The Outlaws - Once An Outlaw (2007)

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Now, here's a nice surprise. Got this one anonymously with the following information: "I think you know by now that Outlaws - "Once an Outlaw" will never be commercially released. That said, it is out there in select hands in two versions - 11 tracks and 13 tracks. Some say that it is Hughie's finest work when the truth is Hughie had a hand in authoring less than half of the tracks. LA writers wrote the majority except for those HT collaborated on and the excellent "Almost Home" that was penned by bassist Randy Threat and his wife, Alex. The disc is a fine piece of work yet contains an unclear history that HT worshipers refuse to embrace. Line-up was: Hughie Thomasson (guitar and vocals, Chris Anderson (guitar and vocals - lead vox on Trail of Tears), Randy Threet (bass and vox -lead vox on Almost Home), Monte Yoho and David Dix (drums)."

Yes, it's finally out there. And nobody making money on what they don't own, either. So, what about the music on the album? Well, it sounds very good, the playing is excellent and it features some pretty terrific songs as well. Don't expect another 'Diablo Canyon', this is actually closer to their first albums in sound and song choice, though more polished. I really don't much care for the 'Almost Home' track, which is way too sappy but would probably do great on CMT. Other than that, I couldn't find a bad song. My favorite tracks so far are 'Rippin' Through Kentucky', 'Full Circle' and 'Trail Of Tears'. Basically, it's got everything you'd want from a new Outlaws release: great guitars, great harmonies, great song. Happy new year, y'all!

The Charlie Daniels Band - Volunteer Jam III (1977)

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I think the Volunteer Jams, hosted by Charlie Daniels in the 70's, were the culmination of everything that's good about Southern Rock. Like a celebration of brotherhood and good music, with loads of different artists teaming up, regardless of musical background or preferences. Actually, I think these shows are what Southern Rock used to be all about: a big melting pot of different styles of music, all played with that distinctive feel that makes you recognize it for what it is. Great music from the South played by great musicians from the South and from outside. The original files I got from friendly former blogspot Tell It To The Devil. Those files came with the original commercials in between songs. It gave a nice impression of radio in the 70's, some commercials are quite hilarious to hear now. And it's very nice to hear Ray Charles sing praise to Scotch audio tapes. You can get the original files here.. However, for repeated listening enjoyment, I found they become annoying after a few spins. Therefore I edited those out as much as possible, and tried creating one big show lasting over 90 minutes. Pure ear-candy for the rugged Southern Rock ear. Obviously it starts off with The Charlie Daniels Band doing their thing. Hey, this is 1977, and The Charlie Daniels Band is having their finest hour. A nice set, featuring songs like 'Cumberland Mountain Number Nine', Sweet Louisiana, Roll Mississippi and High Lonesome. Then it's time for Willie Nelson to come up with the goods. And he does with classics like 'Stay A Little Longer' and Good Hearted Woman. Killer track of this show, in my opinion, is 'Green Grass & High Tides' by The Outlaws. Throughout the artists are helped out by people like Bonnie Bramlett, Jimmy Hall,Mylon LeFevre, Chuck Leavell and the boys from Grinderswitch. There's one song by Papa John Creach, of which I don't know the title (help me out here). Toy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band closes up with a little help from a lot of people. All in all, this is a perfect example of what Southern Rock was really all about. Can't You See?!

The Outlaws - Live At Reading (1986)

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A nice set of Classic Southern Rock for you here, to warm your hearts during the holidays. Almost classic Outlaws line-up as well, since this show features both Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul. Excellent recording of The Outlaws promoting their 1986 album "Soldiers Of Fortune", this is what Southern Rock was meant to sound like. Makes me wonder if any new bands are playing Southern Rock like this. You know, with lots of attention being given to arrangement, big intros, sweet harmonies... And whatever happened to that "One An Outlaw" album?! Anyhoo, this is The Outlaws at their very best. Just the way I like it. ;)

Henry Paul Band - Grey Ghost (1979)

Henry Paul, a founding member of The Outlaws, has produced some great music with several groups in the Southern Rock and County Rock world. He started out in Tampa based Sienna around 1971 with Jim Fish, Monte Yoho and Frank O'Keefe, the former with the HPB and the latter two future Outlaws. After 3 albums with The Outlaws, Henry left in 1977 following "Hurry Sundown", forming the Henry Paul Band within a year.

They recorded 4 albums with "Grey Ghost" as the first and well done effort. Henry rejoined The Outlaws from 1983-1989 during the "Soldiers of Fortune" period. Since 2008, Henry has been involved with both Blackhawk and The Outlaws - after HT "Flame" passed. His easily identifiable voice, that fronted Blackhawk from 1992, is in good form here. Varied instrumentation, including keyboards and harmonica, provides some extra interest, and a jazzy hint of Sea Level.

Henry was a big part of the "Brothers of the Southland" project with Jimmy Hall, Dan Toler and Bo Bice which released a single album in 2009.

The other LPs from the HPB are "Feel the Heat", "Anytime", and lastly the self-titled one that usually begins a groups recording output, "Henry Paul Band".

Highlights: "Grey Ghost" a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant.
"So Long" also a track on the 2012 Outlaws album "It's About Pride".
"Wood Wind" an acoustic guitar work coming in under a minute.

Check this out - it's one that's worth being very familiar with. The harmonies are tight (think The Eagles), and the 3 guitar attack sizzles.

There are lots of credits on the back cover, even road personnel, but nothing on the horns added to "One-Night Stands".

Band members: Henry Paul (g, v), Jim Fish (lg, v), Bill Crain (lg), Barry Rapp (k, v), Wally Dentz (b, v, harm), Bill Hoffman (d) and special guest Joe Lala (perc).

