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Being a musician for 40+ years myself, I am not easily impressed.  When I heard the CD "Real Men" by Ken Gaines; that changed.  I was able to get out of my "critical musician's chair" and just sit back and enjoy Ken's writings and the way the music blended with his thought-provoking lyrics.  It was pure artistic accomplishment.  I have not had the pleasure of seeing Ken perform in person and I am looking forward to that day.  Good Job!!!!

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I've had this cassette for about 6 or 7 years and its' outstanding.  Every song is a treasure.  Not only is Ken a gifted writer,  but he's also an incredible guitar player and singer.  I'm buying the cassette again because mine has worn out from so many playings.

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Ken has been a friend/colleague/inspiration of mine for many years.  We have sat and played music together around many a stage, campfire, and living room.  I bore witness to the birth of several songs on this CD, which makes it all the more special.  I'll say up front that I agree with everything that's said about what kind of person Ken is, but for these purposes, I'll confine my comments to the CD itself.
Ken is the kind of songwriter that good songwriters wish they could be.  He is an inspiration and sometimes a discouragement when trying to measure one's work against his.  There is variety to his work that always keeps it fresh and interesting and that comes through in this CD.
Many of my personal favorites are part of this collection and I have been wearing it out lately.  Things that I've had the pleasure of hearing Ken do live, I now get to listen to any time, and I didn't realize what I'd been missing until now.
You get a real rich mixture here of styles and feels, but not quality - it's all top rate.  If you don't know Ken's music, you will have a few surprises ("You Belong To Me" is not what you might expect it to be).  The title cut is undoubtedly Ken's signature piece, but he's no one-trick pony.  I hate to sound trite, but you will literally laugh, cry and sigh.  
In short, if you're the kind to be nosing around a site like this, you should appreciate and love this collection.  Since Ken never performs anything but his own material, you won't hear it anywhere else.  I'd never thought of it before, but Ken is such a solid performer that not many others have adopted his songs as their own - hard to improve upon them.

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Some years ago, I was drifting across a valley full of tents, campfires, and song circles on the sacred grounds of Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville, Texas, when my heart was called by an authentic, masculine tenor voice rising on the warm breeze.  I followed this real effort to it's origin and found myself under a large red and white tent listening to Ken Gaines singing a song about real men.
I have made a happy exit from much of what is fake in my life for at least a week and three weekends every year since that night, in a pilgrimage to a circle that represents the best we can be as people.  Within this truly open space, any person with a song and a guitar is welcome to occupy an open seat and (when their turn arrives) perform their music in front of 40 to 60 supportive listeners.  Every night you will find the quality of the music will range from the early efforts of a young songwriter to the exquisite product of a master songsmith.  It is, without a doubt, one of the best places on the planet an aspiring singer/songwriter can wander in to.
Ken Gaines is an emphatic supporter of this format.  Why?  Because he is a man who regularly exercises his giving muscle in the cause of real music and real musicians.
I recently opened my rural mail box and found a copy of Ken's first CD had arrived.  I was hopeful.  I've been moved by the authentic quality of many solo performers only to be quite disappointed by their finished studio projects.  The soulfulness and humanity of a beautiful songwriter can easily get lost on the road from heart to silicon disk.  Having now listened to Real Men, I am very pleased to report that Ken's songs have suffered the least amount of damage that is possible (nothing tops his live performances with partner, Wayne Wilkerson).  Bill Ward and Ken Gaines have done an excellent job in producing this CD.
The happy owner of this CD will hear what music sounds like when a pair of real men with guitars work at it for years.  The resulting interaction between Ken's rhythm and Wayne's lead is seamless and acoustic guitar lovers will get their money's worth from this effort by itself.  In addition, Ken's lyricism is fresh and accessible and above all...real.  There is also plenty of variety in his musical styles.  Ken's voice is a special and unique gift and like the guitar work, you will find that the vocal performances on this CD are the polished results of years of practice and effort.  Every song on this album is good and at least one of them, the title cut, is a rare gem.  I'm not the only person who would tender a Jackson just to have a studio cut of this exceptional composition.  Bill Ward, Jeff Duncan, and Mike Lindauer made professional contributions that complete this effort.
Buy Ken's CD and you will get the added bonus of knowing that you are supporting one of the finest men in Texas music.

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I recently had the pleasure of hearing Ken Gaines close up and personal at Saylor White's house concert.  I was absolutely amazed.  So much depth, so much talent, so much beauty, so much truth.  I want to hear more, more, more!  I still have his song about REAL MEN floating around in my head a month later, and Shaking the Gates of Hell shook me too, I'll tell you.  I'll NEVER pass up an opportunity to hear Ken Gaines, that's for sure.  Where IS your CD anyway, and why the heck aren't you on the dang radio?

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I'm with Melissa Adams on this one.  

Ken Gaines, the artist, is one of the finest singer/songwriters I've ever heard.  Take a listen to "No One Else" and you'll get a taste of Ken's wonderful, easygoing stage persona, as well as a super-sized helping of tasty guitar, thoughtful lyrics and a priceless dash of impishness.   

I truly can't say enough about Ken's writing and vocals.  Check it out for yourself and see if you don't agree.  I'm almost ready to pay for [the production of] his next CD myself, just so I can enjoy his other musical offerings!  

Ken Gaines, the person, has a heart of gold and this purity of spirit shines brightly, not only in his songwriting, but in everything he does. His generosity in local music circles is legendary and Ken works hard to promote and support other songwriters, most times more so than himself.   He's an absolute jewel and we're lucky to have him here in Houston.  Wish there were more people like him in the world.

Okay, so I'm gushing.  But, honestly, I have good reason to!  Check out anything you can find by Ken Gaines.  
You won't be sorry...promise!

(No, I'm not related to Ken in any way...Just telling it like it is.  
Love ya, Kendoll....)

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I've been waiting a long time for an opportunity to tell the world my 2 cents on Ken Gaines. The short answer is, "WOW!". The longer answer is: Ken Gaines is one of the finest songcrafters I've ever heard. When you add in his beautiful voice, guitar skills and stage persona (which in my experience varies little from the "real guy"), he's the total package. Why on earth this guy isn't famous yet, is a mystery to me. Why he is so loved in the Houston music community (and I suspect other music communities) is no mystery at all! When I grow up I want to be Ken. I've already memorized all the lyrics to the songs on No One Else!

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