Welcome to another Spotlight Sunday, where I feature talented music artists. Today, I want to introduce you to a Texas music legendary singer/songwriter, Tommy Alverson.
Tommy Alverson could easily be called the permanent face of the independent Texas country music movement. He embodies all the hallmarks of the sound, and the mindset. Rick and I first met Tommy in 2006. Tommy and his band were playing at the Comanche City Park, and a mutual friend had commissioned Rick to do a pen-and-ink-drawing of Tommy. We took it to him that day and heard him play live for the first time. We were hooked!
The next day, Tommy and the band came to our home in Coleman and visited with Rick. I’ll never forget the kindness and respect they showed to Rick that day.
At any rate, Tommy has a new CD release that I want to tell you about. When I asked why he felt compelled to release it in the midst of this pandemic, here’s what he had to say:
“I just thought it was time I put something out. It’s been a while. The songs have all been released on other projects but I thought these needed a little more attention. I felt like they fell through the cracks and I haven’t really promoted anything in along time. All this time at home has given us a lot of time to think about what we wanted to do next. We had already backed off on touring anyway, so from that aspect, the pandemic didn’t affect us that much. Our Facebook live shows have really worked out well, and we’re grateful for the support everyone has shown.”
The CD kicks off with If I’m Dreamin’. Written by Roy Robinson, Earl Musick and Mark Meritt, it talks about those times in life where the impossible happens, and if it’s a dream, don’t wake me!
Welcome To Paradise is a ‘take me back to the island’ song. And the song proves that you can have an island party anywhere. All you need is good music, good friends and good food.
One of my favorite tunes on this CD is Be Back Tuesday. Tommy’s father was a barber in the tiny town of Itasca, Texas, and this song is a childhood recollection of when Mr. Alverson would put a sign in the window of his barber shop saying, “Gone Fishing. Be Back Tuesday.” He’d load up the family and head to the coast.
Hard To Say For Sure is a Texas swing tune that will get your toes tapping. “We may have had the time of our life last night, but it’s hard to say for sure…”
A tribute to the road, Lonely Texas Highway always takes you home.
While most Texas songs about liquor consist of beer and whiskey, Tommy sings a Wine Song.
The first time I heard Troubles, I fell in love with it. The emotion, the raw grit and honesty tugged at my soul. “I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I’m walking around blind. I think about you darlin’ nearly all the time. I haven’t punched the clock in three weeks or more. And my ol’ boots are full of holes from walkin’ the floor. Troubles, I’ve got ’em, they’re all over me…”
But my number one pick from this album is How Good a Bad Woman Feels. This song could easily be the intro to a western movie. The powerful imagery the words provide is a rare and beautiful thing. When a writer can depict such a strong scene with just a few well-placed words, it’s pure magic. “Well, his voice was gruff and his boots were scuffed as he entered those swinging doors. With a back that was bent he ordered whiskey straight up, drank it down, wanted more. With a stare as sharp as a razors edge, his vision was not all clear. But he said, “Boys, I’ve got memories of how good a bad woman feels.” If you listen to nothing else on this album, click over and listen to this one! While this is a version from another CD, the lyrics are the same.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqpInAdN98Q&w=560&h=315]
Tommy has had the privilege of playing shows with Willie Nelson, and his song, Watchin’ Willie’s Hands shows how far back his love for this man goes.
Another favorite of mine, Lucky Ol’ Sun always gives me a carefree feeling. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just roll around heaven all day like that lucky ol’ sun?
There are love songs and then there are Tommy Alverson kinds of love songs, and Fallin’ Off a Log is one of them. “It’s like a one, two, three, abc, Sunday morning, you and me, it’s so easy, it’s so easy, like fallin’ off a log, it’s so easy…”
Take a trip south of the border for a steamy love affair on Tequila Rose, another of my favorites, and another written by Roy Robinson (aka Amos Staggs.) This song has that same powerful imagery that I talked about earlier.
The CD comes to a close with I Wish I Didn’t Love You.
I sincerely hope my humble opinion of this compilation intrigues you enough that you send for a copy. I know Tommy would appreciate it greatly.
Tommy has not set a price for this CD. He is asking for donations – whatever you think it is worth to you. I’d suggest a price, but I’d rather you choose.
Order your copy of Alverson 5 & 10 through:
VENMO: @amy-alverson-2
PAYPAL: tommy.alverson@gmail.com (Don’t forget to select the “Family and Friends” option!)
Thank you for your support of Texas Music!
Jan this is so much fun. I love the artwork by Rick. Phenomenal talent. Take care, Rox
Thank you, Rox! I appreciate you stopping by! Hugs!
Hi,
Tommy’s voice reminds me a little of Willie Nelson, although the voices are different. Thanks for sharing his music. I love Willie Nelson and of course, Josh Turner is my favorite country singer. He comes out of the heart of the South Carolina and I got the chance to see him in person in 2008 at the Grand Ole Opry, which was a big treat.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Tommy is definitely a huge Willie fan and has had the opportunity more than once to play on stage with Willie. I too love Josh Turner. When he first came out with “Long Black Train,” I was hooked! He has such a different voice! What a treat to see him at the Grand Ole Opry. Wow! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Hi Jan
This is a fascinating post. Does Tommy have any “tasters” on YouTube?
If so, please could you add the link?
Oops. I see we can listen! Forget I asked. I’m switching on my speakers right now.
Wonderful, Sarah!
Thank you JAN for such a great review!
My pleasure, Tommy!
Super post, Jan. It was great to hear Tommy’s work. Very clean vocals. Thank you.
Thank you, John! I appreciate you stopping by!
😁
I enjoyed this post, Jan. I don’t know that much about Texas music, but am learning from your posts.
Just as I learn more about South Africa from your posts, Robbie. 🙂 I love it! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I love the drawing and learning more about an artist new to me.
Wonderful, Denise! Thank you for stopping by!
That was a great song! Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂
My pleasure, Yvette! Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing Tommy with readers. I had not heard of him before today. Wonderful voice and verse!
That is my goal with these Sunday Spotlights, Gwen – to introduce my readers to new music artists they might not otherwise ever hear of. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a blessed day!