Description

Texas born Guy Clark has, for more than 30 years, been one of the foremost Texas country songwriters. His career began on the folk circuit of the late sixties. As such, he was equally influenced by the "old-timers" (such as Hank Williams) and by the "new" singer-songwriters (such as Townes Van Zandt). He also assimilated some blues influences. He brought a much more modern turn to a rural tradition. His lyrics have always something interesting to tell and are well served by the melodies he uses.

This album depicts Clark as a truly gifted songwriter as well as a powerful performer. His beautifulmore…, slightly craggy voice and simple guitar accompaniment are immensely flavourful. His work possesses an emotional level transcending both sales figures and musical genres. Although not very prolific (13 albums in 34 years), Clark has built a really impressive single-artist song catalogues. Major country stars such as Johnny Cash, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, the Highwaymen and Vince Gill have had hits with cover versions of his material.

This album is his first live recording. It was recorded in 1996 in front of a small and appreciative audience. Clark reprises some of the gems of his song catalogue. It is therefore difficult to name outstanding tracks because there is absolutely no weak material to be found here.

The excellent backing band imparts his best-loved songs with a richer, fuller sound than is possible in his customary solo performances. This dextrous and artful pick-up band consists of regular collaborators.

The selections include pure gems like "L.A. Freeway," "Desperados Waiting for a Train" (both hits for Jerry Jeff Walker), "Texas Cookin'," "Homegrown Tomatoes," "Better Days." The list goes on. "A Little of Both" and "Out in the Parking Lot" are new songs that integrate perfectly with the more well-known material.

The arrangements are tight and well-thought-out. Artists of Clark's stature who have mastered their art for so long deliver the goods in every performance. His beautiful, slightly craggy voice and simple guitar accompaniment are immensely flavourful.

"Desperados waiting for a Train", for example, comes off with a lighter and easier feel than on Clark's world-class 1975 debut, "Old No. 1".

Miles Wilkinson, producer and main engineer, has captured a live mix that lets the music's natural dynamics shine through. The sound of the CD flows very naturally.

In short, this album is both an excellent greatest-hits record and a true audiophile recording.

If you're not familiar with Guy Clark, this CD is certainly a very good place to start enjoying his artistry.

Tracks

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Info:

Category:

Music > Albums

Case Type:

CD

Release Type:

Retail

Comments:

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Cover Info:

Title:

Guy Clark - Keepers (1997) Retail CD

Part:

Back

Dimensions:

1769 x 1389 px

Size:

897 KB

Downloads:

36 (0 today)

Uploaded:

Report a Problem Wrong Cover Duplicate Image Bad Quality Wrong Info

07/10/09 by heebee

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