Cody Widner
As
you listen to "Drinkin' Doubles", the first song on Honky Tonk Heart,
the sophomore album by Texas born Cody Widner, it is clear that
traditional country music is alive and thriving in the Texas hill
country and Widner is, no doubt, one of the main reasons why. This
handsome cowboy with a voice reminiscent of one of his heroes; fellow
Texan George Strait, definitely has what it takes to impact country
music in a spectrum far broader than just the Texas hills he calls home.
According
to a recent press release, it may not be only his singing and
songwriting that is getting audiences excited, apparently, whenever the
urge strikes him, he has been known to give away an autographed guitar
during a performance. But it didn't take a free guitar to get my
attention. The album features all the best attributes of classic country
and this is likely what put Widner on the Country charts in, according
to one source, a secure position "between Alan Jackson and Lee Ann
Womack." His current chart climber is titled "When the Smoke Clears" but
any one of the songs on this album is chart worthy.
"Feel
Again" has Widner doing some great vocal harmony with someone who
sounds like Lee Ann Womack and this was only one of the several songs
that were stand outs for me on this album. I'm a real sucker for peddle
steel and there is plenty of it in this song, and on this album; there
is also plenty of wonderful, weepy fiddle. "Back in the Swing of Things"
was one of the tracks that really stood out for me; in part, due to the
great instrumentals. This particular track harkens back to the
up-tempo, toe-tappin' songs that carried Bob Wills to fame and fortune
and it looks like it could easily do it again for Widner.
"*A
Honky Tonk Heart" is one of my all-time favorite songs by Keith Whitley
and I didn't think anyone else could ever really do this song justice
but I must admit that I did enjoy Widner's version. I think Keith would
have liked this version too because it has some really great
instrumental riffs to match the super vocals.
The
album closes with "What Time Does the Band Start." This enjoyable
waltz, with its lilting lyrics, will definitely leave you wanting an
encore. I admit it, I found myself hitting "replay" more than once.
Widner
says, "As far as music goes, I just keep it simple and keep it country,
and that's it." Well, as far as I'm concerned, I think, in the case of
Cody Widner, keeping it simple and country is right on target. If you
are a fan of traditional country, look no further, Widner delivers with a
splendid Honky Tonk Heart.
Albums:
2000 - SUMTHIN' COUNTRY
2004 - RIGHT WHERE I BELONG
2005 - HONKY TONK HEART
