Donna Hughes

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Reviews and Fan Comments for
Donna's second album, Same Old Me

Review posted in the "Highlights" Section of the April 2004 Issue of Bluegrass Unlimited

Donna Hughes is a sweet-voiced singer & songwriter who has recorded 21 original and excellent songs on this CD. Her solid contemporary bluegrass connection is evident in the names of some of the many backup musicians & singers: Adam Steffey on mandolin, Scott Vestal on banjo, Gena Britt-Tew on harmony vocals, and Greg Luck on fiddle. Luck produced this fine recording. Ms. Hughes also plays the piano, and "Selfish Heart" and "Hold On" are more in a country vein.
Because they are her own compositions, the names of these songs will not be familiar, but there is some powerful material here. The opener "Where Are You Darlin'?" sets the tone. Both vocals & instrumentals are hardcore contemporary. Among the slower tunes, "Almost Home" is a softer ballad with a haunting chorus, which stands out as her best composition. "When Love Comes Back Again" is also a keeper. Two or three wonderful songs among 20 or so good ones is not a bad track record at all. Donna Hughes has a large contribution to make, and she has already begun to make it.

Dave Higgs
Bluegrass Breakdown
Nashville Public Radio
Many thanks for sending us a copy of your masterpiece, "Same Old Me." Twenty one stellar originals, propelled by some of the best in bluegrass, sung by one of the most passionate and beautiful singers in the genre - I'm in high lonesome heaven! "Same Old Me" is one of the most compelling, captivating, exciting, musically interesting, hard-drivingest, gorgeous projects I've heard in many years. Your writing is of the highest caliber - thought-provoking, unforgettable and melodically unforgettable. I was blown away by such tunes as "Haunted," "Chrystal's Song," "I Can't Win For Losin'," "Wishes" and "Little Bluebird." Clay Jones plays some of the best guitar I've ever heard; in fact, all the boys more than rise to the occasion. And your piano playing on "Selfish Heart" and "Hold On" was simply stunning - the sound you get on those tunes with Greg Luck on fiddle was just wonderful. Thanks again for the amazing tunes. I'll be doing my best to help spread the word here in Nashville and in our other syndicated outlets."

January Issue of: CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS BREAKDOWN
California Bluegrass Association
By: Brenda Hough
This is a monumental collection of 21 songs with the backing of top instrumentalists like Adam Steffey on mandolin, Scott Vestal on banjo, Clay Jones on guitar, Zak McLamb on bass, Greg Luck on fiddle and several other musicians and singers. Donna Hughes has managed to capture a great collection of dreams and memories with glimpses into life and love. The band gives a steady pulsating rhythm to the music and the insistent banjo pushes the beat and gives the songs a special bluegrass flavor. Donna's songs assume the role of storyteller as she turns pages in the lives of the town alcoholic, the searchers for love around the corner and the drifters searching for love down the next highway. "Chrystal's Song" is perhaps the most touching with its tale of the daughter remembering her farmer father while she travels in quest of a music career. "My Poor Old Heart" is the lament of soul lost while searching for love and happiness. "Where Are You Darlin" has a lovely wistful quality. Donna's voice wraps around the lyrics and pulls the listener into her world. A songwriter's skill improves with more living and loving and Donna has a wonderful start into a career certain to span many years to come.
California BG Association Website~

Bluegrass Now Magazine, December 2003
Cary Allen Fields
www.BluegrassNow.com

The health and vitality of bluegrass music are dependent upon more than the gifted musicians through which the music flows. Of equal value are songwriters bringing the tradition into the present day with new compositions of timeless quality. Donna Hughes is that rare bluegrass performer who writes and sings with distinction.

Same Old Me is the follow-up to Donna’s 2001 debut, Somewhere In Time, also released on her own Running Dog label. With 21 tracks and more than an hour of music, Same Old Me could have easily been packaged as two separate projects. Instead, this prolific songwriter chose to share this highly personal glimpse into themes such as love, faith, family, and small-town rural life as one impressive body of work.

The framework around which these songs are structured is provided by a first-rate band able to complement perfectly Donna Hughes’ innovative arrangements and melodies. Adam Steffey, Greg Luck, Clay Jones, Scott Vestal and Gena Britt are just a few of the musicians lending their talents to this recording gem.

