Ray Wylie Hubbard – The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Well, we have another gem from Ray Wylie Hubbard and this one has more punch and kick than any of his other discs, more focused and the words are more pointed. His digs are deeper and the songs because of the interplay of the words, music, and force of the vocals dive into deeper waters in a more forceful way. It is amazing to take a step back and put on his discs and play them in the order they were released, then you can follow the progression of his songwriting; he becomes more focused and sharp edged and at the same time more poetic and tender. Quite a feat.
His song writing has taken on new meanings and dimensions, become far more poetic and more incisive in observations and in the way he presents the songs to the listener. Almost hard to grasp that the same person could write and sing 2 such different songs “Stone Blind Horses” and “Chick Singer, Badass Rockin’!” Different in feel, different in sentiment, different in intent. Sometimes it has been suggested that there is a conglomerate that is Ray Wylie, however it is just the maturation of the person who has fully and thoroughly lived a life and learned the lessons set out for him, and has the skill to put them forth in an effective manner.
Has he become the grandmaster of Texas music? Probably not as there is a fellow named Willie Nelson around and he is still active and vibrant, but Ray Wylie sure has become established at the top of the folk, dirty hill country blues heap of this far land. If you don’t know of him go back and listen to maybe “Snake Farm” or “The Grifter’s Hymnal” or actually any of his multitude of discs, watch the growth as it occurs. If you haven’t seen a live show put your seat belt on brace yourself and hold on for the ride. One hell of a ride.
Ray Wylie Hubbard – The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Bordello Records
bob gottlieb