(Palo Duro) The Cold Hard Truth couldn't be a more appropriate title for Ed Burleson's latest release. It's been five long years since the 6th generation Texan and former rodeo rider's last album, 1999's My Perfect World. Up to that time, Ed's career started taking off. After a knee injury sidelined his career as a professional rodeo rider, Ed turned to his other love- music. He released two albums, the first being Live At The Teardrop and the second being Comin' Around. The latter album got him a gig at the Broken Spoke. Texas legend Doug Sahm happened to be in the house that night and took an immediate shine to the young traditional honky tonk singer he complimented as being "too country for his own good." Doug took Ed under his wing and became his mentor, manager and producer, signing Ed to his Tornado Records label. Under Doug's stewardship Ed recorded My Perfect World. Then tragedy struck and Doug suddenly passed away just two weeks after the release party for the album. Although My Perfect World eventually peaked at #3 on the Americana charts, Ed's career lost momentum with not only the loss of his mentor Doug, but it also left him without a label to promote the album. Things went from bad to worse as Ed also went through a divorce. However despite the setbacks, Ed soldiered on touring, playing clubs and honky tonks building himself a solid fanbase along the way.  

The result of his hard work translated into a new recording deal with Palo Duro records. Texas singer/songwriter/musician/producer Tommy Alverson stepped up to the plate and took over at the production helm for the late Doug Sahm. Ed Burleson's nasal Texas twang is still intact. So is his unassuming, honest and sincere delivery. So too are several first rate self-penned songs. Where The Cold Hard Truth differs from My Perfect World is that it's not quite as 'starched shirt and pressed jeans' polite. It is assuredly still hardcore honky tonk, no doubt about it, but this time out Ed gives us a broader range of sounds.

Ed Burleson still delivers a healthy dose of strong traditional dancehall shuffles and two-steppers in the same vein as those on his previous disc by way of the opener, "Honky Tonk Heart," "If You Wanna Go (Just Go)," "Long Distance Love," and the Tommy Alverson penned "I Can't Help Myself." Ed ups the ante and nails it with a pair of edgier honky tonkers, a standout "Northeast Texas Women" and "The Can." The Burleson/Justin Alverson penned "Sneakin' Suspicion" offers up some laid back swing, while "Loneliness" is an aching barroom ballad of heartbreak and regret.

Where The Cold Hard Truth may catch fans of My Perfect World offguard is with the balance of the songs. The title track "The Cold Hard Truth" is a real highlight- an outstanding bluegrass lament of a betrayed love. Ed adds lots of bluegrass influence to the uptempo "Ramble On" and the killer Burleson/Tommy Alverson penned ragged, swaggering waltz, "Tell Me Why." He makes a stop at Bakerfield with "All Bucked Up," a nice (and catchy as heck) tribute to none other than the great Buck Owens. A bit of an oddity that really works well, Ed takes Loudon Wainwright III's "Dead Skunk" and turns it inside out making it his own- a fun, country-to-the-bone cover. The Cold Hard Truth closes on a bittersweet note with a smokin' roadhouse honky tonkin' live version of the Clay Blaker penned "Heart Break Highway" which was co-produced with Doug Sahm and who's voice is heard introducing Ed.

Doug Sahm had an ear for talent and he knew what he was talking about when he said Ed Burleson was "too country for his own good." Palo Duro was wise to sign this gem. Tommy Alverson is to be commended for doing a terrific job of capturing (dang near perfectly) an artist who embodies everything that's right with country music. Ed Burleson indeed possesses all the qualities that make country music right and The Cold Hard Truth is the proof of the pudding. This is undiluted country, honky tonk and authentic Texas music at it's best.   

Standout Tracks: "Honky Tonk Heart," "The Cold Hard Truth," "If You Wanna Go," "Northeast Texas Women," "Tell Me Why," "I Can't Help Myself," "Dead Skunk," "Heart Break Highway"

On The Net:  www.edburleson.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack April 2004