Lucky Tomblin Band,
Red Hot from Blue Rock

Label: Texas World Records
Released: 2007

(3 out of 5)

Lucky Tomblin and friends are back with another set of classic honky-tonk swing numbers (and a couple new originals that just might become classics themselves someday). Red Hot from Blue Rock again pays homage to the golden age of honky-tonk — the 1940s to 1960s — with songs from the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, Mel Tillis, and Moon Mullican. Tomblin may lend the band his name, but there's no ego involved in this project. Instead, he has shaped it as a true collective of local session players and honky-tonk heroes. The combo really cooks with John X Reed taking the lead on "Party Doll" and Earl Poole Ball fronting "Play One More Song." And there are excellent results both times Sarah Brown takes over vocal duties ("Don't Forget to Dip the Girl," "Good Lookin' No Good"). In many ways, Red Hot from Blue Rock sounds like a continuation of last year's In a Honky-Tonk Mood. But with such assured performers that isn't a bad thing. After all, if it ain't broke, there's no need to fix it.

Listen: "Don't Forget to Dip the Girl," "Party Doll," "Play One More Song," "Red Hot"

Buy: Red Hot From Blue Rock (CD + DVD)

September 25, 2007