Gene Watson signs with Shanachie Records
Thursday, May 10, 2007 – Country veteran Gene Watson signed a record deal with Shanachie Records, which will result in his first album in four years this September.
This marks a continued foray by Shanachie into country since the label released albums by Daryle Singletary, David Ball and Confederate Railroad earlier this year.
The as-yet untitled album by Watson, who last released "Gene Watson Sings," will feature both new songs and versions of some of his favorite country classics. The recording for this highly anticipated album is scheduled to begin in May in Nashville and will be produced by Brent Rowan (Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton).
"Gene Watson is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest country singers of the past 40 years," notes Shanachie General Manager Randall Grass. "We strongly believe that a singer of Gene's talent and classic style embodies the best of country music's traditions, and so we are very proud to enter in this agreement with him. What's especially impressive is that even at this stage in his long career, Gene is singing better than ever."
The new music will be Watson's 30th release. He has 26 Top Twenty country hits, including 5 number 1 singles.
Watson said, "I'm excited to have this opportunity to record a new album for a great label like Shanachie. I think the fans will find we've got some great country songs and I hope they'll also enjoy my spin on some of my favorite country classics." Watson continues to tour extensively both within the United States and abroad.
Shanachie has also just concluded a deal with Tammy Cochran to release her "Where I Am" album in July and beginning in May, producer Greg Cole is recording "The Greatest Country Love Songs Of All Time," which will feature guest vocalists George Jones, Aaron Tippin, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Daryle Singletary and Joe Diffie.
More news for Gene Watson
CD reviews for Gene Watson
A Taste of the Truth
On We've Got a Pulse, Gene Watson affirms "Just as long as I'm alive, there will be songs about grievin' and cheatin' and drinkin' and lovin' a good woman right" with such gusto and assuredness that even the most cynical music critic might believe that traditional country music is not on its deathbed. And there are undeniably some younger country artists who understand and appreciate their roots, artists like Brad Paisley, who took Watson out on tour to »»» |
In a Perfect World
In an age of photo-ops and 10-second sound bites, Gene Watson is a welcome respite. On his latest, Watson's richly mellow voice with that subtle twang comes shining through and is indicative as to why he should be considered one of the standard-bearers of pure country music.
Right out of the gate, he proves triumphant with "Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me" and the beguiling "She's Already Gone." His robustness is also evident on the sweet and »»» |
Then And Now
Gene Watson had 48 singles in the Top 40 during the '70s and '80s, but like a lot of guys from that era (including a lot of living legends), he has been shunted to the sidelines by our youth-obsessed culture. Which is too bad because with the possible exception of Vern Gosdin (another old master put out to pasture), there is nobody with as smooth a pure-country voice as Gene Watson.
This is not a collection of greatest hits (only 2 of these hit the top 10; 1975's "You Could Know As Much About a »»» |
Editorial: Taylor Swift, the Grammys and playing in the dirt –
Sunday proved to be a night of extreme highs and lows for Taylor Swift. On the extremely positive side, the superstar garnered four Grammys, including Album of the Year for the very fine "Fearless." Swift has proven her mettle as a solid songwriter with lots of good tunes. Just how country it is is open to interpretation. Let's just say that she and traditional country singers have little in common. But in the context of what constitutes country today, Swift is probably no better or worse than most of the singers and performers out there. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
Eilen Jewell wears a lot of musical hats. The Idaho native, who now lives in Boston, fronts the Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell Band, a pretty much traditional country band. She's a member the Sacred Shakers, an octet doing gospel country with a country beat. And she has yet another project, Butcher Holler, covering Loretta Lynn songs.... »»»
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