Delmar Gentry - Don't Miss The Big City Life

 

Delmar Gentry finally makes a return to recording his own music with this song. Don't Miss The Big City Life refers to his move to Flagstaff AZ at the beginning of the year. He turned his back on an extremely lucrative law practice in Cincinnati, OH. He was just burned out representing big corporations and their executives. He was very successful in his practice, was in great demand, and his charges reflected it! He got his success relatively early in his career, and invested much of his money. By the time he turned 40, he began flirting with the idea of leaving the law. But it wasn't until 2 years later that he finally did it, and the breakup of a relationship helped him make up his mind. 

He bought the horse ranch from Doyle Harseth and his wife, and ended up letting them build their retirement house on the property, mainly so Doyle could be in contact with the few horses he still had. Delmar kept all of the help, hired more as well. We here at Big And Tall Records are proud to have Delmar as an associate, and if it wasn't for his support early on, there would be no Big And Tall Records. He's become a top notch record producer with his own recording studio he built on the ranch. Delmar has never been shy about talking, so this is his take on how things are going at the ranch:

Never been so happy as  I am now! With everything to do at the ranch and the recording studio, I'm busier than I've ever been, even in my old law practice. This song came about after one of the Saturday night communal suppers we had. Had a lot of input, and after a few more Saturday nights of working on it, we all crowded into my recording studio and got to work laying it down! Took a bit to get some folks loosened up to sing, but after a little 'lubrication' folks got into it. Doyle Harseth's bass voice adds a lot to the chorus. Amos Carter was thumpin' his ol' bass fiddle as usual and helping with the singing. Amos continues to work at the ranch, work with him a lot, and we get along right well! Had a surprise when he brought his wife Kaley along, because I didn't know she could sing so well. She took my leads like a pro and help with the solo work. Her voice added a lot to the song, for sure! I asked her why she didn't sing with her husband's band, and she said she's country all the way, and those guys play too much boogie-woogie for her! 

We had a riot of a good time recording it, even though it took us until early in the morning to get it down like we wanted. I've spent a lot of long hours in the studio, and I love it! We wanted the song to be happy, even kind of funny in spots, and I think it turned out real good!

Delmar also told us  that Marie, his housekeeper and cook, has her mother living with her on the ranch now. And Delmar's father is giving serious consideration to moving there himself! With plenty of acreage, there's room for all!

With the passing of time since spring
The horse ranch has really changed
A horse breeding trading business
To a place that's much rearranged

Got all kinds of folks call this home
Like our personal small village
We got some horses and dogs too
A rural pretty Flagstaff visage

Don't miss the hectic life of law
Don't miss the big city days
Got many things to keep us busy
Like the laid back Flagstaff ways

The place even pays its own way
A recording studio in demand
With myself as a producer
With all kinds of different bands

Don't miss the fat cat rich men
Who are sure their shit don't smell
More upright people I deal with
It's my great pleasure to tell!

Don't miss the big city life
Don't miss the traffic or the stink
Country life has its own smells
But more pleasant we sure do think!

Don't miss the fat cat rich men
Who are sure their shit don't smell
More upright people I deal with
It's my great pleasure to tell!

Keep the horses fed and healthy
They're comfortable and happy
Go for a trail ride all the tim
They all think I'm their Pappy!...

Don't miss the hectic life of law
Don't miss the big city days
Got many things to keep us busy
Like the laid back Flagstaff ways

Most every Saturday night
No matter what the weather
We all meet up at the ranch house
For a big communal dinner

We help Marie with the prep
Whether it's steak or Tex-Mex
We eat and yak all evening
And keep all our whistles wet!

Don't miss the big city life
Don't miss the traffic or the stink
Country life has its own smells
But more pleasant we sure do think!
 

Delmar Gentry - I'll Think It Over, Son

Ben the mule and Delmar's Dad

 We here at Big And Tall Records didn't know what to expect after we heard Delmar's previous song that expressed his tension and stress over his father's visit to his ranch. We gathered from the song that his father did not agree with him retiring to Arizona and buying a horse ranch, and that they hadn't been very close for quite a while. So we were pleasantly surprised with this new song that relates how his father embraced the change and enjoyed his stay so much that he stayed longer than he expected.  

At the end of the song it tells how Delmar has invited his Dad to come live with him on the ranch, so there's not an end to the story yet! Delmar has quite an extended family already, as he's got Marie his housekeeper and cook and her mother living there, along with Doyle and Blanche Harseth, former owner of the ranch, and Amos Carter, ranch hand and double bass player! Not to mention 5 horses, a mule, and two dogs! Evidently Delmar's father likes animals and took a shine to the latest critter addition, Ben the mule!

