(13 July 2009) The latest release from Glenn A Payne, a longstanding A&R professional based in the UK, is a fantastic collection of fourteen new country tracks on one hit album! Songs feature the best and finest of the new breed of countrysingers straight from the heart of Nashville including Amy Bonner, Andrea Childress, Mindy Ellis, Melissa Fuller and Laurie Killian Starr all on one great album. The collection is available currently on iTunes.

This Is Extreme Country Music (GAP Music (UK) GAP016, 2009) has been put together and created by renowned Nashville Producer Michael Salacuse. Michael's vision was to produce a new wave of country music where West meets East in this case USA meets Europe, to create a crossover ambiance that pulls together the best of both fusions: country and dance.

Andrea Childress opens the various artist compilation with the high energy "Other Side of Midnight." The song is exciting and full of non-stop action. Andrea's rich vocals are a highlight combined with the percussive-laden melody. She contributed four tracks to the album and continues to show her stuff on "Cowboy Up." This track has quick paced singing and an urgency to the hypnotic beat. "Cowboy Up Extreme Club Mixx" and "Cowboy Up Eurotwang Mixx" both step the songs up a few notches. These are great songs in which to showcase your dance moves.

A couple of men are represented on this fast-paced album as well. Hailing from Tennessee, country singer Craig Campbell makes his presence known with the heavily percussive "Baby I'm Your Man." Iowa born Bart Hansen showcases his talents with "Slo Ride," "Slo Ride Swing Mixx" and "Slo Ride Extreme Country Mixx." His rich baritone vocals lure the listener with his revved up country music.

Mindy Ellis moved to Nashville in 1997 to pursue her dreams. Her website describes her music as "country with a little attitude!" The description is spot-on in the more pop sounding "That's The Way." Mindy doesn't miss a beat with her strong vocals and broad range. In "Girlz Gone Wild" the country influence is prominent and her singing strengths are highlighted. She has great musical talent which is shown with great ease on these tracks.

"The Wonder of Love" features Amy Bonner. There is a carefree joyfulness to her singing, and she describes her music as "life dancing." She grew up with a wide variety of musical influences, and she said, "I've realized that I will never be better than everybody. I just have to contribute what talents God has given me in the way that only I can contribute them. And now, I have learned how to do that and be proud of what I can do."

Country/pop/rock singer Melissa Fuller struts her stuff with "Workin On a Better Day." She has great clarity in her vocals, and charms the listener with her captivating style. This twenty-something Wyoming girl exhibits great maturity for her age. This exciting singer/songwriter is certainly making her mark on the country audience.

Laurie Killian Starr puts a contemporary flair to "This Girlz Gone." Her country/rock musical talent abounds and she lives by the philosophy that "God has a plan for each and every one of us, a gift with which we can share his love. I'm blessed to be able to have the gift of music to share with you." Her humbleness is transformed into a dynamic execution of the music. "What Cha Gonna Do" has a more pop feel, and she makes a strong connection with her powerful vocals.

With the help of Glenn A Payne, this album matches up the talent of the vocalist with the meaning of each song. The results being some of the most infectious foot-tapping, stomping country/dance tunes that you are ever gonna hear this side of Nashville. Click on the photos above for further information on the vocalists. The album is available online at iTunes and as a compact disc from GAP Music. This Is Extreme Country Music is exactly what it says on the cover. Be prepared to hear country like you have never heard country before!--Audrey Elliot and Russ Elliot in New York