Customer Reviews

Willis Alan Ramsey

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before Lyle Lovett released "Step Inside This House," the only brushes with the work of Willis Alan Ramsey most folks had were via The Captain and Tennille's version of "Muskrat Love," or perhaps Jimmy Buffett's cover of "The Ballad of Spider John." Thanks to the release of "Step Inside This House," apparently enough interest has arisen to prompt the re-release of Willis Alan Ramsey's self-titled album. Originally released in the 70's, this album made a huge splash with fans of the Austin-based music scene of that period. However, Ramsey chafed under the constraints of the music business-even within the relatively loose bounds of Shelter Records-and to the best of my knowledge, he never released another recording. (Until Lovett's "Step Inside This House," I wondered if he'd died.)

An interviewer once asked Clint Black-respected as a songwriter in spite of his place in "Commercial Country"-what five albums he'd want with him on a desert island. He reportedly rattled off a mixed list of country and rock artists, and then, as an afterthought, named one more: "Willis Alan Ramsey." This recording truly is a treasure. Listen to it, and you'll find that, like a well-loved piece of antique furniture, it gets better with time. (If the world is a just place, we'll next see a re-release of a Steve Fromholz recording.)

Nearly three decades after it was first released, it's a little ironic to recall that this recording, now a word-of-mouth legend, was initially considered a commercial flop.

Willis Alan Ramsey's start as a recording artist came about a little unusually. After being snubbed by James Taylor's producer, Ramsey approached Leon Russell at his motel, following Russell's appearance in Austin with the Allmann Brothers. After listening to Ramsey, Russell invited him to California for another audition. The album that followed, recorded at various locations across the country, took a year to complete. While Russell's Shelter Records was widely considered a haven for those artists alienated by the big labels, Ramsey still reportedly felt that the process of making the album came at the expense of too many artistic compromises. To him, the music business was simply too much about business and not enough about music, even within the relatively loose constraints of "America's answer to Apple Records."

While many "insiders" blamed Shelter Records for failing to support Ramsey's debut album, the surprising truth was that Ramsey himself asked Shelter not to promote it. In an interview with Jan Reid, a journalist for Texas Monthly magazine (and author of "The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock," a fascinating account of the rise of the progressive country scene of the time), Ramsey said: "I just don't like advertisement. I don't like somebody to feel like they've got to shove something down my throat before I'll find out about it. Because I know that people who listen to records as much as I do will gradually hear one if it's any good. Let it stand the test of time."

Words to choke on, perhaps, for a zealous capitalist, but I'd wager that most would agree that this recording has indeed stood the test of time. It's doubtful that Willis Alan Ramsey-a man who couldn't tolerate the oppressive influence of managers, agents, and journalists-will ever be a household name, act in a movie, or make big bucks off of beer commercials. He might never release another recording. That's regrettable, I suppose. Ultimately, though, we should forget the regret and rejoice that this treasure of a recording is available again. It endures as a gift from the soul of a remarkable artist, a man who refused to allow himself to be molded into a commodity. In the prophetic words of Mr. Ramsey himself, "Let it stand the test of time."

What an incredible album/CD! I saw WAR at the now-defunct Bijou in San Antonio in 1976. No back-up band. Just WAR, a guitar and a microphone. Absolutely one of the best musical performances I EVER saw. I remember hearing a "thump, thump, thump" throughout the show, thinking there was some sort of programmable percussion. Halfway through "Angel Eyes", I realized it was his foot lightly tapping on the mic stand. It was humorous, but at the same time, fitting. Simple songs, sung naturally and performed beautifully. I have a copy of this album, but have been unable to listen to it for 10 years, due to the amount of wear. I am so grateful to finally get a copy of it on CD!

I came face to face with WAR at the Alliance Wagonyard during the "armadillo" daze in Austin about 1972. Hearing these songs live without any accompaniment was incredible! I found this disc three years ago at a used cd store on the drag in Austin so it rocks that is has been rereleased for all of the new fans waiting to be made. This album has the sincerity & honesty of one of the most talented songwriters of a generation. Besides "Spider John", my favorite has to be "Geraldine" or "Northeast Texas Women". If you have never heard of this music, do yourself a flavor and get it. To all the rest of you - keep on rocking! See Lyle Lovett (Step Inside This House) for an update on WAR.

