Ten In Texas - Texas Classics Newly Recorded - VA

Texas music as we all know is only as defined as the incredible artists that write the songs, and play the music. Ten  In Texas from Icehouse Music brings the old school songs and offers them up by both well known Texans like Dale Watson, Joe Ely and Gary P. Nunn and sets them beside the new breed, the rising Texas "rising lone stars" like Aaron Watson and Terri Hendrix. Proving that some of the greatest songwriters have come from Texas, and their songs have proven to stand the test of time.

Ten in Texas is a compilation that draws you in like an old jukebox in a rundown tavern, the feeling of comfort one may get from their favorite watering hole. There are a couple of tracks here that really didn't need to be redone, as a matter of fact they simply pale in comparison to the the originals. Let me just say that there are very few singers that can pull of tracks like George Jones "The Grand Tour", and my feeling here is that Dale Watson probably should have passed on the recording. One other that should never have been added is Willie Nelson's less than inspired version of "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" - this coming from a true Willie Nelson fan. 

Now, for the Ten In Texas bright spots on this record (Album, CD, Whatever you want to call it) .....  Carolyn Wonderland throws sincerity and passion into Billy Joe Shaver's "Honky Tonk Heroes" to give it a bluesy swingin' sound, and Terri Hendrix' version of Betty Elders "Cowboy" is spot-on. The other tracks that make this compilation worthwhile are Aaron Watson's take on Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" and the Red Steagall Texas anthem "Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music" is treated with the respect it deserves by Gary P. Nunn. Then of course you have Asleep at the Wheel who always knock your socks off, their track "The Other Woman" is a classic AATW sound.

  (4.5 Stars out of 6)

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