Fri 1/20 @ 8PM
Dale Watson and Ray Benson have both had long careers as alternative country/western artists, outside the glitz and commercialism of the mainstream Nashville scene.
While Watson passed through Nashville early in his career, it wasn’t a fit and he ended up in the friendlier environs of Austin, Texas, where he launched his career with his debut album Cheatin’ Heart Attack in 1995. Since then he’s released a string of honky-tonk-influenced album including his 2016 Under the Influence.
Almost a generation older, Ray Benson’s career began way back in 1970 when he co-founded Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, which revived a sound popular in southwestern dance halls in the ’30s and ’40s, played by bands like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. It’s remained continually active since then. Originally from Philadelphia, he too is Austin-based, making a collaboration a natural.
They’ve just released a duo album Dale and Ray, drawing on the classic country styles they both love. It features their own originals such as “The Ballad of Dave and Ray,” “Feelin’ Haggard” (as in Merle) and “Bus Breakdown”, as well as Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings and Louvin Brothers covers.
Dale and Ray hit the Kent Stage this week with young Saskachewan singer/songwriter Colter Wall, who also has some classic country influence along with a contemporary folk twist, opening. Tickets are $33 and $43.