| Don Walser |
Alternative
Yodeling genius Don Walser is a true original. An accountant for the Texas National Guard until he hit retirement age, Walser played and recorded only sporadically through the years. Once freed of his day job, he hit the honky-tonk circuit for real and made everyone who heard him sing wonder what they'd been missing all these years. Possessed of an astonishing tenor voice that, along with his substantive girth, earned him the moniker "Pavarotti of the Plains," Walser plays a mix of ancient country hits and originals that sound like ancient country hits. On ROLLING STONE FROM TEXAS, Walser tackles chestnuts from Marty Robbins ("Don't Worry [About Me]"), Willie Nelson ("Three Days"), and Tennessee Ernie Ford ("Shotgun Boogie"). His considerable warbling skills -- which earned him a "most innovative and creative yodeler who ever knocked his tonsils together" appraisal from Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson -- shine on Stan Jones's "Cowpoke," Jimmie Rogers's "California Blues (Blue Yodel #4)," and the title track, which he wrote. Walser tips his hat to Bob Wills by claiming in another tune that "(The Party Don't Start) 'Til the Playboys Get Here," but this album will get any party started in fine fashion. Daniel Durchholz
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