Within a field of material too strong to yield any single highlight, you’ll find "Never Gonna Change," with its righteously indignant tone, born of heartbreak fully realized. "Almost Home" recounts a human experience to which all listeners can relate as it deals in a very personal way with the love that sustains us through life. "Haunted" is a poignant snapshot of the suffering endured within lives affected by alcoholism and the title track’s rhythmic romp through youthful memories constitutes an aural pleasure.

Same Old Me is a testament to the unparalleled depth and power of Donna Hughes’ song writing abilities and sumptuous alto, both rife with North Carolina native southern soul. (CAF)

A letter from a fan:
Hello Donna:
I received a copy of your cd "Same Old Me" from Kathi Fox at Spacegrass Productions. I had never heard of you before and so while I was cutting mat-boards (I'm a professional landscape and wildlife photographer) I gave your disc a whirl. I listened to your cd three times in a row and I must tell you WOW!!!!! Your voice is lovely, the instrumentation is superb and your lyrics and style are heartfelt and beautiful. I don't usually write things like this to artists, but your music compelled me to write and say that I feel you have a great great gift.

Now in my musical book, Tony Rice is one one of the greatest American artists in ANY genre of music. If he called you out of the blue and said he wanted to produce your next album, well that is the greatest endorsement any acoustic based musician could ever receive. If real success were based on actual talent in this country, Tony Rice would be one the richest musicians on the planet. Did you see him and Alison Krauss and the rest of the gang on the CMT Flameworthy awards? They were the REAL musicians on that show. Most of the others are entertainers and there is a huge difference.

I write all of this to you because you seem to be near a critical juncture in a musical career. I wish you only the best luck in achieving what YOU want to achieve. I look forward to the release of your next album and will buy it immediately and I will tell all my friends about you. We actually have a few pickers around here in Yosemite who like and appreciate good bluegrass. With Tony Rice on board, I'm sure your next project will be an immense artistical success. You are are an incredible singer-songwriter. I loved your cd and I just wanted to let you I thought so. I hope your next project will be more of the "Same Old You"
Sincerely,
Walter Flint
Yosemite National Park, California

Donna!! Love the C.D.!! I am on the air right now, featuring the whole album this week on KLOH in Pipestone, MN. I agree with everybody else..every song is great! You are one very talented lady! I honestly can't pick one song over another, I've never run across that in 30 years of radio! Best of luck! You deserve a ton of success, and I'm trying to help!
Mylan Ray ~ KLOH radio - Minnesota

The song "Same Old Me" was in the top 20 for December, 2003 & January, 2004 on WGLT / Acoustic City, Illinois State University Radio ~ Available on Sunday nights from 8-12pm Central time at: www.WGLT.org

"Thanks for the very fine CD, SAME OLD ME. I have played several tracks and will continue to play 8 that I picked out. My favorite one is Chrystal's Song. These are all very well written and beautifully performed songs. Wishing you much success."
Bill Lee, WMTN Radio, Morristown, TN

"What a blockbuster!! I just knew this CD would be good, but it turned out to be GREAT! My listeners signaled their enthusiasm by keeping the request line constantly ringing throughout the entire CD. I would call this CD "easy listening bluegrass." It had all the usual instruments played by many of the top musicians in this field, but the voice of Donna Hughes overshadowed them all. Her voice changes several times within this project. It is sweet, delicate, strong, & soulful accompanied with a wide range of emotions. Most CD's are somewhat predictable, but this one was the exception. You never knew what was coming, which raised the level of anticipation for the next song. Hearing this CD once wasn't enough. It needs to be heard several times in order to fully appreciate Donna's fine voice & the lyrics of each song. Although I had never heard any of these songs before I enjoyed them all. They seem to grow on you the more you listen to them. Donna Hughes is not just another female bluegrass singer, she has her own distinctive sound. Each and every song was requested to be played again. I know that I will be playing the entire CD in the weeks to come. I hope I don't wear it out. Thank you very much for sharing this project with us."
Al Shusterman KCBL/BackRoads Bluegrass
Sacramento, CA

"Your songwriting is strong, your cast of musicians top notch and your vocal delivery superb. This is an excellent record and we will be putting it into rotation on Sirius Radio and Into The Blue immediately."

