Palo Duro Records

Darryl Lee Rush was the first artist signed to the recently launched Shiner Records, based in Texas. Live From the River Road Icehouse is the first release to spring from that relationship. This album is an entertaining assortment of gritty, sharp edged, Texas-style country music. We’re talking about guitar jangling, harmonica honking, beer swilling roadhouse music with an IQ.

I won’t say that Darryl Lee is the best singer out there. I won’t say that he’s the best songwriter or the best guitarist. I will say that he’s damned good at all of the above and when all elements are taken together he not only holds his own, but rises above most of his competition. From track 1 right through to track 11, he keeps your attention and keeps you entertained without wavering. After listening to this disc a few times, it’s little wonder that it’s currently sitting at #36 on the Americana Music Charts. I don’t think I’d be going out on a limb to suggest that it will steadily work its way up from there.

This album starts out with a low-key number, “Lot”, followed by “Town To Tough To Die”. Both songs demonstrate Rush’s acute songwriting acumen. In fact, all but three of the songs on this album were written by Rush. The exceptions are “Irrelevant”, “Johnny Come Lately” and “Truale”. Even these are delivered in signature Darryl Lee style, so that if you didn’t already know better or, at least, read the liner notes, you won’t notice the difference from his own songs. That speaks highly of the artist, considering these other songs were penned by Mathew Ryan, Steve Earle and Sam Baker, respectively. Not bad company to stand on par with, I’d say.

“Uncle Freddie Drove A Tractor”, an apparent crowd favorite, sits in the number three spot and propels the disc forward with gusto. This song is a fine example of less being more. The lyrics are uncomplicated, but they create a strong sense of time and place, accompanied by good ol’ footstomping guitar and harmonica. It’s the type of song that makes you wish you’d been there when they were recording this album. It reeks of having a good time.

“White Trash Paradise” sees the artist exercising his good humor, without lapsing into the realm of cheesy, novelty song hell. “Smuggler’s Prayer” is more of a ballad and it further cements Rush’s place as a true storyteller. Hard driving, barroom music aside, it’s Darryl’s ability to weave a story that probably stands out the most. I didn’t have to be at the River Road Icehouse to feel like I’m in Texas each time I listen to this disc. The moods and settings that Rush conjures up transport the listener to South Texas, past and present. Most great songwriters seem to have this ability. That is to say, the ability to make you understand and believe in people and places you’ve never seen, with a familiarity that normally comes from direct experience.

Darryl Lee Rush has surrounded himself with some solid talent, obviously. “Lot” and “Shotgun Annie” were actually recorded in the studio, but the remaining nine live tracks sound every bit as tight. Of particular note are the handy electric guitar skills of Scott Oldner and the blues infused harmonica riffs of Don Gallia. Collectively, this band knows what works and they deliver the goods on every song.

I receive quite a few CDs for review consideration, so I have to be selective about which ones I choose. Of those, some I personally like more than others. Some make enough of an impression that they even find a home in my private music library. Live From the River Road Icehouse is one for the personal collection.

by Randy Baker

Popularity: 35% [?]

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at 9:42 am and is filed under Daily Buzz, Darryl Lee Rush, Reviews. 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.