Step Right Up

by Charlie Robison

Overview

There was once a time when one could easily identify the roots of country music. English, German, French, Irish, and even African-American influences came together to create this genre. Charlie Robison and his music reflect that time, but he is in no way merely referencing a purer time. He has learned lessons from his ancestors and has truly made his own sound. His rugged good looks and obvious intelligence could easily make him a poster boy for alternative country, but a deeper listen to his third release Step Right Up will reveal much more than a pretty face. The lyrics range from tender to biting to brutal and are delivered with an honesty and wit lost throughout today's country charts. Songs about murder, robbery, and stale love capture the imagination of the listener while always being thoughtful and compassionate. Robison collected a large and varied group of musicians to make this record. Notables include his brother Bruce Robison who contributes his words and his voice, session legend Jim Lauderdale who sings backing vocals, and Robinson's wife Emily Robison (Dixie Chicks) who plays banjo on several tracks. Robison is telling stories in his songs more than he is conveying feelings or desires. This too is a lost tradition from what was country music. "Desperate Times" chronicles the life of a lost Texas youth, and "John O'Reilly" oozes Irish influence with the story of an immigrant in Depression-era America. The album also includes a funny yet sadly true duet with Dixie Chick Natalie Maines called "The Wedding Song." Ultimately, Charlie Robison's Step Right Up demonstrates that sometimes an alternative is where it started in the beginning. ~ Michael Cusanelli

Product Details

Release Date:	04/10/2001
Label:	Lucky Dog / Sony Music Distribution
UPC:	0074646140420

Tracks

1. Right Man for the Job
2. The Preacher
3. I Want You Bad
4. Desperate Times
5. The Wedding Song
6. Sweet Inspiration
7. John O'Reilly
8. Tonight
9. One in a Million
10. It Comes to Me Naturally
11. Rain
12. Life of the Party

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Charlie Robison   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)
Natalie Maines   Primary Artist
John Ludwick   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Marty Muse   Guitar (Steel),Lap Steel Guitar
Joe Chemay   Vocals (Background)
Pat Buchanan   Papoose,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Emily Robison   Banjo
David Grissom   Baritone,Guitar (Baritone),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (12 String)
Gene Elders   Fiddle
Mark Rubin   Tuba
Rich Brotherton   Mandola,Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic)
Robby Turner   Guitar (Steel),Lap Steel Guitar
Mark Patterson   Drums
Jim Lauderdale   Vocals (Background)
Anthony Martin   Vocals (Background)
Bruce Robison   Vocals (Background)
Kevin Carroll   Guitar (Acoustic)
Riley Osborne   Organ,Piano,Clavinet,Farfisa Organ
Richard Bowden   Fiddle

Technical Credits

Terry Adams   Composer
Denny Purcell   Mastering
Al Anderson   Composer
Paul David Hager   Mixing
Blake Chancey   Producer
Billy Sherrill   Mixing
Kyle Lehning   Engineer
Joe Hayden   Engineer
Charlie Robison   Composer,Producer
Eric Conn   Digital Editing
Derek Bason   Engineer
Tony Castle   Engineer,Digital Editing
Ricky Cobble   Mixing Assistant
Mel Eubanks   Engineer
Bruce Robison   Composer
Carlos Grier   Digital Editing
Bob MacLeod, Jr.   Assistant Engineer
Eric Danheim   Composer
Renee Fowler   Stylist
Melanie Shelley   Groomer
Tracy Baskette-Fleaner   Art Direction
Mark Ralston   Mixing Assistant
Jim Shea   Photography
Chris Rowe   Engineer
Bill Johnson   Art Direction
Mike Barfield   Composer
Jake Burns   Mixing Assistant
Deb Castle   Production Coordination
Phil Crandon   Composer