My Dad just left from his visit 

What a great time we all had 

Only thing he said, he wanted 

Quit calling him Pa call him Dad 

 

 I worried to a right frazzle 

Hadn't been close in a long while 

Couldn't believe he's turned mellow 

Met me at the door with a smile 

 

Introduced him to all the folks 

That keeps this whole ranch working well 

We sat and talked all that first night 

All had lots of stories to tell 

 

I worried to a right frazzle 

Hadn't been close in a long while 

Couldn't believe he's turned mellow 

Met me at the door with a smile 

 

 I was really all a dazzled 

With the way my Dad looked so good 

Quit the law but a few years past 

Still tall and lean, from where he stood 

 

Days went by, we talked, understood 

What made each one of us tick 

No insinuations at all 

Could've knocked me dumb, with a stick 

 

 Spent lots of time with the critters 

Knew he liked them from way back when 

But his favorite one of them 

Was the mule we just got, name of Ben 

 

I worried to a right frazzle 

Hadn't been close in a long while 

Couldn't believe he's turned mellow 

Met me at the door with a smile 

 

Dad got up early, like I knew 

Marie fixed him coffee and toast 

Then he'd head on out to the barn 

To see the mule he liked the most 

 

I worried to a right frazzle 

Hadn't been close in a long while 

Couldn't believe he's turned mellow 

Met me at the door with a smile 

 

Time flew by, and he had to leave 

He'd stayed longer than he guessed 

I made an open invitation 

To come to my adopted west 

 

 As I saw his plane slowly rise 

I confess I choked up a might 

Not one harsh word we spoke 

No misunderstandings, or fight 

 

Dad's my hero, before and now 

I was sure proud to be his son 

Made an offer, come live with us 

He scratched his chin, said 

"I'll think it over, son."

 

Delmar Gentry - My Pa's Comin' To See Me

Delmar Gentry has taken a completely different direction in his life. He was a corporate attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio for years. He owned and excellent reputation and case record, he just up and quit last year, moved to Flagstaff, AZ and bought a horse ranch! He built his own recording studio in an old barn that was no longer being used, and keeps busy with his horses, music, and friends. He is also a big reason that Big And Tall Records is here. He is a founding partner of the company, as well as a recording artist and producer.  

So for a man that is so accomplished and apparently well centered in his life, this recording is somewhat of a surprise. Delmar has said next to nothing about his family to us, and this is the first time we're hearing about his father. And Delmar seems a little apprehensive about the upcoming visit his father is making to see him. Well, family member relationships can be complex for sure. And as his father is also an attorney, it's no wonder that there may be some questions and disbelief about why his son would give up the profession to buy a horse ranch, and pursue a recording career! But the city of Cincinnati has a combination of Midwestern and Southern culture and vibe. So it's not that odd for a person from that part of the country to gravitate to one or the other. After all, one of the most well known movie and media cowboys was born in Cincinnati and raised in southern Ohio Scioto County, Roy Rogers!

I’m not gonna feed you no line 

Got nothin’ needs done rest the day 

So I’m just gonna take some time 

Think about what I’m gonna say 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me

 Ain’t seen him for a real long spell

 I know he ain’t very glad 

Prob’ly gonna give me hell! 

 

He’s a retired attorney 

Does not make any sense to him 

Why I quit practicin’ law 

Seein’ eye to eye will be slim 

 

My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

Don’t know how long he will stay 

Hope he likes it here on the ranch 

All our critters might make his day

 

 He was my idol years ago 

Truth to tell, he for sure is still 

Raised me pretty much by himself

 Really a role that’s hard to fill 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

We’ve got a lot to talk over 

Questions he’s got a hundred 

Won’t be any bed of clover 

 

Looking forward to see him 

But in a lot of ways I’m not 

He’s pretty head strong and stubborn 

He’ll wonder about all I have bought 

 

My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

Doesn’t understand my Old West 

Even when I was a kid and I wore 

My Roy Rogers gun belt and vest 

 

 I know he loves animals 

Always had them when I was young 

Horses, dogs, cats, and a mule 

Maybe they will blunt his sharp tongue! 

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

And he hates bein’ called Pa 

He prefers Dad or Father 

He thinks my accent is a flaw 

 

 I’ll just do my best with him 

And try to explain my actions 

Tell him what I wanted of life 

All my own doing, no factions

 

 My Pa’s comin’ to see me 

I hope he understands it all 

I’ve done what has made me happy A

ll the way to my western drawl!

 

Delmar Gentry - Ballad Of The Hungry Horse

 Delmar Gentry has been busy on his horse ranch and his own recording studio producing other artists, so we didn't hear much from him for a spell. Plus, a new development that he's involved in, the subject of this song. Ballad Of The Hungry Horse deals with him rescuing a neglected horse from a farm about 50 miles from his. The local animal cruelty offices contacted Doyle Harseth, as he was a contact member for thew organization when he owned the ranch. He passed on the information to Delmar, and they got involved with rescuing the animal.

