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Dodd Takes Every Challenge |
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Track List Pearl Snaps |
Back in 1991, Deryl Dodd was just starting
out. He did all the things an ambitious young man with a dream to sing
country music does - he moved to Nashville. He got a job playing guitar
for Martina McBride, opening for Garth Brooks. He caught the eye of
record execs, and released his first album, "One Ride in Vegas," in 1996,
with hit single "That's How I Got To Memphis." With his strong voice and
good looks, he was poised right where Nashville wanted hot young country
stars - young, handsome, just enough Western style... and, as a bonus, to
make country fans happy, Deryl stayed true to his
middle-Texas-grandson-of-a-preacher roots. But Deryl didn't
like the media package, all focused on looks and not on music, and he
tried to return the attention to his music and ignore the pretty-boy
marketing. He kept at it, and in 1998 he had his second release, "Deryl
Dodd," which contained the hit single "A Bitter End," which has become one
of the country classics of the 90's. But it was while he was riding high that the worst came. When numbing fatigue started to bother Dodd, most people credited the hard life on the road - most artists go through terrible fatigue, and many succumb to the rigors of a heavy touring schedule. So he knuckled down and kept going. But then a horrible bout of bronchitis nearly destroyed his voice and ruined his pitch control; then his hands and fingers stopped working correctly. It was followed by a severe loss of equilibrium. Unfortunately, initially Deryl was mis-diagnosed with only an inner ear infection. Thinking this was all it was, Dodd continued with his rigorous schedule, only to continue having worse and worse symptoms, until a series of diagnostic tests finally concluded his problems were the result of a virulent and potentially fatal infection. Deryl had viral encephalitis. Fortunately, the infection was passing, and soon had gone. However, encephalitis leaves its victim rather the worse for wear, and Dodd had a long row to hoe before him. He spent six months in bed, fighting not just the sickness, but the boredom and fear that accompanied it. Using his intense faith in God, Deryl picked himself up. Then he picked up his guitar again and started to make music. The result, finally, is "Pearl Snaps." He asked to be moved to Columbia's sister label, Lucky Dog, so he could have the freedom to write and sing as he wanted. This album shows what an artist can do when not pressured by the media or the "star-making machine." "Pearl Snaps" is an album of infectious good fun, strong country presented with the basic simplicity that does country music best. He doesn't need power production and glam-drum backup; he just plays and sings Texas honky-tonk the way it's supposed to be made, and it's a joy to listen to. To get that sound right, Deryl went back to the honky tonks and bars to play again for that audience, the people who listen to real country music and love it with all their hearts, backed by a four-man band with himself on rhythm. It's back to his Texas roots, and Dodd himself is as happy with the results as could be. "I only play what I think they're gonna like," Dodd is quoted as saying. "They want music they can dance to and they listen when a song tells a story." He couldn't be more right, nor more on-target with "Pearl Snaps." Right from the top, Deryl brings a country music fan right in with the infectious, cheerful title number. "Pearl Snaps" is a wonderful song, a two-stepping toe-tapper that pays a delightful salute to the easy-opening western shirt that looks so good on a man. Next up is a slow shuffle, a sultry almost-love song, "She'll Have You Back," which is perfectly set for Deryl's mournful, powerful voice. Deryl also includes remakes of his two biggest hits on this album, as though to remind us all of who he is and what he's done as he makes this step into independence: the Bobby Bare hit "That's How I Got to Memphis," still as beautiful and powerful as it ever was, and Deryl's own "A Bitter End." He also includes a remake of his extremely powerful rodeo tune, "One Ride in Vegas," a tear-jerker for anyone who has ever ridden or dreamed of riding the circuit. The first single slated for release, "Honky Tonk Champagne," is a fiery, jumping tune with some wicked lead guitar licks. I defy you to keep still while listening to this one! And I know all my friends in Texas are going to love Deryl's homage to his home state, "On Earth As It Is In Texas." Dodd can turn out a ballad as easily as his dance tunes, effortlessly leading his tight honky-tonk band through all the right moves to present a solid package of melodies fit to please any real country fan. He plays a little with Texas-flavored blues on the fun-loving "Cows," touches on the mournful with "What Some Call A Weakness," swings in "Back to the Honky Tonk," and pleasantly surprises with a powerful cover of the Gordon Lightfoot classic, "Sundown." He closes the disc (lucky 13 tracks strong) with a bright, simple country tune that truly goes back to harmonic basics, "Where The River Flows." Deryl sings country music, and for that alone, I'm glad to hear him back. I hope he stays with us this time.
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Kathy Coleman
Take Country Back
May 2002