TEXAS SWINGS is a celebration of the western swing tradition as epitomized by bandleaders like Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys.
Texas-born guitarist Herb Ellis teams up with a variety of country musicians on this Justice CD for a set of Western swing-oriented jazz. Essentially an instrumental country date with Ellis as one of the lead voices, the enjoyable set also has Willie Nelson’s guitar added on some of the tracks along with steel guitar, two violinists and a standard rhythm section. The twangy sound of the steel guitar may not appeal to everyone but the fairly basic music (mostly swing standards) is played with plenty of spirit. This recording gives Ellis a fresh setting after years in trios and quartets. ~ Scott Yanow
Recorded at Perdernales Recording Studio, Austin, Texas in June 1992.
Personnel: Herb Ellis (guitar); Bobby Bruce, Johnny Gimble (violin); Floyd Domino (piano); Willie Nelson (guitar); Herb Remington (steel guitar); Tommy Alsup (bass); Tommy Perkins (drums).
Audio Mixer: Randall Hage Jamail.
Recording information: Pedernales Recording Studios, Spicewood, TX (06/1992).
1. Billy Bounce
2. I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me
3. The Old Rugged Cross
4. Country Boy
5. Undecided
6. It Had to Be You
7. Rosetta
8. Blues in G
9. Sweet Georgia Brown
10. America the Beautiful