Gene Watson's 'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie' (Hux Records, 2002)

'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)

'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie' (2-on-1) was released by Hux Records in 2002. This special CD brings together two pivotal (Capitol Records) albums from the very early days of Gene Watson's glorious country music career; 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' (Capitol Records, 1975) and 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records, 1977).

'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie' (2-on-1) discography information is presented on the Gene Watson Fan Site for educational purposes only and no infringement of copyright is intended.

About 'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie'...

Sleeve Notes
'There are a handful of singers who sound great singing just about anything. Sam Cooke (Thursday 22 January 22, 1931 - Friday 11 December 1964), Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 - Tuesday 25 July 1995), George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 - Friday 26 April 2013) - singers whose vocal mastery could, one suspects, transform the proverbial telephone book.

For fans of straight, no-frills country music, Gene Watson has always fallen into that category. His rich, mellow voice is magnificently expressive and instantly recognisable. And the two albums on this CD, drawn from the most commercially successful period of his career, certainly capture Watson in his prime.

'Love in the Hot Afternoon' (1975), his debut on US Capitol, followed hot on the heels of his first national hits, while 'Paper Rosie' (1977) was another early classic and the album that introduced him to British audiences.

In keeping with his songs of blue collar struggles and disappointments, Gene had been working the Texas country circuit for more than a decade before his first major breakthrough. He'd also recorded a series of singles for Wide World (who released a Watson album in 1973) and Resco, Texan labels run by Russ Reeder, an important influence on Gene's early career as his producer and manager.

It seems to have been the Resco single 'Bad Water' that first alerted Capitol to Gene's potential. The song was a Jackie DeShannon composition originally recorded by The Raelettes, Ray Charles' backing singers. By the time Gene signed to Capitol, 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' was already available as a Resco single and starting to make waves in Texas, Louisiana and neighbouring states.

A Vincent Wesley Matthews/Kent Westberry ballad of passion in a vividly evoked Southern setting, it had previously been cut by Jim Ed Brown and others. But Reeder's sparse production, with atmospheric steel guitar and fiddle from Lloyd Green and Buddy Spicher, highlighted Gene's subtle vocal delivery, and re-promoted as a Capitol release the record climbed to No.3 on the US country charts in 1975.

Gene had now clearly arrived, and two more hit singles - 'Where Love Begins' and 'You Could Know As Much About A Stranger' - followed, before the release of the 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' album. The album featured the three hits, as well as the earlier Resco recordings 'Bad Water' and 'Through The Eyes Of Love'.

Other high-spots include the mid-tempo 'This Just Ain't No Good Day For Leaving', a great song by one of Nashville's finest writers, Dallas Frazier. In 1982, another Frazier composition, 'Fourteen Carat Mind', would give Gene his first - and, to date, only - No.1 hit.

The hits continued with the release of Gene's second Capitol album, 'Because You Believed in Me', in 1976. The 'Paper Rosie' album followed in 1977. The title track, one of Watson's most memorable recordings, was also one of his biggest hits, though he was initially sceptical about the song's potential.

Originally recorded by the singer-songwriter Dallas Harms, it had already been a major hit in Harms' native Canada. Gene recorded the song at the suggestion of a Capitol executive, but was unhappy with the result. Persuaded to give it another chance, Gene agreed to another session and, with a fresh approach, the song worked.

Watson and Harms became good friends and Gene later had hits with other Harms compositions, including 'The Old Man And His Horn' and 'Cowboys Don't Get Lucky All The Time'. Gene doesn't write his own material, but he's always chosen his songs with care and has worked closely with several other notable writers. These include Ray Griff, who wrote the early hit 'Where Love Begins'.

On the 'Paper Rosie' album, Ray Griff also contributed the standout tracks 'Don't Look At Me (In That Tone Of Voice)' and 'If The Shoe Fits, Wear It' (with the great opening line, 'You brush off the truth as if it was salt on a table'). Other key tracks on an album full of strong material include covers of Marty Robbins' 'You Gave Me A Mountain', Porter Wagoner's 'Tennessee Sunshine' and Dolly Parton's 'Most Of All Why'.

