Duck & Cover by Earl Musick

What saves it from predictability is a jauntiness that suggests that the singer isn’t perhaps quite as heartbroken as he might sound. “Lines on my face” is the best “It’s over” song that Robert Earl never wrote. The rolling “Bye I’m Gone” is a more tuneful “Johnny Come Lately” and also boasts a guitar solo straight out of “Take It Easy” (only its better). As the album progresses the songs get more resigned and weary. “Bye I’m Gone” (“I love you more than you hate me”) leads into “Bright and Shiny Blues” (“there’s not much that you can do”) until we end up at closer “Fort Worth” where the singer rejects the rest of the world in favour of heading back to the New (True) West. A fine record. Three 1/2 stars out of five. - Jeremy Searle

From: Roots Music Report

With a good combination of deep rooted vocals , a little Texas swing and a touch of southern rock ‘Privateer’ has something for just about anyone. It will appeal to anybody looking for that singer-songwriter sound mixed with a little Texas flare. - Four Sstars out of five. - Chad Wheat

From: Rikks Revues

Texas is truly an Americana and Country music haven. This time let's take a journey to Fort Worth and take a look at Earl Musick. Over 20 years in the Texas music scene, the name Earl Musick is well known in the music circles. Privateer shows his songwriting abilities, the songs are complimented with weathered vocals that are completely fitting here.

Privateer is true Texas music, of that there is no doubt. Earl Musick has paid his dues in the music biz, from producer, artist, and even his own record label. The honesty in this 13 track offering is obvious on the first listen through, and the production (by Reload artist Mark Merritt) should also be applauded.

Taking you back to the earlier days of Texas music, merged with a more edgy style. Earl Musick is not your typical country music artist, Privateer shows traces of hillbilly country rock, the blues, and even more traditional Texas swing. It's about time, in my opinion, Earl Musick should shine across the US, and beyond. This is true red blooded music and it is time the world gets to hear Earl Musick, a disservice would be made if music fans all over didn't get to experience the music.

"If Music ain't got an edge, it's dull" is Reload Records motto, and after hearing two of the artists from the catalogue (John Gomez being the first) I would say the motto rings the truth. "San Antone", "Hell Bent and Happy" and "In A Little While" slightly stand out from the pack. The bottom line is this is one CD that you won't get tired of. That is the praise for the music, it is not the best music ever, but the nod's to past Texas sound and artists, and the down home feel of Privateer make this CD a refreshing change.

From: CtrlAltCountry

*note* This review was originally written in Belgian or Dutch language. The English translation was provided by a friend in Europe.

Earl Musick is already playing his part in the busy Texan singer/songwriter scene for the past 20 years. Most of that time he was the leader of the Unsung Heroes. But at the end of the nineties he decided to be less modest and went solo.

As a result, there is Privateer, his 2nd cd. The predecessor : Done Deal was a success, prompting more pressings of the cd. We would not be surprised at all when Privateer has more success. Musick offers us a very varied Texan musical meal. All the styles are present;

Pleasant Texan singer/songwriter country (San Antone, Fort Worth, Lines on my Face, Santa Cruz) ; Moderate rocking songs (Hell bent and happy, Hook line and singer); A bit of bluesy stuff (Nothing halfway (Henry), Bright and shiny Blues); Twanging songs (Bye I’m gone) along with some decent ballads (Forever in love, It’ll take a little while) and even acoustic Texan swing (Texas moon.) The CD was produced by Mark Merritt.

Earl Musick draait al ruim twintig jaar mee in de druk bezette Texaanse singer-songwriter scene. Het grootste deel daarvan sleet hij als kopstuk van The Unsung Heroes. Maar aan het eind van de jaren negentig besloot hij zijn bescheidenheid van zich af te schudden om voortaan onder eigen naam te gaan opereren. En als een gevolg daarvan is hij nu met “Privateer” reeds aan zijn tweede album toe. Voorganger “Done Deal” deed het immers goed genoeg om zowel een tweede persing ervan als een sequel te rechtvaardigen. En het zou ons eerlijk gezegd in het geheel niet verbazen als “Privateer” het nog wat beter zou gaan doen. Daarop vergast Musick ons immers op een zeer gevarieerde muzikale maaltijd. Aangenaam voortkabbelende Texaanse singer-songwriter country (“San Antone”, “Fort Worth”, “Lines On My Face”, “Santa Cruz”) wordt afgewisseld met voorzichtig rockend materiaal (“Hell Bent And Happy” Hook Line And Singer”), licht bluesy spul (“Nothin’ Halfway (Henry)”, “Bright And Shiny Blues”), twangy stuff (“Bye, I’m Gone”), bekoorlijke ballades (“Forever In Love”, “It’ll Take A Little While”) tot zelfs akoestische Texas swing (“Texas Moon”) toe. Voor de productie van het album tekende Mark Merritt.

From: Americana Homeplace

The latest effort from Texas-based songwriter Earl Musick (yes, that is his real last name) is an impressive collection of songs entitled Privateer. With a laid-back sound reminiscent of fellow Oklahoma native J.J. Cale, Musick's songs reflect the sound of the Southwest. With titles such "San Antone," "Texas Moon," "Santa Cruz" and "Fort Worth," it is clear where Musick's musical heart lies.

Please take the time to hear what other's think of this Texas singer/songwriter by visiting Earl's website at

http://www.reloadrecordcompany.com/emusick

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