Hayes Carll

(CC) Photo: Lisa and David E. Volk
Hayes Carll

Hayes Carll is a folk/country/Americana singer originating from Crystal Beach, Texas, on Bolivar Peninsula (near Galveston). His first album, Flowers and Liquor, received rave reviews both nationally and internationally. His sophomore album, Little Rock, also received good reviews. He is often compared to other great Texas singer-song writers like Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He currently tours the US and Europe spreading that Texas American sound, but on occasion still makes time to play in Austin, Houston and Galveston to packed houses. He is known for his disheveled, just-got-out-of-bed appearance on stage, a downtrodden gait, and a quiet disposition.

Discovery

Hayes was "discovered" by Rex Bell at the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas, where Hayes first started playing at open mikes. It was here that he met Charlie, a mandolin player, and a lead guitar player, Gary Regan, the My Texas Music Guitar Player of the Year in 1999. After several years, he started opening for the Sisters Morales and this exposure greatly aided his career and led to recording his first album.

Influences

Hayes counts among his many influences Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, and Todd Snider.

Flowers and Liquor album

This album is mostly about Hayes' alcohol-fueled youth and contains a mix of funny, cheerful songs, like "Naked Checkers" and "Flowers and Liquor", as well as more thought provocating songs about things such as a man in prison making licence plates that read "Live Free or Die." Highway 87, about picking up girls and "pissing off the local boys, and your back's against the sea," is one of his most touted songs.

1. 'Highway 87'
2. 'Heaven Above'
3. 'Naked Checkers'
4. 'Arkansas Blues'
5. 'It's a Shame'
6. 'Live Free or Die'
7. 'Easy Come Easy Go'
8. 'Flowers & Liquor'
9. 'Richey Lee'
10. 'Perfect Lover'
11. 'Lost & Lonely'
12. 'Barroom Lament'

Little Rock

Little Rock is about Hayes' life today, with songs co-written with the likes of Guy Clark.

1. 'Wish I Hadn't Stayed So Long'
2. 'Take Me Away'
3. 'Down the Road Tonight'
4. 'Good Friends'
5. 'Hey Baby Where You Been'
6. 'Rivertown'
7. 'Little Rock'
8. 'Leave Here Standing'
9. 'Sit in with the Band'
10. 'Long Way Home'
11. 'Chickens'

Stingaree Music Festival

Hayes initiated and hosted the first annual Stingaree Music Festival to show off some of the best folk/country musical talent in Texas, who just happen to be friends of Hayes. The three day event is held in Crystal Beach, Texas, just a ferry boat ride from Galveston, Texas, surrounded by rental homes on the beach. The first festival, held April 13-15, 2007, included both raising young stars and well-established talent, but suffered some bad weather. The 2008 Stingaree Music Festival was held April 18-20 under clear skies. For a list of artists that have played at the Stingaree festival, see Stingaree Music Festival/Catalogs.