Terry Herd
Bluegrass Radio Network
Nashville, TN
www.BluegrassRadio.com

"It arrived about a week ago and I just had my first listen. It should get started in our acoustic rotation in about 2 weeks. It's great to have such fine new songs entering into the world of bluegrass. Among all those 21 songs, I just love 'When Love Comes Back Again", especially the interaction of voice with fiddle. Congrats to Donna for a fine CD. Thanks for your support."

John Roths
Music Director - KEOS 89.1 FM
College Station, TX 77841

"Wow! You must give this new, young artist a listen. Not only does she deliver some outstanding performances on the 21 songs on this CD but she has written and arranged them all. Displaying amazing talent, she also chose some great musicians to showcase her music -- among them, Adam Steffey on mandolin, Scott Vestal on banjo and Gena Britt doing harmony vocals. Another great talent from North Carolina, we've chosen a few of her songs to demonstrate her abilities -- "Where Are You Darlin'", "Same Old Me", "What I'm Looking For" and "Hold On". We think you'll agree -- this recording presents great music by an upcoming bright Bluegrass star!"

Bill Gamble
Americana Music Place
www.GoAmericana.com

"Another talented bluegrass artist is on the scene. The new album, Same Old Me is a collection of 21 great and original bluegrass songs by Donna Hughes. Hughes wrote all the songs on the new "Running Dog Records" release. "

Bob Cherry, www.Cybergrass.com

"Donna Hughes is a gifted singer/songwriter of the first order. A voice and songs such as hers are a rare find. The beauty of her latest project, Same Old Me, is that each song is just as good as the next, all worthy of airplay. I'll eventually end-up playing each and every track on my show, no doubt about it. Fact is, Im beginning to wonder if this puppy will ever come out of my CD player again!"

Cary Allen Fields, Staff Writer, Bluegrass NOW Magazine
Fields Of Bluegrass Radio Hour
WICR 88.7 FM Indianapolis

"Talk about IMPRESSIVE! This one FINE project that I'm sure you are very proud of! The simple fact that you have 21 original tunes is quite an accomplishment all in itself. I see SOOOOOOOOOO many projects come across the desk that are vocally and instrumentally excellent, but lack originality. This is where you are like a shining nova. It is just icing on the cake that you have chosen such high caliber players to bring your words to life. I am going to review the project in the October Acoustica, and I am certain that you will be well pleased. It's very easy to write about an artist and
their music when it's as excellent as this project is."

Jerry Paul, Editor, Acoustica Magazine
North Vernon, IN
www.acoustica-magazine.com

National Traditional Country Music Assoc. Publication/January-February 2004
"Donna wrote all the songs on this terrific acoustic music CD. Part bluegrass, part traditional country, part pop-country, this is one fine piece of work. It's sort of one long story with all the feelings, the hurt, the promise, the memories, the love, the dreams, the breaking heart, and the hurting lonesome feelings, and certainly the return of love. Donna Hughes is on the threshold of fame. Rhonda Vincent will be soon looking for some fine bluegrass songs written for and by a female. Donna has all her songs ready for her. Donna, you certainly would be a welcome act at our annual festival. Mark you calendar for Aug. 30-Sep. 5, 2004, Missouri Valley, Iowa. Come share your songs, your music you! I know the people that come and they would love you! So will everyone that hears this CD. ....................I can see lots of incredibly good things happening for you Donna Hughes."

Bob Everhart, IA
National Traditional Country Music Magazine

Joe Ross ~ Northwest Bluegrass
www.CountryReview.com
I once interviewed many of the best known bluegrass writers in the 1980s and concluded that almost anyone can write songs, but very few can write hit songs. You must have certain degree of creativity, inspiration and motivation within yourself to be successful. Donna Hughes, from central North Carolina, gives us a crisp mix of 21 originals on this 68-minute release. Some of her songs have the potential to become contemporary bluegrass or folk genre hits. Although classically trained on piano, Hughes has a deep fondness for bluegrass music and has performed with regional bands, Wildwood and Different Directions. Hughes capitalizes on her bluegrass foundation to adorn her presentation with modern perception and awareness. This project's breezy singing, with first-rate accompaniment, will reinforce her position as an enchanting artist with a great deal of charm.

