Not everyone linked to the “red dirt band” musical trend in Texas and Oklahoma can lay claim to having that much familiarity with actual dirt, red or otherwise, but Bart Crow has the credentials.

“I grew up on a farm about 40 miles southwest of Dallas, and our town was Maypearl, around 1,000 people,” Crow says. “My dad had a few hundred acres and I had a good ol’ country life, ropin’ steers. Both my dad and granddad were in bands, but I guess it took me a while to realize I was too lazy to do anything else, myself.”

Growing up with musical family members meant Crow was exposed to the songs of Merle Haggard, George Jones, David Allan Coe and others, and he did some time in his junior high school band. He didn’t pursue music seriously until after a 1995-98 stint in the Army and then going on to college at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. He began dabbling in songwriting, with a bit of encouragement from his friend, Jason Boland, who was beginning to experience success in the “red dirt” world.

Crow, who notes previous shows with his band in Little Rock, Fort Smith and Morrilton on his resume,has been at it for a decade, releasing four studio albums and one live one, recorded at the Brewster Street Ice House in Corpus Christie, Texas. His latest CD, Dandelion, came out in September 2012.

“I’m mostly doing original songs,” Crow says. “It’s definitely Texas country red dirt-inspired music, songs about love, life on the road, drinkin’, losin’ love, family and the land.”

Life on the road, which is always difficult for musicians with families, has taken onan extra challenge for Crow. A week before his scheduled show this week in Little Rock, he and his wife were contending with medical issues involving their 8-week old twins, who have been battling respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“It’s hard being away at a time like this,” Crow says. “But our babies are in a great hospital in Austin, so we feel good about that. And meanwhile, the show must go on.

“I’m just workin’ hard, tryin’ to play hard and keep the band and mama happy.”Bart Crow Band Opening act: Dry County 9 p.m. Wednesday, Revolution Room, 300 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock Admission: $10 advance; $12 day of show (501) 823-0090 revroom.com

Style, Pages 19 on 01/21/2014