Randy Sharp: First in Line
I like country music. Those sad songs that end with heartbreak, a sixer of Budweiser on the lap, and mans best friend in the passenger seat. I’ve sang “On the Road Again” so many times in my head and outloud during a trip that I can sing most of the song word for word. Like you haven’t? Well, if you haven’t or need to get upped on a cheap and somewhat easy to find Country record this is it. Randy Sharp is a mega-star in Country music and has been writing hits for YEARS! This album though, I believe, is his Demo record. It was recorded in Visalia and released out of Bakersfield, CA. Now while there are some great Country tunes on this there are two outstanding tracks that make me play the B-Side at least once a week. “Rosalinda” is a funky guitar driven Country Funk tune. I was surprised at how dope it was to me. Great opening with some nice breakdowns throughout the tune. However, the stand-out track to me is the last one on the LP. When “Country Song” starts playing I immediately get this great feel good vibe, close my eyes and drift off into the tune. My wife absolutely loves this tune and asks for me to play it from time to time. You be the judge.
Note: Please make sure that you do not buy the Nautilus Records LP with the same title.
5 Comments
I used to own a copy of First in Line & it is excelent in ever way. In fact I was living In Visalia when it was recorded & also recorded with the Barry Marcus group in that studio.
So many years ago & the music goes on & on. I’m now fronting the Poor Man’s Jug Band up in N.W.Washing state. So Randy, if this is going to you, Howdy brother! I hope you are well & still rockin’ along. Do you remember Rosewood?
Peace & Love,
George
Rosewood: Randy, Sharon Bays, Ron Trammell and John Davis IV. Do you remember the Tenderloin? I did the cover for this album. I like blueberry pie stains with John’s banjo. I think I’ve still got a couple of these.
Do you know how or where I can get a copy of this original version of the album? It has a wonderful song (A Night With A Friend) that does not appear on the commercial release. I contacted Randy and he suggested ebay;however, I am only seeing the commercial Nautilus version there. Thanks for any help.
I bought your first ablum at the Wild Blue Yander bar in Fresno, CA. Still have it. Decided I cannot play it until I get a back up copy. Needless to say it is still in great shop sitting in my collection.
Well, I guess I’d better bring this up to date.
I see names here that I remember: Garth Hospers, George McKibbin (deceased – miss ya George), Ron Trammell, Sharon Bays, John Davis, Mindy Grossman sang backup on this album. Still drop-dead gorgeous. Cuts my hair, tells me stories and comes to my gigs.
Missing here is Steve Duncan – drums. Saw him in Nashville last year at NAMM.
Bobby Delgado (killer guitar) retired from Delta Wires. Last heard gigging up in the Chico area.
The engineer’s name escapes me but I can see him in my mind. Long straight hair wielding a soldering iron, diving into the guts of the mixing board like he knew exactly what he was doing …Scott? I think he built it.