Nov. 10, Gruene Hall, TX - When I bought the tickets to see Cory Morrow at the world’s greatest music venue I had a certain idea of what the crowd would be comprised of. I pictured Tommy Hilfiger, creased blue jeans, polished boots, Texas A&M ball caps, and young sorority girls raising their arms in emphatic “Woo-Hoos”.
It was quite a bit different than I had imagined. There were quite a few Texas State students, but as with many shows at Gruene Hall, t-shirts long hair and faded jeans made up the majority of the crowd.
Maybe the frat boys have just gotten older.
Since Morrow released “The Man That I Have Been” in 1998, he has always been associated with the likes of Pat Green. After watching the show last Friday, I am prepared to elevate Cory Morrow past the status of a beer-bonging cow-tipping novelty to a bonafide Texas singer-songwriter.
The presence of New Braunfels own Walt Wilkins playing guitar with Cory certainly helped smash the image I had painted in my mind of Morrow. I was somewhat disappointed that Walt didn’t sing with Cory, but this was Cory’s night to shine.
This was certainly a very entertaining show with a good mix of rocking country and carefully crafted lyrics. “Why Don’t You Love Me Like you Used to” was a crowd favorite and showed the song writing maturity of a guy that has had some tough times. Nestled in between the raunchy “Big City Stripper” and jumpy “Texas Time Traveller”, Morrow displayed his respect for the great Texas songwriters that have come before with an inspiring version of the Billy Joe Shaver’s “I’m Gonna Live Forever”.
I wish I knew the name of the bass player, because he absolutely carried the band and mixed well with Cory Morrow’s impassioned delivery and excitement.
“Nashville Blues” pretty much encapsulates the contempt many of us have for everything that is evil with country music today. If any of you need a christening into the world of real country music, Cory Morrow is a good start.
He may not be the “Anti-Garth”, but he is certainly one of the minions fighting the good fight.
4 Comments »
I actually love Garth, because I have friends in low places. It’s Toby Keith I can’t stand. Anyway, I grew up in a wannabe cowtown and miss good country now that I live in Boston, so I’ll have to check this out.
I don\\\’t need an anti-Garth. Steve Earl functions just fine as that. I need an anti-Chris Gains.
Hey Bad Chicken, I was at that show too… don’t remember much about it but I know I had a good time. Thanks for the recap. The demographics coverage is good too but you left out the fat bald f***er’s like me. Who is Garth?
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Comment by jstar — November 16, 2006 @ 10:55 am
Hallelujah - you finally have someone covering country music on here. Nice job, Chicken Man.