outlaw country

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

Scott Rollins 1862 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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ReviewScott Rollins

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

Scott Rollins 4056 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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Waylon Willie and friends
Greg AckermanOpinion

Essay: Country Music Doesn’t Suck, You Just Aren’t Listening to the Right Stuff

Greg Ackerman 1837 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

First things first, I loathe pop-country. Even trying to explain how much I want to be thrown into a cornfield Goodfellas-style whenever Sam Hunt or Jason Aldean comes on feels like it doesn’t do justice to my description. When it comes to real country music? Inject that shit directly into my veins, because you put on some classic George Jones or Hank Williams, I’m there all day for it.

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LiveReviewScott Rollins

Live music review: Texas legend Lyle Lovett played Beaumont’s Jefferson Theatre

Greg Ackerman 800 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

The Jefferson Theatre was privileged to host Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group on February 10. The theatre, located in Beaumont, Texas is designated a Texas Historical Landmark and it’s listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1927, the storied venue features an 8-Rack Morgan Organ. The Jefferson once hosted the premiere of  classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” with star Jimmy Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. It was the perfect place to host an equally storied Texas musician.

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Willie Nelson Ride Me Back Home
ReviewScott Rollins

Album review: Latest Willie Nelson album is an instant classic

Scott Rollins 1485 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Outlaw country music pioneer Willie Nelson has perhaps been a greater influence on American music than any other singer, songwriter, or musician in history. At 86 he appears just as relevant today as anytime in his career.

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Steve Earle Guy album
AlbumReviewScott Rollins

Album Review: New Steve Earle Record Honors Guy Clark’s Legacy

Scott Rollins 582 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

I’ve always felt Guy Clark had it all as far as talent. We are talking about a man whose songwriting eclipsed the brightest songwriters over three generations commercial country music offered. His voice was husky and strong, with a whisper of soft romanticism one can’t just dub in to a mix as an production afterthought.

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Kris Kristofferson
ReviewScott Rollins

Live music review: Kris Kristofferson and The Strangers at the Golden Nugget

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The show was four minutes late, house lights still on and I was waiting outside the door marked with the section I’d secured seats. To my right, on the other side of the hall, were five places to buy beer, wine, or something harder if the spirit took you. My bride and I had crossed the Louisiana border with two of our best friends, who share the same interest in music, politics and nearly everything else.

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AlbumGreg AckermanReview

Album review: Jesse Dayton drops outstanding new record this Friday

Greg Ackerman 421 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Austin’s Jesse Dayton is much like his influences Waylon, Willie and even The Clash and X. The music the Texas musician makes perfectly reflects those disparate styles and more. As an artist, Dayton refuses to be pigeon-holed into a particular genre. Listening to the tracks on his latest, “The Outsider” highlights the point that the singer, songwriter and guitarist is talented at presenting music regardless of genre, East Texas Blues, punk, rock, acoustic songwriter ballads in the Texas tradition all make an appearance on this outstanding new record. 

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