It was just before
Christmas 2005, my husband and I decided to take the kids on a rare
night out to Love and War in Texas. We knew it was Randy Hopper’s
Singer/Songwriter night, so the whole family would be content at the
very least to hear Randy and eat fried pickles and onion rings for a
while. The evening kicked off with our buddy doing what he does so
well.
Several performers later our kids were ready to go. The other
young performers had been fine, but frankly, I can’t even remember who
they were. As we began to pack up, the next performer stepped up.
We decided to listen to a tune or two before leaving. As he began
to play and sing we were mesmerized!! This was my first taste of
Ian Dickson. Merry Christmas to me.
Randy had mentioned Ian to me before, but I hadn’t had the opportunity
to hear him. I was absolutely blown away. His finger-style
picking, coupled with wonderful lyrics literally excited me.
There’s just no way to describe that feeling of a “new find”. The
kids were getting tired, so we had to leave before he finished, but I
slid a card to Ian’s wife Diane and said, “holler at me!”
I was pleased to learn that Ian had a CD in the works, and immediately
booked him as an opener into my own house concert series. As luck
would have it, the CD came out a couple weeks before our show.
For someone lucky enough to write music reviews, there are always CD’s
being handed or sent to you. Often, the reviewer sees someone
onstage that is phenomenal, then is handed a CD of poor quality or just
not up to par. It often puts the reviewer in an awkward position
of love the artist, hate the CD, so I was excited about getting this
one, but a little nervous at the same time.
Within the first few notes of track one, “Honey Grove”, my fears
dissipated, and a flood of music filled my soul. I felt as if Ian
were in my living room singing right in front of my. I was amazed
and pleased at the high quality of his first CD, and knew instinctively
I’d be in for a treat the rest of the time I listened. That pickin’
and songwriting I loved from the first time is there, as well as Ian’s
crystal clear, always on pitch, and wonderful voice. Damn, this CD
feels good. And for the record folks, this particular song is the
best thing that’s ever happened for Honey Grove, TX!
For a gal like me, self-diagnosed by a seven question Internet test as
being
A-D-D, it takes
diversity and quality to keep me listening to a CD start to finish.
It’s not often I find CD’s that I’ll play beginning to end, with “over
and over” being even more rare. With this CD, five times in three
days might be a record for me. From the sweet love songs to hard
hitting grab-you-and-make-you-think songs, to flat out fun and all in
between, this CD is worth every penny and then some. Even the
artwork is great, who could ask for more?
I can’t say I have one particular favorite on the CD, frankly, they are
all fantastic. I would say if I had to narrow it down some,
“Factory Town” would be on the list. Growing up understanding
labor unions probably lends toward my fondness and appreciation for it.
I seem to relate to “Nobody’s Drinkin’ Whiskey Anymore” too, since our
Texas Music buddies and we just don’t hit it as hard as we once did.
It’s almost as if Ian has captured many of us on video with this one.
I know I sure as hell can’t do the shots like we used to!!
The only cover on the disc is Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “The Messenger”.
Tackling a Texas Music icon’s tune, especially on your first CD, is
adventuresome. He does it well, makes it his own, and still does
Ray very proud in my book.
Spend the $15 on this one, folks. This one will be one great quality,
favorite CD you’ll be playing from now on. Check the schedule at
www.iandickson.net and catch a show! I’ve seen Ian performing
several times now, and he is truly one of the best performers you’ll
see.
Lone Star Mama
Written by Dana Jones, May, 2006
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