Bill Wence - Songs From The
Rocky Fork Tavern
Review By: George
Peden, CSO Staff Journalist
“My
son, Kris, built me a small cabin in the woods not far from the
house. I call it “The Rocky Fork Tavern” and it has a
jukebox…piano…fridge…no phone…all of the right ingredients
to write a song – or at least give it a try.”
Liner notes: Bill Wence
“There are some fine songs here. Bill is a
good writer…and some great playing. This is a testament that no
matter what your age, if you are an artist, your imagination and
your desire to create never dies…”
Liner notes: James Talley
Bill Wence knows music. He knows how to write
it, play it, and as a large part of his life proves, he knows how
to promote it. Over the last almost 30 years, Bill Wence has been
an industry promoter, pushing and pulling some of country’s
biggest names to chart prominence. But his passion for music
started way before that. As his web site reveals, the young
entrepreneur, someone who in later life would become one of the
top five genre promoters to radio, started as a kid saving dollars
from a job in lettuce fields to buy a tape recorder. That Wolensak
recorder became a vital part of the music– Bill Wence’s music.
That childhood passion and imagination has fuelled a life of
realized musical achievement that has seen Wence write, perform
and promote some of the biggest names in country music.
Now years on with little to prove, Bill Wence
makes music that may miss the mainstream mark, but it’s music
that’s easy, emotive and enjoyable. With a voice more Joe Sun
(for those who remember) than George Strait, Wence shows he can
write a meaningful tune by penning eight of the 12 cuts on the
album out on 615 Records. Supported by some rich harmony vocals
including The Jordanaires, Sisters Morales, John Wesley Ryles and
Becky Hobbs, alongside some gifted players including Charlie
McCoy, Rob Hajacos, Byrd Burton to name a few, the album drifts
easily between soft rockers and tempered heartache.
“Angelene” opens the album. Telling of a guy
with his “future in the past”, the track is an easy rocked
torment about losing and leaving. More ache and reflection plays
out on “What Do You Think About Me and You”. “Honky Tonk
Heartache” tells of familiar fare: heartache eased with music,
the country kind, and “another beer, it’s a glass of cheer”.
The piano-led “Old Rock And Roller” is a pensive looking back
at just how fast time moves. When Wence shares his penned memories
of the boy from Memphis, forty-fives, and harder but simpler
times, it’s grazing ground for those of us who won’t see 50
again.
Other standout tracks include the moody moving
on of “She’s Leaving For Dallas”; The jazzy “So
Used” and the countrified “Chicago Lady” telling of how love
spans the divide between Reno and Tennessee, all highlight
Wence’s working of different styles. An interesting inclusion is
“Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” which is a remembered #1 pop
hit for Looking Glass back in August ’72. It works a treat here.
Songs From The Rocky Fork Tavern is an easy and
friendly listen. But then…Bill Wence knows how to make music.
