David Lee Kaiser "12" ©2006 Moon Tower Records Review by Lucky Boyd You may remember Honky Tonk Jones or the Kaiser Brothers, billed as Jimmy and David Lee Kaiser. You may know about Jimmy Kaiser. David Lee has been running from comparison to his brother for most of his career. Those who know will tell you that together the two were always a great act. As they embark on solo projects, there are few similarities, and thus no chance for a comparison. Now comes the long awaited David Lee Kaiser project, and it is bold and stately. Certain to catapult David Lee into the center of the Texas music spotlight, this debut solo album is a dozen cuts of Texas, each penned by Kaiser. The list of pickers is impressive, the most notable being Mike McClure, Lloyd Maines, and Riley Osbourn. David Lee takes a raucous angle on the album, employing a rocky edge that draws a line in the sand between himself and those who simply wish they could turn up the heat. Drawing on his influences, Kaiser warms the heart with tracks like "All I Want" which comes over like a love song turned Southern Rock anthem. (ala "Free Bird") A prolific writer, Kaiser leans on experience for many of his tunes. Some cuts lean on a wisdom that defies age as Kaiser could have never felt every emotion in every song. Either way, there are hits here, such as "George Dickel" and a certain college-hit "Closer To My Dreams." David Lee is the latest of a long line of talent hailing from the Golden Triangle of Texas. While there may indeed be something in the water, Kaiser has enveloped the heart and soul of Texas music. Get ready for another set of brothers from the Beaumont area to become mainstays of music. As different as the Winters, the Kaisers lay claim to the new millennium, and David Lee has taken the road best suited for him. This road leads many places, and its first stop is your CD collection. Get the disc today. Oh yeah, there's a hidden song in track twelve.