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The Gospel According to
Austin Texas and Gospel music… When this project was begun in February 2000 such a statement was a tongue-in-cheek kind of oxymoron. Since then “the Live Music Capital of the World” seems to have taken a position of embracing and extending its deep Gospel roots. Celebrating the historic roots of inspired innovators from
Among American cities none may have as many thriving organic Gospel music outlets for “all people”. Each Gospel brunch at Threadgill’s, Stubbs, Maria’s Taco Express and Gruen Hall delivers its own smorgasbord of Gospel music that testifies and lifts the souls of its crowds. While the many great choirs among the Eastside Churches continue to press on toward the mark of their high calling, helping people focus a little more clearly on the King (not Elvis) and His kingdom. And the willingness to explore and appreciate the spiritual roots of country, bluegrass, blues and rock provides an infusion of Gospel music on many secular radio stations in
It’s been said that
These gifts are expressed consistently in the diverse music community of
We submit this CD compilation to those who have ears to hear this traditional, honest, spiritual, soulful, rootsy “kick-butt Gospel” music. The old stuff that speaks of material poverty and spiritual riches… that warms your heart and breaks it… that gives folks a liftin’ and the devil a kickin’. The purpose of this CD is to raise funds for Don Walser’s ongoing health care (20% of profits) and for the Gospel According to
As always, much thanks is owed to the many great musicians who labor hard and contribute to this little project (and many, many others), expecting little in return. And much thanks is owed to the many volunteers, sponsors and supporters who’ve helped the GAA over the years. And to Threadgill’s, KGSR, KUT, KOOP… and to the Big God who won’t let us off, won’t let us down, and won’t let us go. Finally, we humbly acknowledge this CD cannot be considered a complete sampling of
DISK #1 – Compilation CD
(Jimmy Wakely/Lee White– Songs of Universal Inc./ASCAP)
(Jackie Banks – Jemmot/BMI, Grammercy Music)
(Original)
(Original)
(Traditional)
(Traditional)
(Original) (Traditional)
(Original - Blue Corn Music/BMI)
(Traditional)
(Sony/ATV Songs, BMI)
(S. Green – Big Rock Records)
(Original)
(Judy Durden – Durden Records/ASCAP)
(Traditional – Dialtone Records/) BONUS Tracks:
(Traditional – Comanche arrangement)
(Irina Leal - Mariachi Eli) 1. Casting My Lasso, (Lee White/Jimmy Wakely, Songs of Universal BMI) – Don Walser with the Kronos Quartet and the Pure Texas Band together on stage live at Bates concert hall at UT in 1999. An unreleased recording who’s sheer joy overwhelms any technical imperfections… and conjures memories of Don at his best, surrounded by the best. Pat & Don are retired now due to health issues and could use a helping hand with long-term care. So it’s fitting to open this compilation open with this Don plying his “gift” on this old cowboy Gospel song about joining his partners to work on a new range up there in glory. Don loved this song, but never realized it was a gospel song until somebody took the time to “listen” to its words. We thank the Kronos Quartet who appear courtesy of Nonesuch Records, WB Records and Spencer Weisbroth of Kronos arts who made this cut available to us. www.kronosquartet.org, www.nonesuch.com, www.donwalser.com 2. New Jerusalem, (Rev. Jackie Banks, Jemmot, BMI) – Willie Rogers’ Soul Stirrers. This song contrasts the previous song’s cultural expression of the same joyful view toward heaven. The Soul Stirrer’s were formed in Trinity TX during the late 1920’s, before moving to
3. Jesus It’s Gonna be You, (Carolyn Wonderland) – Carolyn Wonderland is a treasure. She generously donated this cut from the CD “Sessions from the Hotel San Jose” recorded live with several of
