Robert Earl Keen: Songrwriter…Storyteller

December 12th, 2006 - - Filled in: Music

This weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing one of Texas’ best artists, Robert Earl Keen (REK), at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, TX. If you’ve never listened to Americana (aka, Texas Country), you’re missing out. Don’t let the word “Country” scare you, especially if you’re not a fan of Country Music. Robert Earl Keen’s music is best described as Jimmy Buffett meets Tom Petty meets Lyle Lovett. The last one comes of no surprise since REK and Lovett were neighbors in College Station, TX while attending Texas A&M University. According to REK’s bio on Wikipedia.org, the two became friends and performed together on the front porch. This eventually grew into inspiration for a song entitled “The Front Porch Song”, which both would add to their repertoire.

Some of REK’s most well-known songs include The Road Goes On Forever (And The Party Never Ends), Gringo Honeymoon; and fittingly enough for the season, Merry Christmas From The Family. There are several others worth mentioning. If I had to recommend one album that offers a good sample, I’d suggest No. 2 Live Dinner.

If you ever have a chance to see him live, do it. You won’t be disappointed. According to his website, he will be appearing in the following cities: