Gene Watson Discography
'Love in the Hot Afternoon &
Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)
'Love in the Hot Afternoon & 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)
& 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol
Records, 1977).
'Love in the Hot Afternoon & Paper Rosie' (2-on-1) discography information
is presented on this site for educational purposes only & no infringement of
copyright is intended.
About 'Love in the Hot Afternoon & Paper
Rosie'...
Sleeve Notes
'There are a handful of singers who sound great singing just about anything.
Sam Cooke, Charlie Rich, George Jones
- 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 & neighbouring states. A Vince 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 &
full track details.
The original 'Love in the Hot Afternoon'
album was produced by Russ Reeder & Bob Webster in 1975, and the Recording
Engineer was Jim Williamson.
All tracks on the original 'Paper Rosie' album
were produced by Russ Reeder in 1977 with the exception of the track
indicated thus *, which was produced by Russ Reeder and Bob Webster.
The original 'Paper Rosie' 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 &
Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)
Track Listing
1 'Love in the hot afternoon'
•
Written by Kent Westberry & Vince Matthews
Published by Jack Music Inc. / BMI
2 'Through the eyes of love'
Written by Jack Clement
Published by Jack Music Inc. / BMI
3 'Bad water'
Written by Jackie DeShannon, Holiday & Myers
Published by Unart Music Corporation / BMI
4 'Long enough to care'
Written by Bobby Sykes
Published by Sidewalk Productions / BMI
5 'Harvest time'
¹
Written by Bill Emerson, Lewis Moore
& Carrol Dunham
Published by Golden Horn Music / ASCAP
6 'Where love begins'
Written by Ray Griff
Published by Blue Echo Music / ASCAP
7 'This just ain't no good day for leaving'
Written by Dallas Frazier & Sanger D. Shafer
Published by Acuff-Rose Publishing Inc. / BMI
8 'For the first time'
Written by Jessi Colter
Published by Baron Music Publishing Company / BMI
9 'You could know as much about a stranger'
••
Written by Nadine Bryant
Published by Hotel Publishing Company / ASCAP
10 'This is my year for Mexico'
Written by Vince Matthews RIP
Published by Jack Music Inc. / BMI
11 'Paper Rosie'
Written by
Dallas Harms
Published by Doubleplay Music / Quality Music
12 'You gave me a mountain'
•••
Written by Marty Robbins
Published by Carlin Music Corporation
13 'If the shoe fits, wear it'
Written by Ray Griff
Published by Blue Echo Music / MCPS
14 'Tennessee sunshine'
Written by Porter Wagoner
Published by Carlin Music Corporation
15 'Desperation' *
Written by G. Simmons & G. Mabry
Published by Commercial Hurshel Music
16 'Til you can make it on your own'
Written by J. McBee & A.L. Owens
Published by Carlin Music Corporation
17 'Most of all why'
Written by Dolly Parton
Published by Carlin Music Corporation
18 'Just at dawn'
Written by B. Emerson & T. Hamilton
Published by Acuff-Rose Music Ltd.
19 'Don’t look at me (in that tone of voice)'
Written by Ray Griff
Published by Blue Echo Music / MCPS
20 'I’d settle for just crossing her mind'
Written by Jollie Hollie
Published by London Tree Music Ltd.
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 & Caroline Cook
Photographs courtesy of Tony Byworth Archive
A re-recording of 'Love in the hot afternoon' (track indicated thus
•) can be found on 'The
Good Ole Days' (Step One Records, 1996).
A re-recorded version of 'You could know as much about a stranger' (track
indicated thus ••) can be found
on 'Gene Watson: Then & Now' (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).
A re-recording of 'You gave me a mountain' (track indicated thus
•••) can be found on 'Uncharted
Mind' (Step One Records, 1993).
All tracks on the original 'Paper Rosie' album
(tracks 11-20 outlined above) were produced by Russ Reeder in 1977 with the
exception of 'Desperation' (track indicated thus
*), which was produced by Russ Reeder and Bob
Webster.
'Harvest time' (track indicated thus
¹) was also recorded by the
Lonesome River Band & included on 'Talkin' to Myself' (Sugarhill Records,
2000).
You can read a CMP review of Gene Watson's 'Love in the Hot Afternoon & Paper
Rosie' here. 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 &
Paper Rosie'
Hux Records 036 (2002)
Musician Credits
(on the original 'Love in the Hot Afternoon'
album)
Rhythm Guitar: Tommy Allsup, Leon Rhodes & Charlie McCoy
Lead Guitar: Jimmy Colbart, Pete Wade & Dale Sellers
Steel Guitar: Lloyd Green
Dobro: Lloyd Green
Harmonica: Charlie McCoy
Marimba: Charlie McCoy & Kenny Malone
Piano: Hargus 'Pig' Robbins
Fiddle: Buddy Spicher
Bass: Joe Allen, Henry Strylecki & Leon Rhodes
Drums: Kenny Malone, Jimmy Isabel & Buddy Harman
Horn: Jerry Tuttle
Voices: The Nashville Edition
Musician Credits
(on the original 'Paper Rosie' album)
Guitar: Dale Sellers, Jimmy Colvard, Dave Kirby &
Harold Bradley
Steel: Lloyd Green
Bass: Joe Allen
Drums: Buddy Harman & Kenny Malone
Piano: Hargus Pig Robbins
Fiddle: Buddy Spicher & Tommy Williams
Vocals: The Nashville Edition (Joe Babcock, Hurshel Wiginton, Dolores Edgin
& Wendy Suits)