Susan Gibson is a one of a kind, genuine, down to the roots personification of what a Texas music singer/songwriter should be.  Her lyrics are insightful with an undertone of folksy humor, and the melodies linger long after the last notes fade away.  She doesn’t mind looking inside herself for the humorous, nocuous, or embarrassing sore spots of life as material for her writings.  Gibson claims some influence from Tracy Chapman, but I also hear a hint of the mellow side of Lucinda Williams.  The mix of fourteen tunes on this CD is a wonderful collection of idiosyncratic, upbeat, humorous, whimsical, restless, and sentimental emotions. This lady has her ducks in a row AND knows which way they are marching!

But don’t get the mistaken impression that this was an overnight, Cinderella sensation. Gibson has honed her craft over a number of years as a solo act, with the Amarillo based Groobees for about five years, then back on her own.  The dues-paying continues, but the rewards have started tumbling her way, too.  Besides authoring and co-authoring the songs on Chin Up, Gibson is also the author of the Grammy Award winning song, "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks, which became the best selling song in country music history!  I first saw the Groobees after "Wide Open Spaces" became such a smash for the Dixie Chicks.  The Goobees performed that number, and I remember thinking to myself that I really liked their cover; maybe even better than the Chicks version.  It was only after that selection that we were informed that Gibson had authored the song.  Ahhhh!  Remember that name, you might see it again, someday.  I was disappointed to later learn that the Groobees had split up, but pleased to see Susan Gibson re-emerge on her own.

Gibson’s learned the value of surrounding herself with equally talented co-workers.  Her credits list is a veritable who’s who of Texas music.  Michael O’Connor on acoustic guitar and papoose, Eleanor Whitmore on vocals and violin, Jeff Plankenhorn on dobro and steel mandolin, Bonnie Whitmore on cello, Ron Erwin on drums, Doug Anthony on electric bass, Ethan Shaw on stand up bass, and Adam Odor and Susan Gibson on banjo.  The CD producing credit is primarily goes to Susan Gibson and Adam Odor, but also lists Michael O’Connor, Eleanor Whitmore, Jeff Plankenhorn, Lloyd Maines, and many more, including "anyone in the 512 (Austin) area code".

The title song, Chin Up, is a banjo led, idiosyncratic tune that talks more than sings.  The topic is the third grade President’s physical fitness test, which becomes the metaphor for life.

Succeeding in life is hard, but you got to keep your chin up, even if they keep raising the bar…..make a game of it or whatever else you have to do to help you get through it.

"Trophy Girl" will lift you up with Eleanor’s violin and Susan’s optimistic lyrics.  "Shape I’m In", and "Everywhere I Go" provide a happy glimpse of life with Gibson’s lilting melodies and clever metaphoric lyrics.  "Clumsy Hands", "Sourpuss", and "Excuses, Excuses" all mix real life pitfalls with Gibson’s brand of understated dry humor and plays on words. Though restlessness weaves in and out of many of the selections, it is most prevalent in "’84 Ford Goodtimes Estate".  This one soothes your soul with masterfully integrated musical treatment.  If the topic were a bit more demographically conforming, it has the quality and melodic appeal to nail another Grammy winner, like "Wide Open Spaces".

You can’t go wrong by adding this CD to your collection.  Its charms are just too numerous to mention.  You can get yourself a copy from Susan Gibson’s website, Susan Gibson, and Lone Star Music.

You can reach Susan Gibson via the message board on her web site Susan Gibson.

Written by Cheryl Arthur, January 2003.

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