Entertainment
Roger Creager returns with his Texas country sound to record live album
By Nancy Dzubinski and Nishat Fatima
THE BATTALION
GIGS
Friday’s concert at Hurricane Harry’s marks an important
step in the musical career of Texas country music favorite Roger
Creager, because the performance will be showcased in his
upcoming live CD. It ajso means his loyal Aggie fans will be
treated to a rare treat - another rowdy night full of Texas coun
try music fun.
Creager will not only be providing the avid concert-goers
with an evening of music and fun, but will also be recording the
music for his upcoming live album and filming for the disc's
CD-ROM supplement.
Creager says he has wanted to record a live album since 1999.
When it came time to make plans for this much anticipated proj
ect, there was no doubt in his mind where to begin.
"My first instinct was College Station,” Creager said.
Other intended destinations for recording include Houston and
a concert at Gruene Hall over spring break, although College
Station is the only location chosen thus far for filming.
Creager began his music
career in 1991 while still an
A&M student, playing in a little
bar in Post Oak Mall with one
of his friends. Though the bar
itself no longer exists, he still
fondly looks back on memories
of just starting out.
“You might say 1 cut my
teeth in College Station,” he
said. "(It) is where it all began;
where it all started. It’s a Texas
country music breeding ground.”
He explained that many see
Austin as the sort of "home base”
for the Texas country music
artists, but he feels that that title
belongs to College Station.
"It’s always been friendly to
Texas country music artists,"
Creager said.
Other popular names including Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram
and Pat Green have found a home here in the A&M crowds.
I “Aggies are a rowdy bunch and enjoy a good party,” Creager said.
who:
I Roger Creager
iHurricane Harry’s
how much:
Pre-sale
Photo Courtesy ot • JOHN DETTLINC
Roger Creager said when he was making the decision of where to record his live album, his first instinct
was to record in College Station. Creager's performance at Hurricane Harry's will also be filmed and
used on the CD-ROM supplement of the disc.
Jyl Harrington, a resident of College Station who is a avid fan
of Creager. said she is a huge Texas country fan and loves the
style that Creager brings to the genre.
“He just has a great voice,” she said. "His best song is
‘Everclear.’ Everyone I know loves that song. But everything he
does is equally great.”
Creager said he has spent the last several years performing all
over Texas and other parts of the country. One of his favorite
things to do while he performing is to look into the crowds from
different cities and find Aggies in attendance. Creager said this
happens at a tremendous number of his show s.
“The cool thing about Aggies is
the Aggie ring,” he said. “It’s sort of
like a Rolex watch; you can see it in
the crowd. I can look into the crowd
and pick out the Aggies. In Auburn,
Ala., I saw a handful of Aggie rings.
Even in Nashville ...You name it,
they’re there.”
Another one of Creager’s favorite
concert destinations is Mexico, where
he is planning an upcoming trip with
his band this August.
Aside from planning that excur
sion, he is actively trying to expand
his action and publicity outside the
state and has already begun writing
for his next studio album.
“Let’s face it, what we do is so
much fun,” Creager said.
The target release date for the
upcoming live album is later this year
in September.
The unveiling of the disc will be
accompanied by a concert here in
College Station and the usual CD
release parties and other festivities
that will be announced..
“Live records are considered to be
for the fans,” Creager said. “It’s
something cool that you do because
you believe in it.”
Laura Hensley of The Eagle said
Creager’s latest release, "Long Way
to Mexico,” is a departure from the
conventional Creager style.
“By far. ‘Long Way to Mexico’ is his most adventuresome
effort yet, with Creager playing around (with) styles ranging
from Texas Swing and Spanish groove to Lyle Lovett-sounding
big-band and a Frank Sinatra-leaning lounge number,” she said
in her Nov. 20 article.
Creager said his expectations for his upcoming performance
are simple.
“I’m hoping for a rip-roaring Aggie good time on Friday
night," he said.
(formally of Tbo Sons of the Desert)
Friday, Jan. 23 rd 2004
TICKETS IN ADVANCE HIGHL Y SUGGESTED
AT Traditions .
Ml Bookstore & Cavender s
wth iti» thought tor tyxi could
«i» IhflNi al BO It ctaMnl cart you (or your
of your Beane* Tift to
dacWon to help otters.
Rr a T-frrnn
UCa Jnk .t IoWaJ*
— « .se-.a— j Mjmmjr*
Gmmmkv* ov«tftoMPCr
GET THE FACTS
TP I