To most folks, Texas soul music is the country style, portraying the life and times of the American Southwest and the hearts of its people. It conveys the freedom, openness and spirit of the region. From the title, "Dead or Alive," on, singer/songwriter Ron Jordan introduces us to the man he has become with pure country selections, Texas-flavored. While his "Diamonds and Hearts" and "Sugar Land" albums contained all of his own original compositions, this new work features as well some of Ron's personal country favorites such as Justin Tubb's "Lonesome 7-7203" and fellow Texan and friend Steve Ribnikar's "Es No Mucho," spiced with the typical cross-culture of the Texas-Mexico border. If you want to tune in on the longing of the Texas cowboy, these will do it. Not loud and brassy, Ron is as fun-loving as most Texans, which is why he included country great Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" plus his own rowdy ditty, "Rev My Engine."