Palo Duro Records

Review by Laurie Joulie, Take Country Back

Now, I readily admit at times I am exposed to such a vast selection of great independent music that I can tend to change my ‘favorite album’ designations as often as some people change their socks…but Walt Wilkins & the Mystiqueros’ Diamonds in the Sun has proven its staying power and remained in my cd changer’s top spot for the better part of two weeks with no signs of that changing anytime soon.

If you’ve managed not to hear of Walt Wilkins by now, you more than likely have heard his music. He was responsible for the pen that wrote the career launching “Songs about Texas” for fellow Texan, Pat Green. His songs have also been recorded by Cory Morrow, Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis and Ty Herndon.

What makes Billy Joe Shaver, Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark such legendary songwriters is the ease and finesse that they capture the essence of their lives and translate them into that of the listeners with a stroke of a quill that’s equal to the paintbrush of a master. Walt Wilkins possesses the same magical ability and then manages to wrap them in melodies that sound as instantly familiar as the classics we all grew up singing along to.

Lloyd Maines touch is profoundly light as he’s obviously a producer who knows when to leave well enough alone and let the music and the artist speak for themselves. Stripped down to the essentials and the masterful accompanists of the first rate musical contributions of the Mystiqueros, Wilkins vocal and songwriting talents step unassumingly but confidentially into the spotlight.

The powerful collective vision of Texas’ newest quintessential, super-group, the Mystiqueros, consists of the amazing individual talents of Bill Small (bass, percussion and acoustic guitar), John M. Greenberg and Marcus Eldridge (electric guitars) and Ramon Rodriguez (drums and percussion).

Diamonds in the Sun is a stunning representation of a career that’s been built with respect and solid regional following that’s begging for more national recognition. Texas isn’t big enough for the talent that Walt Wilkins exudes. This man’s music deserves a larger audience and Diamonds in the Sun can easily make that happen.

Walt tells me he’s having the most fun he’s had now than throughout his entire 30 year career. I tend to believe him because not only does it show in the end product, the feeling easily transcends to the listener. This one is worth seeking out! No past, present or future fan of Walt Wilkins should be without it!

For those that discover Walt’s talents with Diamonds in the Sun, Palo Duro Records has an added treat – all three of Walt’s previous albums (Rivertown – 2002, Mustang Island – 2004 and Hopewell – 2005) will be released by the small but mighty indie label during the same timeframe.

CMT’s Listening Party Link to Diamonds in the Sun

Stand out tracks: Honky Tonk Road, All These Memories, Diamonds in the Sun and my new personal anthem Stand Up Seven

Release Date: Jul 24^th 2007

MySpace Links:

www.myspace.com/waltwilkins

www.myspace.com/mystiqueros

www.myspace.com/palodurorecords

Please note: If you pre-order the album direct from Palo Duro you’ll get this nouveau classic for an amazing $10!

This entry was posted on Monday, July 16th, 2007 at 3:00 am and is filed under Daily Buzz, Reviews, Walt Wilkins. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.