TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Pearly Gates Saloon

PEARLY GATES SALOON delivers twelve heartfelt tunes about life in general.
Don’t let the cover or title mislead you. This is not a cowboy church album. Whether you’re a dog lover, have seen a deer party in progress (slightly embellished true story!) or have lost someone close to you, there is something on this album for everyone. Basically, if you have lived through anything, this album is a walk down memory lane.

As a consummate songwriter and artist, Woody Eastman delivers each track with the quiet ease he embodies. With the help of other Texas greats such as Mike Blakely (and his talented wife, Annie Blakely), Larry Nye (recorded at his La-Z-L Studio), john Arthur martinez (on drums? Seriously cool!), Kurt Baumer on fiddle (wonder if he used his fluorescent one) and Larry Boyd (just to name a few), each track is Americana at it’s best.

The only thing better than owning this album is to hear Woody perform them live. And if you’re in the West Texas area, the possibilities for those occasions are plentiful.

I give PEARLY GATES SALOON

.5

You can purchase your copy of PEARLY GATES SALOON

Woody Eastman.com

My Texas Music

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Woody Eastman

   Opportunities abounded and little surprises materialized in places I never even considered during my 12-day trip to Texas. Today’s guest was one of those special treats. I’m talking about Woody Eastman.

   Although Woody has been musical most of his life (he played tenor saxophone in the Pearland High School band), he did not open up the writing side until around 1981. On one hand I think, why did he wait so long while the ‘writer’ part of me says he was just racking up experience – some happy and some bittersweet. But they all make for great tunes.

   The first thing that caught my attention is how such a big Texas guy can be so quiet with the most incredibly gentle voice? After having spent an evening with Woody and friends at The Badu House in Llano, then meeting him for lunch the next day I was captured  by his overall unassuming nature. I got the impression Woody doesn’t think he’s anything special, or great. He just loves what he does. He counts the late Dan Folgerberg, Shake Russell, Walt Wilkins and Mike Blakely among his mentors and idols. Of the group, the last two inspire him with their ability to paint a picture with words… to make you see what they are singing – not just hear the music. I hear a lot of Folgerberg in his style

Although I wasn’t able to hear him perform live this trip, you can bet I’m putting the option on my ‘To Do’ list for the next time I’m in Llano. Anyone care to join me?

You can find out more about Woody and his music by clicking on his name in the first paragraph.
Country Blessings!