Everything Texas (Cry Love, 2003)

There is little doubt that Page Jackson, a native Texan, must have had one helluva time making this album. As the title indicates, every one of the dozen songs is about Texas. Jackson certainly maintains a sense of humor, which is evident from the get go where shades of Lyle Lovett come to mind on the catchy "Never Ask a Man Where He's From (If He's From Texas, He'll Tell You").

Many songs that are cause for a smile, which means Jackson is on target lyrically. Jackson often comes off as being reverent of the Lone Star State, but one also senses that he's not so serious as to think that there is not some tongue-in-cheek attitudes at play ("Texas" where he sings just turn back your dial to 1842/You're in Texas"). Jackson would have been better served to be a little less adventurous musically. He goes through a vocal echo distortion on "Never Goin' Back to San Antone," which wasn't needed. He opts for an occasional disco sound as well.

On the other hand, when he goes for blues or soulful sounds ("Class" and "San Antonio Rose" with Teresa James' strong lead vocals), that works far better.

Fortunately, he ends it with "Feelin' Country" about a city slicker who finds himself in a honky tonk. Jackson's good time is to our listening benefit. (323-270-1099)