Seldom do performers capture the true sense of what it means to be a songwriter and be faithful to the craft. Alton Rex does it in a big way on "SOUL FACES." He surrounds himself with great musicians like Lloyd Maines, Sara Hickman, Steven Doster, Luis Guerra, Michael Hale, Redd Volkaert, Lee Duffy, Pauline Reese, Rich Brotherton, Fletcher Clark, Chris Beirne, Andrew McKee, Hadi Jawad, and Bo Reynolds. Even with all those great pickers, the highlight of this disc is Alton Rex himself, and his lyric driven messages. Simple is sometimes best, like on "Trains Don't Run" where Alton gives you a basic image and lets you build around it on your own. The small town of Waring is back on the map, even without a train stop, thanks to Alton Rex. "Whirlaway" is as good in diversionary imagery as I've heard in a while. With this cut, Alton Rex is in a class with Shake Russell and Saylor White, who are masters of the art of sending you 'east' to show you the 'west.' A personal favorite is the tribute to American Veterans, "How Many Children." Alton Rex's voice is true and crisp, allowing you to experience the intended emotion of each track. This disc is an excellent choice for fans of Texas singer/songwriters. Rex’s 2004 release is “LIVE AT LONGHORN CAVERN.” As the name suggests, the album was recorded live in the main chamber of the cavern at Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet, Texas. This Steven Doster production is crystal clear and mixed well. Four of Rex’s favorite pickers join him for this performance and the cavern quickly becomes the sixth instrument. The music is a continuation of Rex’s writing skills. Arguably the best song on the album is “Whirlaway” which showcases the talent on the disc beautifully. Alton Rex croons new tunes and some old favorites on this twelve-cut offering, but delivers in an exemplary fashion. Much can be learned from an Alton Rex show. His writing is very good, and while this reviewer prefers the shorter songs on any album, Rex offers more than one worthy tune, irrespective of length. This is solid folk music all around. Rex is a master craftsman. Alton Rex is also a member of The Austin Conspiracy. Get either disc today for $13.99!