CD: Rex Warren and Walking Rain, Raise Your Voice (Avocado Records)

By Rachel Heisler

Rex Warren’s latest CD, Raise Your Voice, is a soft-spoken undertaking of Americana that greatly identifies with concerns of the heart and the inner workings of the soul. With sentimental quips like “Somthing in me is crying / Something in me is dying” (from the song “Something In Me”), Warren isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

Warren is joined by Walking Rain: guitarist Coale Johnson and mandolin player Bob Bruen. The album’s extended cast of contributors is extremely gifted. Featured are singer/songwriter Terri Hendrix provides backing vocals on three numbers, Lloyd Maines (father of The Dixie Chicks’ frontwoman Natalie) sits in on Dobro and other instruments and Burque cohorts Tommy Elskes, Debra “Debo” Orlofsky, Bill Hearne and Doug Geist (percussionist who also co-produced and engineered the album).

Warren’s interesting sense of humor (see “Ole” for a great example: “My ex is getting married today / She called last week to tell me it’s so … She said that he is special / And they’ll travel the world / I hope he knows her middle name’s material girl”) and an edge that means busines, helps explain why and how he’s lasted such a long time on the local Albuquerque music sce.

Warren gives top priority to relationship-oriented prose, but has also included culturally relevant topics like patriotism (“Red White and Blue”), terrorism (“Dogs Keep Barking”) and American history (“Strange Strange World”). His observational skills are fine-tuned on songs like “Saturday In Santa Fe” and “Albuquerque The Jewel of New Mexico.”

The most touching moment comes on his j-card’s Special Thanks when he writes: “My mother passed away before I could complete this record. I dedicate this to her, a wonderful and remarkable woman. God Bless. Ethel Jordan Warren, 1916-2006.” Taking his dedication to her a step further, he’s included a handful of paintings that she created.

Rex Warren’s lyrical prowess and subdued country melodies make Raise Your Voice a project of gigantic emotional proportions. And the best part, he’s done it with an air of class and spirit that makes you wish you’d known him all your life.
Upcoming show information:

Coale Johnson (from San Francisco) will be joining and playing his nylon string, dobro and acoustic guitar. Rex Warren & Walking Rain: Bob Bruen (mandolin, vocals), Lance Quadri (stand-up bass) and Coale Johnson (guitars, vocals) will present a CD Release Celebration Week with three parties.

- Saturday, December 1 at Los Ojos in Jemez Springs, NM, 8 pm-midnight (505-829-3547)

- Monday, December 3 at Corrales Bistro Brewery in Corrales, NM, 6-9 pm (505-897-1036)

- Wednesday, December 5 at El Dorado Hotel, 309 W. San Francisco, Santa Fe, NM, 5-9 pm (800-995-4455)
For more information, visit www.rexwarren.com or www.myspace.com/rexwarrenmusic.