Songs of the season
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- 11 Apr 2010Indianapolis • Murat Centre Theatre - Terri's Life & Hope Benefit Concert
The Greatest Singer of Them All
Being 22 years old, I have grown up surrounded by the many hits of Randy Travis. My mother became a fan, exposing the music to me as a child and I even realized then that this was the best country music I would ever here. The voice, the choruses, and the lyrics make songs like 'Forever and Ever Amen' and even the lesser known ones like 'My Greatest Fear', unforgettable. I had the great opportunity of going to see Randy perform at the Durham Fair in CT a few years back on the Passing Through tour. It was an incredible show and you could feel the emotion in the air. When I went out to Las Vegas to work for Wild Streak Talent as an acting extra for 'Rocky Balboa' in December 2005, I saw that Randy was playing the Golden Nugget and jumped on that as well. Amazing shows.
The funny thing is, the songs Randy keeps writing are all masterworks. 'Out of My Bones', 'I Can See It In Your Eyes', and 'Faith in You' are all incredible with real power and emotion within these tracks. There will never be another country singer like Randy as he has stood the test of time, and even hit a different avenue by inspiring us with some Christian warmth in songs like 'Three Wooden Crosses.'
I also make it a point to see his movies like 'John John in the Sky', 'Visitation', and my personal favorite, 'Black Dog' with Patrick Swayze. I remember after hearing 'My Greatest Fear' in the closing credits of 'Black Dog', I ran to my computer and immediately purchased a copy of the movie soundtrack. I do suggest Randy fans see 'John John in the Sky' as it shows Randy's acting prowess when he plays a more villainous role and does it believably.
I remember when I heard Randy was covering the classic 'Chiseled In Stone' on a Cracker Barrel exclusive collection. Well the day it came out I was late to work because I had to drive an hour to the nearest Cracker Barrel Store/Restaurant to pick up a copy.
To say I am excited about 'Around the Bend' is an understatement. Thank you greatly for the 'Faith in You' free download! It is great to have this single, as I have even been playing it over the P.A. in the office, and in my vehicle all the time. Good wholesome music is something Randy Travis has always offered his fans.
I definitely hope Mr. Travis comes around the Connecticut area this year because it would be great to see him perform live again. I have a feeling 'Faith in You' live would be a captivating experience. I have seen many live rock, country, and hip hop acts, including Kenny Rogers, Guns N Roses, 38 Special, The Harlem Diplomats, John Waite, Ringo Starr, Huey Lewis, Hall & Oates, Hootie and the Blowfish, etc. But not one of these can compare to the aura of a Randy Travis show.
In closing:
'we gave you our love, one thing you can't lose, you believe in us, and we still have faith in you.'
Best of luck with the new album Randy. The fans are with you.
And a special shoutout to Charlene Quire at the office! ;-)
- Anthony Maurizio
anthony.maurizio@thehartford.com
http://www.myspace.com/kid_dynamite85
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Comments
Amen, Amen
I couldn't have said it better. They threw away the mold when they made Randy. What a talent. And a genuinely nice man. I met Randy outside of a casino after his concert at The Sands in Atlantic City, NJ. He was so gracious and down to earth. It was like talking to a long time friend ( which he truely has become to all his fans via his music and acting).
You are so right about the aura that he exudes while perfoming. No one can captire that for me either. I've seen many other acts in concert too.( mostly country acts who have opened for Randy). I couldn't wait for them to conclude their show so Randy could come on and perform.
What I love the most about Randy's song selections is they are wholesome as you pointed out. But they are also so simplistic and go righ to the heart of the topic and to your heart as well. He has such a subtlety with his delieveries that everything he sings, be it a beautiful love song such as "Faith In You" or a fun song like "Stranger In My Mirror" or the up coming "Everything I Own( Has Got A Dent) is belieable because of the sincerity in Randys vocals..
Randy's music has stood ( and will continue )to stand the test of time. The songs he recorded on his very first album* and subsequent albumns) sound just as good today as they did when he first recorded them
When I think of the George Jones song "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes("when speaking of Jonny Cash, Waylen Jennings, Merele Haggard) ect, I wonder who will be able to fill Randy's shoes...I don't know if there will ever be an artist with the whole package of a Randy Travis.
Thank you
There is no doubt no one will ever be able to fill the shoes of a Randy Travis. The man is an incredible talent. His lyrics and tones throughout his songs solidify them as some of the most talent-filled musical numbers I have ever heard.
A few months ago I was able to get my hands on an original album of Randy Ray: Live at the Nashville Palace. It's a shame that "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet" wasn't widely circulated, because that song is truly a prized piece.
I cannot wait for the video of "Faith in You" to be released, as the clips shown in the Around the Bend sizzle promo reel show Randy strumming and singing at his best.
- Anthony Maurizio
anthony.maurizio@thehartford.com
http://www.myspace.com/kid_dynamite85
Nashville Palace album
I too have that album. I purchased mine at one of his very early concerts upon signing with WB's. CD's were not out yet then, so I purchased it on cassette. I've just about worn it out. It is just full of great classic songs. I would have liked to have seen s "Ain't No Use' , One Last Time" "Call Somebody Who Gives A Damn" and of course the heart wrenching "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" all end up on one of his professional releases.
It goes without saying that I think everyone who posts on this site is eagerly awaiting the release of Randy's new video. I think he has one of the best bands in country music. But there is just some special magic that happens when it's just him and his guitar. I watched the video on You Tube of just him and the guitar sitting on a stool singing the Beatles hit "Nowhere Man" The hopelessness that he gave that songs lyrics was down right chilling...but in a good way. Awesome performance of that song.
Speaking of Black Dog
I was sadened to learn that Patrick Swayze is seriously ill with Cancer. He has always been one of my favoirte actors. I loved him in Ghost with Demi Moore. Dirty Dancing with Jennifer Grey. Road House, and of course Black Dog with Randy. My prayers are with him and his loved ones. Like his music I also have all of the movies that he has had a role in, be it just a cameo like "Young Guns" or a featured role..I'll never pass up anything that has Randy in it.:).
Best wishes to Swayze
Agreed countrybug. It is awful to hear that Randy's co-star in Black Dog and a film icon due to Ghost and Dirty Dancing is so ill. My prayers are with him.