A Real Country-Rock Star

Country music newcomer Marcel scored a mild hit with his song Country Rock Star, a few years ago. Today, a real-life country rock star is invading the country music scene. Following two CDs and a not-so-famous lunge onto the rock circuit, Rick Monroe has found his niche with his initial country CD, Against The Grain.

"We're trying to get the perfect mix of country and rock," Monroe stated. "We want that everyday sound everyone can relate to."

His first release from his initial country effort, Midnight Rider, proved how serious the talented musician is about the southern-rock feel. The remake of an old Allman Brothers hit debuted on E and was a video on CMT's Wide Open Country. His sophomore release, I Remember The Music, is an upbeat blast, with lyrics to which everyone can relate.

Though still a relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, the Florida native displays his tremendous versatility throughout the 14-song disc. It is filled with toe-tapping, get-up-and move songs, such as the upbeat Dance Hall King and the energetic after-work experiences of One More. Displaying his vocal range, Monroe delivers the heartfelt, wide-ranging Wrapped in You and Runaway. There is even a hilarious look into what he calls "Florida Bluegrass," with his original Blue Skies Turned Grey. Country music followers will appreciate this welcome addition to their genre.

As far back as he can remember, Monroe felt as if he was born to be on a stage. Likewise, from his earliest recollection, the 32-year old has always wanted to be a musician on that stage. From ACDC-to-Zappa, Monroe has been a fan of all kinds of music--literally from A to Z. Whether it was Angus Young's one-foot stomp across a stage or Jimmy Reed, Jr. banging the Blues, the owner of his own record label, Divorce Records, was listening.

An all-around musician, Monroe wrote 11-of-14 songs on his current CD. As a singer, songwriter, and performer though, he was hesitant about picking his favorite aspect of the music industry. Though obviously talent rich in each area, he would not commit to one area over the other.

"They're all equal," Monroe added. " Then, playing live is just icing on the cake."

Monroe began his musical journey as an 18-year old Floridian. However, his musical dreams lured him to Hollywood, California, where he began singing rock music for the band Monroe. Not surprisingly, he was the front man.

"That was just the music that everyone was into," he explained of the drastic genre difference.

After releasing Legends Diner and Shame, Monroe jumped onto the country scene. As he proudly admits, it was more of a country-rock leap.

His musical journey has put him on stages throughout the United States. Furthermore, fans in Russia, Bosnia, Kosovo Macedonia, Hungry, Honduras, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bahamas, Germany, and England have all witnessed his musical talents. Even more noteworthy, while in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, at the invitation of U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Pete Peterson, the huge Florida Gators' fan sang the U.S. national anthem. This was monumental because it marked the first time that the patriotic song had been sung in Vietnam at a public event in 25 years.

"That was an honor," Monroe admitted. "It was bizarre because of the people who attended."

In addition to his extensive studio efforts, the global tourer is obviously a tireless performer. Enthusiastically, he puts his audience in the middle of the show at his concerts. Singing everything from Cash, to Hank, to Garth, to Cheap Trick, to McGraw, to the Georgia Sattelites, to Keith, to Urban, to ACDC, and to 10 of his own songs, Monroe exhibits his vast musical taste. The charismatic "guitar hack" (his words--not mine and definitely not true) even revs the crowd with a stirring rendition of the Blues.

In this avid country music fan's opinion, Monroe's music should be burning up the airwaves. Not only does he and his band pick-and-drum radio-worthy music, but he also produces lyrics to which the everyday man can relate. His songs bash out everyday instances that we all talk about. However, Monroe admirably weaves them into song lyrics.

No matter where he is touring, the show he puts on is worth the trip. Furthermore, his Against the Grain CD may be hard to find in many areas, but with so many CD dealers online, Check It!

If you are a true country music fan -- country-rock more specifically, you definitely won't be sorry.