TOWNES VAN ZANDT
Acoustic Blues (Tomato Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Tomato Records has access to a wealth of unreleased performances that have waited too long for public release, and this live collection from Townes Van Zandt is an exceptional glimpse into one of Texas' greatest singer-songwriter legends. These recordings date back to Van Zandt's European shows from 1994 and 1996, plus a recording session in Austin three weeks before his death. There's Townes' heartfelt "Waitin' Round to Die/Kathleen" and "Goin' Down to Memphis," but my favorite cut among these diamonds is "Short Haired Woman Blues" from one of his mentors, Lightnin' Hopkins. Townes Van Zandt is a true Texas treasure, and I'm glad that Tomato has brought this troubadour to a potentially wider audience on Acoustic Blues.

Track List:

The Hole * Snake Mountain Blues * Short Haired Woman Blues * Waitin' Round to Die Kathleen * Goin' Down to Memphis * Coo Coo * Automobile Blues * Loretta * Nothin' * Gone Too Long * Dollar Bill Blues * My Starter Won't Start * Lungs * A Song For

© 2003 - Eric Steiner