The horse is a draft horse, a Percheron. Delmar's got little experience with draft horses, but Doyle has had a few off and on over the years. Doyle kept all the tack and hitches to a big wagon he used to use his draft horses with to do chores around so the rescue was a good fit. Doyle's been working with Delmar with the new member of the herd to help him settle in. Some words from Delmar:

It would've broke your heart to see what we saw when we drove out there to see the horse. Doyle told me that we best take the horse trailer with us. He said if the horse was in trouble he wouldn't leave without him! So we see this tall horse, big hooves like Percheron's have, but he was thin. Way too thin. Able to count his ribs thin! So we backed up the trailer, and proceeded to load him up! We had a document from the ASPCA to take the horse, with or without the owner's consent. No one was around, so we managed to get a bridle and lead on him, mostly because we'd brought a bag of feed with us. Poor guy was really hungry! No grass in the area they had him in, no water. He was really leery of us, but Doyle's got a way with horses, and he managed to coax him into the trailer. Doyle's not a big man, only about 5 foot 6 or so, don't weigh 150 pounds soaking wet with rocks in his pockets, but he knows horses, can think like 'em! 

We got him home, turned him out into the pasture by himself at first. The other horses were curious, came up to the fence, but he stayed far down the pasture. Took some time, but he's one of the herd now. Putting on weight like he should, lets the vet check him over. So I think we got to him before serious trouble started. 

I'm working with the ASPCA lawyers pressing charges against the owner, and it doesn't look good for him! He's got a farm with other animals that they've taken away, and he could be looking at some serious jail time! Arizona does not fool around with animal abusers! 

No doubt we'll here more about this as it happens. And what we know about Delmar (and Doyle second hand) the horse couldn't be in better hands! 

When we first saw him, it was so sad 

He should have been a big noble horse 

Confined in a small dirty paddock 

Decided then to take him of course 

 

We got him home, turned him in the field 

And we just left him alone to roam 

He was skiddish, didn’t trust us none 

Needed time to accept his new home 

 

 Animals should always be happy 

Like any other thing on this earth 

There is nothing that is more sacred 

So we wanted to give him rebirth 

 

He slowly settled down on the ranch 

The vet got to give him a check up 

Had a few health things we took care of

Wasn’t long he started to perk up 

 

He’s a Percheron, a big draft horse 

Ate his way to the size he should be 

I’m a tall man, over six foot tall 

But he towers up way above me 

 

Animals should always be happy 

Folks that do not give them what they need 

Don’t deserve to have them in their life 

Ain’t hard to give water and feed! 

 

Now he looks a lot more like he should 

Gets along with the rest of the herd 

Calm and gentle, like a little lamb 

But he’s a big boy, just take my word! 

 

His previous owner has been charged

 With animal abuse and cruelty 

I’m involved with the prosecution 

Need to pay the price of penalty 

 

So I give ya’ll my sincere warning 

Got critters, take care of ‘em sport! 

Hear of any abuse going on 

I will see your goddam ass in court!

Delmar Gentry - Life Is Full Of Choices

 First we've heard from Delmar in a while, at least as a recording artist. He has been learning the ins andouts of recording and producing, and already has two songs he's done with other artists. He did send some comments along with his latest recording:

I've been really busy on the ranch as well as the studio working with my housekeeper/cook Marie and my head ranch hand Amos. I'm quite pleased with both recordings, and very proud of them both. Hopefully we'll get some more  songs from them soon. This new recording of mine is a little different. Just me singing and playing the piano, no back ups, and I've got my best no accent Midwestern voice on. This is the voice I used in important legal cases I had, at least in the Northern part of the state of Ohio. Southern part no so much, as a southern accent is more prevalent there. All depended what the case was and the strategy. Like it or not, a southern accent can be taken by those who are prejudiced against it as a sign of ignorance. So if I had the chance to make my case better in court by being a 'good ol' boy' I'd use  the accent, or a 'learned legal expert', I'd lose it. It's just too bad that accent prejudice still exists to that extent. As you folks know, my natural way of speech is southern inflected and that's what I've done in my previous songs. Thought it'd be interesting to drop it in this song. 

I recorded it all by myself in a few takes in my studio really late at night that ended up going into the morning. Been practicing getting my piano chops back, and it just came out as a bluesy little piece instead of country.  I'm really fortunate in my life that I've had all the opportunities I've had, to get scholarships for law school, to get my degree, work hard, and be able to retire with all this in my mid forties. But you have to be prepared to work your ass off when you get the opportunity, or you might as well not get it!

This is the first time we've heard Delmar's piano playing to this extent, and we're impressed. This is indeed a different kind of song for him since he's been recording for us, and it underlines not only his talent, but versatility as well.

Life is full of choices, 

Made some good, some bad 

Times that were happy 

Times that were sad 

 

Try to figure out, 

what your life's about. 

Keep looking with eyes 

That are open and wise 

 

 It takes a lot out of you 

To ask the questions 

To learn what bothers 

and causes vexations 

 

Keep a list of things impossible, 

For they may turn to be probable 

You can control but so little 

Don’t make your life so brittle 

That the inevitable force 

Throws you off course 

 

 If you can do what you love 

Consider yourself fortunate 

Many have to work 

At jobs that are unfortunate 

But do what you have to do 

To the best of your ability 

Be true to yourself 

And do it with civility 

 

Try to figure out, 

what your life's about. 

