Mark Chesnutt Album: “Outlaw”

Prime Cuts: A Couple of Good Years, Sunday Mornings Comin' Down, Only Daddy That Will Walk the Line

By today's standard, "Outlaw" sounds domesticated. Eight years after Chesnutt parted from Columbia Records, Chesnutt has never stopped churning out one album after another, albeit on smaller labels. "Outlaw" is Chesnutt's first covers CD whereby he tips his Stetson to the movers and shakers of the outlaw movement in country music. Started as a reaction against the slick strings-laden Nashville sounds of the 60s, outlaw country is a deliberate attempt to puts dome teeth and grit back to the genre. Up until the movement's abeyance, this subgenre has seen its share of sonic gems by artists such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, and Kris Kristofferson among others. Nevertheless, in the light of today's rock based anthemic country, these dozen songs sound pretty laidback and mind you very country. Perhaps it's producer Pete Anderson's retro-style touches on these songs giving them a late 70s/early 80s feel, these songs sound pretty much like they had lived through a time warp with an old fashioned feel yet interpreted by Chesnutt's contemporary nuances.

As with all cover albums, there is conundrum of how much creativity do you have with these chestnuts? One could easily be accused of irreverence if innovative readings were proffered. On the other hand, one could also be damned if a religiously close interpretation is mimic. On the whole, Chesnutt has chosen the latter with a slight dose of the former. Chesnutt's take of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" is the exemplar. With his slow and thoughtful nuance of each syllable of this tune, Chesnutt has captured the angst of the song's lyrical depths. And if there could ever be another improvement on Kristofferson's "Lovin' Her Was Easier" this is truly it. Pete Anderson has taken away the dreadful string arrangements of the original and has some rustic sounding fiddling. Kudos are also in order for Chesnutt to turning Dr. Hook's "A Couple More Years" into a duet. Though there's some awkwardness to it, but Chesnutt's barroom muffled tenor is well contrasted with Amber Digsby gorgeous soaring twangy soprano.

It goes without saying that Chesnutt is indeed a Waylon fan. He has even named his son after his hero. Thus, it is not surprising that half the songs on this disc come from the late Jennings' catalog. Chesnutt is judicious in his choice: he has taken a fair number of more familiar numbers balanced with a few obscure selections. Chesnutt's stays close to Jennings' original with "Only Daddy That Will Walk the Line." Yet, despite the numerous covers of this magnum opus, it's still such a classic that it's hard to get tired of hearing. "Black Rose" and "Freedom to Stay," on the other hand, are lesser known songs. Chesnutt's bluesy and seasoned interpretations are well worth repeated listening.

With his clean cut image, Chesnutt's out of place on David Allan Coe's "Time Off for Bad Behavior." Chesnutt just doesn't have the ruggedness to do this song justice. In fact, the best cover of Coe's hit is by far by Confederate Railroad on their debut album. Despite Anderson's meatier guitar riffs, Chesnutt just doesn't seem to have the zest to tackle Hank Jr.'s "Are You Ready for the Country." Knowing that the outlaw movement had often been associated with male artists, but there were a few women outlaws such as Sammi Smith and Jessi Colter. Chesnutt could have shaken the barrel even more if he were to tackle some of their music. That would have been something. Other than that, "Outlaw" ironically is quite a safe effort of generally good coverage of the material from this era of country music.

Mark has always been an amazing artist and long time fan of mine. He music has been there for me through many important moments in my life. My husband and I bought his new CD at his concert in SLO, CA and have been listening to it over and over again. It brings back memories of past artists and shows Mark's ability to sing whatever is thrown his way. His voice sounds even more incredible than in the past. Outlaws has become a top CD in my collection, Black Rose is by far my favorite, but I never press next while listening to the CD because all of the songs are outstanding! I hope Mark continues to bring his presence to country music for years to come, he just gets better with age! =) Love Him and Love His Music!

très satisfait, si ce n'est que les fraits de port un peu chère

par à port au prix de l'article. recommande amazon.com

Mark Chesnutt

"Outlaw"

(Saguaro Road, 2010)

----------------------------------

Mark Chesnutt covering a bunch of "outlaw" oldies from Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, David Allan Coe, Hank Junior, and Guy Clark? Dude, I am so there! Naturally, all of the original artists are hard acts to follow, and it's a challenge for Chesnutt to put his own stamp on these songs, but when the day is done this is a swell set of hard-country anthems, robustly sung, with fun, crisp production by Pete Anderson. It's fun to hear him sink his teeth into classics like "Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound," "Black Rose," and "Need A Little Time Off (For Bad Behavior)" There are also a few non-hit tunes on here, like Waylon's "Freedom To Stay," which show Chesnutt digging a little deeper into the well. Newcomer Amber Digby provides a very Jessi Colter-like harmony on "Couple More Years," with Chesnutt rumbling in a low, gruff register, summoning the spirits of the elders. I love this stuff, and clearly he does, too. A great record to play good and loud after you've had a beer or two. Crank 'er up! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)

Fabulous artist with superb backing instrumentals. This artist should still be getting air play on country music radio. Great performer.