Okay, I know as a reviewer I need to be objective, but dang it, I LOVE this disc.  Keith Norris's straightforward approach to good-timing real country music just grabbed me right off the bat and wouldn't let go.  With catchy melodies, swinging steel playing, and Norris's warm crooning baritone, this is country music the way it's supposed to sound, and track after track it just pleased me more and more.  With the gentle shuffle-swing of "Opportunity of a Lifetime," the fun tongue-in-cheek of "Me And The Horse," and oh, yeah, the lyrics of "You Know It's Country," Keith Norris has all that stuff George Strait used to have and hasn't used in so long.

There are so many good Texas musicians out there it's hard to decide which ones to buy.  When they aren't played regularly on the radio, it's impossible to really tell what's good and what isn't.  Norris does provide some listening at his own site (www.keithnorris.com ); but believe me, it's worth the listen.  There are 15 tracks on "Deuce," Norris's second album, and it does not come up short on entertainment value.  Norris has honed his skills admirably and he's taking the Texas music scene by storm.  It'd be real nice to be able to hear him in other states, too.

"Deuce" is Norris's second album.  The Houston native has been playing and singing since junior high school, and has played with the house band of the Texas Opry, who have awarded his excellence numerous times.  If this is just the beginning for Norris, he's off to a great start.  He's been embraced by Texas radio and picked up quickly by internet country stations.  Keith Norris is definitely going to be a fellow to watch and a voice to listen to.

Standout tracks:  Me And The Horse; Key of Heartache; You Know It's Country; Heaven, Hell, or Houston

Last Word: This guy is good. One hundred percent real modern country music, honky-tonkin' heaven.

On the Net: www.keithnorris.com