Album Notes

On April 17, 2004, country music lost one of it's finest 'creators', with the sad passing of Dave Kirby. Dave Kirby's guitar work can be heard on literally thousands of albums that came out of Nashville during the 60's through the 90's...but it was his songwriting that made such an impact, with countless numbers of his songs recorded by the very best in country music.

As a result of being such an "in-demand" session player and songwriter, Dave Kirby never devoted much time to his own singing career - he did manage to record several singles on various labels, charting a couple of times, and cutting one album, Writer, Singer, Picker on Dot Records, way back in 1973. Fortunately, for his fans, friends and devotees, before his untimely passing, at age 65, Dave Kirby found the time to return to the studio and record his own versions of some of the songs which were popularized through the years by so many country stars.

Is Anybody Going To San Antone? features ten of Dave Kirby's compositions, performed as only the 'composer' of a song can interpret his own music. The small nuances that Dave Kirby gives to some of these classicly familiar songs helps to make them fresh and new all over again.

Included are such nuggets as the title track Is Anybody Going To San Antone, a #1 hit in 1970 for Charley Pride; Sidewalks Of Chicago, What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana, Mobile Bay, There Ain't No Good Chain Gang, and Colorado all of which were recorded by Merle Haggard, and covered by others.

Also among the many highlights are versions of Memories To Burn, Leavin's Been Coming For A Long Long Time and Forever Again, all among the 23 Dave Kirby songs that Gene Watson has recorded to date.

An example of Dave Kirby's songwriting diversity is captured on his version of the blues-tinged No More One More Time. The song was first popularized by Cajun-country star Jo-El Sonnier; and Dave Kirby seems to be at his finest vocal moment when he delivers this nugget.

Is Anybody Going To San Antone? was produced by Dave Kirby and recorded at his studio in Vienna, Missouri. Although not credited here, you can feel Dave Kirby's loving wife, country singer extraordinaire, Leona Williams, by his side throughout the recordings. The album represents the legacy of a master's craftsmanship... the only disappointment is that is covers only a small chapter of Dave Kirby's songbook in life.