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
'Uncharted Mind' (Step One Records, 1993), as published in the
February 1994
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.
'Uncharted Mind' (Step One Records, 1993)
This CMP review by Craig Baguley, which was published in the February 1994 issue
of Country Music People, is reproduced here with the kind permission of the
publishers.
Album Review by Craig Baguley
(8 out of 10)
'Another label change for this great country singer following his traumatic
time with Bugs Bunny and his regrettably less than successful
last album
on
Canadian Broadland/Mercury. Uncharted Mind is a fine album with Gene's
voice in cracking form, as he proves on the power ballad 'You gave me a
mountain', the Marty Robbins song that was a big hit for the fabulous Johnny
Bush back in '69 (does anyone know how Bush is getting on?). Watson also
pulls off a riveting vocal on 'Mirrors don't lie' that is probably better
than the song itself.
There are a couple of below average numbers in the set - the title track and
'Glass hearts' could get lost - but the standard of material is fairly
sound. 'Simple minded heart' is a tasty ballad, 'Snake in the house' treads
the Ronnie Milsap country-soul path, 'He's back in Texas again' is a rare
old swinger, and 'Give her my best' is an easy shuffle with unlikely
references to caviar and string quartets as singer's ex gets to marry above
her station: 'Give her my best, 'cause I never did'.
Best track, however, is the wonderful 'Hold that thought' written by
Canadian Ray Griff
whose 'Where love begins' gave Watson one of the most
memorable hits of his career. This time around Griff serves up a delicate
shuffle ballad that, in song, feel and vocal performance, harks back to the
singer's glory days on Capitol. Heavenly.
Aided by quality sessioners like
Buddy Emmons, Rob Hajacos, Jerry Kroon and
Roger Ball, this outing proves that Gene remains an awesome vocalist and it
pisses me off that current trends, where youth and looks override talent,
confine such greatness to the sidelines. Keep with him, Step One'.
Craig Baguley
Country Music People
February 1994
