Over 200 enthusastic honky tonk and classic country fans crowded into Knuckleheads tonight to hear Austin, TX country music legend Dale Watson. Actually born in Alabama, Dale moved to Texas at a very young age and has always thought of Texas as his true home. Living in the Houston area at the time, Dale began writing songs at age 12 and made his first recording two years later. After graduating from high school, he spent seven years playing local clubs and honky tonks. After a few years in California and Nashville, he didn't find commercial country much to his taste and he relocated to the more progressive-minded music scene in Austin, TX. Soon, he formed a backup band he called the Lonestars and in 1995, Hightone released his debut album, "Cheatin' Heart Attack." It was welcomed with enormous acclaim for the vitality he brought to his vintage-style material and performance.
Dressed in his signature black leather vest and thigh length coat tonight, Dale put the final tuning on his instrument of choice, a Fender Telecaster covered with bright, silver coins! With Dale on vocals and lead guitar, Billy Donahue on bass, Don Pawlak on pedal steel guitar, Mike Bernal on drums and Don Raby on fiddle, the audience clapped, stomped and yelled at the familiar strains of "Honky Tonkers Don't Cry." Next up was Merle Haggard's "Here In Frisco" followed by a tribute to Lonestar Beer, "Brown Bottle Little Blue Label," "Truckstop In La Grange," "Wine Don't Lie," "Where Do You Want It," and Ray Price's "City Lights." "Made In Japan" was next, then "No Help Wanted," "You're Always On My Mind," "Whiskey Or God," "Pretty Girls" and soon to be recorded "Honky Tonk Wizard Of Oz." We appreciated very much the fact that Dale and his road manager Robert "Hawk" Hawkins invited us on his bus for a short visit before the concert and he mentioned he would be singing several songs tonight that were earmarked for an album he will be recording later this month and should be released this spring.
Dale continued with "I Hate These Songs," Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses," "One More For Her," "Honkiest Tonkiest Beer Joint" (about Jenny's, his favorite Austin bar), "Tell 'Em I Ain't Here," "Hey, Don (Support My Favorite Beertender)," "Every Song I Write Is For You," "Fox On The Run," "Hair Of The Dog," "Tequilah & Tear Drops," "Texas Boogie," "She Asked Me To Dance" and "Nashville Rash," a well-deserved shot at Nashville and mainstream country music today. As a debut, Dale returned with "Sit, Drink & Cry," another number from the new album, "What I Like Most About You" and "Dragonfly" (which also is the name of the bus). Dale will be traveling to Minneapolis next and then it's a tour down the east coast. It was an honor to be able to spend a little time with Dale and we encourage you to watch those shelves at your favorite audio outlet for his new CD this spring or check out his website @ http://www.myspace.com/dalewatson
At one point, Dale thanked the many in attendance here tonight for choosing to spend their dollars watching him in these uncertain times. We thought this was an extremely classy act on his part. Dale and the Lonestars will be returning to Knuckleheads, Friday May 21st with country music superstar Ray Price and possibly Billy Joe Shaver. Don't wanna miss that one! Many thanks to Frank Hicks at Knuckleheads for his hospitality and a thumbs up to Pete, who does such a fantastic job with the sound. Folks - We had a blast!!! (Below) top - Dale Watson in concert @ Knuckleheads 1-14-10 bottom - Miss Jean poses with Dale Watson
