BY JIM CALIGIURI, FRI., OCT. 28, 2011
Texas Artists Performing the Music of Sara Hickman
The Best of Times (Sleeveless)
Never one to rest on her back catalogue, Sara Hickman employed part of her 2010 as Official Texas State Musician to pull together this double disc set benefiting the Theatre Action Project, a nonprofit that brings art, music, and theatre to Central Texas schools. Featuring 45 Lone Stars performing Hickman’s songs, The Best of Times is a grab bag of styles, one that re-creates a month at the Cactus Cafe before the management change. Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, Shawn Colvin, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, and Rhett Miller star, but Matt the Electrician, Suzanna Choffel, Ruthie Foster, David Garza, and Darden Smith lend invaluable support. With Hickman’s songwriting finesse on full display, there’s the expected folk rock, but also hints of soul, bossa nova, and songs for kids, each artist bringing what they do best to the proceedings. Besides benefiting a worthy cause, The Best of Times ultimately ends up a first-rate tribute to Hickman’s positive spirit and multifaceted talents.
