The Complete Live 1965 Show
In 1965 the honky-tonk pioneer Ernest Tubb became the sixth artist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. With more than 25 years of recording experience under his belt and legions of fans to his credit, the charismatic Texan had nothing left to prove. That fact didn't stop Tubb and his Troubadours from touring the United States incessantly, playing not concert halls but small clubs. This marvelous double-CD set captures such a night at Seattle's Spanish Castle and is an indispensable slice of country-music history. Boasting impeccable sound quality, it includes a host of Tubb's hits performed by a top-of-the-line band featuring lead guitarist Leon Rhodes and steel wizard Buddy Charlton, not to mention Jack Greene and Cal Smith, future stars in their own right. Tubb's rough-edged but relaxed and easygoing baritone was limited from day one and years of booze and cigarettes didn't help matters, but few were as expressive and genuine--check out "(A Memory) That's All You'll Ever Be to Me" for proof. His magnetic personality shines through whether he's singing his heart out, laughing through the lyrics, or chatting with the band and audience. Meanwhile, the Troubadours float from blistering hardcore tonk to jazz tunes like Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues" with ease.--Marc Greilsamer