Having followed Australian singer/songwriter Audrey Auld for several
years now, I highly anticipated the release of her latest CD, Texas.
Now a resident of the United States, and married to the love of her life
“Mez”, Mrs. Mezera comes through with yet another high quality, diverse,
wonderful CD.
Co-produced with Gabe Rhodes (son of folk artist Kimmie Rhodes, but a
talent in his own right), this CD has quite the Texas feel to it, and
will greatly appeal to Texas music fans if they are given the
opportunity to hear it via Texas radio. Having attended the Fred
Eaglesmith Texas Weekend in March 2005, where Mezera performed many of
the new cuts to two audiences, I saw first hand how Texas music fans, as
well as music fans from all over the globe, truly embraced her latest
work. She says on her website, “If I were American, I’d be
Texan.” Being a “dyed in the wool native Texan”, I’d have to agree.
“I Love You Like the Earth” is the first release from the disc. This is
one of those love songs good enough to someday go “classic”. The first
time I heard it, I thought “damn, wish I knew someone getting married
just so they could use this song!” It’s bright, full of love and hope
and happiness. It’s rare that we hear a completely positive and upbeat
song, and this one is really nice for a change. And as much as I
like it, it’s not my favorite on the CD.
The only song not written by Audrey on the CD is “Karla Faye”, written
by Crit Harmon and Mary Gauthier. A sad tale of Karla Faye Tucker,
executed in Texas after receiving the death penalty for murder, this
song examines the controversy of crime vs. salvation and forgiveness vs.
a sentence of death. Whether you are for or against the death
penalty, it’s a song that has the listener stop, think, and examine
one’s own feelings. Being a fan of Gauthier, I think Mezera does
this song the justice (if you will) that it deserves.
“Ball and Chain” has a decidedly Hank Williams, Sr. feel to it, and
seems to be a crowd favorite. This is one of the more “blue”, yet
fun songs, and will strongly appeal to the classic country music fan.
The gist of the title indeed sets the tone for the song.
There are several songs on the CD that are either about or inspired by
other music artists, including Harlan Howard, Woody Guthrie, and Billy
Joe Shaver. My favorite song on this disc is “Billy Joe”. A
self-professed hardcore Billy Joe Shaver fan like me has a hard time
hearing this song and keeping tears from escaping the eyes and rolling
down the cheeks. I’ve been privy to a copy of this song for many years,
and I still get very emotional every time I hear it. It’s a song
of admiration for one of the greatest Texas singer/songwriters of all
time. She sings, “If you’re a chunk of coal, I’m a grain of
sand.” Any Shaver fan knows immediately, she “gets” it.
All 11 of the songs in this CD are quality, and there are none that need
be “skipped”, something we don’t always get to say about CDs.
Mezera’s vocals are as strong as ever, another high praise coming from a
reviewer who isn’t easily impressed with female artists as a general
rule. She’s chosen highly talented guests to appear on her CD.
Besides Rhodes and his mother, Australian Bill Chambers, Darcie Deaville,
Carrie Rodriguez, and both Will Landin & Wally Doggett from Jimmy
LaFave’s band all appear.
Do yourself a favor. Try to catch Audrey Auld Mezera LIVE, and be
sure to request the song “One Eye” and the story she shares about it,
you’ll be in tears but laughing! Until you can catch a show, pick
up this CD, grab a cold six-pack of the 65th Anniversary Special Lone
Star longnecks, grab some chips and salsa, prop your feet up on the back
porch, and enjoy “Texas”.
Lone Star Mama
Written by Dana Jones, May, 2005
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