Hole’s American counterpart is Nashville-based slide guitar virtuoso Lee Roy Parnell. On his seventh recording as a leader, Tell the Truth (Vanguard 79589-2; 52:41), Parnell comfortably shifts from Memphis soul (“Right Where It Hurts,” “Breaking Down Slow”) to raucous blues (“Crossin’ Over”) and roadhouse rockers (“South by Southwest,” a duet with Delbert McClinton) to pure tambourine shaking Southern Baptist gospel (“Brand New Feeling” with The Mississippi Mass Choir of Jackson, Miss.). The title track is a poignant dobro ballad and special guest Keb’ Mo’ trades countrified licks with Parnell on “I Declare.” A great showcase for Leroy’s singing, songwriting and sliding talents.
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