By Doug Hill
pop writer
Billy Crockett
Wishing Sky
Blue Rock Artists
Billy Crockett is an Oklahoma native who is a well-known part of the Americana scene in Texas. He played in Norman last month as part of the Winter Wind Concert Series at the Performing Arts Studio. I missed the concert but this album came to me and now I regret not catching the show.
Crockett is no kid, he's played everywhere from Radio City Music Hall to a bullfighting ring in Monterrey, Mexico. Original songs on this disc display the craftsmanship you'd expect from a guy who has served on BMI's South by Southwest Songwriters Panel. Other players on the album include luminaries Lloyd Maines and Jon Dee Graham. Actually Maines and Graham aren't just famous, they're undeniable bad asses. And speaking of posteriors, that's what Crockett suggests you get off when ponies prevail in "Back on the Horse." "Meant That" has a tasty jazz slither with female back-up vocals and sexy-slow, but insistent rhythm.
Crockett's vocals are gentle and reassuring in "I Do Not Know." Lyrical imagery of an old pick-up truck struggling through the gears and clouds shadowing mountains glow with authenticity.
Although "Wishing Sky" is 13 tracks, it leaves you wishing there were more.
