Texas Star by Fenton (Jonesy) Jones, Frank Messina And The Mavericks – A Folksy Little Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up, folks. Let’s talk about Texas Star, the album that somehow manages to feel like a warm campfire on a chilly night and also like someone’s slightly off-key uncle strumming his guitar in the backyard. It’s a folk record through and through, with just enough twang to make you wanna grab a banjo—or at least Google how to play one.
First things first: this ain’t some slick, overproduced Nashville number. No sir. This is raw, rootsy goodness straight outta the USA, courtesy of Frank Messina and The Mavericks. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here—they’re just rolling it down a dusty country road and letting it wobble where it wants.
Now, onto the tracks. The title track, “Texas Star,” hits you right in the nostalgia bone. It’s got that classic storytelling vibe that makes folk music so dang relatable. Listening to it feels like sitting on a porch swing while someone tells you tales of love, loss, and probably a horse or two. The melody sticks with ya—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s honest. Like, “yeah, I’ve been there” kind of honest. Plus, the harmonica solo? Chef’s kiss. Totally unnecessary but weirdly perfect.
Then there’s another standout—I’ll call it Track X for now since I don’t have all the deets—but let me tell you, this thing has a groove that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re just tapping your foot, and the next you’re full-on chair-dancing like nobody’s watching. The lyrics are simple yet sharp, like a pair of well-worn boots: comfortable but still leaving an impression. If this doesn’t get stuck in your head after a couple listens, check your pulse.
What really stands out about Texas Star is its authenticity. There’s no autotune, no studio magic tricks—just real people playing real instruments and telling real stories. Sure, it might not be everyone’s cup of sweet tea, but if you dig stripped-down, heartfelt tunes, this one’s worth a spin.
And hey, here’s a random thought to leave you with: isn’t it kinda wild how something as simple as a song can transport you to another time and place? Like, I could swear I smelled BBQ smoke while listening to “Texas Star.” Maybe that’s just my imagination…or maybe Fenton and the gang cast some kind of musical spell. Either way, hats off to ‘em.
