I have just finished watching and listening to one of the best albums of traditional country, western and Texas swing music I’ve heard in awhile. This package – or a “project” as Aaron describes it, is the live CD and DVD in one package and was recorded to give something back to his fans and family. The show is live and is held in front of a few thousand fans in Waco, TX and comes across like a major television 2-hour recorded performance. Aaron has his own comments during the DVD – sitting in front of his sound board and talking about experiences he has had on the road, his family, and ideas he gathered for songs on his travels to fairs, honky tonks and rodeos across the west.

His show is honest and forthright – no smoke and mirrors, no fancy gimmicks, just a good concert by a true country singer. The songs he sings are Country, Western, Honky Tonk, Outlaw and Texas Swing. Some songs are his originals and some songs are his renditions of past hits – “Bob Wills is Still the King” (Waylon Jennings) and “On the Fighting Side of Me” (Merle Haggard) are two good examples.

I am so happy to review this CD/DVD set – I feel like I’ve just attended a country concert, front row!

One of his songs, “Heyday Tonight” is a wonderful fast-tempo, upbeat song with a hint of auctioneering and hillbilly stomping tempo. There is lots of good fiddling and steel guitar in this song and Aaron sings with clear enunciation even though it sounds like an auction is about to happen! It’s a great party song and calls out the days of the week until Friday at 5:00 when the whistle blows and the party begins. This song is a must-hear and a must-have if you love happy music!

Another song he does, “Except for Jesse” is a dedication to Waylon Jennings’ wife Jesse Colter. This one is reminiscent of the outlaw music Waylon and Jesse sang and tells how she loved him in spite of his ways and how he wouldn’t change for anyone except for Jesse. This is a song you won’t be able to stand still listening to nor will you be able to keep your hands from clapping! He calls out Shooter Jennings at the end of the song. I personally loved the outlaws and this song brought back memories of lots of shows I attended with Waylon and Jesse headlining.

“Hearts Are Breaking Across Texas” is a beautiful love song about a man about to marry the woman he loves. This song includes all I love about Texas – Cowboys, the Lone Star, a yellow rose – and is a beautiful waltzing melody. Aaron sings this love song about his beautiful bride in a white dress with such clarity and honesty a gal might feel like he is singing it to her!

I could review all 22 songs positively – I love Texas music and this young man dubbed “The Honky Tonk Kid” reminds me a lot of George Strait with his music and stage manner and I think everyone who loves a traditional country stage show with lots of Texas spirit and personal interviews should have this one in their collection.

You can find more on Aaron by going to www.myspace.com/aaronwatson and www.aaronwatson.com.

CalamityAnnie – CMTT Music Contributor
www.myspace.com/calamityannie1 and www.twitter.com/calamityannie1