Cary Swinney








Cary Swinney
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Cary Swinney was born on September 10, 1960 in the small West Texas town of O'Donnell where killing snakes, throwing dirt clods, and pouring gasoline down ant holes were common forms of entertainment. At age 11, Swinney picked up his Dad's nylon string guitar and started learning some chords. About that same time, Swinney's older brother brought home an album by John Prine. (Swinney considers Prine to be his greatest influence). Swinney wrote several songs that year. In 1989, Swinney was invited to an old stucco farm house located 10 miles north of Lubbock. The house, as it turns out, was a haven for Lubbock's subculture. There, Swinney met a Lubbock-based (and now Austin-based) fiddle player named Richard Bowden (currently with the Austin Lounge Lizards). After hearing some of Swinney's material, Bowden encouraged him to "come out of hiding". In 1996, Swinney walked into Lubbock's Brazos Studios. There he met Alan Crossland, engineer and owner of the studio. The two agreed that it would be best if Swinney performed the songs LIVE. The tape was cued up, and the songs were sung. Forty original songs were recorded. Of the forty, Crossland chose the thirteen that ended up on Human Masquerade. Featured musicians include: Lloyd Maines on pedal steel, lap steel, dobro, and acoustic slide guitar and Richard Bowden on fiddle, viola, and mandolin. Swinney is currently working on his second album.
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02/16/2008 - Concert benefits Doug Smith, then he offers performance of his own - Read More
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Average Rating : 4.6              Total Reviews: 34


Cary Swinney  07/15/2016            
Tim L
Cary is a truth teller when the media and government only tells lies. All his CD's are excellent.
Cary Swinney  07/08/2012            
paul van gelder
lost track . what happened to you cary? don't tell me you left the business with your talent!!!!
Cary Swinney  11/14/2008            
jim in tupper lake
i just love this guy
Cary Swinney  02/11/2008            
MWD
Bob & Judy couldn't be more wrong. Cary is one of the most upbeat people I know. Some people are a bot taken back by his uncanny ability to say what he feels without watering it down for polite society. Personally, I like it.
Cary Swinney  03/09/2007            
El Jefe
Brilliant disection of American society. Folks like Bob, Judy & Wilco are exposed for the nit wits that they are. Keep em coming Cary -it only gets better!
Cary Swinney  02/19/2006            
tennessee james
The first Swinney I heard was Neanderthal Man and I was hooked and needed more. After meeting Cary and spending a moment with him, not only enjoyed his music and observances, but felt a kinship to Cary. Plus, he was real kind to my pet snake, Alice. After hearing Human Masquerade, Martha and Big Shots, I wonder: How did this guy get my journal from my teens and 20's? Anyway, when you see Cary tell him Tennessee and Alice and the Rest; say hi.
Cary Swinney  02/19/2006            
tennessee james
The first Swinney I heard was Neanderthal Man and I was hooked and needed more. After meeting Cary and spending a moment with him, not only enjoyed his music and observances, but felt a kinship to Cary. Plus, he was real kind to my pet snake, Alice. After hearing Human Masquerade, Martha and Big Shots, I wonder: How did this guy get my journal from my teens and 20's? Anyway, when you see Cary tell him Tennessee and Alice and the Rest; say hi.
Cary Swinney  01/04/2006            
ex from Tex
Some buddy of yours gave me one of your cds and I took it down to Georgia to see my ex-wife and kids and one of the things she asked of me, was to leave that cd, cause she liked it that much. What you expel from your lyrics is so true but no one wants to actually hear that WE stand for anything except GOOD. It's not always the truth though is it? Good thought provoking truthful music, with just the right amount of humor to not be taken too seriously. Thanks man.
Cary Swinney  12/08/2005            
MN2
I saw Cary/Trio at the Cabin10 Rice Festival. Hair raising lyrics and punctuated with humor describe this Trio's form of entertainment. Great fun to listen to Cary. Thanks
Cary Swinney  09/12/2005            
bob and judy
One star...only because there are no "no stars". Sounds like this guy is an excellent writer with a lot of pain, and unresolved hurt from a bad childhood. If he could just put something "good" into a song. Of course, he has a lot of truth in his songs, but why look at the bad...and dwell on it, over and over and over again. Cary must be a very unhappy soul.
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