Album Notes

Legend has it that, when Butch Cook, Pat Bourcier, Layne Bales, and Mario Cassiano were born, they didn't cry or scream a lick. Instead, they came into this world humming and whistling a tune! They were born with music in their blood. Writing and playing isn't something they just wanted to do all their lives, it's something they had to do. It's sorta' like breathing to them.

Forming the band "SOUTH OF NOWHERE", and with the help of a few famous friends, their debut album "78016" is an amazing compilation of Texas-flavored blues and basic country music. With a salute to the influences of Willie Nelson, Joe Ely and Stevie Ray Vaughan, their collective sound is fresh, original and unique. Every song tells a story- lost love, lost chances, lost minds and even lost lives. It's the kind of music you want to sit back with a cold one in your hand and actually listen to.

The list of guest artists lending their talents to the album reads like a "Who's Who" of Texas music- including the legendary Augie Meyers on organ with- "Fair Share of Days." There's Mike Kennedy (of George Strait's 'Ace in the Hole' band) on drums; Ron Knuth on fiddle and mandolin (I swear Ron's fiddle actually cries real tears in some of these songs); Randy Reinhard on a steel guitar that just blows me away; and Wade Parker on damn near everything else, including piano, keyboards, and electric rhythm guitar. The backing vocals of Tommy Calame, Sybilla Irwin and Ginger Leigh are nothing short of remarkable!

George Harrison (the former BEATLE) once sang, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will do." Well, Butch, Pat, Layne and Mario may have taken different roads to get where they are today, but they've always known where they're going. All roads in their lives lead to "SOUTH OF NOWHERE." By the way, "78016" is the actual zip code of the small South Texas town of Devine, where the band is based.

Take the time to order your copy of "SOUTH OF NOWHERE - 78016", right now, here on the internet. It's easy as hell. (And while you're at it, be sure you have plenty of fresh tortilla chips, salsa, and an ice cold six-pack of your favorite brew in the fridge, when the CD arrives).

-Dennis M. DuPriest, San Antonio, Texas - April 2005