Several months ago, I had the idea for an album called Honky Tonk Hymnal. Originally, I envisioned a compilation CD mixing a couple of my own songs with some theme-appropriate songs from a few friends (e.g., Clyde’s “I Saw Jesus on My Tortilla”). It’s still a neat idea, but logistically, it’d probably be a nightmare.
Next, I considered simply making HTH my second solo CD using only my own songs. I was surprised to find that I had 18 original songs that could fit into this genre. Still, something didn’t quite feel right. When I turned a more critical eye toward the 18 songs, I decided that only a few of them were “album-worthy.”
Then something unexpected happened. David Harbaugh wrote “When Willie Gets Behind the Beat.” With his permission, I’ve been playing it around town to great responses everywhere. This song, I realized, was the perfect wrap-up for HTH. I also realized I wanted different "voices" for the songs, lyrically and musically.
This weekend, David came down to Austin, and we put together a strong list of 11 songs for HTH:
A Beer is a Beer is a Beer
Beer and Pretzels for Communion
Girl with the Upright Bass
God Bless This Here Beer
Guilty Pleasure
I Know What I Like
Lead Me Not into Temptation (I Know a Shortcut)
Mary Rode Joseph’s Ass
Mississippi de Tejas
On the Texas Riviera
When Willie Gets Behind the Beat
I also arranged studio time with Tommy Byrd starting in mid-September. To get that true honky-tonk sound, we plan on using expert musicians throughout, probably with some guest vocalists, too. We want to arrange each song with its “best” combination of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, accordion, steel guitar, and/or drums or other percussion instruments (e.g., cajón).
Our inspiration for HTH is Willie Nelson’s Red-Headed Stranger. One big difference, I think, is that RHS tells a narrative, whereas HTH will be more thematic.
Next, I considered simply making HTH my second solo CD using only my own songs. I was surprised to find that I had 18 original songs that could fit into this genre. Still, something didn’t quite feel right. When I turned a more critical eye toward the 18 songs, I decided that only a few of them were “album-worthy.”
Then something unexpected happened. David Harbaugh wrote “When Willie Gets Behind the Beat.” With his permission, I’ve been playing it around town to great responses everywhere. This song, I realized, was the perfect wrap-up for HTH. I also realized I wanted different "voices" for the songs, lyrically and musically.
This weekend, David came down to Austin, and we put together a strong list of 11 songs for HTH:
A Beer is a Beer is a Beer
Beer and Pretzels for Communion
Girl with the Upright Bass
God Bless This Here Beer
Guilty Pleasure
I Know What I Like
Lead Me Not into Temptation (I Know a Shortcut)
Mary Rode Joseph’s Ass
Mississippi de Tejas
On the Texas Riviera
When Willie Gets Behind the Beat
I also arranged studio time with Tommy Byrd starting in mid-September. To get that true honky-tonk sound, we plan on using expert musicians throughout, probably with some guest vocalists, too. We want to arrange each song with its “best” combination of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, accordion, steel guitar, and/or drums or other percussion instruments (e.g., cajón).
Our inspiration for HTH is Willie Nelson’s Red-Headed Stranger. One big difference, I think, is that RHS tells a narrative, whereas HTH will be more thematic.
RSS Feed