Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis
Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis might be Americana Music's coolest couple, and they're actually married. Both had already established themselves as successful country acts before they met in 1992 and continued to perform separately after their marriage in 1996. Now, after four kids and three duet albums including one of Christmas music, Bruce and Kelly are touring the country as a team.
Bruce Robison
Music runs deep in the Robison family. Bruce Robison grew up in Bandera, Texas with his sister Robyn Ludwick and brother Charlie Robison, both of whom are also accomplished singer-songwriters. Bruce released his self-titled debut album in 1995 and has released 10 other albums including three with his wife Kelly Willis. Bruce has written several songs which have become hits for other artists including "Travelin' Soldier"- Dixie Chicks, "Angry All The Time"- Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and "Wrapped" - George Strait.
Kelly Willis
Kelly Willis was born in Oklahoma, but traveled the country growing up as a military kid. Kelly joined a rockabilly band at 16 and moved with them to Austin after her high school graduation. With the help of local musician Nanci Griffith, Kelly was signed to the MCA label in 1989. After her marriage to Bruce in 1996 and the birth of their four children, Kelly limited her traveling for a few years, but now she and Bruce are making more music than ever. Kelly has also released 11 albums over her career including the three with Bruce.
This was Bruce and Kelly's first show after a forced break in which Bruce was hospitalized with pneumonia following a nasty bout of the flu. Bruce seemed to be as good as new as the couple performed numbers from their duet albums as well as selections from their solo endeavors.
Dale Watson and Ray Benson
Opening the evening was a relatively new duo on the country scene who I will happily name the Kings of Texas Honky-Tonks, Dale Watson and Ray Benson. This duo had traveled in different circle until recently when they recorded and released their duet album entitled "Dale and Ray" in January of this year. The album pays homage to some of the greats of country music including Dale and Ray's heroes, the legendary Willie Nelson and the incomparable Merle Haggard.
Dale Watson
Born in Birmingham, AL, this classic country troubadour grew up outside of Pasadena, Texas. He began writing songs when he was 12 and made his first recording at 14. After playing clubs in Houston, LA and Nashville, Watson made Austin his home. Over his career, Dale Watson has released 32 albums including his latest duets album with Ray Benson.
Ray Benson
Widely known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Asleep At The Wheel, Ray Benson is the King of Western Swing. Although he grew up in Philadelphia, he took the advice of another country music entertainer, Willie Nelson, and moved to Austin in 1973. Since then, the band has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy Awards. Benson has a been a big part of the music scene in Austin, producing many local acts, as well as helping to support charitable organizations benefiting local musicians. Benson is the host of Texas Music Scene TV show. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel is the only act that has participated in all 15 years of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and are scheduled to make their appearance for the 16th time first fall.
Although Dale and Ray have not been partnering for very long, it was not evident at this show. Their set was filled with great songs and great humor. The banter between these two bigger than life characters made the show fly by way too quickly. Good ol' country songs like the Benson-penned tribute to Merle Haggard entitled "Feelin' Haggard" and Watson's signature "I Lie When I Drink"were big hits with the audience. They also performed covers from the duet album as well as a tribute to this new venture, "The Ballad of Dale and Ray." Overall, it was a great start to a great night of country music.
No comments:
Post a Comment