The Niagara region has spawned a lot of rootsy, country-based artists, and out of the bayous of Stevensville comes one more, singer-songwriter Darren Friskie. Darren was one of these guys who sat at home for many years, quietly writing his own music, and never did anything with it. At the urging of his friends and his mom, he finally went into the studio with Dean Malton in Ridgeway, to record his debut album, "Forth & Back."It's a good thing he did, because this is an excellent album.

 The sounds are rooted in Southern Rock, particularly groups like The Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allmans, but I also hear the influences of Eric Clapton, The Band, and many others. We all reflect the music we grew up with, and I know that, as a singer-songwriter myself. The backing musicians on this record did an outstanding job, with Dean Malton on lead and acoustic guitars, and bass, Adam Wallington on keyboards, Bruce Tomlinson on fiddle and banjo, and Troy Malton on drums. The real ace up the sleeve are the excellent backup singers - Janie Grand, Sharon Riley, Teena Riley and Shenelle Morgan. They add that soulful touch to the music that just makes it perfect. Where would Clapton be without his backup singers, or Skynyrd without theirs? Darren's vocals are heartfelt, and with just a bit of a rough edge. His songs are much the same, and he can tug at your heartstrings when he wants to.

 The album's outstanding track is by far "A Little More Time," which is just a killer tune and deserves to be a radio hit. "Ain't No Going Back" and "So Simple Then" are also standouts, as is the rousing party track "My Redneck Heaven," and the funky "Momma." It's a solid record from start to finish. Perfect for play in your car stereo over the summer! Thank you, Darren!

 Darren is working on getting the record released on CD, but in the meantime you can listen to the tracks on his Reverbnation page, at https://www.reverbnation.com/darrentfriskie  The CD is available on Itunes ,CD Baby and though Amazon mp3.