Joe Ely
Joe Ely/Honky Tonk Masquerade
Beat Goes On Records - 502
Released - originally 1977 & 1978
by BGO 2000
visit Joe's website
also available on Amazon
This 2 for 1 disc that is remastered from the original tapes combines two of Joe Ely’s very best recorded work, in fact Honky Tonk Masquerade was picked by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of the 1970’s. The energy and intensity delivered here remain true to his stage shows, and those of you that have seen him know that he takes nothing back to the dressing room with him, as it is all left on the stage. The band has that tightness that only comes from the years of constant touring and playing to all kinds of crowds. That is heightened by the energy of believing in the music you are playing. This is roots music before it was a genre. The songwriting is exemplary, as the songs are primarily by Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Jimmie Dale. The latter two are known mainly as songwriters who are in the past few years beginning to get some other recognition for their own discs. Early versions of the songs hold up to later versions, which is the sign of a strong song. There is a beautiful rendition of If You Were A Bluebird, that became the title of a disc, and a big hit for Emmylou Harris. This collection of rocking roots country music from one of the hardest workers around gives ample indication of the work to come. From this combination of dedication to the craft, plus good songwriting, and the desire to give it all each and every time comes the energy heard here. At the same time this disc contains some of the best work this performer has done. Three cheers to BGO for combining these two discs that were hard to find.
Joe Ely
Produced by Chip Young
Songs, writers and times
1. I Had My Hopes up High (Ely) - 3:32
2. Mardi Gras Waltz (Ely) - 2:50
3. She Never Spoke Spanish to Me (Hancock) - 3:34
4. Gambler's Bride (Ely) - 2:35
5. Suckin' a Big Bottle of Gin (Hancock) - 3:15
6. Tennessee's Not the State I'm In (Hancock) - 3:04
7. If You Were a Bluebird (Hancock) - 2:59
8. Treat Me Like a Saturday Night (Gilmore) - 3:02
9. All My Love (Ely) - 3:09
10. Johnny's Blues (Ely) - 4:10
Musicians on Joe Ely
Joe Ely – lead vocals, guitar
Jesse Taylor - lead guitar
Gregg Wright – bass
Steve Keeton – drums
Lloyd Maines – pedal steel
Honky Tonk Masquerade
Produced by Chip Young
Songs, writers and times
1. Cornbread Moon (Ely) - 3:29
2. Because of the Wind (Ely) - 4:02
3. Boxcars (Hancock) - 4:03
4. Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling... (Hancock) - 2:54
5. Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown (Gilmore/Reed) - 2:12
6. Honky Tonk Masquerade (Ely) - 3:46
7. I'll Be Your Fool (Ely) - 2:52
8. Fingernails (Ely) - 2:13
9. West Texas Waltz (Hancock) - 5:03
10. Honky Tonkin' (Williams) - 3:27
Musicians on Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Jesse Taylor – electric / acoustic guitar
Ponti Bone – accordion & piano
Gregg Wright – bass
Steve Keeton – drums
Lloyd Maines – pedal steel
Chip Young - electric / acoustic guitar
Shane Keister – Moog &acoustic piano
Farrell Morris - percussion
Background vocals – Lea Jane Berinati, Ginger Holloday, Lisa Silver, Jesse Taylor, Lloyd Maines, and Gregg Wright,
Butch Hancock – background vocal (#9)