Dale Watson set to release new LP 'Call Me Lucky'

Breaking news that genre-defying aritst Dale Watson has announced a new album is on the way...

Dale Watson announces new album 'Call Me Lucky' 

LISTEN TO A NEW TRACK "THE DUMB SONG" AT ROLLING STONE COUNTRY

Johnny Cash’s former drummer W.S. Holland plays on first offering from Watson’s new album due out February 15, 2019 on Red House Records 

Dale Watson

Over the last three decades, Dale Watson has been labeled as everything from alt-country to Ameripolitan. But the most humble description may come from the title of his newest album, CALL ME LUCKY, out February 15 on Red House/Ameripolitan Records. Rolling Stone is premiering a new track from the album, "The Dumb Song," which "mixes a devilish charm with a touch of smarm as he rattles off the bad habits he won’t quit, from drinking and smoking to eating Southern fried chicken." Recorded at historic Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, TN, the track channels early Johnny Cash and even features Carl Perkins and Cash's former drummer, W.C. Holland, to nail the vintage sound (that's Holland shouting "Yes!" at the end of the song).

LISTEN TO THE DUMB SONG AT ROLLING STONE

A fixture of the Austin, Texas, music scene for years, Watson recorded all but one song on CALL ME LUCKY in Memphis. The album features some of Memphis’ finest as well as Dale’s longtime band, His Lone Stars, and includes a horn section on some of the tracks. In early 2018, he bought a house there and now divides his downtime equally between Texas and Tennessee. He also sold the bars he owned in Texas and purchased the fabled Memphis nightclub Hernando’s Hideaway in an effort to provide a hospitable place for touring musicians to perform.

Throughout CALL ME LUCKY, Watson’s songwriting is so descriptive that you can almost see him cruising into Memphis as he sings “Tupelo Mississippi and a ‘57 Fairlane,” a throwback tune backed by a Memphis-style horn section. Meanwhile, a Hank Williams influence seeps into “Haul Off and Do It,” which is already a favorite in Watson’s live shows. And like the music from his musical heroes, many of the new songs clock in at roughly three minutes long – sometimes less.

“I’ve always been a fan of keeping songs short,” Watson confirms. “Long ago, I went to a library and checked out Tom T. Hall’s How I Write Songs. And in there, he said it’s not about keeping the songs short, it’s keeping the point. Make your point and get out. That’s always been my way of writing. There are some songs I’ve written that go on a bit more like a story, but I guess it’s probably my ADD that I don’t drag it out too much.”

On CALL ME LUCKY, Watson sings with fondness about his girlfriend, rockabilly singer Celine Lee, on “You Weren’t Supposed to Feel This Good,” while “Mama’s Smile” would have been perfectly suited for a young Elvis. Later, Watson’s electric guitar roars on “Who Needs This Man,” a clever number about finding a date through the personal ads. He concludes the album with “Run Away,” a country-tinged tune that echoes the records Johnny Cash made in Memphis in the 1950s.

Looking ahead, Watson will once again be a featured artist on the sold-out Outlaw Country Cruise joining Margo Price, Lucinda Williams and others. He’ll then gear up for the Sixth Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards in Memphis in February. Founded and operated by Watson, the ambitious event celebrates touring roots artists who write their own music – a winning formula that Watson has embodied for more than 30 years.

“I write a lot. It doesn’t mean I write good songs, but I do write a lot of songs. So I think as with anything, you keep at it and you get better at it. But as for writing just a simple country song, I can accept that I’m good at that,” Watson says. “I’m just really, really grateful to be able to do what I do for a living, for as long as I’ve been doing it.”

Look for Spring 2019 US tour dates and a UK tour in May to be announced soon. 

For Dale’s full tour schedule, please visit www.dalewatson.com.

Track Listing:
1. Call Me Lucky
2. The Dumb Song
3. Johnny And June
4. Tupelo Mississippi And A '57 Fairline
5. Haul Off And Do It
6. Restless
7. David Buckskimper
8. Inside View
9. You Weren't Supposed To Feel This Good
10. Mama's Smile
11. Who Needs This Man

KIND WORDS
“Watson infuses every track with unashamedly blue-collar, grass roots honesty.”  – American Songwriter

"He’s spent the past two decades proving there are still powerful tales to be told from the honky-tonk pulpit, and he's brought that message to the faithful.”  – The Nashville Scene 

 “I’m one of Dale’s biggest fans.” –  Willie Nelson

“His objective importance lies in his priceless role as devoted counter to insipid pop-country.”  – No Depression

