Hot Club of Cowtown Finally Swings Back
I'm intrigued by Hot Club of Cowtown's new album, Wishful Thinking, because of its contemporary interpretation of Western Swing music. Even though it kicks off with Bob Wills' lively "Can't Go on This Way," the ensemble quickly moves into an original tune by fiddler Elana James, in which she realizes that everyone in her former circle of friends has settled down. Yet they're just soooo happy that she's chasing her dream. Judging from her dry delivery, something tells me she's not buying it. I also dig "Cabiria," named after a famed Fellini character. Despite the broad range of topics, the outstanding musicianship from James, guitarist Whit Smith and bassist Jake Erwin ties it all together. They've also added a drummer, Damien Llanes, so the music shuffles right along.
I'm also impressed by how seamlessly they blend the new tunes with standards like "Georgia," "Columbia Stockade Blues" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." I'm especially eager to see their live show, now that they've returned from a European tour. If I lived anywhere close to Gruene Hall, I'd be making a road trip. I'd settle for their hometown show at the Continental Club in Austin, too. Oh well. Maybe I'll get up early this weekend and make Sunday brunch. This would be a wonderful accompaniment.
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Big AJ fan says:
shoot. i went to their website and tried to listen to the songs but nothing will play for me. don’t know if it’s my computer or their site.
solongsowrong says:
No problem on my end. Can you check them out on myspace and youtube?
Clark says:
Is this the first time Fellini has been mentioned in the history of country music media?
Redmaz says:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^>>>>>>>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No it isn’t as a matter of fact. There is a song that I can’t think of the name right now that mentions Fellini. If that wasn’t enough, there is the artist “Slim Bawb” who is called the “Hillbilly Fellini’(the name of his CD) If you are a fan of Dr. John, Tom Waits, or John Hartford, you may want to check out his 2009 release at cdbaby.
Back to Hot Club of Cowtown. They’re a wonderful group keeping a form of Country Music alive. Respecting, and honoring the history and tradition. This is what MUSIC is all about. .
solongsowrong says:
Yes Red, Hot Club of Cowtown is what music is about… especially Country music…. yet how many on this blog site will take the time to check them out, or for that matter, any artists whose names they don’t recognize?
Instead, just like I’ve seen on some other blogs today, they’ll keep on listening to the Pop Country of Mainstream radio, and complaining about there being no real Country music anymore. Funny and predictable, yet also sad and pathetic, all at the same time.
patty says:
I went to see Cow Town on tour in the UK. They were mind blowing!!! Although I bought the albums, nothing can compere with the live performance. They played in a small picturedome in Holmfirth, west yorkshire. Ms James has got to be he best violinist in the world!!!