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September 1, 2004

Country My Ass!

Dale Watson will someday be famous for the following words: That’s County My Ass! And, nobody sings it better than Dale! Along with his band the Lone Stars, Dale tore it up on a recent stop at the Doll Hut in Anaheim during his Southern California tour.

It was a crowded Thursday night at the Doll Hut despite most people having to work the next day. But, by the looks of the “beaming” faces no one seemed to care. The Hut was filled with avid Watson fans that came to see one of their favorite’s play, and the night just kept getting better.

This was my first time seeing Dale perform live since the early 1990’s, long before his return to Austin. At that time, his music had a different flavor, and had not yet evolved to the stature it holds today. I must say I was more impressed than ever, not only can he sing in that rich baritone voice of his, but he has a very charming stage presence as well. He puts on a great show, because it not only takes talent, but charisma to complete the whole package.

During “Exit 109” a huge semi with the words “Stage Coach” painted across it drove slowly down Manchester and past the Hut. I had visions of the driver slowing it up, parking his rig and coming through the doors to see who was playing that fine country music! Breaker, breaker…can you hear this???

Highlights of the night were “Country My Ass”, a tune penned specifically to jab the red hot poker at Nashville and it’s never ending Merry-Go-Round of “everything sounds the same” “pretty boys and girls” of today’s Country Music scene. Like most people, I have a favorite Dale Watson tune: “Money Can’t Buy Her Love” from the tribute album “Every Song I Write Is For You”, dedicated to the loving memory of his late fiancé, Terri Herbert.

Dale has given the public many fine albums over the years, each filled with lessons of life…..a life filled with his own share of personal tragedy, so when he sings of sorrow he knows what he’s talking about, and when he sings of adventure, he also knows what he’s talking about. I can identify with what Dale’s been through in a big way, but life goes on and we go forward.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, a place I’ve wanted to visit for a while now, he’s probably played every club in town. Both of my cousins moved to Austin recently and I’m due for a visit. You can be sure I’ll catch a show by Dale when I’m in town…wouldn’t miss it! I hope you’ll do the same.

For more information on Dale Watson and the Lone Stars, visit their website at www.dalewatson.com. Dale has a tour schedule listed on the site, so be sure and catch him next time he comes to your area. And, Dale, you be sure not to forget your old pals over here in Southern California next time you hop on the tour wagon. We’ll be waiting for you!

Posted by CindyLu at September 1, 2004 9:56 PM