Album Notes

Cowtown strikes again! This time out, the amazing Paul Byrd and his brand new 2nd blues release, his first for Bluestone Records. Ft. Worth has a habit of producing some excellent Blues performers, and one need only look as far as Mr. Byrd to get some solid evidence of that. We are talking about a dude who opened for or played with: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Uncle John Turner, Anson Funderburgh, Sam Myers, Kenny Neal, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Buddy Miles, Alan Haynes, Larry Garner, Chuck Rainey, Denise LaSalle, ZZ Top, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, RL Burnside, Bugs Henderson, Otis Rush, Sangin' Clarence, the late and always great Robert "Blue Bird" Ealey, and some cat named Bo Diddley. I could go on for a few days but I think you get the idea. Byrd has a great style. It's classy. Somewhere in the BB King side of the yard with a little Old School Chicago Jump flavor. Nice vocals too. Byrd has a real distinct voice and uses it to good effect. He has a great band too. Check out Robert Cardwallader and Danny Ross on the piano and organ. Also worth a mention is Jeff Stone on harp. 12 exceptional tracks, most original tunes, all produced and mixed by Mr. Byrd. Take a listen to Paul Byrd on "Straighten It Out". It's a great tune and he really manages to pull an emotionally gripping performance out of it. Check out how he handles the Muddy Waters classic "Long Distance Call". It's really powerful. Great harp work by the aforementioned Mr. Stone. - Bill Fountain July 2003 Southwest Blues