enjoyable recording with a nice variety of songs, a voice easy on the ears, and fine musicianship. It's worth the purchase and I look forward to Donna Hughes' next album.

Copyright 2002 William Theron Yates

ARTISTS COMMENTS

"Somewhere In Time is a fine debut from a talented singer/songwriter. Backed by a cast of multi-talented musicians, Donna Hughes showcases her unique vocal style as well as her outstanding original compositions. Keep your eye on this up and coming talent!" -Jeanette Williams

"You are a wonderful, fresh, new voice to the bluegrass community, with a great supporting cast around you. You are a great vocalist, and your songwriting is outstanding." --Steve Dilling

" Donna Hughes is that artist who comes around unexpectedly and simply takes you away, not only with her singing but her songwriting abilities as well. Truly a gift for all to share. An artist who's time has come! " --R.W. Shamy, Jr.

Posted on home page of BluegrassRules.com November 2001
By Gary Cook

Donna Hughes is a family person and has filled the liner notes of this thoughtful project with pictures covering several generations of her blood. Her fifteen song line-up, nine of which she wrote, is a compendium of stories about the push and pull of human relationships, both past and present, some lacking, some fulfilled.

Her voice floats feather-like across some excellent original material, along with old favorites, all backed by a well-schooled group of musicians. Both the traditionalist and the fan who is looking for a new edge will be pleased with Somewhere In Time because Donna has artistically, and mysteriously, covered every number with both blankets. It’s hard to pull off and difficult to explain, but you will know it when you hear it. The bottom line is honest to goodness bluegrass music, written, played and sang at a high level.

Somewhere In Time is an independent production and thus can be explained best by the artist. Here’s Donna: "I think it is important to record things about your life that are important to you whether it be taking photographs, writing a song, a poem, a book or just simply writing in a journal. If we don't, we will look back one day and will have trouble remembering all the many things that have meant most to us in our lives. Life is a journey, and when we record our most precious thoughts, feelings and memories, (either by writing them in a song or poem, or video taping them as often as we can), it reminds us how we got to the point where we are, and will not let us forget our mistakes, failures, joys, triumphs and laughter we shared. The problem now is going to be that we are writing to each other every day in emails, which are quickly deleted, and rarely printed. So, when I wrote back and forth to my grandmother who lived a couple hours away for 15 years, and I have boxes of letters that I can look back and read and remember her with, if it had been email I would have nothing. We need to force ourselves to save things even though it is a lot of trouble. Lessons are better remembered if we record our mistakes, and also can help others through tough times. For example, when I wrote "Somewhere In Time," "Change of Heart," "In This Prison," and "Loser," songs about a relationship gone to the wayside, it may help others relate who are going through a loss of a relationship in a similar way.

"I enjoyed every aspect of making this CD: making the artwork, with the old pictures of my parents and grandparents when they were little, (I smile every time I see that), the picture of the old house on the back where my grandmother grew up, writing the songs, creating the music for the songs, recording them, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the people I have met since, and having the opportunity to record and perform with some of the finest musicians in bluegrass. I have received phone calls and emails from all over the world. It has been so rewarding, and especially when a friend is passing through Iowa and hears your songs on the radio out there, or in California, as it has happened. It is also very cool to turn the radio on and hear yourself, when you never dreamed it possible. I felt it was important to write most of my material so I couldn't be compared to what had been done previously. I wanted to do something different, and I also wanted to put something for everybody on there. There is a Beatles song for the younger crowd, a Merle Haggard tune for the country fans, some gospel for the gospel lovers, and the songs I wrote make it more memorable for my family. I thank everyone who has purchased one, and everyone who has hired us to perform. I plan to begin recording my next project sometime next year. I have already written six brand new songs for it, and I am so excited about recording them."

There you have it, folks. Did you catch that wide eyed enthusiasm, the excitement about making bluegrass music in a way that grabs fans?

I want to mention a couple of the musicians who are standouts on this top drawer production; Jeff Davis on banjo and Ashby Frank on mandolin. These two lead a fine ensemble that plays with control and perfect timing.

