Zac Wilkerson to release self-titled album

The last time Amarillo singer Zac Wilkerson made an album, it was a two-day rush job.

For his new album, Wilkerson took things a little slower - and, in the process, got to work with one of his musical heroes.

Wilkerson will release the self-titled CD, produced by Texas country great Walt Wilkins, at a 10 p.m. Oct. 16 party at Hoot's, 2424 Hobbs Road.

That first, acoustic album, released in 2012, was pulled together in a hurry before Wilkerson headed down to Stephenville to perform at Larry Joe Taylor's Music Festival, the grand prize for winning the songwriting contest at Lubbock's Blue Light that kicked off his career.

"It was really just the product of one hour of studio time and me hurriedly playing through the songs," Wilkerson said. "It wasn't really a record. It was an 'Oh crap, I need something so people can hear what I sound like.'"

This time, Wilkerson turned total control over to Wilkins and Jumping Dog Studio owner Ron Flynt.

"That was hard to do, but not for very long," Wilkerson said. "It's Walt. He's not going to do you wrong."

Wilkins said he was glad to sign on for the project on the strength of Wilkerson's songwriting, including his current single "Middle of the Night."

"I knew it was going to be a fun project to work on," Wilkins said. "It wasn't going to be making something out of nothing."

Wilkins said he connected with the younger singer's music because of its "spirituality" and Wilkerson's positive outlook.

Not to mention his voice.

"His singing is pretty extraordinary," Wilkins said. "He's a soul singer. That voice grabs you instantly.

"Even if his songs weren't good, you'd want to listen to him, but the fact that he's a good songwriter ... is the payoff."

Wilkerson first discovered Wilkins at that LJT Fest in 2012, so to be working with the producer was a dream, he said.

"He's the definition of a Texas songwriter," Wilkerson said. "Sometimes people put on a facade, singing about things they don't necessarily believe or know about, but Walt Wilkins has never been any of those things.

"I wanted someone who felt the same thing as I did - no B.S., let's write some great songs."

For AGN-TV video of Wilkerson singing "Poor Man Blues," click here.

How to go

o What: Zac Wilkerson CD release party

o When: 10 p.m. Oct. 16

o Where: Hoot's, 2424 Hobbs Road

o How much: $10

o Information: 806-356-7548