What is it about Texas that inspires songwriters ? From Willie Nelson to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark to Dale Watson, that Lone Star state of mind shines through in their work And to that illustrious list, we’ll crave your indulgence to tag on Houston’s own Charlie Robison – whose first Proper release arrived today in 2004….
2004:
US country rocker Charlie Robison released his debut album “Good Times” on the Dualtone label in the UK. The Texan who enjoys something of a love/hate relationship with Nashville was in good form during recording this album of covers and original material.
From the upbeat title track to a nifty versions of Terry Allen’s “Flatland Boogie” via self-penned ballads, “Always” and “Photograph”, Robison succeeded in bringing some light and shade to his work, following previous straight down the line releases of roadhouse-type rockers.
Also worthy of note were his two covers of Keith Gatiss tunes – “Big City Blues” and “El Cerrito Place” – even if the CMT friendly video of the latter was somewhat toe-curling….
Produced by Lloyd Maines – who also supplied dobro, pedal steel and lap steel – his daughter Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks adds vocals to the album, although her band mate Emily Robison doesn’t appear – at the time she was Mrs Charlie Robison.
Five years later, the now-divorced Charlie would return with “Beautiful Day”, a rather less jaunty affair but with an optimistic “glass half full” outlook nonetheless.
Check out and purchase Charlie Robison CDs from our e-shop, Propermusic.com by clicking on the logo below:
And here’s some footage of Charlie in action:
