Have you ever slipped on a pair of boots or shoes, and your feet, your soul–all of you sighed, “Ah, that is the best!” If you have, then you know how it feels to listen to Larry Womack’s “The Natural Songs.”
Womack’s lyrics, and the music he’s put them to, fit so well that it just feels natural for these 10 songs to be presented this way. And it starts with the opening lick of the first one “Long Gone.” A rock-a-billy/ blues tune that opens with the drum beat of a slammed door followed by Larry’s earthy voice and solid guitar proclaiming “Gone. Long Gone!”
It begins as an upbeat country tune that quickly turns into a dance-your-socks-off boogie-woogie full of rocking guitar and honky-tonk piano. The refrain “Packing my guitar. I’m gassing up the car. I’m gone!” sums up the story. And that’s one of the things that makes these songs feel comfortable. Womack’s words make so much sense that you’re soon singing along.
Of the 10 tunes on this album, Womack wrote eight. Terry Williams penned the rest. A major force and almost cult-like personality in the Hot Springs music scene in the 1970’s, Williams died of cancer in 1981, but not before penning over 200 songs.
The CD is a collection of many different styles of music experienced and formed in Arkansas from rock-a-billy, delta blues, bluegrass, to country-western and Americana ballads. The songs reflect the wide range of music that has influenced Womack’s musical career of 40 plus years. When you talk to Larry Womack he sounds much like he does on stage. The clarity and sincerity are always there. Which is why “The Natural Songs” feel so good!
Get the latest CD by Larry Womack at Spa Souvenirs & Gifts at 334 Central Avenue or order online at store.cdbaby.com/cd/larrywomack.
