An accordion wails with the tune of "Red River Valley," as I finish listening to "Travelin' Texas," the second volume of Texas music produced by the Institute of the History of Texas Music, based at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Priced at only $10, this collection of songs from 19 very different Texas musicians, may be the music bargain of the season. Edita Fedorcukova has provided Czech lyrics to this traditional Texas song, "Red River Valley."

The CD begins with "Ballad of the Crimson Kings," by Ray Wylie Hubbard. As he reminds us that "Some are condemned by the gods to write. They sparkle and fade away," I remember the first time I heard Ray at a folk club in Dallas, Texas. I remember how he visited my high school English class in Aledo, Texas, and how the principal turned on the intercom in my room for the entire day. He was worried about a guest who wore leather pants and patent leather boots. At this time I learned that Ray was an English major who loved the same literature that I loved. Years later at Schreiner University Ray and I had a conversation about his reference to Rilke in his song "The Messenger." See www.raywylie.com for more information on him.

The "Travelin'Texas" CD is the work of many people. Gary Hartmen, director of the Institute, thanks the records labels, the artists, the management, Rod Kennedy, Lucky Tomblin, club owners, art museums and more. Tom Rodebush, a regular at the Kerrville Folk Festival and a producer of Texas music, was the producer of this album. See www.wyldwoodstudio.com for more information on his projects.

The Institute board of advisors includes Marcia Ball, Ramiro Burr, Elizabeth Bradshaw, Tommy Foote, Tom Frost III (a songwriter well-known in Kerrville), Rod Kennedy (need I say more), Casey Monahan, Joe Nick Patoski, Guadalupe San Miguel, Jr., and Lucky Tomblin.

Even as a young organization, the Institute has a long list of successful projects. This CD is one way this non-profit raises money for the projects. I'm getting ready to order a supply for my sack of presents to give. Expect this run to sell-out quickly. Available on the Internet at www.LoneStarMusic.com. Or send a check to Jenni Finlay, History Department, SWTSU, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Now for the rest of the story: New West Records has given permission for a Billy Joe Shaver song to be included. "Lose is So Sweet" is from his latest album, "The Earth Rolls On." Get more information at www.billyjoeshaver.com. We all know the huge contribution Billy Joe gives to the world of Texas music. Ready Kinky Friedman's tribute in his column with Texas Monthly a couple of months ago. Billy Joe is, indeed, a treasure in this state. I've stood in the rain at the Kerrville Folk Festival, watching Billy Joe keep asking the audience, "Why are you staying here in the rain," not really understanding the depth of love people have for him. My world is full of Billy Joe stories. Remember when Billy Joe and Kinky performed at the Arcadia? They are creating another tour in January. Maybe we can get another performance here in Kerrville.

Delbert McClinton, another New West artist, contributes the songs "Desperation," from his CD, "Nothing Personal." Yes, we all love to rock to Delbert. Coming out of Lubbock, he played enough music in my hometown, Ft. Worth, to have created a Ft. Worth rhythm and blues sound. I remember it well. Delbert asks, "Have you ever been rocked too hard?" Ask Dr. Charlie Gray about the Delbert McClinton Blues Cruise in January. Charlie has become the Kerrville connection for this major music event.

The CD also includes a performance by George Strait, singing a song written by Clay Blaker. Remember when Clay Blaker regularly played the Inn of the Hills? Bianca, a lontime friend of Townes Van Zandt, contributes "Si Me Recuerdas," a song off her debut album, "Outlaws and Lovers." Written by Marco Antonio Solis, this song reminds us of our own heritage through the use of the Spanish language.

Robert Earl King contributed "Paint the Town Beige," a wonderful story of aging, slowing down and Bandera. Another favorite songwriter of mine, Tom Russell, sings "When Sinatra Plays Juarez," off his new CD "Borderland." See www.tomrussell.com for more information on him. And, yes, he has played the Kerrville Folk Festival.

The Hill Country Youth Ranch is glad to see Sara Hickman included. She has donated proceeds from one of her albums to the ranch, and she has been an instrumental part of their commitment to the arts. I remember Sara's set at the Kerrville Folk Festival-bubbles dancing through the air on the stage as she sang. Beautiful women contributing her talent to many worth causes.

I don't have the space to tell the stories of all nineteen songs. Take my word for it, this is the Christmas CD you want to give to friends, both inside the state and outside. Through the CD you can travel Texas, sharing stories and songs from every corner of the state. And many have passed through our own center here in Kerrville.

Don't forget the Cowboy Christmas Concert featuring Michael Martin Murphy at 8:00 p.m. at the YO Ranch Resort Hotel. Advance tickets are only $30 with many other special options available. $53.50 for dinner and the concert. Such a bargain! Order online at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com or call 800-435-8429.

I had a great time with the Sunrise Lions and the Toys for Tots Telethon. Enjoyed all the generosity of our local talent. Look for ways to be generous and contribute this season. I'll have information next week on a "Snowball" event in January featuring 38 non-profits in the area.

Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page