Bank on this. We have not heard the last of Donna Hughes. Her vocal and writing skills will jump on you quick as you listen to Somewhere In Time, and there will never be a question of getting your money’s worth (15 songs). Oh, and there are couple of surprises toward the end of the CD that I’m not about to give away. You’re going to like Donna.

REVIEW
By: Charlie Blackwell

"This girl Donna Hughes is a super good singer from North Carolina and has some good musicians backing her up. Nine songs are written by Donna herself and are mostly very good. Some are a little different, but I like them all. I think anyhone listening to this cd will like it...........There are 15 good songs for you to listen to and I know you will like them, so why don't you order a copy from Donna."

"Somewhere In Time"
Published in the 2002 Bluegrass Guide
By the Mountain High Bluegrass Associates in the New England area

There is a movement of Bluegrass music coming from western North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia. The sound is distinctive, traditional, yet contemporary without going over the edge into Newgrass. Spurred on by the likes of the Lonesome River Band, Carolina, and New Vintage, it’s a sound you know when you hear it. "Somewhere in Time" is part of that movement. Donna Hughes may be unknown to some Bluegrass fans but she certainly will not remain that way. This CD, which is self produced, was recorded at Riverside Audio in North Carolina with "cream of the crop" musicians from the North Carolina area. Supporting Hughes are contemporary musicians such as Greg Luck, Gena Britt, Ashby Frank, Kim Gardner, Johnny Dowdle and Jeff Davis.

Hughes’ voice is pure and inviting, warm as the Carolina sunshine with a little Virginia moonshine thrown in for fun. Ms. Hughes seems as though she has been writing and singing professionally all her life although this is her first project.

The CD is a journey into the life and family of Donna Hughes. Listen to this CD a few times and you’ll feel like a long lost cousin being welcomed back into the fold. "Southbound Train" references the elopement of her grandmother and grandfather, their marriage and why it lasted so long. Great stuff. My personal favorite is the story of John Franklin Hughes, the two-term sheriff of Randolph County, NC. According to the lyrics, "If you tried to run from Johnny and his hound, ten days later you’d be six feet in the ground". We need more men like "Johnny". The recording itself has a warm and rich sound, kudos to Riverside Audio. The musicianship is outstanding and the vocalists are both competent and confident. Who is better than Greg Luck on guitar, Ashby Frank on the mandolin and Kim Gardner on Resophonic Guitar? Gena Britt and Johnny Dowdle add solid bass. Gena’s sweet harmony enhances the vocal blend with perfection. Other musicians less familiar are Daniel Routh, Boyd Hulin,
Crystal Sawyer, & William Britt. ........................ I recommend this CD become a part your collection if you love straight
ahead bluegrass. By the way, Donna Hughes also sells realty in the Ashboro, NC area, just in case you’re relocating. Check out her website at www.donnahughes.com and make sure to order a copy of "Somewhere in Time". I can’t wait to hear her next project!

A MESSAGE FROM DONNA:

I would like to personally thank all the DJ's across America and in other countries who have played this project, and in my listening area, Buddy Michaels of Country 101.1 WKXU, Hoyt Herbert of Country 105.7 WFMX, Tim Woodall of 94.7 WQDR, Jay Allen of 98.3 in Galax, Va. and Dennis Jones of 88.7 WNCW in Spindale, NC. Thank you Big Al Weekly of KRVN radio for flying us to your hometown of Grand Island, Nebraska. Special thanks also to KBC Music who produces "Prime Cuts" for helping me to promote and distribute my music to all the DJ's! "Somewhere In Time" was featured on Prime Cuts Volume 54.

Sincerely,

Donna Hughes

DJ Comments for Somewhere In Time

"This lady has a superb voice! Instrumental breaks are captivating, and the songs reflect a new artist with a very promising future. I look forward to hearing more from Donna." Wayne Bledsoe, KUMR, Rolla, Missouri
"This has been one of my favorites since I first heard it. Very nice flow to it. Donna does a great job with it. I love her voice!" Jerry Paul, WJCP, North Vernon, Indiana.

