Posted by Pete Smith on February 22, 2009, 3:01 pm
81.157.254.115
“The Advertiser” (UK) – 20 February 2009
Texas has an almost mythical aura to the name. Throughout the years the state has produced larger than life characters and situations in a colourful history littered with famous cattle drovers, Native Americans, gunfighters and battles for existence. One aspect of Texas that is not larger than life is its country music. In Texas, probably more than any other state, performers have adhered to the spirit of the music keeping it down to earth and preserving the sound that is undeniably country. The Lone Star State has produced more than its share of country legends, names like Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, Hank Thompson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, Ray Price, Don Williams and the subject of my review this week, Curtis Potter. Born in Cross Plains, Curtis became a regular featured act on local television in Abilene as a boy and by the age of 16 had his own television show whilst becoming a regular on the Slim Willet’s TV show and tours. In 1959, Curtis joined Hank Thompson’s show, quickly becoming bass player and frontman of the Brazos Valley Band. For 13 years Curtis travelled throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East with Thompson. It was the hit “You Comb Her Hair Every Morning” that launched Potter’s solo career leading to further success with “Walkin’ Talkin’ Breathin’ Case of Sorrow” and successful projects with Hillside Records to whom Curtis signed in 1978. Potter helped form Step One Records in 1984. The label became the world’s largest independent revitalising the careers of Gene Watson, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Hank Thompson and Kitty Wells. Over the years Curtis has recorded for a number of labels including Southland, Startex and Heart of Texas. Potter was forced to take a short break from his beloved music because of heart problems but after successful surgery in 2006 he was back to doing what he loves most – performing and recording. Back with Hillside Records, Curtis has released “When The Neon Lights Come On”, a project steeped in honky tonk, swing and two steps and beautifully seasoned with steel guitars and fiddles played by a veritable “Who’s Who” of pickers; Lloyd Green, Weldon Myrick, Buddy Emmons, Jay Dee Maness, Buddy Spicher and Johnny Gimble. In fact the album is overflowing with legendary musicians. Potter’s warm, sincere baritone weaves its magic on a dozen songs from the pens of Buddy Mize (“Jus A Fool’s Notion”), Ray Pennington (“Nothing Can Stand In My Way”), Ray Price (“I’ll Be There”), Joe Hayes (“Story Behind The Photograph”) and other equally creative tunesmiths. If you love real country music then I know you will simply love “When The Neon Lights Come On”. As bonus, if you play this disc on your computer you will see and hear an actual recording session.
www.heartoftexascountry.com
Remember there are stars in the southern sky
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