TOUR DATES

Nov 21 - Fredericksburg, TX - Luckenbach Dance Hall
Nov 22 - Austin, TX - Continental Club
Nov 24 - Austin, TX - Broken Spoke
Nov 30 - McKinney, TX - Hanks Bar and Grill
Dec 6 - Austin, TX - The Highball
Dec 11 - Las Vegas, NV - Gilley's Saloon at Treasure Hall
Dec 13 - Austin, TX - Palmer Events Center
Dec 14 - Austin, TX - Continental Club
Dec 15 - Dripping Springs, TX - Mercer Street Dance Hall
Dec 20 - Wimberly, TX - Wimberly Methodist Church
Dec 22 - Austin, TX - White Horse
Dec 28 - Houston, TX - Rockefellers
Dec 29 - Austin, TX - Broken Spoke
Dec 30 - Turkey, TX - Bob Wills Event Center
Dec 31 - Fort Worth, TX - Longhorn Saloon
Jan 3 - Austin, TX - The Highball
Jan 5 - Coupland, TX - Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall
Jan 10 - Austin, TX - The Highball
Jan 12 - Austin, TX - Broken Spoke
Jan 17 - Austin, TX - The Highball
Jan 18 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
Jan 19 - San Angelo, TX - Wells Fargo Pavilion
Jan 25 - Bartlett, TN - Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center
Jan 26 - Tampa, FL - Skipper's Smokehouse
Jan 27 - Tampa, FL - Norwegian Cruise Line
Feb 15 - Fredericksburg, TX - Luckenbach Dance Hall
Feb 16 - Austin, TX - Broken Spoke

Music Worth Buying: 2016 Coachella and Stagecoach recap

Robert offers a quick recap of some of the far-flung artists he caught at this year's Coachella and Stagecoach festivals in Indio, California:

Stagecoach preview: Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, Chris Stapleton

With two full weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival having just ended, the Empire Polo Club in Indio is now set to host California's biggest country music event, Stagecoach. The annual festival runs April 29 - May 1, 2016.

Billy Joe Shaver is coming to Stagecoach.
Photo: Jim McGuire

The three-day festival always draws a diverse lineup of legendary tastemakers and groundbreaking newcomers, and this year is no exception. There are modern-day hit makers (Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan), traditionalists (Luke Bell, Dale Watson, Marty Stuart) and Americana favorites (SUSTO, Rodney Crowell), as well as classic rockers (John Fogerty, the Doobie Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band) whose sounds have heavily influenced contemporary country music icons.

Here is a preview of some "must see" names coming to Stagecoach this weekend.

Emmylou Harris, seen here in
2005, performs on day 1 of
Stagecoach.

Friday, April 29
Few country music singer-songwriters to emerge in the 1970s have displayed the timeless artistry and profound influence of 13-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris. The Alabama native rose to fame singing with the late Gram Parsons, and has continued to champion emotional songcraft whether recording alone or with the acclaimed likes of Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Her 1977 album "Luxury Liner" and 1995's "Wrecking Ball" rank as several of country music's most beloved LP releases.

Austin, Texas-based favorite Dale Watson is a bona fide honky-tonk hero and will bring a solid dose of traditional country music to Stagecoach on the first day of the festival. He hits Stagecoach armed with wonderful songs off his latest album, "Call Me Insane," which has earned Watson praise for its connections with the Lone Star State's rich country traditions. Among the highlights on that disc is the fast-paced "A Day at a Time," and "Jonesin' for Jones," the latter an infectious tribute to the late George Jones.

Another great reason to arrive on day 1 of Stagecoach is Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver, now 76, who brings his long and impressive parade of authentic outlaw material to Indio. His 1970s albums remain essential affairs, with tracks such as "Gypsy Boy," "Honky Tonk Heroes" and "You Asked Me To" among his best-known recordings. His hit "Live Forever" (co-written by his son Eddy) was performed by Robert Duvall in the movie "Crazy Heart."

John Fogerty, seen here performing in May 2007,
is returning to Stagecoach in 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday, April 30
The last time rocker John Fogerty performed at Stagecoach, it was in May 2008 and he performed on the Mane Stage right before the Eagles. It was Fogerty who killed it that day, unleashing one classic high-powered hit and emotional high after another. Opening with "Born On The Bayou," his hour-long set included the likes of "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Fortunate Son," "Keep On Chooglin," "Bad Moon Rising" and set-ending "Proud Mary." Expect the singer-songwriter-guitar great to deliver the goods again this weekend. One of rock 'n' roll's true greats. 

Fans of Dawes and Band of Horses will want to catch Charleston, S.C.-based SUSTO. The band's self-titled 2014 debut featured a slew of compelling alt-cosmic country gems including the uptempo "Acid Boys" and introspective "County Line." The group is set to release its sophomore album this year, and that disc's first single "Cosmic Cowboy" tackles the cliches of Southern tradition against a compelling soundscape mixing several roots styles. 

If you missed Chris Stapleton when he performed at Coachella, the good news is the acclaimed singer-songwriter is going to perform at Stagecoach too. It's no surprise that Stapleton won six awards at the 51st Annual ACM Awards - his debut solo album "Traveller" is that great. Don't miss Stapleton when he performs favorites such as the aptly-titled "Fire Away" on Saturday.