Keep looking with eyes 

That are open and wise 

 

The main point of it is 

That life is very good 

Remembering that 

Will help you do what you should 

 

 The bad, and the evil 

Will try to burrow in 

But adjust your attitude, 

And don't let them in 

 

Think and feel it out, 

 Sometimes, you have to fight

 To make sure the route 

You're taking...is right

Delmar Gentry - My Four Legged Amigos

Delmar Gentry continues with his life story, and this is the first recording to come out of his own home re4cording studio.  He's still getting settled in, and sings about the new friends he's made, especially the four legged ones! Delmar was born and raised in southern Ohio near Cincinnatti, which has some southern culture influence as it's right on the Ohio River, just across the river from Kentucky. Delmar's Grandparents lived on a farm,and he would work on their farm every summer as well as when he was going to law school. He's always had a slight southern accent, but we can tell by his singing that it's getting more southern all the time, although Arizona and Flagstaff in particular is not considered a southern state, but is part of the Southwest area of the U.S., which is culturally different than the south. 

 

But there is a definite Hispanic influence in the state, mostly in the southern part, but somewhat in Flagstaff as well. We know Delmar's tickled to have his own horses now. He was raised around them as there were many horse people around his Grandparents farm. He learned how to ride while quite young, and always wanted horses. But after he graduated from law school and started working for a big firm in Cincinnatti, he didn't have any time for horses, or hardly anything else! 

It's not very often someone who is as good at his job as Delmar was, just decides to retire. He retired at the top of his game, getting huge retainers from his clients, and was really prudent with how he spent and invested his money. So now he can work at what he wants to work at; his ranch, his music, and anything else that takes his fancy! And with his own state of the art recording studio, he's invited Big And Tall Records to use his facility any time we want! So some associates are going out there later in the year to check it out! In the meantime, word has gotten out in the country music world, and he's got many top notch country musicians heading out there to record with him! 

 

Made some new friends out here in Flagstaff, 

Doyle and Blanche, his dear wife. 

Amos, a right good ranch hand, 

And Marie, who feeds me just right! 

Got some part time hands, 

that go to school during the day. 

They all work hard to keep this place goin', 

Wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

 Can’t forget my four legged amigos, 

I see them every day. Race the ranch dog, where I go, he goes, 

Usually runnin' all the way! 

 

Six horses came with the ranch. 

Two of them have Doyle's loyalty 

That leaves me four left over, 

but they sure ain't all for me! 

Two Morgan geldings, two sweethearts, 

That are a little too well fed, 

A chestnut Arabian, a beautiful guy, 

And a lone mare Saddlebred. 

 

Don't forget my four legged buddies, 

I see them every day without fail, 

Horses out in the paddock, prancin' 'round, 

Me sittin' and watchin' on the fence rail. 

 

The snow out here is heavy, 

not by the inches, by the feet.

 But it don't last long, the sun comes out, 

Melts it and cleans it up neat. 

The horses got their winter coats,

 covered in warm, thick fur. 

They don't seem to mind at all, 

Still run around outside in a blur. 

 

Doyle and his wife are throwin' me a party, 

invitin' all the neighbor's 'round, 

So I can talk and meet them all, 

And enjoy the happiness I've found.

 Asked Marie to do the cookin', 

Her good food's a perfect fit. 

Told her I'd pay her extra for her work, 

She said,"No you won't! Glad to do it!"

 

 

Delmar Gentry - Clear Skies Of Flagstaff

Delmar Gentry

 Delmar Gentry's story of starting a new life continues, as he's sold his law firm to his associates. The deal included 5 company cars, the 20 year lease he had for his offices transferred to the new owners, and even the remainder of his lease to his luxury apartment in the city. Delmar is a very private man relating to his finances, but he has said that for most of the twenty years he was a corporate attorney, he saved the lion's share of his money, and with the help of a financial advisor invested it. It's only been within the last three years or so he went a little crazy with his living accommodations and things. He's said he gave it a try, just couldn't grow in that kind of an environment. 

His investments have done very, very well. So well that he can live quite well on the interest alone. He wanted to pay cash for the ranch, but his finance man told him to go ahead an buy it on loan, which would be better for him financially. So he's been negotiating with Doyle and Blanche Helmwood, and they came up with a deal that included them leasing out a parcel of land on the ranch for them to build a house on so they don't have to move into town. They said the only reason they needed to sell was that they couldn't take care of the place like they wanted to. Now they can stay in the country like they want to. Plus, Delmar got 6 horses thrown in the deal, two of them being Doyle and Blanche's, so they can still see their horses anytime they want to. 

