CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
The Lucky Tomblin Band
“Honky Tonk Merry Go Round”
Texas World Records
From Bob Wills, to Asleep at the Wheel, to Dale Watson, the Lone Star State has produced some of the most swinging country acts over the years. The Lucky Tomblin Band, which hails from Austin, Texas, is no exception. Led by Lucky’s smooth-as-whiskey vocals, the group’s fourth album features the seamless interplay of a talented cast of musicians, including pianist Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons), guitarist Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley), bassist Sarah Brown (Antone’s House Band) and drummer Jon Hahn, formerly of central Iowa who moved to Austin in 1995 and has worked with Radney Foster, The Flatlanders and Rosie Flores. Together, they deliver 14, Texas dance hall tunes, including Mel Tillis’ “Wine,” Hank Cochran’s “Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me” and Willie Nelson’s “I’d Rather You Didn’t Love Me,” that epitomize the strength of a musical democracy. CV
Don Ray Band
“Lonesome Rider”
Margdon Records
Blues-rock, singer-guitarist Don Ray, a native of Sioux City who now lives in Nashville, grew up around music. His father was a steel guitar player for country music singer Ferlin Husky, and the younger Ray played drums in his father’s band before forming his own regional rock act, Freeride, at the age of 16. Two years later, Ray left Iowa and moved to the live music mecca of Austin, Texas, where he honed his chops over the years before settling in Nashville. A few months ago, he released his newest album, “Lonesome Rider,” on the heels of his 2009 recording, “On Top of the Heap,” which eventually topped Real Blues Magazine’s “Top 100 Must Purchase Blues Albums” chart for the year. Though “Lonesome Rider” doesn’t break any new musical ground, it is a testament to Ray’s staying power as an artist trying to make his way in the blues-rock world. CV
