Review by Stratman

     Todd Fritsch is another singer/songwriter I have never heard of (maybe you have), but after listening to this CD I am sure you will be hearing a lot about him. He had already released two prior albums, neither of which I had heard or knew about, then, a horrible roping accident put him on the shelf and into a three year recovery period. It was during this rehab time that Todd signed a new producer (Butch Baker) and started to record “Up Here IN The Saddle”.

     This is a very tasty CD with well written songs and is smartly produced.  It has good musicians and is very up to date with the times, yet has some real country on it.

     “My Kind Of Crowd” gets the CD off to a good start. It is very much radio friendly (similar style to several hits on the radio today), good lyrics and is very danceable. “Calls I Haven’t Made” is the first radio single and has a chance to be a hit. It is a good song with a good message: Take the time to call everyone in your life that has had an impact on you and let them know you are thankful and remember them. It is a good choice for radio.

     “That Ain’t Gonna Fly” has a great steel guitar in it, just enough fiddle and is a rocker. I like this one. “In A Crowd” is a nice ballad. It is well recorded, has good lyrics and the vocals are solid. “Love Never Goes Out of Style” has an early Clint Black feel to it, with excellent harmonies. “Texas Girl” has the best groove on the album and is a good dancer! “Horses He Can’t Ride Anymore” basically could be Todd’s own story (the roping accident). It is another keeper.

     “Top Of My List” is a Dean Dillon tune, well written and could find its way to the radio. I like this cut. ”It Don’t Hurt To Ask” has an old school, country feel to it (kinda reminds me of Clay Walker on the vocals). It’s a good two stepper. I enjoyed the fiddle. George Strait would love to have this one!

     “Up Here In The Saddle” is a nice duet with Dean Dillon. “Like I Wasn’t Even There” takes me back to the old bar room, crying in your beer ballads. There’s some real country music here. “That Girl’s Got A Cowboy Heart” is a nice way to finish off the album with good lyrics, great music and smooth vocals. Well done Todd!

     I can sympathize with Todd. I was injured in an accident playing football and was laid up for a while as he was and all I could do was watch TV, gain weight and be bored out of my head. That’s when I picked up the guitar and decided to become a real musician (I have had a decent career; learned to play several instruments and have some albums of my own). Todd’s accident took him away from one of his loves (roping), but gave him a wonderful career in music. I really like this guy and he deserves all the good in life that lays ahead for him. Now go help him out and buy his album!

Rating: A+