Music

(CD & FESTIVAL Reviews)

Terry Rasor has spent three-plus decades defining and refining a musical signature that refuses to be pigeon-holed. "Texas roadhouse country rock" was one journalist's cogent description of the tight, rhythym-driven sound delivered by Terry and his band, Over the Edge. But this Rasor has an acoustic edge; and that's what you'll hear on this disc, which contains songs representing the 1970s, '80s, '90s and on into the new century.

It was in the year 2000, in fact, that Rasor penned this CD's title song, "Write It Down", a minor-keyed memoir accented by Tommy Alversons flamenco-esque guitar passages. "I wrote that one at 39,000 feet," Terry says.
Are you wondering if, at the time, Terry was consuming the extract of hemp plants cultivated by a man named Skinny? (See cuts 10 through 12.) Shame on you. When he wrote "Write It" Terry was in an airplane returning from a blitzkrieg tour of Germany.
The first fans to hear "Write It Down" were attending the 2003 "Raz on the Braz" music festival on the Brazos River. The song Terry titles "The Stump" is suitable for hearing while rafting down the Brazos or the waterway of your choice. (He wrote it in 1977 while living on the shores of Lake Worth.)

Fittingly, "Write It Down" includes one number saluting the actual process of tune-smithing. "Workin' On A Song" has a boogeying beat driven by fiddles conversing with guitars in almost competitive rhythyms.
Another homage, "Rasor to Shaver", turns a delicious pun and some tasty vocals into a heartfelt tribute to outlaw icon Billy Joe Shaver. Meanwhile, this compilation of songs is a hat tip to the artistry and the ongoing musical evolution of Terry Rasor. Drink in the sounds, with or without a river water chaser.

--Perry Stewart, Ft. Worth Star Telegram.

Since more than 30 years, Terry Rasor, promoter of the Raz on The Braz Festival, is touring across Texas and other states with his Band, Over The Edge. Around 160 gigs per year are still on the agenda. Terry: “Some time ago we did up to 260 gigs per year – and worked regular jobs during weekdays. That was just getting too much.” The boys have played even twice in Europe upon the invitation of Franz Metzger, owner of the Texas House in Villingen-Schwenningen (Germany). Terry’s music is a mirror of himself: Straight forward, open and honest. Two albums are available on CD, both self recorded with the help of many of his Texan music friends, such as Tommy Alverson or John Nitzinger.

The 98-production Takin’ Ransom offers twelve songs, ten of them written by Terry. Over Ashes And Leftover Wine made me stop and listening. It’s a mixture of Hank jr. and Waylon, pure outlaw music. The two songs by John Nitzinger, Bad Bye and Lorraine are the proof that Texas Rocker Nitzinger is also an expert in writing and playing on the soft side of things. Don’t Mess With Texas could have been the inspiration to the Brian Burns song Welcome To Texas, which was published a year after Terry’s song.

In 2003 it was time to Write It Down. Here you can hear an other side of Terry with mainly acoustic played ballads. Lyrics from everyday life like in the title track Write It Down are telling about the tours of the band in Germany. Rasor To Shaver with guest star Tommy Alverson is a homage to the living legend Billy Joe Shaver. Coming Home Once Again is the story of a lonely songwriter, who is restlessly travelling his country, most of the times lonely and longing to see his friends at home.

Listening to the songs, I have the feeling that the covers were mixed up. The picture of the outlaw on Write It Down actually fits more the songs on Takin’ Ransom. But no matter what, both CDs are offering a representative cross-section on the work of this Texan songwriter. A man who is persistently following his path – since 33 years on the road.

--Bruno Michel, Country Music Switzerland

Terry Rasor's gruff voice is an acquired taste. At first you might be put off by it, but if you take the time to listen to his heart through that gruff voice you'll know you've come upon something truly unique. His writing is incredible and his melodies are too! Then take the time to meet Terry and you'll know what a fine musician and man he is.

This set, which was recorded at our Gathering in October last year, was probably one of the finest sets of the week, as you will hear. It was recorded direct to two-track with no overdubs or 'fixes' as we call 'em. What you hear here is exactly what went down that night, an incredible performance. If you didn't get to witness this show live, please do yourself a favor and check Terry and the band out the next time you get the chance; I'm sure they'll be back at Gathering #9.

--Tommy Alverson

Saturday's show at the White Elephant Beer Garden in the Fort Worth Stockyards has a special significance. It's the "pre-Raz" concert by Terry Rasor and his country/rock group Over The Edge. In more prosaic language, that 8pm - midnite event is Rasor and company's warm-up for this years Raz on the Braz shindig.