4. God’s Power, (WC Clark) – WC Clark is a pillar of the Austin music scene who grew up in church, played with and helped mentor young Stevie Ray Vaughn, and is a WC Handy award winner. And like Mr. Handy, he never left his church roots and affinity for spirituals, so he continued to write Gospel songs. But they were too bluesy for church, so nobody ever heard them. Vicky Moerbe knew this and was quick to contact WC In November 2001 after our inquiry. WC responded by bringing his touring band (Dino Jones, Pete McClaran, Rick Simpson) and 3 backup singers (Marilyn Hunter, Wayne Glasco, Ira Glasco) to the studio. BB Morse added upright bass later. He was excited to record this particular song on the “old spiritual theme” of getting through tough times by letting God… www.wcclark.com www.alligatorrecords.com 5. It’s Nobody’s Fault But Mine, (traditional by Blind Willie Johnson) – Papa Mali (guitar & lead vocals) has been doing this song for years with the virtuoso Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers, with his touring band, and solo. The Gospel Silvertones were in the studio for a Salvation Army project and after a call for help, Papa quickly gathered some friends & new residents from New Orleans (the Iguanas rhythm section of Doug Garrison – drums; Renee Coman – bass), and from LA (Anthony Ferrell – B3) and hurried to the studio. We welcome these excellent musicians, their families and bands to
6. Just a Closer Walk With Thee, (traditional) – Johnny Nicolas wanted to reach way back on this cut to the old style of early guitar & vocal driven Gospel recordings that were sparse and somewhat funky. So we recorded this song with the older Bells of Joy members (AD Watson, JT Stewart, Willis Littlefield) backing on vocals, rhythm guitar and drums. We think it’s another gem from Johnny who released “Livin’ With the Blues” in December 2005 and is back in the proverbial music saddle as one of the most talented guys in the region. Than you Johnny. www.hilltopcafe.com www.topcatrecords.com 7. Help Your Lord, (Dale Watson) – Dale Watson has cut a full CD of country gospel that is not yet released and this is only 1 excellent cut. It reminds us of Elvis’ large social anthem songs from the 70’s (“The Ghetto”). The beauty of great songwriting is getting profound things conveyed with few words, and Dale nailed this one. This gospel anthem is timely in light of the recent huge natural disasters. We look forward to Dale’s visits back to
8. Jerusalem Moan, (Traditional) – the Grassy Knoll Boys are Will Walden (guitar, vocals), David Hamburger (guitar, dobro, vocals), Alex Rueb (mandolin, vocals), Mark Cavage (banjo), Vance Hazen (upright bass)… and these guys cook. What makes them stand out among many new bluegrass groups in the area is their tight harmonies which are on full display here, needing only the masterful touch of David’s guitar. We thank them for their contribution to this CD! www.grassyknollboys.com 9. Joy, (Ruthie Foster) – Ruthie Foster is another God gifted treasure who along with Blue Corn Music graciously donated this cut from her CD “Runaway Soul”. Simply a great CD that swept hearts across
www.ruthiefoster.com www.bluecornmusic.com 10. Building on the Rock, (traditional) – the Kyle Family, for those not familiar, are local marvels. Mary Margaret, Frances Ann, Bodie, Terry & David are siblings who have been doing this very old old-school “shape note” metered a-capela singing for decades… before it attracted national interest from the movie Cold Mountain. And nobody does tight rich harmonies better. This 4-part style became the basis for Southern Gospel. This is the Kyle’s 2nd time to contribute a song to the GAA, and we’re very thankful to have them here in
11. My Mother’s Name is Victory, (Billy Joe Shaver) – Billy Joe & Eddie Shaver from the “Victory” CD on New West Records. This is definitional country-blues-gospel from the rural
12. Throw Me Down, (Sherry Green) – Tom & Sherry Green recorded this song for the GAA in 2000, and the supporting
13. Carry My Cross (Drew Landry) – Drew Landry is a young singer/songwriter whom we met at Threadgills. He and Cade Callahan used to play this song and we were always very impressed. So he has allowed us to provide it in a stellar version he recorded in 2004. We believe he’s got the “gift”, and hope you’ll check him out whenever you can (in Austin or Lafayette). Drew Landry (vocals, guitar); Horace Trahan (accordion); Becca Begnaud (vocals); Leann Sharp (child’s vocals); Steve Stubblefield (Engineer/Producer). www.dirtycajuns.com
