Kenny Butterill - "The Townes You Left Behind"

About The Song

Note: Be sure to take a few moments to remember Townes and the great body of work he left behind for us all to enjoy.

This song from Kenny (which was a pre-release single from his "Just A Songwriter" CD Album) was written in memory of the late Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt whose songs have been covered by hundreds of artists including such legends as Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, The Flatlanders, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson, Cowboy Junkies and Hoyt Axton among others.

Kenny's 'The Townes You Left Behind' (a reference to the legends mentioned above and others) is a song that has been described by hard core Townes fans as 'the song that speaks for them about how they felt about Townes'.

Dallas Dobro (the Strawberry Music Festival MC and one of the KFAT/KPIG pioneers) described the song as "a long time coming, this is the best Townes Van Zandt tribute so far. Butterill's songwriting and delivery rise to the occasion, connecting us to the essence of Townes."

Michael Johnathon, host of the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour had this to say: "Kenny's song is such a fitting and touching tribute to Townes. The recording and production have a warm and intimate feel to them which fits perfectly with the heartfelt lyrics about the songwriting legend."

Some other Stateside comments about Kenny's Tribute to Townes include:

Fans of the late Townes Van Zandt will know immediately what "The Townes You Left Behind" is about. Kenny's voice has a laid-back charm that is often overlooked in this day and age of the shouter. The music matches that mood.

-- John Heidt, Vintage Guitar

Standout tunes include a tribute to the late, great songwriter Townes Van Zandt, "The Townes You Left Behind, ...."

-- Mike Westerfield/Sisyphus Tracks

"Of particular note is the last cut on the CD, "The Townes You Left Behind," a ode to Townes Van Zandt. Haunting lyrics and clean guitar playing are reminiscent of Townes' style and explore the art and impact of songwriting."
-- Janet Humphrey, Victory Music Review

"The regular album ends with fine tribute to the late Townes Van Zandt entitled "The Townes You Left Behind." Backed by two acoustic guitars and his own, Butterill sings, "A life of soul searching, of pain and hurting filled with danger and surprise. He let us inside, his stormy ride with no pity or alibis.."

-- -- Jason Wesley, a founding editor of FolkWax

Over in Europe, the reaction to Butterill's Townes tribute was just as compelling:

"... And wait till you hear "The Townes You Left Behind" - Butterill's tribute to late Townes Van Zandt. "Now it's us that have the blues", sings the man and he does that in such a convincing manner, you cannot disagree with him." - Benny Metten, Ctrl.Alt.Country in Belgium

"Included on the album is "The Townes You Left Behind", a splendid tribute to Townes Van Zandt. One of my songwriting heroes. Tell you what! Kenny Butterill is on my list especially after this album." --Brian Ahern,Country Music & More (United Kingdom)

"The Townes You Left Behind" moves with great delicacy between country and folk, in a style that is typical of the seventies, with an eye towards the 'old' outlaws Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Jennings.

-- Remo Ricaldone, AmericanWest, Italy

Other reviews are at USA/Euro/Aussie Radio Responses .

The Townes song originally took shape during the last week in May of 1997, approximately five months after legendary Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt had passed away on New Year's Day. Kenny was house sitting for a week at a acquaintance's studio on the Pacific coast in Northern California where he had the opportunity to listen to entire collective works of Townes van Zandt, a timely listen, given the (then) recent death of Townes. Alone for several days, listening through all of Townes' material on a quiet, private two acre bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kenny was inspired and the "The Townes You Left Behind" song was born.

In his usual fashion, Kenny worked on the tune, off and on, for a few years until it was ready. Then in the studio he got a couple of terrific players to join in. Accompanying Kenny on guitars are Mary McCaslin, renowned folk singer/fingerstyle guitarist and open guitar tuning pioneer, and Steve Palazzo, one of the top flat pickers in the USA.

With the continued post humus recognition of Townes' contribution to the musical arts, Kenny is pleased and honoured to offer up this tribute to the man who has touched so many of us.

USA/Euro/Aussie Radio Responses

Song Credits
Vocals and Acoustic Rhythm Guitar: Kenny Butterill
Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar: Mary McCaslin
Lead Acoustic Guitar: Steve Palazzo
Written by Kenny Butterill
Produced by: Kenny Butterill and James Crandell
Copyright © 2001 by Kenny Butterill (SOCAN/BMI) All rights reserved.
Mary McCaslin appears courtesy of Rounder Records