Introducing a new dynamic duo of sorts in Country music known as Howard Salmon and Deborah Martin-Lemmon who just released their latest effort entitled Old Habits are Hard to Break. Right from the start it might be easy to just categorize these 2 as a straight ahead Country duet types and write them off as the newest trending thing. It wouldn’t be wise, though. Sure, if you listen to some of the catchier tunes within this 11 song line-up “Let’s Just call it a Night”, “Old Habits are Hard to Break” and “One of These Days” that’s the impression you would get. However there’s a method to the madness. There are some really good songs on Old Habits that step outside traditional modern country music boundaries and takes us back to Country’s roots. Back when music made us feel good inside. Back when everything didn’t have to seem so corporate in nature. There are a few tracks that go against the modern grain but this really opens up the album to real core listeners rather than limit it. This enhances the listening experience rather than limit it for me. Lemmon-Salmon are experienced at performing and writing music, but it’s the combination of all of the above that makes these 2 so deadly. I mean, there is nothing here that really may seem all that original or fresh to some but perhaps that is why Lemmon-Salmon are on our Radar screens in the first place. Again music is supposed to leave a lasting emotional impression. It heightens our emotional response rather than limit it. Forgive me if I’m talking in circles – but some artists can deliver music that’s pretty straight forward, conservative and painfully simple yet brilliant all the same. Furthermore in lieu of the amazing string of songs these 2 deliver it almost feels as if Lemmon-Salmon are really on to something. Old Habits is a one of a kind CD that is closely tied to old school classic Country-Western, but takes us back a few years when music just made you feel good inside during the experience. When Old Habit’s runs the course one walks away feeling Howard Salmon and Deborah Martin-Lemmon have captured something special.Musical parallels for me include: Dolly Patron and Porter Wagoner, Kenny Rogers, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.The overall sound is a bit dated reminiscent of music popular 30+ years ago. Perhaps they need to modernize their sound just a bit. This can be done without leaving their souls at the studio room door.Howard Salmon and Deborah Martin-Lemmon are 2 amazing artists that will make a splash on the old school Country Music crowd. They are not to be underestimated in any way. Like so many before them they make it look easy, but one must never forget it’s never as easy as it looks or sounds. Let’s leave all that to the experienced professionals shall we.
