Rick Cavender's 1999 CD Release
Run To The Roadhouse
Listen to sample Audio Clips from the
"Run To The Roadhouse" CD

Review by John Goodspeed
San Antonio Express-News
Friday, September 13, 2002

Anyone who has seen San Antonian Rick Cavender’s live shows know he’s anything but dull, and neither is his second independent album. Cavender hit the studio with 15 self-penned songs and some of the area’s top players. The result is a comfortable listen with a familiar feel that takes listener on a romp across Texas and borders and genres. With ease, Cavender and company belt out first-rate Western swing (complete with horns), hard-core honky tonk, rock, Latin and fiery Cajun with a smattering of bluesy brass reminiscent of the old San Antonio Sound.

Some of the songs build on the title cut of “Gypsy Vagabond,” reflecting on the travails of songwriters and musicians. Others spotlight travels-Big Bend, Port Aransas, a Colorado ghost town and tequila and women in the Cadillac Bar in Nuevo Laredo.

He has fun with a couple such as “I Got Some Splainin’ to Do” about a cheating husband whith another woman’s shoes in his closet, and “Cushioned for the Fall”, about meeting life’s pitfalls dressed in bubble wrap.

Cavender’s songwriting shines on “Prayer in the Wind,” a rocker about second chances, and “Take a Stand,” a bitter-sweet attempt to salvage a fading love.”

Three Stars!