Checking Back Into Wade Bowen's Lost Hotel
Once again I'm sifting through the stacks of older albums, listening to a few discs I haven't picked up in a while. So I'll start this entry with Wade Bowen's Lost Hotel, which the native Texan released in 2006. His material sounds like it could fit into mainstream country radio (especially "Walking Along the Fenceline"), but his rough-hewn voice and vulnerable perspective set him apart from the pack. Check out "It's All Over Town" to see what I mean. If I had to bet on anyone on the Red Dirt scene to break through, my money's going on Wade Bowen.
Here are a few more discs to check out:
Marc Broussard, Momentary Setback (2002)
I tracked down this EP after being impressed with the groove of "Just Like That" -- still one of my favorite songs. The title track is killer, too. This singer-songwriter's expressive voice always captures his soulful side, and you can't miss the influence of his native Louisiana. I have a feeling he could make one hell of a country album.
Johnny Bush, Kashmere Gardens Mud (2006)
One of the finest honky-tonk singers to come out of Texas, Bush recorded this lively, wide-ranging album after overcoming a stubborn vocal disorder. The title track recalls harder times, but the mood lightens on swinging numbers like "Free Soul." Longtime friends Willie Nelson, Ray Price and George Strait gave this one a thumbs-up, too.
The Cox Family, Just When We're Thinking It's Over (1996)
With soothing melodies and heartbreak songs, this one calls to mind Alison Krauss and Union Station -- and no wonder, because Krauss produced and arranged it. I love the despondent original, "Nothing Else I Can Do," but the covers by Larry Gatlin, Del McCoury, Dave Loggins and Hank Williams offer an enticing sampler from this quartet.
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Bettye Cejka says:
Wade Bowen is a supremely talented songwriter and soulful singer. Will he “break through” whatever that means? From my perspective he already has a loyal fan base, brilliant recordings and a great live persona. He “broke through” in Texas a long time ago. I’m glad that Craig recognizes his talent. Music row would have some catching up to do.
solongsowrong says:
The Cox Family was just on the Opry Saturday night, performing with Alison Krauss, her brother Viktor, and Dan Tyminski. Beautiful harmonies. Would love to see another album combining all their talents.
Chris Lewis says:
I agree with ya on this about Wade Bowen..great artist. I’m excited to cause we have him coming to our local honky tonk here near Champaign, Illinois. Marc Broussard is another great artist too with his bluesy “Home” and Ray Charles esque piano work.
Make sure to checkout these other artists too: Scott Biram, Lucky Tubb, Chris Knight, Reckless Kelly, Whiskey Myers, Micky & the Motorcars, Old Southern Moonshine Revival, and Stoney Larue
Chris Lewis says:
I forgot to mention…you have to checkout Casey Donahew Band’s new single “Hunter S. (Rocketship)”. A very fun cool song!
Teri Wheeler~ Vision of Sound says:
Guess dusting off was productive for Craig…. I’m very glad to hear your ears are in fine tune these days. Music row is now reaching farther down the RED Dirt roads that lead to Texas and Oklahoma and other area’s of the country. Wade is just one of many talented singer/songwriters out there today! I’ve worked around many in the Red Dirt scene! To name a few, Johnny Cooper, Stoney LaRue, Adam Hood, The Band Of Heathens, John D Hale.
Those are just a few of the ones that I believe their music WILL make history just as Cash, Jennings, Haggard did in their glory. Wade has his hands in the right places and I am very glad to see someone like Craig speaking out about such greatness. Garth believed came from the same dirt and played the same honkytonks in Stillwater and around and he believed in what the fans wanted and he gave it to them. The names I listed are no different and they don’t feel being force feed music by the radio stations that think they know what a hit is will make people fans… they drive the roads they load in to a venue the give the fans what it is they want and they hit the road and do it all again. Another day another fan they add to their journey of making their music known!
Thanks to those that have cleared the path for these great artist to give the world…(and I do mean world) their gift! Many of the artists in the Texas music scene travel to Europe and all over sharing their music at their own expense because there ALL music is appreciated for where it comes from~ the songwriter!
Redmaz says:
First you’ll need to define “break through”. Several things come to mind with that statement. Will he “break through” in his genre? Well…he’s already done that by being one of the most well known artists in the Americana/Red Dirt Music scene. Will he “break through” by educating the masses that there is more to music than just Pop? Will he “break through” by making Americana/Roots music popular to the masses? Will he “break through” by selling out, and becoming just another overproduced and overplayed Pop act? I’m sure there area few more “break through” definitions, so why not explain yourself?
Redmaz says:
…anyway. Teri Wheeler, you are right on the money. I am very impressed with your musical knowledge. I am physically a long way from this music, but it is in my heart and soul. This I believe is what music is about. I am definately doing what I can to get this music exposed in my area. Not only are we working on a lot of these artists tunes as a band, we are playing this music before and after shows, and during set breaks. I’ve had a lot of people come up and ask about who’s playing. It’s great!
Mattias says:
I like Johnny Bushs music, although i dont have any album with him (its hard to find good music in sweden)
Johnny Bush, ah yes!