CHAD RICHARD
WORTHY CAUSE
SLOW ROLLIN STATE LINE–LOVE ANYWAY–GERMAN ANGEL–RIGHT NOW–WORTHY CAUSE–FREDERICKSBURG–WATERS RISE–THE BIG AND THE LITTLE HAND–MY NAME–12 MORE DAYS OF BLUE–SHAWDY AND A SHINER–THE GAME
Chad Richard (say REE-shard) hails from the Sabine River region, where the border of Texas and Louisiana share a fertile soil. It is also a rich ground for songwriters (Gatemouth Brown, anyone?), as well, as you will hear as you listen to Chad’s latest, twelve originals that comprise “Worthy Cause.” The myriad of influences within that region are all on display here, including blues, Cajun, Texas swing and country, in tales that deal with the everyday struggles of life, love, heartbreak, redemption, and “just gettin’ by.”
Opening the proceedings is a tune that sums up what this artist is all about, with “Zydeco to the east, Texas swing to the west,” recalling Chad’s fondest memories along that “Slow Rollin’ State Line,” with fiddle from Marian Brackney. “German Angel” is told from the point of view of a ghost who inhabits a San Antonio home, sent to look over its occupants, while “Waters Rise, but people rise above” is the poignant tale of coping with the aftermath of flood waters from Hurricane Harvey, drawn from Chad’s personal experiences. The set closes with our two favorites. First up is the story of the simpler things in life, “Shawdy And A Shiner,” referring to his dog and his favorite beer, Shiner Bock. Chad sums up the life of a musician with “The Game,” where “every night is different, every night’s the same.”
Chad Richard has spent his musical lifetime sortin’ out what a lotta stuff means, but it’s a safe bet he wouldn’t trade places with anyone. His stories stand tall and proud on “Worthy Cause.” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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