Sunday, May 1

The Deslondes hail from New Orleans.
Photo: Sarrah Danziger 

Last year was a good one for the Deslondes; the New Orleans country-folk troupe's eponymous 2015 album received plenty of well-deserved attention and spawned the rousing hit "The Real Deal." American Songwriter magazine listed the album as one of the "Top 50 Albums of 2015," and now the New West Records artist will perform their infectious old time material at Stagecoach.

I caught RaeLynn when she opened for Rascal Flatts at Irvine Meadows in October 2015, and the young singer impressed with the acoustic-flavored "For a Boy" and even more catchy "God Made Girls." Now the 21-year-old Texas native who rose to fame during the second season of NBC-TV's "The Voice" gets to showcase her country pop in Indio.

Since forming in 1970, the Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40 million albums thanks to recording a string of amazing hits including "China Grove," "Listen to the Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "Take Me In Your Arms." There is little doubt a large festive atmosphere will greet the Doobie Brothers when they take the stage on Sunday in Indio.

For more information, visit StagecoachFestival.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Austin City Limits TV good 'un: Kacey Musgraves & Dale Watson Premieres

Television specials continue to be a fine place to catch top-tier artists in action. Here is news on the next episode of Austin City Limits and it promises to be a good one!

Austin City Limits Presents Country Music, Texas-style
Grammy Winner Kacey Musgraves & Country Icon Dale Watson

Season Finale Premieres February 8, 2014 on PBS

Kacey Musgraves

Watch Kacey Musgraves perform "Stupid" on ACL
Watch Dale Watson perform "I Lie When I Drink" on ACL

Dale Watson

Austin City Limits—Austin, TX—February 6, 2014—Austin City Limits (ACL) closes out Season 39 with a spectacular hour of country music, Texas-style, featuring the ACL debuts of Grammy Award-winning Texas native Kacey Musgraves and Austin’s own country icon Dale Watson. The season finale premieres Saturday, February 8. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online at video.pbs.org/programs/austin-city-limits immediately following the initial broadcast. In the following weeks, the Peabody Award-winning series will continue to broadcast fan-favorite encore episodes weekly until Season 40 premieres this fall. Viewers can stay tuned to acltv.com for episode schedules and news regarding live streams of upcoming tapings. ACL, the longest-running music series in American television history, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this fall, and will be announcing a number of special events related to the approaching milestone in the coming weeks.

Breakout country artist Kacey Musgraves walked away with two trophies for Best Country Album and Best Country Song at this year's Grammy Awards for her critically-acclaimed major label debut Same Trailer Different Park. The release produced the hit singles “Follow Your Arrow” and the Grammy-winning “Merry Go ‘Round” and topped many critics 2013 year-end best lists including Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Country Weekly, Spin and The New York Times, with Rolling Stone calling her “the gen aught Loretta Lynn...ballsy, unsentimental, thoroughly pop and yet totally in the (country) tradition.” Viewers will want to pull up a chair for a front row seat to one of the most arresting ACL debuts of the season. “Welcome to our little trailer park,” says the twenty-five year old singer-songwriter, kicking off her radiant performance surrounded by a white picket fence and porch lights. Musgraves honest, effortless vocals shine on songs that demonstrate her witty knack for storytelling in a bold, irresistible ACL set.

“If you didn’t know much about Kacey Musgraves before her triumph at the Grammys, you’ll really know what the buzz is all about after seeing her ACL performance,” says executive producer Terry Lickona. “She’s a remarkable songwriter and all-around talent who is blazing new trails for women in country music.”

Next up is Austin’s king of country music: Dale Watson. Called “the silver pompadoured, baritone beltin', Lone Star beer drinkin', honky-tonk hellraiser” by The Austin Chronicle, the hometown hero has flown the flag for classic honky-tonk for over two decades and twenty albums. His latest album, El Rancho Azul, continues his work as one of the world’s finest C&W singers and songwriters, and ACL is thrilled to present Austin’s favorite son in his first feature performance. For Watson's set, the ACL studio is transformed into a substitute for his regular Austin haunt Ginny’s Little Longhorn, with a room full of dancers two-stepping in the time-honored manner and he gets the ATX audience fired up with “Honkiest, Tonkiest Beer Joint”, his paean to the legendary saloon. Watson turns on the Texas charm as he performs a career-spanning, crowd-pleasing set, turning ACL into a full-on honky-tonk complete with Texas shuffles, closing out the season in good fun on a glorious high note.

“Dale is the real deal. Nobody else is making country music like this today,” Lickona says. “It’s time for the rest of the world to discover why he’s so special to us in Austin.”

Kacey Musgraves Setlist:
The Trailer Song
Stupid
Keep it to Yourself
Back on the Map
Merry Go 'Round
Follow Your Arrow
My House

Dale Watson Setlist:
My Baby Makes Me Gravy
Honkiest, Tonkiest Beer Joint
Carrying on This Way
Whiskey or God
I Lie When I Drink
Daughter's Wedding Song
Give Me More Kisses