Although Jay Johnson has been playing music for a long time, he became serious about an independent music career in 1999, with the release of his first album (CD), Images, followed by Deep In The Heart Of Texas in 2002, and then Royal Blue Moon in 2004.  All of these CD's are totally different, proving that Jay is truly an Americana artist with his music on radio stations in genres from folk, rock, and blues to southern rock, and country, and Americana, of course, among others.

     Jay's repertoire of original songs can't be heard in one night (unless it's an all nighter).  Instead, Jay chooses different songs for every performance, and each show is unique and totally Jay.  Whatever songs Jay sings on a given night, you can bet your money that he does each one with a passion and conviction that would rival the influences he lists on his MySpace page...James Taylor, Pink Floyd, Jackson Browne, and Johnny Cash to name a few.  He is one of the most talented singer/songwriters on the Texas music scene today.  He intros most of his songs with a short story of how they came to fruition in his mind.  Some of those stories are funny, some are lighthearted, and some are very deep just like the songs.   I never get tired of seeing and hearing Jay play live in any venue, whether it's a house concert like Cuervo Acres, the Beach Lodge at Port A, or his new virtual online Tie Dye Tuesday House Concert streaming live on the internet from his own home, which he just started on March 18th.  Check this event out on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. CST at http://www.justin.tv/jayjohnsonmusic where you can watch Jay perform live in the comfort of your own home.  Isn't technology great??

     Jay was voted Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2005 Texas Music Awards in which he and his band at the time received the most nominations (6) in the history of the show, including Song, Album, Musician and Entertainer of the Year. He was also selected as a Regional Finalist in the 2004 Sony/USA Network Nashville Star TV Show and currently has several of his songs being considered for placement in upcoming film and television shows. This 18 year veteran performer has self-released 3 albums in the last 7 years (all received statewide, regional and international airplay) while sharing the stage with such talent as Jackson Browne, Pat Green, Willie Nelson, Charlie Robison, Jack Ingram, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steven Fromholz, Gary P. Nunn and countless others.

     It's really a damn shame that Jay hasn't made the big stage, because his talent and gift as a songwriter and artist should be recognized world wide.  With the help of the internet, I can only hope this will happen someday.  I've been following Jay since 1999, and will follow him until he quits playing live or I quit living, one or the other.

     Dirk Hamilton headlined this show, and this is an artist I had never heard or seen before (I hate admitting that, especially when it's someone like Dirk Hamilton).  Why?  Because he's been around long enough and is good enough that he deserves more recognition than he gets (just like Jay).  Even though my better half has two of Dirk's first albums (on vinyl from 1977 and 1978), I myself, have never heard his music until this night.

     Reading Dirk's bio on his MySpace page, he started his career in the early 70's in California, and eventually worked with Steely Dan and later signed with ABC Records who produced his first album, You Can Sing On The Left Or Bark On The Right.  In 1978, he left ABC Records for Elektra/Asylum and made his second album, Meet Me At the Crux, which was named as one of the essential albums of the '70's by respected music journalist, Steve Pond, in 1990.  After his second album with Elektra, he ended up leaving the record label for the same reason that most artists who know themselves musically leave a record label...to make their own music and not lend themselves to the music the label pressures them to do because they think it's more marketable.  Hats off to Dirk for being true to himself and his music. 

     Dirk Hamilton is very popular in Italy and has toured there every year since 1989, as well as touring the United States.  He now resides in the Dallas area, and that is why he has graced the stage at Cuervo Acres recently, on two separate occasions.

     Music reviewers have said, "Hamilton is one of rock's best kept secrets...a gripping live performer" (Los Angeles Times).   There are other quotes from notable music critics on his MySpace page, but I'm here to tell you MY first impression of Dirk's music.  I think he is a prolific songwriter who can pen a song, whether from fact or fiction, in a poetic and powerful way.  He is musically talented on both the guitar and the harmonica which comes from his many years of experience.  His voice is gravelly and raw, which lends interest to his performance and gets your attention.  I was pleasantly surprised with Dirk Hamilton, and the combination of these two artists in an intimate private concert made for a magical night of music.  The best acoustic music for the price anywhere in the Dallas area...no contest!  I'd gladly pay twice what I paid to hear these guys again, you get a more bang for your buck here than at any public venue in the metroplex.  And in this venue, you can actually hear the music and the lyrics of every song...and then some.

They also have a pot luck buffet that is enjoyed by all, and it's BYOB. 

For future listings at Cuervo Acres House Concerts, visit their website or check

Miss Lana's Calendar.

Also visit  Jay Johnson's website and Dirk Hamilton's website to order their music and find out more about these talented artists.

                                                                                                     Happy Trails,

                                                                                                    Miss Lana

March 2008

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