"Have received many requests for airplay." Bob Dunn, WDBX, Harrisburg, Illinois

"Thanks again for the great record, really exceptional!" Mark Hauser, WNCS, Burlington/Montpelier, VT

"Somewhere In Time: "Well crafted song. In this case, the songwriter also sings it well. Complimented nicely by Gena's voice. Very Tasteful instrumentation." Janice McLaughlin, WMUB, Oxford, OH

"Clear , sad, touching. I've had Donna in my Top 10 list. Did I forget sweet? Donna's voice sticks with me." - Joe & Dora Wills, WBZC, Bricktown, New Jersey

"Attractive voice, smooth arrangements." Buck Buckner, KGNU Radio, Boulder, Colorado

"Vocals blend really good........I think this group is wonderful." Annette McGhee, WRFG, Marietta, Georgia

"Nice groove on this......I especially like the fact that there are lots of original songs on this CD. You really have a great sense of family, and past and connecting to future." Trudy Heffernan, KUAC, Fairbank, Alaska

"I have played several cuts off this CD!" Steve Hooks, WDVX, 88.9, Big Stone Gap, VA

"Thank you for the CD, I will feature cuts off it throughout my shows for the coming months!" Chuck Holloway, KRVM, 91.9 fm, Eugene, Oregon

"Thanks for the CD, I have played it on my program, It's very good. You should be proud, way to go." Eric Rice, KVMR fm, Nevada City, CA

"I have your CD & love it. I will play it on my show!" Nancy Longenecker, 88.5, 95.1, Pemberton, NJ

"I received your CD & play it frequently on my show. Wonderful CD, keep making good music. Carl Goldstein, WVUD, Newark, DE

"We have been using this CD on the 'Afternoon Bluegrass Show' with great response. Now that's one refreshing CD, and our hats off to Donna for bringing this great bluegrass to us. All that we ask is Miss Hughes keeps it up!" Willis Walker, WJFC, Jefferson City, TN

"You are going places. You have a great personality and I wish you the best in your music. Thanks for the live phone interview........" Terry Thacker, WAWK, Kendalville, IN

"I've been a bluegrass fan for about 27 years, and I was very impressed with your music. Your choice of musicians is very impressive, and if you don't do a lot more of this, the world of bluegrass will be cheated! Keep up the good work, and I will personally air your album to our devoted audience on Sundays!" Bob Knight, WUNH, NH

"Hey Donna, I just wanted to let you know I received your CD, and it is a very well-done project. You are a fine singer & songwriter, and have surrounded yourself with some great talent. We are giving it airplay in the middle Tennessee area!" Mark Dyer, WANT FM, 98.9, TN

"Somewhere In Time": "I really like this tune! She does a great job My hat is off to you for a great project!" Ed Stiner, WJFC/WCTU, New Market, TN

"Donna does a good job on this........It has a very good bluegrass sound." Jim Taylor, WNOI, Flora, IL

"Tight sounding bluegrass. Good vocals." Skip Staples, WNHW, Currituck, NC

"Good!" Lorraine Savage, WALH, Mountain City, GA

"We need to hear more from this lady.....great writer and singer!" Laurie Mills, Laurie Mills Enterprises, CALGARY, Canada

"I have played many songs from this project." Frank Hoppe, KCSN, Sunland, CA

"Great voice! Looking forward to hearing Donna with her own band!" Kevin Lynch, WWUH, Hartford, CT

"Thanks for sending me your CD Donna. I have played it a lot. I like Autumn Leaves a bunch. Please remember me when your next CD is finished." Larry Roberts, WGCS, Elkhart, IN

"Good sound. Good song." Bill Flagg, WTCC, Granby, CT

"Nice, easy listening style, singing and music pleasant." Graham Hassall, Radio Nightingale

