But as the years have rolled on, and various events unfolded, we found ourselves increasingly in agreement on a number of matters. Unfortunately, some individuals on the Reeves scene whom Julie and I once trusted proved to have feet of clay, and so our perceptions have changed.
I'm on the road at the moment for the next few days but wanted to post this picture and pay tribute to John, whom I got to hear perform in person for the first time. As I told him afterward, now that I've heard him, I can discern some of that Jim Reeves resonance in his voice, and I noticed his vibrato was nice and controlled and restrained -- a hallmark of his uncle Jim's smooth delivery.
John is also one heck of a guitar player. He had anticipated singing to backing tracks but the venue he performed at tonight did not have the right audio set-up, so he had to do his whole show with just him and his guitar -- like Jim sometimes had to do.
I must say it was one of the most intimate shows I've ever witnessed, as the philosopher in John came out. Those of you who have read my book, "Jim Reeves: His Untold Story," have seen quotes I've used from him. Both he and his uncle were into philosophy and without getting preachy, John made some pithy observations about the music scene today, family, love, growing older, etc. Profound.
It's been said many times that when Jim Reeves sang, you could have heard a pin drop; the audience was so quiet and attentive. The same could be said for when John Rex was on the stage.
It was an informal evening as if he was in your living room and I was very impressed.
We also had a very interesting conversation afterward. And I enjoyed meeting John's lovely wife of 53 years, Neva (who took our photo).
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