REVIEW: New's Country

Written by BobC

My wife and I just returned from one of Branson’s most entertaining shows; New’s Country at the Little Opry Theater in the IMAX Theater Complex. Branson’s Guitar Wizard, LeRoy New, is a self-taught, naturally talented musician, singer, and song writer. He proves his Guitar Wizard title right before your eyes during this two-hour show that is filled with classic country, bluegrass, and gospel music, as well as his version of “Misty” done in the fast paced Ray Stevens style. LeRoy nails the vocal on this rendition as Jim Glaspy nails the peppy 5-string banjo accompaniment. Accompanied by Michael T. Hermsmeyer and Jim Glaspy, LeRoy also performs the smooth vocal sounds of country legends Bob Wells and the Sons of the Pioneers.

LeRoy plays the guitar in the style of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, and Chet Atkins, not to mention the familiar guitar licks backing up Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash and others. His own flat top picking style will leave you breathless as you wonder in amazement how he can play that thing so fast, and just about that time he picks up the pace and plays even faster. Michael T. Hermsmeyer provides lead and backup vocals and plays fiddle, dobro, harmonica, and mandolin. Jim Glaspy does vocals and plays upright bass and 5-string banjo. He brings back old memories when he sings the popular Elvis song, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” as it was originally performed by the Carter Family. The musical talent of these three performers is top notch. I still get goose bumps when I hear Michael Hermsmeyer playing Bob Wells, “Faded Love” on the fiddle and when LeRoy plays Chet Atkins, “Mr. Sandman” in that unique Chet Atkins style.

As an added treat, Hunter Glaspy (Jim’s 11 year old son) comes out on the stage and plays the spoons for a couple songs with the group. This kid is good and you know if he’s playing on stage with New’s Country, he has to be good - and fast. If you ever wondered who the youngest spoon player is in Branson; now you know. You’ve got to see him for yourself.

Aside from the great music, this two-hour show is filled with LeRoy’s description of experiences growing up in Kentucky. He presents story after story in a light-hearted way that each member of the audience can identify with; that first switching by Grandma to the first and only time he got into Grandpa’s chewing tobacco at the age of 5. Battery operated radio, no electricity, front porch, bare feet, and 60 acres so far back in the hills, “light has to be piped in” are just some of the ways LeRoy paints the picture of his childhood for the audience. He continues his stories right up to his current days performing in Branson and having grandchildren of his own.

There are plenty of music critics around who argue over who the best musician is in Branson. If they haven’t considered LeRoy New, Branson’s Guitar Wizard, their argument has no credibility.

The great performance of classic country music and the heartwarming stories in this show leave the audience talking about them long after seeing the show. The 2-hour show will have you reminiscing over what you saw for a long time after the show is over. And as you reminisce, it will have you yearning to return to see it again.