The success of
Bucky Pizzarelli's earlier sessions blending jazz and country musicians interpreting country favorites prompted follow-up record dates with many of the same players taking part. The veteran guitarist brings sons
John (guitar and vocals) and
Martin (bass), vocalist
Rebecca Kilgore, young violinist
Aaron Weinstein, pianist
Monty Alexander, and drummer
Tony Tedesco, along with country artists
Andy Levas (guitar and vocals) and pedal steel guitarist
Tommy White. Like the earlier CD, "
Buck" and the band do justice to these country standards, including both vocal and instrumental numbers.
Levas' strong lead vocals on
Johnny Cash hits like "Hey, Porter," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Understand Your Man" are obvious highlights, with the band providing terrific support.
Kilgore has long sung both jazz and country, having recorded several CDs of her own with a country flavor; her warm, loping rendition of "Along the Navaho Trail," with tasty solos by the leader,
Alexander, and
Weinstein, is a highlight. The swinging rendition of "Red River Valley" showcases the leader on acoustic bass guitar,
Weinstein,
John Pizzarelli (on electric guitar), and
Alexander. The surprising conclusion is a solo feature for
Alexander, singing as he accompanies himself in a delightful, imaginative setting of "Happy Trails." Western swing is alive and well in the hands of
Bucky Pizzarelli and friends. ~ Ken Dryden