Ranch hand Amos, and housekeeper and cook Marie have also agreed to stay. Amos said when they met with Delmar to negotiate salaries, it took about 5 minutes. Delmar had an offer written out for each of them which was better than they already had, which included all benefits! 

The name of the ranch is going to remain  the same: The Double UU Ranch. Doyle emphasized that it was to be two 'U's and not a 'W', as the 'U's represent horse shoes, as it was founded as a horse ranch. Delmar's not sure if he wants the ranch to get back into horse breeding or not, but there will always be horses there. Delmar's making improvements as he goes, and has devoted a section of the large ranch house to his own recording studio! In addition, his hand Amos is a pretty good guitarist, and Delmar is teaching him the double bass so Amos can sit in. Delmar overheard Marie singing while she was working, and was impressed with her voice, so there could possibly be some recordings with all of them participating!

Delmar's a little star struck, somewhat disbelieving that things worked out so well so fast. At Big And Tall Records we're honored to have him as our anchor artist, and look forward to hearing more of his work!

Got all the paperwork with sellin’ my law firm done. 

Did it through email, fax and the phone. 

Former partners of the firm now are as one, 

And the clear skies of Flagstaff are my home! 

 

It felt like the right thing to do, 

‘Specially now that it’s through.

 I’m a ranch owner at last, 

I’ll just forget about my past! 

 

All my tension’s gone away. 

The law can be a stressful pursuit. 

Never no complaints ‘bout the pay, 

But damn, I had to wear a suit! 

 

It felt like the right thing to do, ‘

Now under skies of wonderful blue, 

I’m a ranch owner at last, 

Can quit buzzin’ ‘round so fast. 

 

Talked the former owner to stay, 

They’ll rent a little piece of the ranch. 

Didn’t expect it to work out this way, 

With Doyle and his wife Blanche. 

 

Felt like the right thing to go down, 

’Stead of them movin’ to town. 

They can live out their days right here, 

Without any worries or fear. 

 

Amos the hand will stay too. 

Be a real asset to me. 

Housekeeper and cook Marie too. 

Feels like their all family. 

 

 Couldn’t have worked out better, 

None of ‘em waffled, muttered or stuttered. 

Go about their jobs like before, 

Got ev’rything I hoped for! 

 

Now to learn ‘bout the beasts. 

The horses that come with the place. 

Gonna be lots of fun to say the least. 

And I cain’t forget the dog the name of ‘Race’. 

 

Might be the owner and boss, 

But the place sure won’t run at a loss.

 I’ll sure ask the folks, if you please, 

To use all their expertise. 

 

Don’t quite know where to start. 

Just a little overwhelmin’. 

Which area is the important part? 

Just one of the thoughts I’m entertainin’.

 

 

 

Delmar Gentry - Big Plans Out In Flagstaff

 The story continues, with Del still in Flagstaff, working as a ranch hand on a place he wants to buy! His fellow musicians finally talked him into forgoing his usual instrument, the double bass, for the fiddle. He plays it throughout, with a short solo at the end. 

Few months ago, I was in the Big City, 

Taking new cases,in court runnin’ course. 

Now I’m kept occupied, real, real busy, 

Muckin’ out the barn, curryin’ a horse! 

I met this ol’ rancher, by the name of Doyle. 

He’s got this here ranch, needs to sell it.

 Got a notion to buy it, lettin’ the pot boil, 

He knew how to tell if I really want it! 

 

 Got some big plans out in Flagstaff, 

To buy a horse ranch if I can. 

Some people probably havin’ a good laugh, 

To see how much of it I can stand. 

 

 Doyle offered a trial run, as a ranch hand at the least. 

To show me how it ain’t all fun, To take care of the big, pretty beasts. 

Used to be a lot bigger ranch, Sold off most his horses while ago. 

Shore glad he’s givin’ me the chance, To see if I could give it a go.

 

 Got some big plans out in Flagstaff, 

To buy a horse ranch if I can. 

Some people prob’ly havin’ a good laugh, 

To see how much I can stand. 

 

 I already made him an offer, 

But he don’t wanna sell just anyone. 

Delmar Gentry, enjoying the good smells!

He don’t care what I got in my coffer, 

He wants to make sure that I am the one. 

Still got four horses out here. 

Big great big pets of his. 

So he really wants the best of care, 

His main objective is this. 

 

Been ‘round horses all my life. 

Learned how to ride, walk calm beside.

 Love to watch ‘em run, romp and have fun, 

And take a nice quiet horse ride. 

 

So I’m livin’ out here as a hand 

Got ‘nother one out here as well. 

He’s been with ol’ Doyle and the land,

 And know both of them really quite well. 

So I’m learnin’ what all that it takes. 

To run a ranch day to day, 

If I don’t prove I got what it takes, 

Doyle won’t sell to me no way. 

 

Won’t have it no other way. 

I wanna make sure to me. 

No matter how much I can pay, 

That this kind of life is for me. 

 

So far it’s goin’ quite well! 