"As the Autumn wind whispers through the tall and lonely pines, And the hour of fate is drawing close at hand, A free bird falling from the sky Brings a bitter end to another Southern man... Grey Ghost!"

The Outlaws - My Father's Place '86 (1986)

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The Outlaws recorded live at My Father's Place in 1986 is a hot show alright. And a lot more interesting than most live shows I have seen circulating. This was the time when Henry Paul was back for the album "Soldiers Of Fortune", so this show has both the classic songs ("There Goes Another love Song", "Green Grass & High Tides", "Knoxville Girl" etc.) as well as the songs you never heard them play live again ("The Outlaw", "Cold Harbor", "One Last Ride" and a version of Henry's song "Feel The Heat"). But here it all works out very well. The band is playing as tight as ever, both Hughie and Henry are in excellent form vocally and the sound of this recording is splendid. And does anyone have any news on the current state of affairs concerning the release of "Once An Outlaw"? I'm not choosing sides for either Henry Paul or Chris Hicks, I think they're both great. And I'm only in it for the music. Henry Paul and company have recently released a CD under The Outlaws name called "Demos", which, I think, is pretty brilliant. You can listen to that while visiting The Outlaws website. As for now: Get this, you need it. You are the show!

Chris Anderson - Old Friend (1995)

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Chris Anderson is a name that could ring a bell with fans of The Outlaws. Chris played with The Outlaws from 1986–1989 and has rejoined in 2005. In between he also played with Blackhawk. This is quite different fare, though. Recorded in 1995, this was pretty much the thing to do at the time: record an album full of uneventful, contemporary Blues Rock. Much in the vein of the Gary Moore blues albums, this is slick, rather bland Blues Rock. Les Dudek made an album like that too, very forgettable. But there are some gems hidden here, which will make you pleased having taken the trouble getting it. And if you like (Southern) Blues Rock, this could knock you off your feet. I guess. My favorite track is "Jake's Song", which makes it pretty clear we're on Southern Rock turf here. And I basically enjoy the second half of this album very much. Thanks to Templar33 for bringing this to my (and your) attention. I lost some e-mails, so I'm not sure that's what he calls himself. Anyway, good stuff. Trust me.

The Outlaws - So Low (2002)

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"So Low" is the last album released by Hughie Thomasson as The Outlaws. Though I've also read it was actually a Hughie Thomasson solo album. Same difference. It's slightly more Country than previous Outlaws records, but there's still plenty to get riled up about. It's been out of print almost as soon as it had its release, so enjoy y'all. What I really had in mind to bring to attention is the legal dispute going on between Henry Paul and Hughie's widow. Apparently the original idea was for Henry Paul to carry on The Outlaws while the latest studio recordings would see their release. But then Hughie's widow had a run-in with Paul and decided it should be a different line-up. Exit Henry Paul and enter Chris Hicks. Rumors about what it's going to be, have been continuing for several months now. Since Hughie's past away, we're all awaiting the release of "Once An Outlaw". But as long as this unholy war is going on we will not see anything, I guess. My suggestion: get both Chris Hicks and Henry Paul in this new Outlaws line-up. I can't see any right minded Southern Rock fan object to that. And then get that album out before the first generation of Southern Rock fans are all dead and buried as well. Well, until they get all that sorted out, enjoy Mr. Cowboy..

Henry Paul Band - Feel The Heat Demos (1980)

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Yeah, some demos for you. I love demos, wish I had many more to offer. So, there's my request to you. But here we have some demos the Henry Paul Band cut in preparation of their second release, "Feel The Heat". They're actually two sets of demos, one recorded on January 31:


...and another recorded on April 22:


It's a great listen, giving some interesting insight on the making of yet another classic Southern Rock record. And it features "Tell Him Goodbye" and "Just A Little", the first an unreleased new song (I think) and the second a cover of the Beau Brummels hit record from 1965. Sweet! There's also an instrumental version of "Turn It Up", which you can use for your next karaoke party. Hey, for all you Henry Paul and The Outlaws fans: Feel The Heat.

Blackhawk - Live At The Troubadour (1997)

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Blackhawk featured singer/guitarist Henry Paul, formerly of The Outlaws. After leaving The Outlaws, he formed the Henry Paul Band and released 4 albums (the last as a solo record). On those albums you saw a fine artist starting off with a great Southern Rock album ("Grey Ghost"), then changing musical paths from Hard Rock to more Pop oriented albums, eventually not getting anywhere. You can blame that on the 80's, which was bad news for music in general and even worse for any kind of roots music.
In 1994 Henry Paul, along with Van Stephenson and Dave Robbins, formed Blackhawk. A Country Rock band - hardly anything to do with Southern Rock - which immediately made an impact on the charts with the song "Goodbye Says It All". Blackhawk often got lumped in with acts such as Little Texas and Restless Heart, but in my view they were a cut above the rest. In all honesty, that probably had everything to do with the characteristic voice of Henry Paul. I was always looking out for his voice on the first 3 albums of The Outlaws, and I think the only decent song on "Soldiers of Fortune" was the Henry Paul song "Cold Harbor". But Blackhawk obviously has more to with Country than with The Outlaws. Still, as far as 90's Country Rock goes, this is as good as it gets. Live From The Troubadour is a radio broadcast from 1997 with Blackhawk performing an acoustic set. I hadn't actually noticed at first, but it's as mr. Paul says: "no amplifiers, just talent". The sound is splendid and the playing and singing are equally good. It does feature live renditions of "Every Once in a While" and "Goodbye Says It All". I really love the song "Just About Right".
These days Henry Paul is once again touring with The Outlaws, assuming the role of main man since the untimely passing on of Hughie Thomasson. Cross our fingers and hope that the new album, so long talked about already, will get a release very soon. Besides The Outlaws, Henry is also still touring with Blackhawk. And this is what they sound like.