Search - Wild Rose :: Straight & Narrow

Rocking country ladies do it again

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wild Rose were a five-piece all-female group who liked to rock hard, but in a country style. Their debut album (Breaking new ground) blew me away when I first heard it and it remains one of my all-time favorite albums. This album is very similar in style and almost as good.



All members of the group play instruments as well as sing. They are Nancy Given-Prout (drums), Kathy Mac (bass), banjo (Pam Gadd), mandolin (Pam Perry) with the remaining member, Wanda Vick, playing electric guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, dobro and mandolin. On the album, Wild Rose are joined by some men who play acoustic guitars, keyboards and synthesiser.



Like their debut, this album is made up of mainly up-tempo rocking songs with just the occasional ballad. Typical of their music is Hit the highway, which three of the members collaborated in writing. None of the songs were big country hits but the song you are most likely to have heard before (if you've heard any of them) is Your one and only, which has been recorded by several other singers including Brenda Lee, Barbara Mandrell and the Irish singer, Mary Duff. Wild Rose are particularly suited to this song so although I'm a huge fan of the others, I'll say this version is the best of the lot. However, with five of them, which one wants to be your one and only?



Wild Rose recorded three albums in total but never had a big hit. They also recorded a cover of Jingle bell rock (which can occasionally be found on country Christmas compilations) and a duet with Lee Greenwood (which can be found on his album, Perfect 10).



Wild Rose had a very distinctive sound so if you enjoy up-tempo rocking country music, give them a listen - if you get the chance. While Breaking new ground is their best album, this one is not far behind."

Wild Rose So Close To Stardom

Steve Harris | Mt. Victory, Ohio | 12/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am fortunate to have worked with and gotten to know most of the girls from Wild Rose and can tell you, the public was so blessed to have their music and 'So' close to having them produce more great music for years to come. This group of Ladies had a sound all of their own, never again to be duplicated. Their chemestry together is like that of the greatest bands of all time. They were amongst a handful of female muscians that broke down barriers of public and music executive's perception that only men could play music and perform on instruments with such top notch professionalism, as did Wild Rose (of which many of todays female musicians should give 'Thanks'). If your not familiar with the music of Wild Rose, treat yourself to a great sound. I only regret not hearing the songs they would have come up with over the years.

Although most of the members still record (as sessions players) in Nashville, lead singer Pam Gadd still writes and performs her own music. [...]"

A taste of country

B. Lopez | California | 08/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This short lived group was and is a great loss the music is enjoyable from begining to the end the hamoneys and songs still ring true a must have for any faithful country fan"