Tony Barker "ALL IN" ©2005 (Self-released) Review by Lucky Boyd Abilene is home to Tony Barker and West Texas should be proud of the 2005 release "ALL IN," a twelve cut acoustic gem. Barker took his songwriting talents into the studio and produced what is undeniably a masterfully performed debut offering. Influences abound as Barker lends his velvet sandpaper voice to tunes that bring to mind Cat Stevens or Jim Croce. Ah, but enter the Texas twist that usually accompanies those smitten with the pride of the Great State. Barker's Texas attitude shines through on each cut. While only a transplanted Texan, Barker understands the culture and has been embraced by it as is evidenced through his writing. Arguably one of the best cuts is "Texas Needs Water," which is a perennial battle cry almost anywhere within the Republic borders. Barker, I would imagine, joins the ranks of us who have written a wedding song on request. "The Wedding Gift" showcases Barker's smooth finger-picking and gives the world another great choice for wedding music. Thanks Tony. An accomplished guitarist and a very good songwriter, Tony Barker is poised to become a household name, if not a 'house concert' name across the region. If you love house concerts, this is the kind of performer you hope you stumble across now and then. Welcome to opportunity. Here's yours…get Tony Barker in your CD player right away. I suppose you could drive to Abilene. Nah. Get "ALL IN" today.