Willis Alan Ramsey (album)

Last updated
Willis Alan Ramsey
WillisAlanRamsey1972.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 1972
Recorded1972
StudioBeautiful Sounds, Memphis, Tennessee; Skyhill Studios, Hollywood Hills; Robin Hill Studios, Tyler, Texas, Sunset Sound, Hollywood; Quadraphonic Sound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre Country [1]
Length39:07
Label Shelter
Producer Denny Cordell, Willis Alan Ramsey
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [2]

Willis Alan Ramsey is the sole studio release by the Texas songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey. The album's genre is hard to categorize with touches of country, country rock, folk, and folk rock. The tunes range from the reflection and regret of "The Ballad of Spider John" to a heartfelt tribute to Woody Guthrie on "Boy from Oklahoma". It was recorded on Leon Russell's Shelter label in 1972, and Russell sat in on piano, keyboards, and vibraphone. Other guest musicians include: Carl Radle, Jim Keltner, Red Rhodes, Leland Sklar, and Russ Kunkel. The song "Muskrat Candlelight" was covered by the band America in 1973 and by Captain & Tennille in 1976, both using the title "Muskrat Love." "The Ballad of Spider John" was covered by Jimmy Buffett on his 1974 album Living & Dying in 3/4 Time . The song "Satin Sheets" (not the Jeanne Pruett song of the same name) was covered by The Bellamy Brothers and Shawn Colvin. The album was mixed by Al Schmitt.

Contents

Track listing

All tracks are written by Willis Alan Ramsey

No.TitleLength
1."Ballad of Spider John"4:16
2."Muskrat Candlelight"3:18
3."Geraldine and the Honeybee"2:15
4."Wishbone"2:42
5."Satin Sheets"2:32
6."Goodbye Old Missoula"4:53
7."Painted Lady"3:02
8."Watermelon Man"3:25
9."Boy from Oklahoma"3:54
10."Angel Eyes"3:07
11."Northeast Texas Women"5:43
Total length:39:07

Personnel

Technical

"Extra help from Ron Burnham, Austin, Texas. Special thanks to Leon Russell, J.J. Cale and Elliot Mazer. Also to Gregory Allman for his encouragement",

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References

  1. 1 2 Durchholz, David (1998). "Willis Alan Ramsey". In Graff, Gary; Durchholz, Daniel (eds.). MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Detroit: Visible Ink Press. p. 920.
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/album/r16134