DALE WATSON & HIS LONE STARS

Dale Watson, keeper of the true country music flame, carries on in the tradition of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson with his “Ameripolitan” brand of American roots music. His latest album Call Me Insane, was recorded in Austin with veteran producer Lloyd Maines (Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker, etc.). “Having known Lloyd over 20 years, I knew he was a great guy and picker,” Watson says. “But having Lloyd produce your record is like letting your mom in your kitchen. You know you’re gonna like what comes out and it’s amazing how such basic ingredients can be made even better. He is an artists’ artist.”

A few album highlights include “Jonesin’ For Jones,” a love song to the music of the legendary George Jones, “A Day At A Time,” about “getting by by barely getting by;” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be Babies.” (Yes, it is an answer song to the Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson hit.) “Crocodile Tears” is a tear-in-your-beer country song that sounds like an instant classic and “Burden Of The Cross” reveals Watson’s serious side.

The admiration is mutual. “I’ve been a Dale Watson fan since I played steel guitar on some of his early records,” Maines says of the sessions. “My early musical influences are the same as Dale’s. We both grew up playing real country music. Dale is one of a very short list of today’s artists who still keeps it real country. I’m honored that he asked me to produce his new record. I think he knew that I would maintain the integrity of his passion for the music.”

Dale has flown the flag for classic honky-tonk for over two decades. He’s christened his brand of American roots “Ameripolitan” to differentiate it from current crop of Nashville-based pop country. The Alabama-born, Texas-raised Watson may be the hardest working entertainer today and is rapidly approaching legendary status. He is a country music maverick, a true outlaw who stands alongside Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and George Strait as one of the finest country singers and songwriters from the Lone Star State.

CELINE LEE, opens the show at 7:30PM