Caught In The Webb: A Tribute To The Legendary Webb Pierce CD

From the '40s until his death in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce worked his magic as a singer and songwriter, recording and penning some of the most memorable songs in country music history. Ten years after his death, producer Gail Davies and Audium Records have assembled an impressive cast of country artists to pay tribute to the icon in Caught in the Webb: A Tribute to the Legendary Webb Pierce. A glance at the talent represented on this album speaks volumes about the quality of this tribute. Though versions of Pierce mega-hits "Why Baby Why" and "In the Jailhouse Now" are included, it doesn't get any better than Emmylou Harris' rendition of "Wondering." Harris' vocals are pure enchantment. Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker is another standout with a smooth delivery of "I Don't Care" backed by the Carol Lee Singers and a piano accompaniment reminiscent of the Nashville sound. The only seams in the fabric of the album seem to be the Del McCoury Band's performance of "Walkin' the Dog," which comes across as a bit too grating, and Charley Pride's "I'm Tired." Pride's vocals sound a bit hoarse for some reason here, unlike on his endearing tribute album to Jim Reeves. Die-hard traditional country music lovers and those who hold the Grand Ole Opry dear will definitely get "caught in the Webb" of this tribute to the legendary Webb Pierce. It is refreshing to see that in the age of pop sparkle the artists who shaped the country genre are not completely forgotten. Equally refreshing is to see that established artists such as George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Crystal Gayle are joining forces with a younger generation of artists like Allison Moorer, Trent Summar, and B45-49, who still revere the roots of country. ~ Rick Cohoon

Recorded at Curb Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. Includes liner notes by Edward Morris.