Search - J.C. Crowley :: Beneath the Texasmoon

This Rocker Loves Country?

Deborah Wolpert | Baltimore, MD USA | 08/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late '70s, there was this band, Player, that had a little hit called "Baby Come Back." If you have seen any of the recent Swiffer commercials, you know what I'm talking about. Anyway in my quest to locate their stuff on CD, I found out that one of the former members, J.C. Crowley, put out a solo effort in 1988. OK, I'm not a big country fan. I'm more into rock 'n' roll, the heavier the better. In 1988 I would have been listening to groups like Queensryche, Guns N' Roses and Metallica. A far cry from what J.C. released. So cut forward in time twenty years to 2008. I'm still listening to the hard stuff but now it's Three Days Grace, Puddle of Mudd and Seether. Still distant from what J.C. put out. But I always loved his voice so I took the chance and found a copy. I don't regret my decision.



This is one country album that rocks! J.C.'s voice has changed in the ten years between gigs. His voice has so much more confidence and strength compared to previous work. The CD opens with "Paint the Town and Hang the Moon Tonight" a swanky little ditty that makes you want to "get off the couch" and "shake that thing!" A great little guitar hook and a touch of horns accentuate a danceable melody.



Hot on the heels of "Paint..." is another rouser, "Harder Than it Sounds." This rocker warns of the perils of love making you "fall down seven times" just to get up eight times. If only it were so few, but I digress. Catchy guitar licks throughout this one; you can't help but start the toe tapping.



Next up is a CD bonus track "Living for the Fire." This up tempo faire is about the passion for music. Working all day and then living in the music at night, Rita and Johnny, the protagonists of this song, are my kinsmen! Bonnie Raitt lends her sweet vocals contrasting against J.C.'s to make this a formidable "extra."



The title track, "Beneath the Texas Moon" is a favorite. Not many rock songs are in three quarter time, so this one definitely fascinates me. I picture Cinderella twirling around the dance floor with Prince Charming in the "So This is Love" scene from Disney's movie. J.C.'s voice is enthralling and a harmonica plays wistfully to the fade out.



"Serenade" is a latin flavored number sporting a Spanish guitar and J.C. singing in the language of love. For some reason another movie comes to mind, "The Three Amigos." Hmmm, not very romantic, sorry J.C., but that's the image I get. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase dressed in their outfits and doing their weird signature "move" makes me laugh every time.



My favorite sing-a-long is "Dirty Shoes." I really dig the witty lyrics and the musicality. Yep, J.C., you need to cut that woman loose! I love the thumpy bass line and it sounds like everyone is having a great time!



"Boxcar 109" is a throwback to the good old days. A house on steel rails, sounds like paradise! What freedom there is in such a nomadic existence! I like the rock 'n' roll feel, another fun song to listen and sing along to.



"Right as Rain" is a sultry, sexy piece both musically and vocally. I keep picturing J.C. and me slow dancing and lip locking in a pouring rain, my dress clinging to my legs and his shirt clinging to his chest. Then the song ends and I'm back in reality. Arrgh!



The most recorded work on this CD is "Beyond the Great Divide." The most recent version that I know of is by Emmylou Harris. I've got to say I prefer J.C.'s version. The simple violin solo over a cowboy beat is awesome! I'm not sure who is providing backup vocals, but the harmonies are beautiful.



The finale is "I Know What I've Got," a cute little song vowing not to break up like everyone else. Starting off simply then bringing in other instruments until finally halfway through the full band is playing builds this song, and this CD, to a satisfying end, including a splash off a diving board!



It's sad to me that this was both the debut and possible swan song of J.C. Crowley's solo career. His songwriting is solid throughout and he aligned himself with many fantastic talents who lent their voices, instrumentation, words and music to this effort. I haven't been able to find any information on what J.C. is doing currently but I know he has written, produced and played on many artists productions though the years. If you don't own this fantastic CD, please seek it out, it's out of print but there are copies out there to be had. Rock on J.C.!!

"

A real GEM!!

Theron C. Statler | OHIO | 08/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this guy on TV in the late 80s. It was a great performance. All the songs are catchy and unique. I really believe he was ahead of his time in country music. I'm sorry he never released anything after this. I bought the tape after seeing him and wore it out. I only found the cd a couple of years ago and was happily surprised to discover that there were 2 extra songs on it that weren't on the tape. You won't be disappointed with this cd. And for the one copy listed for 1.00 it is well worth it!"