Hughes writes and sings her introspective songs with a relaxed, refreshing, contemporary flair in a style not dissimilar to that of Alison Krauss, Jeanette Williams, Valerie Smith, Dale Ann Bradley and Nickel Creek. Familiar themes of relationships, rambling around, perils of drink, heading home, and motherly love are covered. Sometimes her melodies and messages seem a tad alike and trite, especially with her many references to heartsank dreams. The album's opener "Where Are You Darlin'?" is a tale of anguish in which she sings, "Along with all my dreams/I can't go on, I can't go back." "Almost Home" states "I'll be waiting for the day and I'll be dreaming of your face." Happiness and love only appearing in dreams is the subject of "A Dream." Her song, "Memories and Dreams," is a tribute to the favorite things she's taken away from home. "With You" speaks of her desire to dream with her lover, when the moon is high. Even her song, "Lost," about a man who's down on his luck makes references to his possibly having dreams to chase, but at the same time having no one to stand behind them. There are even more references to the heart in Hughes' songs. Of the 21 offerings on this project, my choice for standout tracks include the uptempo "Little Bluebird," 6-minute jammer "Same Old Me" about her "crazy, young, wild and free" side, expressive "With You," and balladic "Chrystal's Song." A nice showcase for her piano playing is "Selfish Heart," arranged sparsely without any banjo or mandolin.

Hughes trumps other singer/songwriter projects by featuring some excellent guest musicians: Adam Steffey, Alan Perdue, Scott Vestal, Clay Jones, Ashby Frank, Greg Luck, Zak McLamb, Kevin Richardson and Joey Cox. "Memories and Dreams" and "I Can't Win For Losin'" are sung solo, and the other nineteen songs offer duo or trio choruses with nicely-blended harmonies by Gena Britt, Greg Luck and Kevin Richardson. Many of the accompanists are bluegrass veterans with years of award-winning experience under their belts.

A couple others (like Ashby Frank, a two-time winner in the mandolin contest at Galax, Va., and Joey Cox, current banjo- player with "Blue Ridge") are young friends who are building strong reputations for themselves as professional musicians. All of the pickers contribute strongly to the arrangements, and except for a few instances (e.g. "Where Are You Darlin'?" with a little more banjo and mandolin in the mix than I preferred) keep their chops, licks and fills subordinate to Donna's wistful vocals. I evaluated a preview copy of this all-original album, and I hope that final project, when released, includes the lyrics within the CD's jacket.

Songwriting is hard work, and only with a good deal of practice will one become comfortable doing it. As a craft, it can be learned. As a form of communication, a person must master the styles, ways and methods to say exactly what is felt within one's soul. With over 100 self-penned songs, the prolific Donna Hughes clearly has a lot of talent and aptitude in the songwriting arena. Certainly, some songs seem to work better than others, and everyone will have their favorites on a fairly lengthy project such as "Same Old Me." I encourage you to pick up this CD to discover which melodies and lyrics are most meaningful and expressive to you. Get a copy to enjoy some of the new distinctive bluegrass sounds from North Carolina and to share Donna Hughes' reflections, thoughts, and sentiments in song."

WNCW TOP 100 & STAFF TOP 10s OF 2003 ~ 12/29/2003
KIM CLARK'S TOP 10 OF 2003
1. JAYHAWKS - Rainy Day Music
2. JIM LAUDERDALE & DONNA THE BUFFALO - Wait Til Spring
3. MALCOLM HOLCOMBE - Another Wisdom
4. JOE JACKSON - Volume 4
5. JOAN BAEZ - Dark Chords On A Big Guitar
6. ROSEANNE CASH - Rules Of Travel
7. DAVID CHILDERS & THE MODERN DON JUANS - Room 23
8. KATE CAMPBELL - Twang On A Wire
9. JIM BIANCO - Well Within Reason
10. DONNA HUGHES - Same Old Me

DJ Comments for "Chrystal's Song," from the "Same Old Me" album, released on Prime Cuts Volume 66

If the other songs are like this one, then Donna and the group have a big CD! Bob Newton, WDAP, McKenzie, TN

