Rating:
Genre:
Country
Release Date: 05/31/2005
Joe Bonson might not write many of his own songs on this record, but he certainly has a knack for covering great tunes from
country's glorious past with an authenticity rarely found in
contemporary country. The first of these toe-tapping gems is
Merle Haggard's staple
"Mama Tried" that
Bonson and his fine supporting cast dive headlong into. The timbre
Bonson has is perfect for old
country tunes judging by the slow
honky tonk of
"Jesus and Bartenders," which brings to mind the likes of
Moe Bandy,
Gene Watson, and
George Jones. Another pretty nugget is
"Love Train," which chugs along at a nice, tender pace.
"I Wouldn't Change You if I Could" is also executed perfectly with
Bonson and company nailing the song without losing any of the song's soul. There's also a warmth in each song that makes them flow easily, especially during
"All I Have to Offer You Is Me," with
Bonson accompanied by some fine guitar accents at the end of each line before a subtle piano is added, resembling the late
Charlie Rich more than
Charley Pride. The lone rollicking tune here is a cover of
Buck Owens'
"Just as Long as You Love Me." Bonson's own track,
"Dreams," seems to fit in with the other selections, a softer, slower
country tune that is bare bones but still brilliant. The closing
"More Than Just a Man" might be the only reach or stretch here, but on the whole
Bonson has a trademark
country voice whether he's covering old staples or his own songs.
~Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
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