I have an ancient vinyl copy of this, now worn and scratched and battered, but had given up hope of finding it on CD. It was interesting to read the other customer reviews and learn a little more about this album. This music stands up to the 20 odd years since its recording with grace, wit and style. Even though others have recorded these tunes, even Shawn Colvin, Ramsey's delivery is the best. Of course if you are reading this, you are probably already a fan, but if you have never heard this music, slip it into your shopping cart, you won't regret it.

A folk/country masterpiece, this ageless work is given new life on the artist's current tour. I caught this show on a rainy night in Memphis and was moved deeply. These songs are beautifully written and performed with grace and elegance.

Some artists are beyond commercial pressures and in a league all their own. Though Willis Alan Ramsey works within the folk/country genre, he redefines what it means to be truly alternative.

Have yourself a few drinks and allow the wisdom and wonder of this timeless music to soothe your soul.

A true master.

Just to let you fans know - I had Willis Alan over to my house in mid-November where he put on the most unforgettable concert I have ever heard. He played outside on my back porch for myself, my wife, and a few other fans of music (though only one other person had ever heard of him before). I believe that he enjoyed it just as much as we did - crickets chirping, train whistles blowing, and Willis Alan singing, playing, and tapping his foot along with the songs.

Additionally, he is as nice a person as you would ever want to meet and very patiently put up with all my lame questions about how he came to write many of his songs, and then listened late into the night to some of my favorite music that I thought he might not have heard of, but might also enjoy. Quite the gentleman, he told me the next morning that he enjoyed listening to the music the night before, rather than haraunging me about keeping him up so late.

Anyways, just thought that I would let you fans know that he has just finished putting on the finishing touches to a NEW ALBUM! So, keep your eyes peeled out for it.

My brother used to play guitar in central/east Texas clubs in the late 70s and he met WAR and immediately became his no. 1 fan. He turned me on to him not too long after and ever since, when someone asks me for a recommendation, I immediately think of WAR. His storytelling is unique, his voice sounds far more mature than his years and his sense of humor is outrageous--Northeast Texas Women is a good example. Spider John is about a guy who gave him a lift when he was hitchiking to Dallas one time and he listened to the guy talk. While the guy is somewhat more benign than the song implies, WAR made up a whole scenario about his life based on a few things the guy said. And I could go on and on and on...talk about a singer/songwriter.

Just this past weekend, while listening to NPR's American Roots, the teaser for the next segment came on as I was about to get out of the car. Lo and behold, the announcer told me to stay tuned for a rare interview with Willis Alan Ramsey, so of course I settled back to listen. After living all over central and northeast Texas, he has settled in Wimberley, a very small town southwest of Austin. When asked why only one album, he explained that he was only 21 or 22 when the first came out and the attention was too overwhelming, which made him resist ever getting in that situation again. Finally, at around 50 (?), he's way more comfortable w/ himself and has begun to write and perform again. In fact, he's working on a second album. So, all you WAR fans, keep your eyes peeled for that release (late this year, early next--I think?).

Having lived with the thought of never hearing this album again after my copy was destroyed in a flood, my life is now complete.Having first heard Willis in 1975 through fellow Shelter Records stablemate Larry Hosford, I was overjoyed that music this good even existed, much less recorded. "Boy From Oklahoma" and "Painted Lady" sketched such vivid pictures in my mind that I swear I was born and raised in Austin.(I have never been to Texas.!) The melodies and musicianship are unparalled, even by todays' standards. One listen to "Angel Eyes" and you could fall in love with someone you haven't even met yet. Fellow Texan Lyle Lovett probably comes the closest to what Mr. Ramsey acheived years ago with this recording in terms of songwriting skill that runs the gamut from oddly humorous to the most heartfelt romantic ballads. For anyone who appreciates the Austin music scene, or Texas singer/songwriters in general, this album is a must have. Long live Willis Alan Ramsey!!!

Just so Ramsey fans don't flip out and go on a snipe hunt: Peter Morris is mistaken -- "Solid Air" is by John Martyn. Willis Alan Ramsey has only released his debut album to date.