14. There is a Balm (Durdens) – the Durden Family are a great Gospel group that hail from their Father’s church in Round Rock. They are a mainstay of the Gospel music scene in
Larry, Anthony, Judy,
15. In the Morning (Traditional) – the Bells of Joy are a pillar in the Austin music community, and the only Gospel group to sell over 1 million copies of a single (1951). We appreciate their contributions to this project and to
BONUS Tracks: 16. On the Cross, (traditional) – Marla Nauni is a young singer, actress and avid horseback rider who sings a-capela hymns from her cultural roots. She has received many nominations and cultural awards for her CD “Commanche Hymns”. This particular song is based on an old anglo melody, but we selected it because it’s the only song with traditional percussions in the background. The rest are native hymns written by her people, who are the original inhabitants of the plains of
17. La Triste Oveja - The Sad Lamb, (original) – Mariachi Eli hails from Monterey Mexico and travels to Texas many times each year to perform their mariachi style gospel songs to mostly Hispanic church audiences. We were placed in contact with them via a Church in
DISK #2 – Bonus CD
Rev. Dan Smith - “Just Keep Goin’ On”1. Dan speaks 0:16 2. This is the Lord’s House 3.14 3. Just Keep Goin’ On 2.48 4. Intro to song 0.59 5. I Never Been to Seminary 4.38 1. God’s Radar 3.23 2. To Another Room 4.51 3. It Takes God to Build a Home 3.37 4. I walk by Faith 3.24 5. Jesus Knows My Name 4.06 6. When Your Time Comes to Die 2.52 7. Down Thru the Years (Traditional) 8.47 (All songs by Rev Dan Smith – Never Say Never Songs/ASCAP)
BONUS Tracks8. I Won 3.04 - Johnnie Mae Dunson (Original - Lakada Music Co.) 9. Holy Spirit Must Save
The Gospel According to
The following are some of the liner notes from the original CD. Producers Notes: We recorded the final songs for this record in January of 1992. A number of tracks had been recorded in early 1991, but we still needed a few more songs to complete the project. I booked time at a studio in
Vocals & Harmonica: Rev. Dan J Smith Acoustic and Electric Guitars-Buddy Miller; Electric Bass-Buddy Miller; Drums-Scott Babcock; Acoustic Bass-Denny Cory; Dobro, Mandolin, Fiddle & Banjo-Dennis Caplinger; Hammond Organ & Piano-John Andrew Schriener; Percussion-Steve Hindalong; Duet on “God’s Radar”-Bryan Duncan; Background Vocals-King Cotton, Willie Green Jr. and Dexter Dickerson; Additional Background Vocals-Victoria Williams & Mark Heard on “When Your time Comes to Die”, and Julie Miller on “I Walk By Faith”; Additional Acoustic Guitar-George Ward on “Just Keep Goin’ On” & “To Another Room”; Resonator Guitar on “Down Through the Years”-Michael Hackanson-Stacy. All songs written by Rev. Dan J Smith except “Down Through the Years” (traditional) arrangement by Rev. Dan Smith © & (p) Never Say Never Songs/ASCAP Produced by - Buddy Miller with John Flynn; Production Assistance-Field Home; Mixed by Buddy Miller at Dogtown Studios; Mastered by Doug Doyle at Digital Bros. Introduction taken from a live recording of a performance at the Fox Hollow Festival, August 9, 1970. BONUS Tracks: 13. I Won, (Johnnie Mae Dunson) – Johnnie Mae Dunson called us in 2002 after receiving a copy of the GAA’s vol #2 from an
14. The Holy Spirit Must Save Africa, (Original) – Sinikithemba Choir is an a-capela Gospel choir from
http://www.ithembafilmproject.org/choir2.html Acknowledgements & Thanks: Cover design – Christina Fajardo Photos of Church in Luck, TX (Willie Nelson’s movie set) – James Bruce Recording Studios – Austin to
Mastered at Terra Nova Digital Audio, Nick Landis,
Producer - Greg Adkins Executive Producer – Steve Pickard Sponsors: Anonymous Beneficiaries of the proceeds from this CD: · The Gospel According to
· Don Walser’s long-term care. © & (p) 2006 the Gospel According to
Dedicated to: The great Gospel songwriters, singers and musicians who labored through the years in obscurity to leave a strong legacy of tradition and art that edifies the human spirit. They have “this treasure in earthen vessels”. God Bless them all. Ordering information: www.GospelAccording2Austin.com 512-261-6322 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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