Life's a Dance (CD - 1992)

Personnel: John Michael Montgomery (vocals); Brent Rowen, Bobby All, Kenny Bell, Wyatt Easterling, Billy Hullett (guitar); Ron "Snake" Reynolds (guitar, percussion); Rob Hajacos, Glenn Duncan (fiddle); Tommy Spurlock, Sonny Garrish (steel guitar); Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson (harmonica); Steve Nathan, Clayton Ivey (keyboards); Gary Lunn, Willie Weeks (bass); Lonnie Wilson, Jerry Kroon, Owen Hale (drums); Michael Jones, Dennis Wilson, Michael Black, Curtis Young (background vocals).

Personnel: John Michael Montgomery (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Wyatt Easterling, Bobby All, Kenny Bell (acoustic guitar); Ron Reynolds (electric guitar, percussion); Bill Hullett, Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Tommy Spurlock, Sonny Garrish (steel guitar); Glen Duncan, Rob Hajacos (fiddle); Jelly Roll Johnson (harmonica); Clayton Ivey, Steve Nathan (keyboards); Lonnie Wilson, Jerry Kroon, Owen Hale (drums); Michael Jones (background vocals).

Audio Remixer: Ron Reynolds.

Recording information: Quad Studio; Reflections; SCruggs Sound Studio, Nashville, TN.

Montgomery's baritone lends itself well to the romantic songs, ensuring his success in the heartthrob-heavy country field of the early '90s. That he also does some competent Oklahoma swing counts in his favor. ~ Brian Mansfield

John Michael Montgomery, the new country hunk on the block, has turned in first-rate jukebox fodder with this killer debut. Incorporating the best vocal stylings of the past--he does ol' Hank Williams proud with his swallow-and-cry "Beer And Bones"--he also shows respect for contemporary traditionalists, like George Strait, with "Dream On Texas Ladies."

This handsome, Kentucky-bred former nightclub performer might be the new kid swaggering into town, but he is in control and appears to sing down all takers.

Throughout this collection, which leans heavily on heartfelt ballads ("Everytime I Fall" and "Nickels And Dimes And Love") and mid-tempo dance tunes ("Life's A Dance" and "Taking Off The Edge"), John exhibits a considerable talent in his rich, seasoned voice. He can easily slide from "When Your Baby Ain't Around," a swinging fire-throated frolic, to the powerhouse ballad "I Love The Way You Love Me," where his satin vocal takes a wing and glides to the heavens. This award-winning song typifies the astute selection process Montgomery utilizes when selecting top-notch material.

With his combination of a wide vocal range and a ten-gallon hat full of charisma, John Michael Montgomery not only proves that LIFE'S A DANCE, its also a collection of great country songs. minimize