Ray Wylie Hubbard
LOCO GRINGO'S LAMENT
Misery Loves Co. Records
judy@raywylie.com or
512 847-6446
visit Ray's website
also available on amazon
This gem of a disc from Ray Wylie Hubbard is actually a re-release of a small now defunct label, DejaDisc. Originally released in 1994 they use the same masters, but did new artwork. It is long overdue as this is one disc that is filled with surprises that never cease to fill the listener with delight. For a man whose reputation was based on his long ago written rowdy classic, "UP AGAINST THE WALL REDNECK MOTHER". There is still some of that rowdiness listen to WANNA ROCK AND ROLL, but there is a dimension of this man that is closer to home for many. Listen to the insight, tenderness and compassion in I'VE SEEN THAT OLD HIGHWAY, BLESS THE HEARTS OF THE LONELY, and the title song. The songs ring with the feel of an autobiographical tone, or at least an enhanced version of the life led, not that it matters one whit. The songs as usual when you get to listening to them are insightful vignettes, crystals of time frozen by the writer’s pen. Songs we can all relate to in one way or another. He is a master at using his words carefully without ever sounding like he's anything more than a good old friend you'd be happy to call your friend and neighbor. Some one that is always welcome at the table. He has that ability to come into your house and be the welcome guest that can pretty much do as he pleases because his manner is so comfortable that he instantly becomes part of 'family'. He is a natural storyteller, and his songs reflect this. They are straight forward, non-convoluted diamonds that just sparkle in the telling. They spring to life with the way he chooses and uses his words. Before I lose sight here I'd better drop in a word on his band. Exceptional wouldn't quite paint the accurate picture. Premium doesn't give the full scope of the disc either. They are a picture that must be seen. They move with the timing and grace of a beautifully trained cutting horse that has had his cow chosen and is not going to let it get back to the herd, nor is it going to jolt its rider one bit. These are all 'players' in the finest sense of the word. I am not going to single anyone out because it would not be fair to the others. This disc is a group effort and the playing is stellar all around. I think a lot of the credit comes back
again to Ray Wylie's comfortable style and having Lloyd Maines and Brian Hardin produce this disc. I know you have to either use your computer or your phone, however this disc is worth any extra effort you must take to procure it.
Produced by Lloyd Maines and Brian Hardin
Songs and writers (times not given) - all songs by Ray Wylie Hubbard except where noted
DUST OF THE CHASE -
JUST TO HOLD YOU -
LOVE NEVER DIES -
LITTLE ANGEL COMES A WALKIN' - Ray Wylie Hubbard and Michael Mays
AFTER THE FALL - Ray Wylie Hubbard and Terry Ware
WANNA ROCK AND ROLL -
I'VE SEEN THAT OLD HIGHWAY -
DIDN'T HAVE A PRAYER -
BLESS THE HEARTS OF THE LONELY - Donny Ray Ford
LOCO GRINGO'S LAMENT -
THE REAL TRICK -
THE MESSENGER -
Musicians
Ray Wylie Hubbard - acoustic guitar, vocal
Terry "Buffalo" Ware - acoustic lead guitar, rhythm guitar, slide guitar, electric guitars, bass (#12)
Lloyd Maines - acoustic guitar, Dobro, slide guitar, pedal steel, mandolin
Paul Pearcy - percussion, drums, tambourine
Lorne Rall - bass
Danny Levin - cello, fiddle
Rich Brotherton - mandolin
Bradley Kopp - electric guitar
Lisa Mednick - organ(4) accordion (10)
Mark Hallman - organ (8)
Bob Livingston - background vocal
Mary Reynolds - background vocal
Kim Beasley - background vocal
Iain Matthews - background vocal