Guy Clark Boats To Build CD

One of the few albums by master craftsman-country troubadour Guy Clark to make its way to a major label also happens to be one of his most focused and consistent. On BOATS TO BUILD, Clark employs a small, tight, acoustic band that includes the mandolinist Sam Bush, a bluegrass heavy hitter whose clean but soulful runs play a key part in many songs here.

There's more of a moody bluesiness to the album than most of Clark's other recordings, and a sarcastic sense of humor ("Too Much," "How'd You Get This Number," "Must Be My Baby") that stands in contrast to his more staid efforts. There's still song-poetry ("Picasso's Mandolin") and perfectly turned, downhome poignancy ("I Don't Love You Much Do I") aplenty, but the more light-hearted material also packs an angular, witty punch, and it's this that makes BOATS TO BUILD one of Clark's most well-balanced albums.

Recorded at EMI Studios, Nashville, Tennessee in February, 1992. Includes liner notes by Ben Sandmel.

Personnel: Guy Clark (vocals, guitar); Bill Lloyd, Verlon Thompson (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Radney Foster, Suzy Ragsdale (vocals, background vocals); Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell (vocals); Brian Ahern (guitar); Jerry Douglas (slide guitar, dobro); Lee Roy Parnell (slide guitar); Marty Stuart, Sam Bush (mandolin); Kenny Malone (drums, congas, percussion); Bill Caswell (Jew's harp).

Liner Note Author: Ben Sandmel.

Recording information: EMI Studios, Nashville, TN (02/1992).

Photographer: Jim McGuire .

Unknown Contributor Role: Guy Clark.

Personnel: Guy Clark (vocals, guitar); Verlon Thompson (guitar, background vocals); Jerry Douglas (slide guitar); Brian Ahern (guitar); Sam Bush (mandolin); Bill Caswell (jaw harp); Travis Clark (bass); Kenny Malone (drums, percussion); Suzi Ragsdale (background vocals).

Spin (3/93, p.22) - "...Down-to-earth, heartfelt tales of ramblin', workin', and lovin' from a man who seems to have really been around, the songs on this disc comfort and soothe like a warm fire on a lonely winter night..."
Entertainment Weekly (11/20/92, p.92) - "...When Clark lets a little restlessness ripple through his folksy tales of rugged individualism and ragged love, his still waters still run deep..." - Rating: B
Q (7/93, p.87) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...It's certainly Clark's finest since his 1978 debut, OLD NUMBER ONE, perfectly capturing his nonchalant swing, lightly parched voice and beguiling ability to make subjects like the creative process into the stuff of barroom singalongs..."
Musician (3/93, p.94) - "...Clark can capture the jaunty optimism of `Baton Rouge' or the terse suspicion of `How'd You Get This Number' in ways a better singer never could. It may not be the stuff hits are made of, but it sure floats this BOAT..."