Lyrics that mean something, melodies that are
actually melodic - music that possesses those traits always finds
a loyal audience sooner or later. For Texas singer/songwriter
Billy 0'R.ourke, that audience is made up of the music lovers
who drop into the Cowboy Bar in Helotes, Texas, on Tuesday night,
to hear what's on his mind. So as a tribute to them, and as a
way for others to hear what's been going on in Helotes nearly
every week for over 6 years. Billy's released his second CD,
titled Tuesday.
There at the Cowboy Bar, it's just Billy and his guitar up on
the stage. He's wearing jeans and a T-shirt, singing in an
engaging, easygoing baritone that recalls his West Texas roots.
And the mostly acoustic Tuesday is a lot like those performances,
which Billy's been doing nearly every week for 6 years.
Actually, the term "just Billy and his guitar" may
be an understatement. His perceptive, witty lyrics and hummable
melodies manage to envelop listeners without relying on an
elaborate musical accompaniment. You can do that when you have
a strong batch of songs, many of which Billy co-wrote with
Mitch Stephens.
Singing about American life, Billy describes the passage from
adolescence to responsible adulthood with affection and understanding
on "Been-There Done-That
Years." "Sweet iced tea is more my style," he sings, happy to have traded la
vida loca for something more real and permanent.
Another favorite is "She Just Wants to Dance," which was recently featured
on The Other Side, a weekly program on the top San Antonio country station
KJ-97. A vivid story, it's about a beautiful young woman who's a great dance
partner but thinks twice before getting involved with any of the Romeos who
approach her.
Billy and Mitch wrote the album's 14 songs over the last two years. In 1991,
Billy graduated from Angelo State Univ. in San Angelo with a degree in drama
and speech: "I thought about going to California and trying to make it as an
actor." But during college, he joined a band that played everything from R&B
to rock and country. Growing up, he'd loved the music of George Strait, Vem
Gosdin, Bruce Homsby and Jackson Browne.
So after he graduated, he decided to stay in music, joining the award-winning
Poteet based Tejano band David Lee Garza & Los Musicales on guitar, later
moving to bajo sexto. Ten albums later, he's still with them - the raucous
Tuesday track "Who's That Gringo?" describes his experiences with the band. "Once
I got in with David (Lee Garza) I thought, 'I know what I'm supposed to be
doing.'" Billy recalls.
Billy signed a publishing deal with producer Bill Green in 1997
and prior to Tuesday released his debut album Honky Tonk Ballet,
where he's backed by a full band.
Give Billy's new CD a spin and find out why Tuesday is such a great night to
hang out at the Cowboy Bar.
