So good, I can't wait for the next album.
This is one of the best albums. If he is any where close to Amarillo, I'm there. These guys can jam.
Damn good, im glad I bought the album. I was told about Stoney from a friend, and he's better than I thought. Keep kickin ass Stoney
You and the band are awesome!!! We loved the show you put on for us in Ada, OK. Remember us! My friend threw you some cigs. Come back any time and we'll be there.
the album is okay, but a true reflection of stoney's abilities. see him live before judging.
There are four basic areas an artist must strive to perfect: vocals, Musicianship, songwriting, and overall all showmanship. Stoney is closer to topping these four areas than anyone else (except for maybe Eric Clapton). His vocals are second to none, and he could play lead guitar for most bands. His songwriting may be his weakest area, but it is coming along very nicely. He also works a crowd as well as Jason Boland or Cody Canada.
Read Full Review at texasmusicconcerts.com
Since another “Dave” (on another website) gets to make his list of nominations for a series of categories that are voted on later this month, I decided to do the same. The only difference is I am going straight to the winners. No list of nominations to make everyone feel good. I am the only vote. No apologies. If you read this and disagree I suggest you make your own list, or tell your favorite band//singer/songwriter/musician to work harder in 2004.
Artist of the Year – Stoney LaRue
There are four basic areas an artist must strive to perfect: vocals, Musicianship, songwriting, and overall all showmanship. Stoney is closer to topping these four areas than anyone else (except for maybe Eric Clapton). His vocals are second to none, and he could play lead guitar for most bands. His songwriting may be his weakest area, but it is coming along very nicely. He also works a crowd as well as Jason Boland or Cody Canada.
Band of the Year – The Stragglers
Brad Rice, Grant Tracy, and Roger Ray provide the core to the rowdy sound which has brought Jason Boland so much recent success. The recent departure of Jeremy Watkins on fiddle and temporary addition of Randy Crouch (as well as other temp Stragglers, Nick Worley, Travis Linville and Stoney LaRue), have only helped their sound. There is truly no telling what is going to happen and who is going to be playing when the “Stragglers” get on stage.
Newcomer of the Year – Ryan Bingham
If a band/artist had a CD out before 1-1-03 they ARE NOT a newcomer. If I knew the name, heard the CD, or saw the band play they do not qualify as a newcomer. This means Stoney LaRue, Mike McClure, and Mickey and the Motorcars do not get consideration for this category. The best of the newest is Ryan Bingham.
Entertainer of the Year – Jason Boland
Everyone loves the circus and Jason Boland is the ringmaster. The analogy may be overdone, but it is still incredibly accurate. There is a feeling of magic in the air at a Jason Boland show (anything can, and probably will happen – at least to a few people at the show). Straggler fans will soon have their own nicknames like Parrot Heads and Dead Heads.
CD of the Year - “Wishbone Saloon” – Ryan Bingham
“Wishbone Saloon” is an unmentioned CD on everyone’s top list in 2003. This is not just another wannabe Pat Green, Lloyd Maines or Texas Jimmy Buffett sound-a-like album. It is a refreshing throwback to what a CD can capture when the people playing are throwing their hearts on the line to capture a moment in time. Besides, Jack Johnson doesn’t quite fit the genre.
Live CD of the Year – “Burtschi Brothers Live”
Although it is nothing more than a glorified board recording, it still tops the list as my personal favorite in this category. This CD captures what is possible when the best get together and simply play. This ranks up there with Cross Canadian Ragweed’s, “Live and Loud at the Wormy Dog” for pure emotion and feeling of the live show. A true representation of what the band does night after night.
Song of the Year – “Earthbound” – Rodney Crowell
The entire album, “Fate’s Right Hand” can be summed up with this song. This song reminds us songs are more than just words, and more than just melody. This is not just another string of clichés with one syllable rhymes.
Songwriter of the Year – Scott Copeland
The often overlooked and misunderstood Ft. Worth native wins the honors for penning great song after great song. Mike McClure has already caught on to his greatness, and soon others will too. Check out scottcopelandmusic.com or go to the Wreck Room In Ft. Worth on a Thursday evening for a fun time.
Musician of the Year – Travis Linville
Travis Linville is playing the guitar somewhere tonight. He might be fronting the Burtschi Brothers at a scheduled show or sitting in with Stoney Larue. He might be playing with Jason Boland and the Stragglers (he played on the Live at Billy Bob’s album) or playing at his own scheduled acoustic show. If he isn’t getting paid at a show or giving a private guitar lesson, he is writing a song or playing with someone somewhere. Travis is always learning and is always teaching. He is always playing, talking, and/or listening to music.
Dave Tabaru
really good songs, stoney has a good voice but tends to overdue it a little with his white boy soul. the recording flat out sucks, but i still think you will enjoy his live shows. at least buy the album to have it to remember how bad it sounded so when he makes a better album you will appreciate it more.
