Dave Kirby
"Is Anybody Going to San Antone?"

On April 17, 2004, country music lost one of it's
finest 'creators', with the sad passing of Dave Kirby. Dave Kirby's
guitar work can be heard on literally thousands of albums that
came out of Nashville during the 60's through the 90's...but it
was his songwriting that made such an impact, with countless numbers
of his songs recorded by the very best in country music.
As a result of being such an "in-demand"
session player and songwriter, Dave Kirby never devoted much time
to his own singing career - he did manage to record several singles
on various labels, charting a couple of times, and cutting one
album, Writer, Singer, Picker on Dot Records, way back in 1973.
Fortunately, for his fans, friends and devotees, before his untimely
passing, at age 65, Dave Kirby found the time to return to the
studio and record his own versions of some of the songs which
were popularized through the years by so many country stars.
Is Anybody Going To San Antone? features ten of
Dave Kirby's compositions, performed as only the 'composer' of
a song can interpret his own music. The small nuances that Dave
Kirby gives to some of these classicly familiar songs helps to
make them fresh and new all over again.
Included are such nuggets as the title track Is
Anybody Going To San Antone, a #1 hit in 1970 for Charley Pride;
Sidewalks Of Chicago, What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana,
Mobile Bay, There Ain't No Good Chain Gang, and Colorado all of
which were recorded by Merle Haggard, and covered by others.
Also among the many highlights are versions of Memories
To Burn, Leavin's Been Coming For A Long Long Time and Forever
Again, all among the 23 Dave Kirby songs that Gene Watson has
recorded to date.
An example of Dave Kirby's songwriting diversity
is captured on his version of the blues-tinged No More One More
Time. The song was first popularized by Cajun-country star Jo-El
Sonnier; and Dave Kirby seems to be at his finest vocal moment
when he delivers this nugget.
Is Anybody Going To San Antone? was produced by
Dave Kirby and recorded at his studio in Vienna, Missouri. Although
not credited here, you can feel Dave Kirby's loving wife, country
singer extraordinaire, Leona Williams, by his side throughout
the recordings. The album represents the legacy of a master's
craftsmanship... the only disappointment is that is covers only
a small chapter of Dave Kirby's songbook in life.
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