by Richard Skelly » Wed May 17, 2017 1:26 am
Back in the early '70s, American-raised Bruce Miller moseyed north into Vancouver's nascent Outlaw Country movement. The Cement City Cowboys ruled the roost. Bruce was what the gals considered a nice long drink of water. Meanwhile, his ability to write and croon original songs opened professional doors. None more so than a mournfully catchy tune called Anna Marie. That earned him the A&M contract which led to the Rude Awakening album. To these ears, Anna Marie was the stronger single. But Bruce's version stiffed and it was left to Susan Jacks to eventually turn it into a Canadian hit. Rude Awakening had a bluesy jazz feel and damn fine lyrics. The vocal production, however, was a distraction. It left Bruce sounding a tad muddy.