'Paper Rosie' has special significance to British country fans as Gene's first UK release. Two years later, in June 1979, he undertook an 18-date British tour, playing at a host of small venues, from the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton to the 7-11 Club in Kenton, Middlesex. The tour is still regarded as one of the most memorable by a visiting American artist. Audiences responded with wild enthusiasm to Gene's honest, hard country approach, and he gained a large British following that has remained loyal to him through the years.

Gene Watson's tenure with Capitol came to an end in 1980. His career seemed in decline but the move to MCA gave it fresh impetus. After four successful years he moved on to Epic and then Warner Bros.

Throughout the 1980s Gene felt that, while he was a regular on the country charts, his records weren't getting the promotion they deserved. The lack of a CMA award certainly suggests that Gene never quite hit it off with the Nashville establishment.

Country acts were crossing over onto the pop charts, and the major companies were looking for new, younger artists to promote. Gene was unwilling to compromise his music, and to his credit he's not usually photographed wearing a hat. His departure from Warner Bros. was also precipitated by an acrimonious legal wrangle with his then manager, Randy Travis' wife Lib Hatcher.

Since then Gene has recorded for smaller, independent labels, including Broadland, Step One and RMG. The major commercial success he enjoyed in the past has eluded him, but he's retained his musical integrity and, despite health troubles, is still giving it his best shot.

The release in 2001 of a greatest hits compilation on Universal was a reminder of past glories, and also introduced Gene's vocal genius to a new audience. Now two of Gene's classic, long-deleted early albums are brought together on this CD, offering another chance to enjoy the company of one of country music's greatest voices'.

Alan Gardiner
September 2002'

Overview
The albums were presented as a special 2-on-1 single CD set, complete with comprehensive liner notes, the original artwork from the vinyl releases and full track details.

The original 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' (Capitol Records, 1975) album was produced by Russ Reeder and Bob Webster in 1975, and the Recording Engineer was Jim Williamson.

All tracks on the original 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records, 1977) album were produced by Russ Reeder in 1977, with the exception of the track 'Desperation', which was produced by Russ Reeder and Bob Webster.

The original 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records, 1977) album was recorded at Jack Clement Studios, Nashville, Tennessee and the Recording Engineer was Jim Williams.

'Love in the Hot Afternoon' (Capitol Records ST11443, 1975)
Original Album Sleeve Notes

'Gene Watson is a home-grown Texan whose background is pure country, and whose future is simply Superstardom. He has played music ‘ever since I can remember’ and, like the Country greats before him, has juggled working days with nightly gigs in pursuit of that 'star in the sky'.

A family man with a deep passion for life, he has solidified his sound on his home turf by working the road with Country greats the Wilburn Brothers, cutting discs for local labels, moving on to territorial stardom, emerging with several hit records in the Houston area and, finally, a regular gig at the Dynasty Club in that city.

His association with the people he has met along the way have repeatedly distinguished themselves in long lasting friendships and mutual respect. His initial road experience with the Wilburn Brothers has never been forgotten by them.

And when he approached Russ Reeder, then General Manager of the Record Service Co. in Houston, in 1966, he began a lasting friendship and business relationship that has seen them through Gene’s recording debut in 1969 on Wide World Records, subsequent recordings on Reeder’s Resco label in 1972, and finally today in 1975 this fine album for Capitol Records.

After hearing 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' for the first time, I immediately recognised the talent that was there and wanted to have this gifted artist on Capitol. When Gene and Russ proved more than eager, the association was happily established, adding myself and the whole of the Capitol family to that list of friendships that have coloured Gene’s career.

This first album of Gene's on Capitol speaks for itself. It is one of the finest presentations I have heard in my years in the music business and, thankfully, it is only a beginning for Gene and his inevitable climb to Superstardom.

