Texas Platters

Guy Clark

Craftsman, the title of a 1995 compilation of Guy Clark's early work, comes to mind when listening to Somedays the Song Writes You. Like everything he's put out over the course of a nearly 40-year career, not a note or word is out of place, crafted with immense care and intent. Each original tune is a co-write, some with names you'll recognize (Rodney Crowell, Gary Nicholson, Verlon Thompson), others with new blood like Jedd Hughes and Ashley Monroe. Clark's nuanced voice stands front and center, however, a little craggy with age but still impeccably matched to the spirits he summons. His storyteller side is fully effective on "The Guitar," with its magical ending, and a bad morning comes alive on "The Coat." A spry reading of "If I Needed You" gives a nod to old friend Townes Van Zandt, and bass player Bryn Davies, formerly of Two High String Band, adds amiable backing vocals throughout. Somedays leads off with the tune that gives the album its title, "Somedays You Write the Song," a simple yet penetrating exploration of the mystery of songwriting. (Guy Clark swings through the Texas Union Theatre, Friday & Saturday, Nov. 20 & 21.)