Gene Watson: CMP Album Reviews
Gene Watson has been singing professionally since the late 1950s & has been
a country music (album) recording artist since the late 1960s.
Gene Watson steps into a recording studio and, like a great chef, uses the
perfect ingredients to create an aural feast. When Gene Watson takes a step
behind the microphone, magic happens.
Gene Watson's contribution to the country music genre is immeasurable and it
is here that you have an opportunity to read a CMP review of Gene Watson's
'A Taste of the Truth' (Shanachie
Records, 2009), as published in the
October 2009
issue of Country Music People.
Country Music People is the United Kingdom's No. 1 Award Winning Country
Music Magazine, and was the recipient of the Country Music Association's
2003 Wesley Rose International Achievement Award.
Country Music People was first published in 1970 and protects its integrity
fiercely. The magazine has always brought its readers detailed, honest
record reviews untainted by advertising considerations, as well as genuine
interviews with country stars that are not faked from interview discs sent
out by publicists and record labels.
Country Music People have
long ago nailed its colours to the mast where Gene Watson is concerned.
The magazine has rigorously championed Gene's cause down through the years
and have published a number of reviews of his album releases.
'A Taste of the Truth' (Shanachie Records, 2009)
This CMP review by Duncan Warwick, which was published in the October 2009 issue
of Country Music People, is reproduced here with the kind permission of the
publishers.
Album Review by Duncan Warwick / Album Awarded
'CD of the Month' Accolade
(***** out of 5)
'Gene Watson is a long-time favourite of CMP, and we're in good company.
His hits from the 70s have played a major part in influencing some of the
biggest stars around today, Alan Jackson, Joe
Nichols and others who still make what are frequently referred to as
'real country' records.
George Jones cites him as 'one of his
all-time favourite ballad singers', and it's not just because of 23 top ten
hits and 6 number ones he's notched up over his 40 year career, it's just
that he's a truly great singer, and over the years has given those who long
for traditional country exactly what they crave for in one of the most
soulful packages imaginable.
A new Gene Watson album is always welcome but this one, even more so.
Without a doubt this is his best in quite a few years. Gene has chosen
the songs personally, and it is the strength of the songs, along with that
great voice, as good as ever at 65, which makes this one stand out.
He has also managed to draft in a heavyweight hit maker of the current era
in the shape of Trace Adkins, some harmonies from an almost un-credited
Alison Krauss, and a duet with Rhonda Vincent
described on the sleeve as a 'country music anthem' is just that.
Trace Adkins duets on the almost swampy country music ain't dead
sing-a-longer from the pens of Jerry Salley
and Billy Yates, 'just as long as I'm
alive, they'll be songs about grieving...and cheatin' and drinkin' and lovin'
a good woman right' sings Watson, and he has the history to back it up.
Adkins adds at one point rather nicely 'this ain't no Farewell party'.
You get the idea, and maybe with Adkins' name on it, it will hopefully pick
up some airplay stateside.
As I mentioned, it is the songs which really lift this album to the next
level, and a glance through the credits contains some big name song-smiths.
Tim Mensy, Shawn Camp, Rebecca Lynn Howard,
Curly Putman, Harley Allen, Keith Stegall &
Hank Cochran are all there, and Gene has done
a first rate job of choosing what to cut.
Grieving is what Watson does best, and he does it better than ever on 'A
Taste of the Truth', 'Til a Better Memory Comes Along', 'It's My Lie' and
the waltzing ode to our old friend the jukebox, 'Three Minutes at a Time'.
'Staying Together', the duet with Rhonda
Vincent is poignant and beautiful, telling of a relationship which looks
fine to everyone, except those who are in it and stay together for the sake
of the children, and 'Still They Call Me Love' could well be the song of the
year in my book, correction - one of the best songs of any year.
Ken Mellons has already recorded it, but has
yet to release it apart from as a download as far as I know. A very
clever song written by Harley Allen and John
Wiggins, from love's perspective ('I invented heartbreak, I came up with
pain, how much can these fools take, are they all insane, I'm as bad as
whiskey, as strong as any drug, poison when you kiss me and still they call
me love') - truly a work of genius that is worth the purchase price
alone.
If you are a fan of Gene Watson you'll be buying this anyway, and if you've
ever bemoaned the lack of true country music available today miss this at
your peril. This is exactly what country music is, and ever should be.
Wonderful'.
Duncan Warwick
Country Music People
October 2009