I like her whole album. She’s a good songwriter. Orin Friesen, KFDI, Benton, KS

We are big Donna Hughes fans. Garry Tilley, WDSL, Mocksville, NC

Another fine song from Donna. Can use. Gene Roberts, KDHX, House Springs, MO

Excellent track. Rein Wortelboer, Radio Venray, The Netherlands

What striking talent! Davis Tracy, WDCV, Gardners, PA

First rate singing, writing and playing! David Higgs, WPLN, Brentwood, TN

One of the most gifted artists who deserves more attention. Ted Clark, JRR International Shortwave

Nice. I’ve been playing her new CD quite a bit. John Roths, KEOS, College Station, TX

This deserves wide exposure. Great song. Bryan Chalker, Caroline Country, UK

Very good! Freeman Morgan, WOBC, Vermilion, OH

Will play often. Robin Mathis, WCPC, Houston, MS

Very good song and singer! Walt Riddle, WCJC, Marion, IN

Best song on this Prime Cuts. Excellent vocals!! More!! Karen Hayden, KHGQ, Quincy, CA

This is a good cut. Good vocals and music. Will air. Jim Taylor, WNOI, Flora, IL

Great song from a great album. I’’ve played a Donna Hughes’’ song every week since I got it! Scott Spiller, KALP, Alpine, TX

Fine new release filled with good material. High production values. Marshall Andrews, KSBR, San Juan Capistrano, CA

One of our more popular new artists at KGLT on the bluegrass and Americana shows. Very nice, indeed. Thanks! Rik James, KGLT, Bozeman, MT

I love Donna and Donna’’s voice. Send CDs. Ed Stiner, WJFC/WCTU, New Market, TN

Donna is quickly emerging as one of the premiere female bluegrass artists today. Joe Wills, WBZC, Brick, NJ
Wow! Great! Bill Hazel, 4DDB.FM, AUSTRALIA

Best track on Prime Cuts CD! Great, heartfelt singing. Comes over really well. Graham Hassall, Radio Nightingale, ENGLAND

Have aired this as an e-mail request for Donna Hughes. The whole project is great! Sandra Quam, KSER, Vashon, WA

Fine voice, nice song. I like the rest of the project, too. Lance Kinney, WUAL, Tuscaloosa, AL

Really touching. Janice Brewer, KWOZ, Little Rock, AR

Love this CD. Good luck. David Snyder, WRIX, Easley, SC

Good story. Laurie Mills, Laurie Mills Enterprises, CANADA

Very programmable material. Should help establish this artist. Hedley Charles, Coastal.FM, AUSTRALIA

One of the best cuts on this project. Roy Moore, WQFS, Stokesdale, NC

Appealing lead and harmonies handle beautifully and tastefully a song whose subject matter, if written by one with less skill, would lapse into the maudlin. Janice McLaughlin, WMUB, Oxford, OH

Donna is one of the top songwriters today and she has the voice to deliver her well constructed lyrics in a captivating fashion. Wayne Bledsoe, KUMR, Rolla, MO

Nice composition and pleasant vocals. Ross Harvey, CKUT Radio McGill, CANADA

Wow! What a wonderful surprise. Her whole project is very good. Rich Baker, WOSU, Columbus, OH

Interesting story song to a routine melody. Nice harmony. Would like entire CD. Bill Knowlton, WCNY / WUNY / WJNY, Liverpool, NY

Very emotional cut. Good feeling in Donna’s singing. Fine ballad. Eddie Russell, The Country Eastern Radio Show, Columbus, TX

Donna has a wonderful voice. Would love to hear more. Wilson Moore, CHMA, CANADA

Donna is ““star”” material. Very excellent vocalist. Mylan Ray, KLOH, Pipestone, MN

Very nice country ballad. Donna has a pretty voice. Dennis Brunnenmeyer, KVMR, Grass Valley, CA

Beautiful voice. Good simple instrumentation, done well! Sweet lyrics. Very emotional effect! Will be played. Luke Howell, WHEO, Stuart, VA

Have been playing Donna’’s music every show since receiving ““Same Old Me””. Outstanding! Cary Allen Fields, WICR, Fishers, IN

What can I say? ““Chrystal’s Song”” is a beautiful listening journey. Maurice Kurtz, Valley FM, AUSTRALIA

Hughes has been a great discovery. She’s a strong songwriter, a fine vocalist and has assembled great pickers to accompany her. Her album is a delight. Steve Winters, WSHU/WSUF, Fairfield, CT