MWSA Music Review

I Remember... A Tribute To Those Who Serve

Howard Stansell

HSE Productions

E-Mail: hstansell@juno.com

Website: http://howardstansell.com/

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Sounds like Willie Nelson Waving an America Flag!

Sounds very much like an early Willie Nelson recording but with a lot more flag waving and heart! Singer, song writer and composer Howard Stansell’s best musical effort to date, is a real tribute to veterans and to those serving our nation in the military. His CD “I Remember…A Tribute to Those Who Serve” comes across as a labor of love and is a joy to listen to.

I first heard Howard’s music when he and his wife set up a table with their music CDs right next to me at a book event in New Mexico back in 2004. I thought he was playing some new Willie Nelson recordings. I got myself one of his CDs and have been listening faithfully ever since. It has become a much requested CD for our web radio show.

The music deals with real issues as well as current events that veterans have faced. One of his signature songs is on the CD “Just as Much a Hero.” This CD has a laid back country style feeling with great words to his wonderful music. The writing is as good as the music itself. I am a fan and recommend buying a copy of his music CD. He has other recordings out as well but this is my favorite.

Howard Stansell (Taken from his website):

Born a "war baby" (1943) I grew up to adolescence in farm country in southern Illinois; Moved to New Mexico (age 13) in 1956. I was a "maladjusted" country kid for a while until I discovered (or was discovered) athletics in junior high school. A serious leg injury tempered my potential "fame" as a track star -- I never ran in college. I graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1967 after a 2 year in -2 year out -- 2 year in academic career. My only military "experience" was a short stint in the college Air Force ROTC program. I resigned when I was turned down for pilot training (glasses); probably a "fateful" decision. I went on to learn to fly and still fly privately (it is part of who I am).

After college, I was passed over for the "draft" (pre lottery) because of a physical condition. I taught art in public school for a decade -- founded and administrated a private Christian school in Albuquerque ( four years of absorption and eventual fatigue / burn out). I have 20-some years teaching experience. I was married to Anne in 1968, fathered two wonderful children and remain married to the same wonderful lady (36 years, almost). Since the early 80's I have pursued my painting career (what I am really trained to do), taught at the high school and college levels, worked in the real estate business and, of course followed my music. I first recorded (Nashville) in 1968.

Music History:

1. Began writing songs as a teenager

2. Voted Top 10 entertainer, UNM, 1967

3. Auditioned for Capitol Records, Los Angeles 1968

4. Recorded DC Wonderin" Blues and Country's Gone, released at Starday Records, Nashville ,TN, 1968 -- pick hit in Philadelphia and Chicago

5. Played professionally doing clubs and concerts regularly

6. Recorded BETTER THINGS, 2000

7. Regular musical participant, National Vietnam Memorial, Angel Fire, NM featuring JUST AS MUCH A HERO and other original songs.

8. Musical Tribute, 20th Anniversary of the "Wall" Washington DC, 2002

9. Recorded I REMEMBER, 2003-2004

10. Past performances include playing with or for Hank Thompson, Allen Jackson, Dan Seals, Juice Newton, Lynn Anderson and others.

Since recording JUST AS MUCH A HERO I have found myself becoming more and more involved in writing songs about veterans and telling the stories that call attention to their service and dedication to America.