In a just world, Dale Watson would be a huge country star. His deep and wonderful voice lives somewhere between Cash and Waylon, and his songs about drinking, trucking and loving are the real deal. Watson’s a terrific showman, as well, though he too rarely takes his show very far from his native Austin these days. Recently, he was dismayed to arrive for an appearance at Memphis’ Hi-Tone club to learn there had been a booking mistake and he wasn’t on the schedule. Instead of dragging his disappointment and his band back to Texas, he quickly booked some recording time in Sun Studios, and with standup bass player Chris Crepps and drummer Mike Bernal, tracked this rockin’ album of Sun-style rockabilly originals. If Watson’s voice weren’t so magnificent, and if his songs weren’t so good, this would be a retro novelty record. But this man’s talent is so real, it knocks you flat.
Engineers: Matt Ross-Spang, James Lott. Studio: Sun Studios (Memphis). Mastering: Bismeaux Studios (Austin).
