This cd is a "must have" for any fan of Texas Songwriters. Owen takes us on a journey across Texas on this debut CD. Songs like "Dry Creek" paint a vivid picture of Saturday afternoons in Austin. I recently moved out of state, but I can always put on this CD, grab a Shiner from the fridge, close my eyes, and Owen takes me home.

This acoustic recording captures the spirit of Reckless Kelly's live shows. The rootsy version of the AC/DC tune "You Shook Me All Night Long" rocks. I can't wait 'til their new CD comes out.

"King Of A One Horse Town" is a gem. They rock Gruene Hall every Tuesday night and are definately worth catching live.

Dub Miller's voice echoes the legends that have come before him, and he stays true to the tradition. This man IS Texas. Dub Miller is not another Jack Ingram/Pat Green ripoff. This CD has the same flavor of Guy Clark's, "Texas Cookin." Just one listen to Dub Miller and it is obvious that like Guy Clark and Robert Earl Keen, he is going to be around a long time.

This band rocks! I've seen them many times and they always put on a good show. Someday I'll say, "I knew those guys before they were big."

Austinite Nathan Hamilton recently won the prestigious Kerrville New Folk award; past winners include Slaid Cleaves, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. Out of hundreds of entrys, Nathan was one of 32 finalists and one of six winners. Judges included Willis Allan Ramsey and last year’s winner Diane Ziegler. His self-produced debut release Tuscola (Steppin’ Stone Records) is a rare Texas jewel that travels through panhandle dust storms, roadside bars, bedrooms, small country churches and graveyards. The perfect union of roots, bluegrass and folk music breathes life into the characters’ tales. Tom Geddie of Buddy Magazine writes, “Tuscola is one of those near-perfect Americana gems we stumble across in the dirt, not knowing what we’ve tripped over until we pick it up and wipe it clean. We notice a glimmer, hold it up to the light for a better look, and suddenly find ourselves blinded by it’s many facets.”

Texas, by way of Minnesota, singer/songwriter Mark Jungers has released an accomplished first solo album, after playing in several Austin-area bands the past few years. Helping him are numerous Austin musicians, including members of Charlie Robison's and Monte Montgomery's bands. The album features 16 well-crafted, instantly appealing songs that should certainly please fans of guys like Greg Trooper, Buddy Miller and Steve Earle. Like those musicians, Jungers writes good songs, tells interesting stories and combines twang and edgy pop with touches of blues, rock and bluegrass. There are no bad tracks, but standouts include "You and the Wind," "Think About You," "What More Can I Do," and "Long Train." The songs have a rich, full sound thanks to the variety of instruments used, including fiddle, banjo, mandolin, steel guitar, piano and hammond B-3. Hopefully, Junger's self-released effort does not slip through the cracks and will lead to much-deserved recognition for a very talented musician.

Recently a friend of mine handed me a CD and told me I had to listen to it. Being a Robert Earl, Jack Ingram, and Pat Green fan, I am always interested in listening to similar sounding artists. If you have heard Jason Boland, you KNOW you are listening to an artist that is going to be around a LONG time. The songwriting on "Pearl Snaps" is superior to most of the Texas songwriters out there playing in the same bars each night. I own a lot of the music on this site, and as much as I like Cory Morrow, Owen Temple, Roger Creager, Max Stalling, Phil Pritchett, and Dub Miller I think Jason is a far better writer. In fact, I have been listening to Pat Green and Jack Ingram a lot lately, and I must admit Jason Boland beats those guys hands down. I haven't been this excited over a CD since REK's second live album.

"Live and Loud" is truly the spirit of what a Live Recording should be. Cody Canada pulls double duty as the frontman and lead guitarist of the new CCR, and his energy will comes through your speakers into your living room. From Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses" to Gene Collier's state anthem, "Boys from Oklahoma" to Stillwater legend Bob Childer's "Headin' South"...there is not a weak track on this disc (not to mention the Jason Boland songs). If you are reading this review and will purchase two CD's this year, make the "Live and Loud at the Wormy Dog" and Jason Boland and the Stragglers, "Pearl Snaps".....

The best compilation of Pat Green's work. In my opinion one of the great Texas country CD's out there. This one does service to his fantastic shows. A must have for any Texas Music fan