Don’t mind the work, getting’ up early. 

‘Course it don’t bother me the smell,

 To a horse lover it’s almost purty! 

Amos is the other hand’s name, 

He sure knows a lot what’s goin’ on.

 If the ranch is goin’ in my name,

 I’d sure like to keep him on. 

Got a house keeper and cook named Marie, 

Takes good care of things, good food.. 

Like to keep her on with me, 

If she agrees that she would. 

 

Time will tell the tale! 

Doyle so far’s impressed! 

This life will never grow stale, 

Damn, I’m ready to invest!

 

 

 

Delmar Gentry - Law Days Are Over

Talked to my partners back in the city. 

They know that I ain’t comin’ back. 

Law days are done, career's been run, 

My life’s on a different track. 

Made them a really good offer, 

To buy the law practice from me. 

Everything included, lock stock and barrel, 

All for a reasonable fee. 

 

Delmar Gentry

 Flagstaff is beautiful, I love it!

 Stayin’ at an old hotel down town. 

A lot of history, and good atmosphere

, And the dog gone best folks around. 

 

They jumped at the chance to buy it. 

They’re sharp and they know a good deal. 

Told me I was welcome to come back, 

While they work on sealin’ the deal. 

They know what they’ve got to do, 

All the legal hula hoops to jump through, 

One woman, and three men, fine attorneys, 

I can't imagine how good they'll do! 

 

 Stayin’ in Flagstaff for good. 

Country is fine, the weather too, 

I like breathin’ cool mountain air, 

To leave I’d be a dang fool! 

 

 Talked to my financial guy too, 

'Course he's shocked at my low ball price. 

When I tol' him 'bout staying out here, 

he was worried if my money'd suffice! 

"Gonna talk to you like a dutch uncle," he said. 

"What in hell you gonna do out there?" 

 

I tol' him, "Already got some big, big plans, 

I know I got the money to spare!"

 "Talked to an ol' timer that owns a ranch,

 Lookin' to sell it and move to town. 

Getting too old to work it like he wants, 

He says he needs to shut it down." 

 

 I'm thinkin' 'bout buyin' it," I went on. 

"Make my own flagstaff homestead." 

My money man grew quiet, didn't say a word, 

I worried that he fell over dead. 

 

Finally he said, "You sure you want to do that? 

What you gonna do for a living? 

Practice the law? Teach at the college? 

You know how big the heart attack is 

that you're giving me?! 

 

 "You've done a good job investin' my money. 

I know to the penny what I got. 

Don't ever have to work the rest of my life,

 Man, this place is a wonderful spot!" 

 

 He laughed and told me,

 "Whatever, It's all yer dang money anyway, 

You wanna buy a ranch and learn to

shoot like Annie Oakley, 

Don't matter what I say." 

 

 I told him, " Got one thing more for you. 

Look into all the taxes and law 

On puttin' money into my exes bank account, 

That whole thing's been stickin' in my craw!" 

 

"LISTEN! For six years we were together, 

We called each other sweetie, honey! 

Nothin's left of that, it ain't no offer to go back, 

But six years gotta be worth some nest egg money,

 And that my friend is a fact!" 

 

"So there ya have it, get to work, 

Don't matter if ya think I'm a dummy. 

It's what I want, really need this change,

 And like you said, it is my money!" 

 

 

 

Delmar Gentry - Once Was Enough

 On the train to Flagstaff, 

Left Tucson an hour ago.

 Gonna rent a car and drive, 

But I heard Amtrak’s the way to go. 

 

Watchin’ out the window 

Just thinkin’ things through, 

Heard from the exes lawyer, 

Told him "look fer someone else to screw!"

 

 I know him, he’s a real shyster, 

Delmar Gentry

Figgers she’d get one like that. 

I told him don’t owe her nothin’,

 she can go shit in her hat. 

 

I told him don’t pursue it

 He’ll not make it pass, 

Judge will laugh it out of court, 

So they can kiss my sweet ASS!

 

 If she'd asked for somethin' herself, 

when we broke up.

 Prob'ly would've gave in, 

And give her more stuff. 

 

This way ain't no good, 

To get a legal review 

'Cuz there ain't no leg to stand on, 

She don't like it, but it's true! 

 

 I've turned the page, 

gettin' on with life 

why she's doing this, 

she wasn't my wife! 

 

No matter ain't givin' in 

Whatever comes to pass, 

She can cry, moan, and bitch, 

She can kiss my sweet ASS!

 

 Sittin' here feelin' good, 

Things really make sense

 He said she wants to get back together,

 is the woman really that dense?

 

 Said she's sorry we broke up, 

Said she'd make it all up to me, 

why in hell would I do that? 

Now that I'm happy and free! 

 

The breakup was really rough, 

Many things hurtful were said, 

The truth finally come out, 

She thinks I'm gone in the head?

 

 It's true I cared deeply, 

But things really got tough, 

I did truly love her once, 

But once was enough. 

