By Shelley Marsden

Double CD tribute marks Guy Clark’s 70^th birthday

This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark has been released by Houston’s Icehouse Music to celebrate the legendary Texan’s 70^th birthday; lovingly produced by Grammy-winning producer Tamara Savino – who is also working withClark on his definitive biography – and frequentClark co-writer Shawn Camp.

This fitting tribute includes 30 tracks by a total of 22Americanaartists who are friends and colleagues ofClark, or have simply been influenced from afar by his remarkable compositions. Part of the proceeds of the album will go to the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University,San Marcos,Texas.

Clark’s poetry has a deep resonance with his fellow songwriters. Lyle Lovett, one of those who contributes to the album, says: “Guy’s songs are literature. The first time I heard Guy Clark, I thought it made everything I’d heard up to that point something other than a song. His ability to translate the emotional into the written word is extraordinary.”

Clark’s most vibrant and vivid vignettes (Instant Coffee Blues, Desperadoes Waiting For A Train) are cinematic in their lush landscapes (The Cape, The Last Gunfighter Ballad) and fascinating novellas are often revealed within minutes (Better Days, She Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere).

Clark’s unique storytelling prowess is about stripping it back rather than adding too much detail. He says, “Songs are like Japanese paintings. Less is more. One brushstroke takes the place of many if you put it in the right place. I’m trying to get whoever is listening to think, ‘Oh man, I was there. I did that. I know what that’s about.”

For more than four decades, the long-timeNashvilleresident, who won a Grammy award for his 2009 effort Somedays the Song Writes You, has been generous with his gift and cultivated the talent he sees around him. He has, you might say, given sea legs to a long list of stars, including Rodney Crowell, Steve Earl and Vince Gill.

Upcoming songwriter Hayes Carll says of him: “Guy is the king in a lot of ways. I think everybody who was around Guy learned a lot from him and I think the entire music world is indebted to him for what he taught other writers. Everybody who had a chance to learn from him came away a better writer. He gave me a shot before I deserved one.”

This album returns that lifelong favour, each artist involved bringing not only their individual talents but an obvious and deeply personal respect for Clark, the man and the musician. Vince Gill in particular claims a moving bond withClark. He says, “Giant tears were falling all over my guitar as we were playing”.

The country star recalls serving as guitarist onClark’s original Randall Knife recording almost 30 years ago. “My dad was a lawyer, and he died when I was forty. Guy and I are tied at the hip through that song.”

The double CD set was recorded with a core house band and a rotating cast of other musicians, in a spirit perfect for a tribute to Guy Clark. As Rodney Crowell described the sessions: Folk mostly laughed. Folk swapped stories. Enjoyed company. Picked and grinned like those dusky evenings over at Guy and Susanna’s nearOld Hickory Lanein the 70s.

Kick back and listen to some excellent contributions from the likes of Suzy Boggus (Instant Coffee Blues), Hemigway’s Whiskey (Kris Kristoffersen) and Magnolia Wind (Emmylou Harris). Here’s to you, Guy.

Visit www.guyclark.com for more.