We at Capitol Records owe a debt of gratitude to radio stations KENR, KIKK and KNUS in Houston for their part in exposing the talents of Gene Watson, to Russ Reeder for his guidance and care in developing those talents and, of course, to Gene Watson himself, whose very talents we speak of.

Welcome to Capitol Records, Gene Watson, a fine artist, showman and of course...a friend'.

Ed Keeley
National Country Field Manager
Capitol Records, Inc'.

'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records ST11597, 1977)
Original Album Sleeve Notes

'There is that particular something in the voice of Gene Watson that reaches out and attracts almost every listener. Whether its special warmth or extra feeling, it has caused this talented Texan to emerge in the past two years as one of the top new singers in Country music.

It started with the album 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' which contained three smash hit singles - the title tune, 'Where Love Begins' and 'You Could Know As Much About A Stranger'. He followed his initial success with more of the same. With the release of his second Capitol album, 'Because You Believed in Me', his legions of fans just kept growing. That album contained two more hits, the title song and 'Her Body Couldn't Keep You (Off My Mind)'.

Now Gene is exploring new themes and showing everyone he has no limitations as a singer and total Country entertainer. With this album he is once again touching the hearts and souls of everyone who takes the time to listen'.

'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)

1 'Love In The Hot Afternoon'
Writers: Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 - Saturday 22 November 2003)
Publishers: Jack Music Inc. / BMI

Jim Ed Brown recorded 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' and included the track on 'Evening' (RCA Records, 1972).

Gene Watson re-recorded 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' and included the track on 'The Good Ole Days' (Step One Records, 1996).

Gene Watson re-recorded 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' and included the track on 'Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).

2 'Through The Eyes Of Love'
Writer: Jack Clement
Publishers: Jack Music Inc. / BMI

3 'Bad Water'
Writers: Jackie DeShannon, Holiday and Myers
Publishers: Unart Music Corporation / BMI

4 'Long Enough To Care'
Writer: Bobby Sykes
Publishers: Sidewalk Productions / BMI

5 'Harvest Time'
Writers: Bill Emerson, Lewis Moore and Carrol Dunham
Publishers: Golden Horn Music / ASCAP

Lonesome River Band recorded 'Harvest Time' and included the track on 'Talkin' to Myself' (Sugarhill Records, 2000).

6 'Where Love Begins'
Writer: Ray Griff
Publishers: Blue Echo Music / ASCAP

Gene Watson re-recorded 'Where Love Begins' and included the track on 'Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).

7 'This Just Ain't No Good Day For Leaving'
Writers: Dallas Frazier and Sanger D. Shafer
Publishers: Acuff-Rose Publishing Inc. / BMI

Kenny Seratt recorded 'This Just Ain't No Good Day For Leaving' in 1973; the track, which was produced by Merle Haggard, was subsequently included on 'The Best of Kenny Seratt, Volume 2' (Hillside Records, 2011).

8 'For The First Time'
Writer: Jessi Colter
Publishers: Baron Music Publishing Company / BMI

9 'You Could Know As Much About A Stranger'
Writer: Nadine Bryant
Publishers: Hotel Publishing Company / ASCAP

Gene Watson re-recorded 'You Could Know As Much About A Stranger' and included the track on 'Gene Watson: Then & Now' (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).

Gene Watson and Rhonda Vincent recorded 'You Could Know As Much About A Stranger' and included the track on 'Your Money and My Good Looks' (Upper Management Music, 2011); the album was officially released on Tuesday 7 June 2011.

10 'This Is My Year For Mexico'
Writer: Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 - Saturday 22 November 2003)
Publishers: Jack Music Inc. / BMI

11 'Paper Rosie'
Writer: Dallas Harms
Publishers: Doubleplay Music / Quality Music
Produced by Russ Reeder

Gene Watson re-recorded 'Paper Rosie' and included the track on 'Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).

12 'You Gave Me A Mountain'
Writer: Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 - Wednesday 8 December 1982)
Published by Carlin Music Corporation
Produced by Russ Reeder

Gene Watson re-recorded 'You Gave Me A Mountain' and included the track on 'Uncharted Mind' (Step One Records, 1993).