"Sweetly assertive voice & beautifully controlled band. Excellent!" Bryan Chalker, Radio Caroline, London, England

"Again, a crystal clear female voice in bluegrass. I love to hear that. The total of vocals, harmonies, instruments and lyrics is very pleasing. Thank you!" Jaap de Geus, Radio Spijkenisse, Bessengaard, HOLLAND

"KSER has played several cuts from this CD over the past few months." Sandra Quam, KSER, Kenmore, Washington

"Very fresh, good vocals." Ben West, WMMT. Whitesburg, KY

"Dreamy Donna vocal." Eddie Russell, The Country Eastern Radio Show, Columbus, TX

"Somewhere In Time is a great song," Terry Wood, WTWZ, Jackson, Mississippi

"Donna has a lot of emotion, and she delivers 'Somewhere In Time' with all of it..." Bob Newton, WDAP

Somewhere In Time: "All the ingredients of a hit. Good pipes, solid back-up, great writing and production." Gene Roberts, KDHX/KCLC, House Springs, MO

"Very strong debut from a new lady of 'grassy' music." Ted Clark, JRR International Shortwave, The Netherlands

"Somewhere In Time: "Great tune from a fine new artist." David Higgs, WPLN, Brentwood, TN

"This artist shows a great deal of promise." Phil Hodgen, KBOO/KWHT, Pendleton, Oregon

"Great harmony & pickin'! Aint that Ashby Frank tough on mandolin?" Paul Morris, WXKQ/WTCW, Webster, FL

"Beautiful voice, great harmony." All Shusterman, KCBL, Fair Oaks, CA

Somewhere In Time: "Love the vocal on this cut, Donna has a really nice sound." Rik James, KGLT, Bozeman, Montana

"A nice piece of original material ably carried off with the help of a sterling cast of supporting musicians." Les McIntyre. WAMU, Fairfax, VA

Somewhere In Time: "I like this cut!" Bruce Livingstone, 3REG.FM, Victoria, Australia

"I have your album and it's very good. Have played your gospel tunes a few times. Keep up the good work." Carl Conkling, KNES

Somewhere In Time: "Great song. Great music!" Chad Yost, WELY, Eli, Minnesota

"Very nice overall. I have received emails from listeners bragging on Donna Hughes, and I must agree, she has a bright future." Bo McCarty, WSIP, Ashland, KY

"Smooth as silk and rolling along like ripples on a pond. Donna & band perform these tunes to a tee." Maurice Kurtz, Valley FM, Wannaissa, Australia

"I like this, we've been playing it for a while now." Pete Goodall, KBCS, Bellvue, Washington

"Excellent!" Patrick Servanton, RCF Vivarais, Satellieu, France

"What a lovely voice." Phil Parnell, 2UUU.FM, Nowra, Australia

"Wow! She sounds like Alison Krauss! What a band!" Bob Coate, KIOS, Omaha, Nebraska

"Excellent instrumentation." Bill Knowlton, WCNY/WJNY/WUNY, Liverpool, New York

"Pleasant voice, good project overall." Rich Baker, WOSU, Columbus, OH

"Her vocals are what really draw me to this selection." Craig Lammers, WBGU, Bowling Green, OH

"I like Donna's voice and would like to hear more of her." Dennis Brunnenmeyer, KVMR, Grass Valley, California

"I just premiered your new CD on my 2 hour weekly radio show which features bluegrass-&-folk music. Nice tunes, received many inquiries as to who you are. Don't forget us when your next CD is released!" F Yoder, WGCS 91.1FM, Goshen, IN

*The cut "Somewhere In Time" was chosen for Bluegrass NOW's DJ Hot picks in October 2001 by: Jerry Paul, Radio Active Bluegrass, WJCP 92.7 FM, North Vernon, Indiana & Jerry Mills, Rocky Mountain Bluegrass, KCKK AM, Denver, Colorado *The cut "Johnny" was chosen for DJ Hotpicks in June 2001 by Big Al Weekly, KRVN/KTIC radio, Lexington, Nebrask