woods

Maybe you are like me, proud to have been born in Texas. Maybe you just got here as fast as you could. Were you born here and had to leave? You might have even visited or just wanted to visit the Lone Star State. Are you perhaps one of those folks just curious about why all the bragging and fuss about Texas? Then this CD is for you.

K.R. Woods' "Fathers of Texas" is a wonderful compilation of story and song about the humble beginnings of the Lone Star State. It is self-described as "A Texas musical expression of the independence, spirit and commitment on which the State of Texas was founded."...and it's done quite well, and with historical accuracy.

The CD includes contributions from such artist as Red Steagall ("Lone Star Dream"), Gary P. Nunn ( "The Old 300"), Delbert McClinton and Rusty Wier ("Come and Take It"), Ray Wylie Hubbard ("Deguello"), Townes Van Zandt ("Brazos River Song"), Tom T. Hall, C.B. Stubblefield, Guy Clark and Steven Fromholz ("Three Men Stood Tall: Bowie, Crockett and Travis") and more. The wonderful storytelling, intertwined with songs and poetry, paint a colorful mural of the state's history. It should be required listening for all Texas History classes. My children even enjoy the CD, and their ages are 4, 6, and 8. I don't know that they understand everything, but they understand a lot.

Author K.R.Woods has written numerous songs, including a composite of 21 songs on this album. His bio is almost as interesting as the CD itself. The website says there will be a second volume to "Fathers", and we anxiously await it.

This CD is available for purchase at Love and War in Texas in Plano and Bill's in Dallas or through their web site.

Written by Dana Jones, September 2001

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