Dave Jorgenson

One of the major complaints that I hear about country music these days is that it is no longer really county. So many artists have 'crossed over' or 'gone mainstream' in order to appeal to a wider audience. Anyone who has listened to Dave Jorgenson's latest offering, Then and Now, will tell you that he has not sold out. He has held firmly to his country roots.

The style of Dave's music is more closely related to legends like George Jones and George Strait. Writing all of the songs on his CD, he's proven to be a capable songwriter. To help bring his songs to life, he's assembled a group of fine musicians. I especially liked the touch of Spanish guitar in Living a Lie. In addition to Dave, the musicians on the CD include Rick Connell (drums), Luke Maring (bass), Ronnie Huckaby (piano), Kenny Grohman (steel guitar), and Hayon Vitera (fiddle). Responsibility for lead and rhythm guitar is divided among Benny McArthur, Shane Laurence, Rick McRae, and Jacob Hildebrand.

Then and Now is complete with twangy cryin'-in-your-beer songs filled with heartache. Dave and his band are well suited for the dance hall circuit. Songs like Misty Eyed and Whiskey Helps the Heartache are perfect for some boot scootin'. They can be followed by a good head-on-your-shoulder slow dance with Hell Froze Over. Then mosey on up to the bar, listen to Living a Lie, and comfort yourself with a cold longneck.

Dave hails from the midwest, but he has recently dug his heels into the Austin soil. If anyone sees him drifting back home, make it your duty to rope him back in. We need to keep him in Texas. If you're a fan of genuine county music, I'd make a point to either get out to a show or pick up a copy of Then and Now.

Check out AustinExperience.com's musician/band links.

Listen to samples from 'Then and Now'

Related links:
Dave Jorgenson's website