Guy Clark Keepers CD

KEEPERS was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

For those who want a career overview of legendary country/folk singer/songwriter Guy Clark with a little added spice, this live album should do nicely. Concentrating on classic tunes from Clark's much-loved early albums, KEEPERS is an excellent reminder of exactly what it is people love so much about this Nashville-via-Texas renegade. The plainspoken poetry of his lyrics, the simple elegance of his melodies, and the craftsman-like construction of his songs are all the more appealing here, where they're backed by an understated but percolating acoustic band.

Few men have written about women with as much compassion and understanding as Clark on "She Ain't Goin' Nowhere" or "Better Days." At the same time, few can approach the steely-eyed, unpretentious machismo of "The Last Gunfighter Ballad" or "South Coast of Texas." Add to this the earthy humor of "Homegrown Tomatoes," and the wistful nostalgia of "Desperados Waiting for a Train," and you've got one of the most well-rounded Texas songwriters this side of Lyle Lovett (who cites Clark as a key influence). These live recordings breathe even more life into an already vibrant group of songs.

Recorded live at Douglas Corner, Nashville, Tennessee on October 31 and November 1-2, 1996. Includes liner notes by Michael McCall.

Personnel: Guy Clark (vocals, guitar); Darrell Scott (vocals, guitar, dobro, dulcimer, mandolin); Verlon Thompson (vocals, guitar); Suzy Ragsdale (vocals, accordion); Travis Clark (vocals); Kenny Malone (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixer: Miles Wilkinson.

Liner Note Author: Michael McCall.

Recording information: Douglas Corner Cafe, Nashville, TN (10/31/1996-11/02/1996).

Photographers: Lynne Cook; Senor McGuire.

Unknown Contributor Role: Carlos Grier.

Personnel: Guy Clark (vocals, acoustic guitar); Travis Clark (vocals, bass); Darrell Scott (acoustic guitar, dobro, mandolin); Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar); Suzi Ragsdale (accordion); Kenny Malone (percussion).

Entertainment Weekly (3/21/97, p.74) - "Texas singer-songwriter Clark assembles his studio band to breathe life into old favorites....A tender, tough charmer." - Rating: B+
Option (5-6/97, pp.97-98) - "...with a full band and the loose live atmosphere, it succeeds at its modest goals....most of KEEPERS works just fine..."