A Texas Tribute To Buck Owens - Various Artists

(Texas Roundup Records) It all started more than a decade ago when famed Austin musicians, guitarist Casper Rawls (The LeRoi Brothers, Toni Price) and drummer Tom Lewis (The Wagoneers, Jim Lauderdale), came up with the idea of holding a show in honor of their idol, Buck Owens, birthday. It was supposed to be a one shot deal where the artists were to sing a few Buck Owens songs. Most folks told them they'd never draw a crowd for something like that, but Casper and Tom were unconcerned, that wasn't the reason for the tribute- this was a labor of love. They even called Buck's camp to make sure he didn't have a problem with it, and though rather bewildered at why a bunch of young singers would want to do something like that, he gave his blessing.  

That first show was held in 1992 on Buck's birthday, August 12th at the Continental Club. Lo and behold, the event was a success. They decide to do another the following year, except they decided to make it a benefit show, with proceeds going to the Children's Advocacy Center. Again another success. After the third show, Casper, Tom and crew received a package from the increasingly curious Buck- a red, white and blue flat top Buck Owens American guitar, with the inscription "To Casper, might see you August 12, 1995."

The following year, the show was held on the 13th, but Buck kept his word, however, he asked that his presence be kept secret. By now, he was so curious about this show he had to see it for himself, and didn't want his presence to disrupt the performers. Halfway through the show, Buck was enjoying himself so much that he soon wound up in the middle of the dance floor, both grinning ear to ear and occasionally wiping away a tear. Before long, he could no longer resist, strapped on his Tele, jumped up onstage, and joined Kelly Willis to sing "Loose Talk," after which he performed a short set of his own. This has been the only "party" that Buck personally attended, but made it the most memorable.  

Eleven years later, the party's still rolling strong, and the participants are a virtual who's who of the Austin music scene. No artist that requests to take part in the event is ever turned down, and there were two years, there were so many requests that the party was spread out over two nights. Several of the artists have never missed taking part in a single show, a few others missed a year or two, and many appear on a semi-regular basis. The show has always taken place at the Continental Club, and the artists are backed by a "house band" that includes Casper, Tom, and Kevin Owens, among others, that has remained fairly stable since that first show.

This CD has been put out to commemorate those shows, and though the recordings are studio versions and not taken from the live shows, with the single exception of the closing bonus track- the live performance by Buck himself, of "Love's Gonna Live Here" from the '95 show, the diversity of artists that participate is well represented. Included are mainstream country hitmakers David Ball, Rick Trevino and Rodney Crowell, Americana staples like Jim Lauderdale and The Derailers, Austin's elite such as Toni Price, Libbi Bosworth, Monte Warden, Ted Roddy and The Cornell Hurd Band, and for good measure, some of Buck's family and bandmates, son Buddy and sideman Doyle Holly.

This CD is not a rehash of "greatest hits" collection either. While the CD includes some of Buck's better known songs like "Tall Dark Stranger" and "Under Your Spell," many are his more obscure ones, including "Flash, Crash and Thunder" and "Down On The Corner Of Love," creatively chosen, and at times unexpected choices, as one can only expect from the Austin music community.

At 22 tracks, there's no way to reasonably critique each one. Suffice it to say, each artist shines on the cut they chose, and there are no missteps along the way- each song fits the artist's style with ease. I will mention the truly standout tracks though. It should go without saying that The Derailers nail "Under Your Spell." Ted Roddy backed by the Jordanaires, offer a powerful take on "Tall Dark Stranger." Libbi Bosworth positively soars with her version of "Palm Of My Hand."  "Big Game Hunter" is given the slightly off center Cornell Hurd Band treatment to great effect. Rodney Crowell ("Second Fiddle"), Jim Lauderdale ("Sweet Rosie Jones"), Jeff Hughs ("Storms Of Love"), and Monte Warden ("Hello Trouble") all give very strong performances. Then there's Doyle Holly's take on "Before You Go," Buddy Owens, Ray Benson & Flaco Jimenez on "Think Of Me," The Geezinslaws' "We Split The Blanket"...not a bad cut to be found anywhere. This CD is so obviously a labor of love by all, topped off by Buck himself, sounding like he's having the time of his life.

This is one of those discs you just can't go wrong with. And not only are you getting more than your money's worth in great music, in keeping with the tradition of the actual birthday shows, a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of the CD is being donated to the Children's Advocacy Center in Austin, TX.

Happy Birthday, Buck! is available now, along with selected music clips from the CD, at Texas Music Roundup www.texasmusicroundup.com