 

I've made up my mind, 

no use sayin' no more, 

blocked the lawyers number, 

That discussion I shut the door.

 

 It's all up to them, 

if they wanna try and use force, 

cuz it's only a breakup,

 it aint no damn divorce!

 

 Gonna check out Flagstaff 

even though Tucson was nice,

Gets so dang hot there in the summer, 

Weather wouldn't suffice. 

 

A cooler climate is better,

So on Tucson I'll pass 

So they don't need to bother no more, 

THEY CAN KISS MY SWEET ASS!

 

 

Delmar Gentry - No Damns Left To Give

 Mr. Gentry's life continues:

 

 I’m still out in Tucson, feelin’ right good. 

Been talkin’ to folks, doin’ what I should. 

Making a trip to Flagstaff in a few days, 

Really thinkin’ ‘bout all the ways to make Arizona home! 

 

But my office back in the city 

Drivin’ me nuts callin’ my phone. 

They say I’ve got troubles there, 

Won’t leave me alone. 

Aint’ answered them for days. 

 

I’m thinkin’ of stayin’ here longer than I thought, 

‘specially with all the calls and the troubles wrought, 

Been looking at properties, ranches and places to live, 

Might not go back, ain’t got no damns left to give. 

 

So I open my phone and start readin texts, 

Good lord, what the hell is it next? 

Case load is backlogged, clients want no one but me, 

To represent them in court no matter my fee, 

I come to the last one, and MY EX IS SUING ME FOR PALIMONY!

 

 I’m thinkin’ of stayin’ here so much longer than I thought, 

‘specially with all the calls and the troubles wrought, 

Been looking at properties, ranchs and places to live,

 Might not go back, ain’t got no damns left to give. 

 

 I thought when we split, mutually agreed, 

to go our own ways,without any greed. 

She kept her stuff, and I kept mine, 

 and its not like she didn't do fine, 

with all the stuff that I bought her. 

 

Delmar Gentry

Who put a bug in her ear, coachin' , usin' her fear, 

To line pockets with my cash. 

Prob'ly a rival of mine to try and bash,

 to coerce me generous. 

 

I’m thinkin’ of stayin’ here way longer than I thought, 

‘I can take care of all this shit long distance, I know a lot.

 Knew her for six years, know she wants money to live, 

But I shore ain’t got no damns left to give. 

 

 So I'll call my partners tell 'em I ain't gonna concede, 

Tell 'em how they can start it, how to proceed, 

What to file, papers and answers to write, 

How to bundle it all up so neat and just right, 

To handle the bullshit goin' down. It's sure as dang so plain to see, 

she's turned her heart 'gainst me, 

I don't want to be mean at all, 

but ain't no body gonna make a call 

on my bank account! 

 

 It's convinced me to stay longer than before,

 I'm a might upset, rankled, kind a sore, 

I ain't heart broken, my pocket ain't no sieve 

And I ain’t got no goddamns left to give.

 

 

Delmar Gentry - Arizona Nights

 Delmar Gentry continues his story about his life with this second installment, Arizona Nights. Delmar continues to work on his skills on the various instruments he plays, as well as writing songs. He promises to document his life in compelling, traditional country/western fashion.

I’m sittin’ in a bar down in Tucson.

It’s late and I’m by myself. 

It’s comin’ near closin’, the bartender’s dozin’, 

But I’m not nearly tired myself. 

 

Got in about 4 hours past, 

Flew non-stop from Chicago. 

I decided at last, to have a repast, 

And decide which way that I’ll go. 

 

I’m sippin’ and drinkin’ a beer. 

Delmar Gentry

Not gonna get drunk, no fear. 

I did it all once, and I felt like a dunce, 

‘Cuz it shore never helped me not once! 

 

 Liquor is just a diversion, 

It always relaxes my head,

 For the ideas are comin’, and inside are buzzin’ 

On why my love for her is dead. 

 

But it really ain’t that confusin’ 

We were from two separate worlds,

 Despite my degrees, my hearts in the breeze

 Of the great southwestern world.

 

I’m sittin’ and sippin’ a beer, 

Somethin’ she would never go near,

She always deny it, never would try it, 

She never cared for my career. 

 

She was a high class young lady, 

At least she liked to think so. 

She tried to be chic, to be so unique, 

And she put on such a fake show. 

 

But we couldn’t share each other’s space,

about the law and the west she didn’t care, 

It was diamonds and laces, and fancy high places, 

And other things I couldn’t bear. 

 

Sittin’ drinkin’ my beer, 

why did I think we could steer, 

Our lives together, and stay there forever, 

Now it sure seems like a dumb idear. 

 

 So I know it’s just as much me, 

As I’m complaining about her so,

I don’t give a flit, about society shit, 

So we decided to split up and go. 

 

She liked the money I made,

 And she really was quite the looker,

I’d be out of line, say sex wasn’t fine,

But if that’s all I want, I’d get a hooker! 

