Guy Clark Album: “Workbench Songs”

There may be better songwriters than Guy Clark-but you can count them on one hand with fingers left over. This disc has him co-writing with some of the best in Nashville-Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Nelson, Ray Stephenson and old standbys Rodney Crowell and Verlon Thompson. The result is a project that loses none of Guy's touch, but slightly broadens the musical palate. In addition, there is a greater emphasis on production, making the record sound more like a country record (in a good sense) than a bluegrass or folk record as some projects have sounded in the past.

The disc opens with two exceptional tracks, Walkin' Man and Magdalene. Both benefit from the expanded musical palate and are full of brilliant images. They are followed by Tornado Time in Texas full of Guy's wry sense of humor (when pigs fly, no I mean really fly), Funny Bone a look at the kind of lovable losers Guy can see when others see nothing, and Expose, co-written with Rodney Crowell.

Guy is prone to reprising something he has previously released, and this time we get a full band/production version of Out In the Parkin' Lot. While really nice, IMHO it loses some of the understated elegance it had on Keepers. This is followed by the obligitory Townes Van Zandt tune, and in No Lonesome Tune, Guy has found a song that perfectly fits the mood of this record.

The record closes with a trio of songs that are full of humor and pleasaure. Cinco De Mayo In Memphis a meeting of hispanic culture with Memphis, Analog Girl, about one of those girls who just doesn't fit the digital age and Worry B Gone a tribute to the capacity of smoke to remove the stresses of life. The final track is a duet between Guy and Verlon Thompson on Diamond Joe, sung with "a big old sweep of the cowboy hat" to Ramblin' Jack Elliott.

All in all a very satisfying record. Highly recommend

Guy Clark has been one of America's Finest Songwriters for many years. His songs have been recorded by some of America's most well known Performers like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Workbench Songs is his lastest CD Release that showcases his well honed Songwriting Talent. The 1st Song of CD is "Walkin Man", it is a great ballad that evokes Legends like: Martin Luther King, Woodie Guthrie, Gandi and Chuck Berry. It is the kind of song that tells a timeless story and I have even added it to my own performances. The rest of the Album is equally Great. Guy Clark's style of acoustic Guitar Playing (and Making) is unique, but in the same vein of Woody/Arlo Guthrie, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. I recommend this Album to Anyone interested in True American Music performed by an Established Songwriter.

Guy Clark has made a bunch of albums over the years. Some absolute classics (his first two being the most obvious gems: "Old No. 1" and "Texas Cooking") and some others there good to great. Through it all, he remains one of America's most talented songwriters and recording artists. There aren't many who do it better. I'd rate "Workbench Songs" up there with the cream of the crop. It really IS that good. Some tunes on here ("Magdalene", "Tornado Time in Texas," "Cinco De Mayo In Memphis") rank with the best things he's ever written, and for a songwriter this talented, that's saying a lot. And the marvelous "Analog Girl" might be the funniest --- certainly the most charming --- tune that's he's ever writte. The album's closing tune, "Diamond Joe," a duet with Verlon Thompson is another of the highlights on here. Guy Clark fans; you will love this album!

I crossed paths with Guy Clark in an elevator once at a music festival in North Florida. At that time, I was not familiar with his music or who he was. I was intrigued by his smooth swanky soft-spoken manner and started listening to his music. I have been a huge fan ever since, and the next time I run into him, I can tell him which songs I love the most. My all time favorite is "Anyhow, I love you". Guy Clark's music will take you to another place and time. He is a fascinating story-teller and a true gentleman. I can't say enough wonderful things about his unique talent and music. I can't get enough

June in Zephyrhills

I saw Mr. Clark on a PBS special and loved the songs he performed. This cd was my first purchase of his work and I was blown away. It's still on my cd player. The songs are crafted as works of art. Lyrics that will blow you and way and Mr. Clarks singing is unique and beautiful. It sounds like he's lived the songs he's wrote. I took a chance on this and was rewarded with a new, exciting discovery.