TODD HOKE: Headed West on 10

Todd Hoke

Headed West on 10

© 2000 Todd Hoke (750532061221)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SPECIAL: 10% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

acousticalcountrifiedfolkmusic: the sort of stuff you want playing as you read Steinbeck in your Airstream trailer and drink Coca-Cola from a green bottle...

notes

Todd Hoke was born and raised in Conroe, Texas. He learned to drink coffee while attending Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church, a habit he continues today with some regularity. Todd can do 20 push-ups in a row and has run in the Motorola Marathon in Austin twice without passing out or throwing up. Todd's wife, Meg, thinks he's the best singer-songwriter EVER and his mother, Jody, agrees. Todd's father, Lester, was unavailable for comment. Todd thinks the world would be a better place if more people would read TR Pearson's "A Short History of a Small Place," Richard Bradford's "Red Sky at Morning," and John Kennedy Toole's "Confederacy of Dunces." At home in Austin, Todd is frequently seen sitting on his front porch writing, playing guitar, or staring blankly into space. Todd has never eaten Brussels sprouts, and he never will.


This from Todd: "It had been a dream of mine for some time to put a few of my songs together on a CD and I'm extremely proud of how it turned out (though I did refrain from putting a "Ask me about my CD" bumper sticker on my Civic). Ray did a great job producing and freed me up to really focus on the music. He also mined his Rolodex to get the best players available to bring the songs to life - it was awesome to hear these folks playing MY songs. It's always hard to know, when everything is done, whether or not you've done everything right - maybe I should've hired a bagpiper or tried to sing more like Tiny Tim... The comments, compliments, and reviews I've received since the CD's release lead me to believe that despite these doubts, we did good work."

Todd Hoke's CD, "Headed West on 10," features songs about West Texas, late-night conversations with bordertown prophets, and idyllic summer evenings; topics that reflect his life in Texas. You'll also hear songs about intolerance, homelessness, and embracing the life we're given; topics that reveal Todd's focus on the world beyond his home state. Included are 10 of Todd's own songs, plus a dead-on cover of Townes Van Zandt's song "Marie." Texas Songwriting legend Ray Wylie Hubbard produced the recording, and enlisted top-notch players to lend their talents. The cast includes: Jeff Plankenhorn (dobro & gut-string guitar), Richard Brock (harmonica), Eamon McLoughlin (fiddle), Glenn Fukunaga (bass), John Homer (mandolin), James Denn (flute), Felicia Palmer (accordian), and Bill Palmer (bass). Ladies and gentlemen, it's a swell recording.


"After listening to Todd Hoke's CD, "Headed West on 10," I must confess that I am very impressed by Todd's way of making music. He's made a real masterpiece with no weak moments at all. This CD has great lyrics, a beautiful story-telling voice, and a wonderful rootsy sound; every song deserves to be heard or played! One of the best debut CDs I've heard this year and a nominee for my Top Ten of 2000! Thanks, Todd, for this beautiful gift of music!"

Ray Pieters
Radio Milo
Mol, Belgium


"There is an old saying in show business that performers are least appreciated in their own home towns. I hope we can prove that old saw false, because Todd Hoke, who is a native of Conroe, appears to be doing quite well as a singer and songwriter in Austin. Hoke's album, "Headed West on 10," is a wonderful collection of his songs...from the very start, Hoke's "I Love West Texas" rolled right down that highway, and I wanted to go with him. **** (out of four)"

Arvid Hand
Conroe Courier
Conroe, Texas

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • author: Austin Kessler (Live Oak Coffehouse)

    Some records reach out and grab you. Others work on you slowly. Todd Hoke's debut CD, Headed West on 10, is in this latter category. It doesn't give up all its treasures at once, but reveals something new upon each listening. His partly sung - partly spoken vocal style is particularly well-suited to his songs. Todd sings with fondness about the great expanse of West Texas; its friendly people, its mountains, and its deserts. He recognizes the price we've paid for "progress," longing for a time before computers and cell phones, when life moved a little slower and we paid closer attention to the natural beauty around us. There is a melancholy feel about much of his work, especially evident in "Columbine" and "Trains Don't Stop Here Anymore." However, one also senses that Todd enjoys life's simple pleasures - sitting on his front porch, listening to the birds outside his window - and is genuinely grateful for his "short time here."

  • author: Rik James (KGLT-FM)

    I really think "Headed West on 10" is a strong album. Nice writing about real things that matter. I haven't really been to Texas, but is sure rings true of many places I've known, including here in Big Sky Country. Just what I like to play for folks. Of course it doesn't hurt to have Ray Wylie Hubbard as your producer either...

  • author: Marvin Beasley (KRES/WRDK)

    Headed West on 10 is beautifully performed and produced. I'm an old timer in the radio business and my jocks can still play what they feel like playing. By now you may have guessed that I'm heavily involved in community radio. Headed West on 10 is the type of CD that "grows on you." It has a certain melancholy sound and sincerity that is hard to find in today's music scene. Three performances are outstanding: Red River Valley (reminds me of Tom Paxton's music), Pearl's Song, and Trains Don't Stop Here Anymore.

  • author: Bruce Rouse (Rouse House Concerts)

    Whoever said a performer's initial album is just practice hasn't heard THIS album. Todd Hoke shows a remarkable range of styles, tempos, and emotions. This is a must listen!

  • author: Raymond Swennen (Radio ATL)

    Todd Hoke has made a beautiful CD with great music and very strong songs. "Headed West on 10" is damned good.

  • author: Dan Alloway (KTEP)

    As crisp and clear as morning in the desert, Headed West on 10 is as picturesque as a West Texas landscape.

  • He may have had to pay $105 dollars....
    author: Karl Reid

    Well Friends, I can tell you that I met Todd at Barney and Beverly's House Concert a couple years back....I was amazed at his songwriting ability and his playing. I've been busy as a beaver...but I when I slow down...I look for where Todd is playing...I can tell you that weather this young man is playing on the back porch of a Bait Shop at Inks Lake State Park in Burnett or Standing on Stage he dishes up a show that will fill your heart with thoughts of your Grandma... or Friends past and present... He is a most gifted songwriter and true Texan. Every Song on this album is awesome... I can't wait for the next one! And if I know Todd... He may have had to pay $105 dollars for not quite coming to a stop near St. Paul's UCC in Schlenburg, Texas...But what Officer Crawford doesn't know...Todd has a song for you buddy!!!!

  • nice change of venue
    author: dennis johnson

    Excellant lyrics that paint a true picture! Manuel Luna, what a song! Todds music will grow on you, trust me it's worth the listen!

email

Please log in to email this artist.