New Trick Pony line-up makes Opry debut

R.I.D.E.

Saddle up and strap in, buckaroos; Trick Pony delivers arguably their best ride ever. The title of their 14-cut third album stands for Rebellious Individuals Delivering Entertainment, and boy howdy, this trio delivers with all the venom of a coiled up rattlesnake. Heidi Newfield Johnson�s throaty vocals turn on a dime from the wink-and-nod �The Bride,� struts through �I Can Live With That� and waltzes through Matraca Berg�s �Stand in the Middle of Texas.� The trio steps from the safety of the ...

On A Mission

The phrases are "Don't change a good thing," "Don't fix it if it ain't broke" and "Don't leap off a train while it's moving." They all apply to the second release by Trick Pony, the hot trio that took mainstream country by surprise with last year's debut. The focus here, while progressing as singers, players and writers, is to remain on the beaten path. Most of this disc is about high energy right from the opening strains of the title cut, much the same as "Pour Me" set the stage on the debut. ...

Trick Pony

Similar to the Dixie Chicks, Trick Pony combines solid country rootswith more than a touch of rockabilly to create a spunky and humorouslyappealing mix. In addition to the single "Pour Me," which is a play on both self-pity and strong drink, the trio also brings along Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings for Cash's"Big River" and returns to the heartbreak theme for "Party of One" and "OneIn A Row." Everybody in the group sings, but this horse sounds its most untamedwhen Heidi Newfield's female vocals lead the herd. ...