 

So it’s come to me sittin’ right here

 ’Sippin’ and nursin’ a beer. 

Bartender’s showin’, that I must be goin’ 

So I’ll get up and buy a six pack of beer.

 

 I walk out the bar in the darkness, 

I’m not drunk, not one little sport, 

As I look at the stars, there’s very few cars 

That I have to look through and sort. 

 

I’m headin’ out into the desert 

A place that I really love. 

As I take a drive, I know that I’ll strive 

To get over this failure of love. 

 

There’s nothing like Arizona night. 

To help your eyes see the light. 

The ability to be, when there’s so much to see, 

When the rest of the world sees night. 

 

There’s nothing like Arizona night. 

To help your eyes see the light…………. 

The ability to be, when there’s so much to see, 

When the rest of the world sees night……..

 

 

Delmar Gentry - The Old, Old West

 Welcome to our first blog entry for Big and Tall Records! A little about us first. We're a company that loves to find old, forgotten, never heard of musicians and music and bring them to the attention of the public. The more obscure, the better! We have a staff of six people that make the rounds as best they can to find unknown  talent. Cheap bars, filthy gymnasiums, crashing wedding receptions, bar mitzvoth, anywhere there will be live music played. But enough about us! Let's move right to our first unknown composer! 

Most people can't make a living out of something they really love to do. You have to pay the bills and put groceries on the table. But the next best thing is to have a job that pays you well enough that you don't have to work all day every day. Enough time away from work to do what you truly love. That's what the high-priced corporate lawyer Delmar Gentry does.

He's in great demand, can pick his cases out of a raft of well-heeled clients, and charge them the fee that a world-class corporate attorney is capable of getting. So he keeps his caseload light so he can devote more of his time to his passion; playing and writing music. Country/Western music, that is!

Delmar Gentry

Delmar is a man of high energy and many talents. He graduated top of his class from university, majoring in what he took for his professional calling; business law. His second major (as there's no way music could be his minor!) was music, and he's got a degree in each. He was primarily classically trained as a musician, and was on the way to developing a concert pianist's technique to go with his legal virtuosity. Then he went out to Arizona as part of a legal team that was representing a high tier business man in defense against litigation brought forth to him and his company.   

Corporate litigation can get bogged down for many reasons. Some cases are ongoing for years. This particular case took about two months, and they were months that changed Delmar's life and ambition. He was surrounded by local music talent, from bluegrass fiddlers to dyed in the wool rockers, and he took to the country/western side with a passion. He hadn't heard some of the styles of c/w, and when he did he fell in love with them. Gone were his classical pianist ambitions. He took up the double bass, guitar, banjo, and other more folksy instruments. He started to write c/w songs and lyrics, and got very proficient on the double bass and guitar. 

After a few years of really hard pushing his legal career, he got some high profile cases that not only made a name for himself, but lined his bank account with a lot of money. Soon he went out on his own, hired his own team of lawyers and para legals, and became a c/w musician that is highly respected, if not very well known out side of the genre. He hopes that changes with this recording and upcoming ones. 

The Old,Old West 

I’m a young urban cowboy with plenty of loot, 

I cain’t hardly ride and I cain’t hardly shoot, 

 But you can see yer reflection in my cowboy boot… 

 I love the old, old west! 

 

Yippee ti yi yee, I live in the big city, 

With cement and traffic and muggers a plenty, 

But I’d rather be out in the big sky country… 

 Out in the old, old west! 

 

I’m a corporate lawyer and I never fail, 

 To keep all the CEO’s ass out of jail, 

But I’d rather be out on the dusty ol’ trail… 

Out in the old, old west! 

 

Yippee ti yi lee, the big shots hire me, 

And I always sure nail ‘em with a big ol’ fat fee, 

But I’d rather be out where a man’s truly free… 

 Out in the old, old west! 

 

I got a good gal but I have some fears, 

She likes champagne to my couple a beers, 

She likes grand opry to my Sons Of The Pioneers… 

She hates the old, old west! 

 

Yippee ti yi hicker, my gal’s a city slicker, 

And she hates the cactus with needles that stick ‘er, 

And the smell of horse shit makes her sicker and sicker… 

She hates the old, old west! 

 

My case load is heavy but when it gets light, 

 I’ll pack up my bags and then I'll take flight, 

To an old west saloon just to start a big fight… 

 I love the old, old west! 

 

Yippe ti yi fuddy, no more I’m gonna study, 

 Git dirty and grungy and stinky and muddy, 

Git my knuckles all busted, and my nose awful bloody… 

Out in the old, old west! 

 

I got me some spurs and my lariat rope, 

I’ll meander out there with an ol’ cowboy lope, 

 I’ll practice my walk and not look like a dope… 

Out in the old, old west! 

 

Yippee ti ti yo, I wish it could be so, 

Watch the murky waters of the Rio Grande flow, 

Do some bustin’ and ropin’ with the doggie and crow… 

Out in the old, old west!