I’m not always comfortable telling you that an artist ‘sounds like’ another artist, or ‘looks like’ another artist, but you’ll have to forgive me this time. Chris Collins is a big John Denver fan and loves the outdoors, especially the mountains. Sounding familiar? I remember seeing Chris for the first time at the Green Mountain Energy Folk Music Festival in Houston and as he took the stage I noticed a slight similarity to John Denver. The ever-present smile, the round wire-rim glasses, the sandy brown bangs, and a certain stature just took me there. Then Collins sang. While he’s not trying to be a Denver knock-off, he possesses some of the same tonal qualities which made Denver famous. Enough of the comparison, because that’s where it ends. Chris Collins has a rich Texas-tuned voice that exudes comfort and trust as he spins songs about the pleasantries of nature, beauty, family, and legend. This disc was expertly produced by Collins with the recording tools of Haniel Trisna and 6 Tone Productions. Now if you’ve been reading my reviews for years, you know that I like it when 6 Tone sticks to rock music, but I must say this disc breaks the stereotype. Whatever their level of involvement, it was just enough, and under Chris’ guidance, this shapes up to be a fantastic disc. The award nominating committee will look long and hard at this CD. Collins’ vocals are superb, Jeff Duncan’s fiddle/violin work is perfect, and Wayne Wilkerson turns in an award-worthy performance as well. The CD is “ALBERTA SKIES,” eleven cuts, 39:44 running time and worth every penny of $13.99. Get it today!