Bob Cheevers - Tall Texas Tales (2009)

Austin-based singer/songwriter Bob Cheevers' versatility is well displayed on his latest release with a mix of country, rock and blues. Cheevers' twangy side is most evident on the ballads Is It Ever Gonna Rain, Give This Heart and Falling, as well as the uptempo Tex Mex tune Luckenbach. There is a bluesy feel to Texas Is An Only Child and the Bo Diddley style One Good Rib. Among the stronger tracks are the ballad Grown Up People, with elements of Springsteen and Orbison, and the country rockers Turquoise Heart With A West Texas Smile and Mushroom Cloud Lil. Cheevers' effective tunes are well supported throughout, particularly by producer Stephen Doster and Marvin Dykhauis (electric and acoustic guitars) and Bob Pearce (steel, Dobro, mandolin, banjo). With thoughtful lyrics, strong musicianship and Cheevers' Willie Nelsonesque vocals this is an entertaining collection.