"CAUGHT IN THE WEBB" A Tribute To The Legendary Webb Pierce (2002)

Regarded by many as one of country's most potent moaners ever, Webb Pierce receives reverent tribute on this multi-artist Audium release produced by Pierce disciple Gail Davies. Those bravely interpreting the Pierce songbook represent an intriguing mix of current mavericks and seasoned veterans. Highlights are numerous, including a rollicking "In the Jailhouse Now" from Dale Watson, Mandy Barnett's pining "Slowly," Rosie Flores' swinging take on "I Ain't Never," and, predictably, a mournful, note-perfect rendition of "Yes, I Know Why" from George Jones. Dwight Yoakam is appropriately self-pitying on "If You Were Me (And I Were You)," and Joy Lynn White and Robbie Fulks offer up a hopeful "Tupelo County Jail." Elsewhere, Guy Clark knows whereof he speaks on "Honky Tonky Song," and BR549 kill "There Stands the Glass." Emmylou Harris, Billy Walker, Pam Tillis, Trent Summar, and others turn in strong performances, but the collection also fetes killer songwriting from such legends as Mel Tillis, Merle Kilgore, Jones, and Pierce and delivers top-notch backing vocals from the Jordanaires and the Carol Lee Singers. Davies' production is authentic and respectful, the musicianship is stellar, and at a generous 21 cuts, this tribute blows many others away. - RW (Billboard)From the '40s until his death in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce worked his magic as a singer and songwriter, recording and penning some of the most memorable songs in country music history. Ten years after his death, producer Gail Davies and Audium Records have assembled an impressive cast of country artists to pay tribute to the icon in Caught in the Webb: A Tribute to the Legendary Webb Pierce. A glance at the talent represented on this album speaks volumes about the quality of this tribute. Though versions of Pierce mega-hits "Why Baby Why" and "In the Jailhouse Now" are included, it doesn't get any better than Emmylou Harris' rendition of "Wondering." Harris' vocals are pure enchantment. Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker is another standout with a smooth delivery of "I Don't Care" backed by the Carol Lee Singers and a piano accompaniment reminiscent of the Nashville sound. The only seams in the fabric of the album seem to be the Del McCoury Band's performance of "Walkin' the Dog," which comes across as a bit too grating, and Charley Pride's "I'm Tired." Pride's vocals sound a bit hoarse for some reason here, unlike on his endearing tribute album to Jim Reeves. Die-hard traditional country music lovers and those who hold the Grand Ole Opry dear will definitely get "caught in the Webb" of this tribute to the legendary Webb Pierce. It is refreshing to see that in the age of pop sparkle the artists who shaped the country genre are not completely forgotten. Equally refreshing is to see that established artists such as George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Crystal Gayle are joining forces with a younger generation of artists like Allison Moorer, Trent Summar, and B45-49, who still revere the roots of country. (Allmusic)
trax:

1. In The Jailhouse Now - Dale Watson & The Jordanaires 2. Slowly - Mandy Barnett 3. I'm Tired - Charley Pride 4. I Ain't Never - Rosie Flores & The Jordanaires 5. Yes I Know Why - George Jones 6. If You Were Me (And I Were You) - Dwight Yoakam 7. Wondering - Emmylou Harris 8. Tupelo County Jail - Robbie Fulks & Joy Lynn White 9. Back Street Affair - Allison Moorer 10. Even Tho' - Matt King 11. More and More - Crystal Gayle 12. I'm Walking The Dog - The Del McCoury Band 13. That Heart Belongs To Me - Lionel Cartwright 14. Honky Tonk Song - Guy Clark & The Jordanaires 15. Love Love Love - Gail Davies 16. That's Me Without You - Willie Nelson 17. There Stands The Glass - BR5-49 18. Why Baby Why - Kevin Welch & Deborah Pierce 19. It's Been So Long - Trent Summar 20. I Don't Care - Billy Walker & The Carol Lee Singers 21. No Love Have I - Pam Tillis & The Jordanaires

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