13 'If The Shoe Fits, Wear It'
Writer: Ray Griff
Publishers: Blue Echo Music / MCPS
Produced by Russ Reeder

14 'Tennessee Sunshine'
Writer: Porter Wagoner (Friday 12 August 1927 - Sunday 28 October 2007)
Publishers: Carlin Music Corporation
Produced by Russ Reeder

15 'Desperation'
Writers: G. Simmons and G. Mabry
Publishers: Commercial Hurshel Music
Produced by Russ Reeder and Bob Webster

16 'Til You Can Make It On Your Own'
Writers: J. McBee and Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens
Publishers: Carlin Music Corporation
Produced by Russ Reeder

17 'Most Of All Why'
Writer: Dolly Parton
Publishers: Carlin Music Corporation
Produced by Russ Reeder

18 'Just At Dawn'
Writers: B. Emerson and T. Hamilton
Publishers: Acuff-Rose Music Ltd.
Produced by Russ Reeder

19 'Don’t Look At Me (In That Tone Of Voice)'
Writer: Ray Griff
Publishers: Blue Echo Music / MCPS
Produced by Russ Reeder

Ray Griff recorded 'Don't Look At Me (In That Tone Of Voice)' and included the track on 'Ray Griff Sings' (GRT Records, 1972).

20 'I’d Settle For Just Crossing Her Mind'
Writer: Jollie Hollie
Publishers: London Tree Music Ltd.
Produced by Russ Reeder

Tracks 1-10 © 1975 Capitol Records Inc.
Tracks 11-20 © 1977 Capitol Records Inc.
All tracks licensed courtesy of EMI Commercial Markets

Hux thanks: Alan Gardiner, Tony Byworth and Caroline Cook
Photographs courtesy of Tony Byworth Archive

Read a CMP review of Gene Watson's 'Love in the Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie'
The review, which was written by Craig Baguley, was published in the February 2003 issue of the United Kingdom monthly publication Country Music People.

'Love In The Hot Afternoon and Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)

Musician Credits
(on the original 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' album)

Rhythm Guitar: Tommy Allsup, Leon Rhodes and Charlie McCoy
Lead Guitar: Jimmy Colbart, Pete Wade and Dale Sellers
Steel Guitar: Lloyd Green
Dobro: Lloyd Green
Harmonica: Charlie McCoy
Marimba: Charlie McCoy and Kenny Malone
Piano: Hargus 'Pig' Robbins
Fiddle: Buddy Spicher
Bass: Joe Allen, Henry Strylecki and Leon Rhodes
Drums: Kenny Malone, Jimmy Isabel and Buddy Harman
Horn: Jerry Tuttle
Voices: The Nashville Edition

Musician Credits
(on the original 'Paper Rosie' album)

Guitar: Dale Sellers, Jimmy Colvard, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 - Saturday 17 April 2004) and Harold Bradley
Steel: Lloyd Green
Bass: Joe Allen
Drums: Buddy Harman and Kenny Malone
Piano: Hargus 'Pig' Robbins
Fiddle: Buddy Spicher and Tommy Williams
Vocals: The Nashville Edition (Joe Babcock, Hurshel Wiginton, Dolores Edgin and Wendy Suits)

On Monday 26 September 2005, Hux Records in England released 'Because You Believed in Me' (Capitol Records, 1976), as a special 2-for-1 CD set, along with 'Beautiful Country' (Capitol Records, 1978).

On Monday 27 January 2009, Hux Records in England released 'Reflections' (Capitol Records, 1978), as a special 2-for-1 CD set, along with 'Should I Come Home' (Capitol Records, 1979).

On Monday 9 May 2011, Hux Records in England released 'Memories to Burn' (MCA Records, 1985), as a special 2-for-1 CD set, along with 'Starting New Memories' (MCA Records, 1986), in the UK and Ireland; the CD set was released worldwide on Tuesday 17 May 2011.