Customer Reviews

My Maria: Calabasas

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If you like any of the songs on My Maria, you'll like them all, and probably fall in love with a few. They're pretty old (early '70's), so some have been covered by other artists. But except for a few, these are the original versions by the original artist. What Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday were to the blues, B. W. Stevenson is to Austin Texas country rock. Melodies, harmonies, lyrics and polished craftsmanship throughout. And the technical quality of the recordings hold up, considering the many years, as well as a James Taylor or Jim Croce album. Magnificent.

I really loved this man, he could sing like no one else in the business and if you ever had the chance to meet him you walked away with a smile.
These two recordings, "My Maria," and "Calabasis" were the RCA labels push to get BW on the top-40 billborad charts,(which they did, "My Maria" hit number #5).
It was also a chance for BW to move in a more national direction and reach out pass the local Texas audience. BW enlisted the help of top of the line guitar player Larry Carlton, and the hottest female vocalist of the day Linda Rondstant. Besides BW's outstanding song writting skills there are also great gems written by some of the best song writters in the business included on both recordings.
Daniel Moore not only co-wrote, "My Maria" with BW but he also contributed, "Shambala" which was a minor hit for BW and a huge hit for Three Dog Night. Dave Loggins contributed, "Sunset Woman" and BW choose to record an exellent version of Loggins hit, "Please Come to Boston," and BW's cover is better than Loggins orginal.
This is a great mix of funky Gospel/Soul, Country/Rock and easy listening Folk music. I can't say enough about this man and his music, he truly was a overlooked "American Idol" from the heartland, he touched more people than he ever had the chance to see and it's a real tribute that people are still buying his music today.

had been looking for this song/album for awhile. its just the one i wanted and its in GREAT shape. the best part is how quickly i received it!

B.W. was one of the great underrated artists that came out of the incredible Austin cosmic cowboy scene/sound of the early 70's. I'm so glad these albums are paired because even though "My Maria" was a much bigger seller because of the 2 chart songs, "Calabasas" was his masterpiece. "Look for the Light" "A Little Bit of Understanding" "We Had It All" are personal favorites. B.W. died much too young and his music should live forever...

jimi99