If someone had told my 25 years ago that there would someday be a remake of Roger Miller’s “Dang Me,” I’d have taken that bet. Yet, here it is, in excellent form along with eight other tunes written (mostly) by Texans in this cozy yet swinging session. Gray herself has an earthy tone to her voice and she takes tunes that she grew up with and puts a new wineskin on them. Mac Davis’ “In The Ghetto” sounds more streetwise than the Elvis version, while “Only The Lonely” is less sentimental and more ruminating. Even Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” is taken on, and she does some things to the words that make her howl at the moon more than wonder at the stars. The band of Pamela York/key, Jake Langley/g, Chris Maresh/b, Kyle Thompson/dr, John Mills/sax, Chris Lovejoy/perc and Red Young/org keep the moods like you’re strolling along the San Antonio River Walk and taking in the atmosphere. Good outing.
GRR8 Records