Scott Rollins

Willie Nelson 2 Chad Cooper
Live MusicReviewScott Rollins

Live music review: Willie Nelson in Beaumont proved life affirming

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What more can really be said about Willie Nelson? He is recognized the world over and is apricated by fans of varying musical genera and backgrounds. He’s acted in movies and is arguably the most influential songwriter in county music history. He is one of the greatest icons in popular culture worldwide. Emmylou Harris once said, “if America could sing with one voice, it would be Willie’s”. Which is one reason to see his performance at Ford Park in Beaumont to see the legendary songwriter perform a life affirming show. 

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Robert Earl Keen Lyle Lovett 41 at 100
Live MusicReviewScott Rollins

Live music review: Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

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Through an uninteresting and unimportant turn of events I found myself invited to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library for a series of events called “41 @ 100”. The George and Barbara Bush Foundation presented this celebration to celebrate the 100th birthday of President George H.W. Bush. Though a graduate of Yale, President Bush was approached by Texas business and the college as a location for his presidential library. The only event I turned out for was a concert. The combination of A&M grads Lyle Lovett (class of 79), and Robert Earl Keen (class of 78) on June 14 was impossible to pass up.

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Willie Nelson PR photo The Border
AlbumReviewScott Rollins

Album review: Willie Nelson graced us with The Border

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While the populace of the politically persuaded argue over two old men in the American Presidential Race in 2024, other old men are focused on something more beautiful other than politics: Creativity. Dick Van Dyke, at 98 years old, just won a Day Time Emmy Award, his first, for his work on “Days of Our Lives” and did a little dance on the red carpet. Clint Eastwood wrapped production of a new thriller he’s directed called “Juror No. 2” at 94 years of age. Harrison Ford is still famously acting in film and two concurrent television shows at a modest 81, and Willie Nelson at 91 years old, has graced us with a wonderful new album, The Border.

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Charlie Robison
Music NewsScott Rollinssongwriter

Charlie Robison: In Memoriam

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Charlie Robison took his place amongst the fabled Texas troubadours even though he flirted with commercial success in Nashville a time or two. But he was a Texas boy. We all knew guys like Charlie, we saw them on Friday nights, around town. His relatable nature was part of his appeal. He passed on September 10, 2023 in San Antonio of complications from cardiac arrest. He was only 59.

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mandy barnett
Live MusicReviewScott Rollins

Live music review: Mandy Barnett and Symphony of Southeast Texas delivered beautiful performance

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The historic Julie Rogers Theatre is home to the Symphony of Southeast Texas (SOST), hosting classical, pops, educational, holiday performances, as well as many specials throughout the year. On October 14,  the SOST welcomed Mandy Barnett, performing music from her Nashville Songbook. 

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Emma Swift
ReviewScott Rollins

Album Review: Emma Swift released Blonde on the Tracks last summer

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What is better is just recording an entire album of deep cut track by that songwriter that both acknowledges their reverence for the artist, while revealing something of themselves in those songs. Nashville-based, Emma Swift did just that, covering eight of Bob Dylan’s songs on a beautiful little recording called Blonde on The Tracks.

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ReviewScott Rollins

Album Review: At Home with Will Courtney and the Wild Bunch

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Perhaps the saddest part of the vast changes in the music business is the fall of albums as a collection of songs rather than the trend of artist releasing nothing but singles. In this case, what we’re talking about here is technically an EP that dropped in September, but you’ll see what I mean as we get into this record, entitled, At Home with Will Courtney and the Wild Bunch.

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ReviewScott Rollins

Album Review: Margo Price hits the nail on the head with new record

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In the unforgiving desert that is commercial country music, there is an occasional oasis of originality coupled with traditional roots. A shining example is Margo Price. She’s released her third studio album, That’s How Rumors Get Started on July 10.

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Nora Jones
ReviewScott Rollins

Album review: Norah Jones is breathtaking on Pick Me Up Off the Floor

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It was a perfect mix of country and jazz, and personally I felt couldn’t ever be topped. While all Norah Jones subsequent albums were good, I never felt she achieved the humble originality of that first record. Now, after hearing “Pick Me Up Off the Floor”, I realize just how stupid I was

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ReviewScott Rollins

Album Review: Willie Nelson gives songs new life with First Rose of Spring

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The First Rose of Spring is Willie Nelson’s seventieth album. That is 70, seven-zero. Let that sink in a minute. The sheer volume of Nelson’s creative output is staggering. The record was released or “dropped” as the kids say, July 3, just before Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic which was live-streamed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You would think there isn’t anything new to say about Willie Nelson. You would think there isn’t anything new and good enough that Nelson could sing. You’d be wrong on both counts.

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