It all started about a decade ago, when Terry and some musician friends got together on the banks of the Brazos river to celebrate Rasor's birthday. Raz on the Braz is now a big three day deal, which this year features Rusty Wier and Nitzinger, amoung others. If you're a veteran Raz Braz partyer, you know the drill: Get yourself down to Bucks on the Brazos where Buck and the Dutchess (Scott and Cindy Chafin) open the gates at noon Thursday.

Terry himself should be in top form. He hits the half-century mark with this Braz gathering. The musical lineup also includes Sonny Burgess, Dust Devils. Davin James and Fat Boys in the Round. That last group features prominent North Texas pickers who share one physical attribute. Wonder what that is.

- Perry Stewart, Fort Worth Star Telegram

I just got home from Terry Rasor’s “Raz on the Braz” at Buck’s On The Brazos.
Had I known it was going to take me so long to find it I’d at least have taken a change of clothes. The fact that
I’ve been going there for years – and gotten lost every damned time – didn’t even cross my mind. I was
positive I knew how to get there and was still stating my case on that point when my son wisely stopped at a
convenience store and got directions (see, contrary to what women say -- men will do that if they get
frustrated enough!) The scenery alone would have been worth the trip! The trees, grounds and river create a
wonderful festival site – there was even a breeze in this August-in-Texas heat!

My son Rusty, his wife Annette and I had a chance to “howdy” everybody just before Steven went onstage.
We’d timed our arrival that way as all three of us are diabetics and Texas’ extreme heat throws your body
thermostat into code red if you stay out in it long enough. (I tell you this so you won’t think we’re nuts for
not staying to see an absolutely wonderful line up of entertainers)…but, back to what I was sayin’ -- saw our
host, Terry Rasor -- undoubtedly one of the sweetest, most talented guys in the music business. He’s
constantly on the move making sure his guests, the entertainers and everyone on the site is comfortable and
happy and it appeared to me everyone was.

Terry had celebrated his 50th birthday August 11th – as had my son, Rusty. Couldn’t help but wonder if
Terry’s mama had felt like I did 50 years ago – being pregnant during any part of August in Texas is proof of
bad timing. In fact I decided the day Rusty was born that the whole pregnant thingy didn’t really appeal to
me at any time of the year -- so I never did it again. Anyway, I digress – Terry is one of Texas’ best in the
music business and we sure did enjoy visitin’ with him – and huggin’ his neck!

Steven went on at 6:00 o’clock and I was surprised to see so many folks bring their chairs and gather around
the stage under the shade of the big ‘ol trees. I expected it would be kinda early for most festival goers but not
these folks. They clapped and cheered and got right into the whole performance. Steven finished a great set
and left the stage to a standing ovation – a really wonderful afternoon!

- Angela Blair (Steven Fromholz' sis)

Raz on the Braz

August 2006

Terry Rasor celebrated his birthday with over 700 fans at this years Raz on the Braz. This was the 11th annual Raz on the Braz and as usual it was a great time with some excellent music. This event was held at Bucks on the Brazos which is just north of Glen Rose on Highway 67 -- blink and you will buzz right by the Buck's small sign.

RV camping is up a small bluff above the music stage. They have 20 or so electric and water spots but they are very hard to get. There is plenty of camping in an open field by the electric sites. Tent camping and small RVs can head down the hill and find plenty of primitive camping under the live oaks and along the banks of the Brazos. All sites are within a 200 to 300 yard walk to the music.

The stage is set at the base of a small hill and under the live oaks and a short walk to the Brazos River -- which came in handy with the temperature running at 100 degrees this year! Terry had also set up a water mister up in the trees to help keep you cool. The setting is great and the crowds are small and friendly -- kids are welcome. This is a BYOB and BYOChairs and you can't beat the price at $40 for the entire concert and $5 per person per day for camping. One vendor who serves burgers, BBQ sandwiches, turkey legs and more is onsite to keep you from starving or from having to cook and miss the music.

The music started on Thursday night and some of Thursdays entertainment included: Davin James, Don Burke, Rene Sims, Scott Copeland, Tom McElvain, Sherwin Phillips, Andy Pate, and Gerald Sugg. We missed Thursday night but heard that Davin James was outstanding. On Friday the music started at 2:00 and included: Ronny Duwe, Scotty Shuffield, Big River, Texas Water, Randy Brown, Raz Trio, Fat Boys in the Round, and Ed Burleson was the headliner. Starting around noon on Saturday were Just Joan, The Banjo Babe, Max Attack, Coy Moore, Toucan Brothers, Sonny Burgess, Steve Fromholz, The Dust Devils, Nitzinger, Rusty Wier, and Terry Rasor and Over the Edge concluded around 1:30. Some of the highlights were the Toucan Brothers, Randy Brown, Terry Rasor, The Dust Devils, and good old music legend Rusty Wier.

Good music, small crowd, and a nice setting -- don't miss this one next year.

- Mike Sharp, Texas Outside