|
"I
grew up on music that they call Western Swing,
It don't matter who's in Austin, Bob Wills is still the King." - Waylon
Jennings
Good ol' swing music is a strong support brick in the foundation of much
of country's past. Almost every country singer or songwriter has tipped
their hat to the jazzy sound of twin fiddles and pedal steel. Asleep
At The Wheel has made a whole career from it. It's something you can
dance to, cry in your beer with, or use as background music to sweet-talk
a stranger as you glide across the floor. It provides that extra
touch of class that keeps honky-tonk music from being just plain old
fashioned whining and bragging.
Lost John Casner has a great CD here with a catchy mix of swing,
honky-tonk, and just generally good music. Casner is a songwriter,
pianist, guitarist based in the Austin area and has been getting airplay
and recognition for this Spectrum Records release. His contacts and
influences include Merle Haggard and Austin icon Blaze Foley. On
this disc, he chooses to interpret songs by Blaze, George Jones, Leon
Payne, Mel Tillis, and John Prine, as well as throwing in a few originals.
The backing band is always on time and in tune, ably assisted on fiddle
and mandolin by the great Johnny Gimble.
Classics like "Why Baby Why" and "They'll Never Take Her Love From Me"
are given some fresh phrasing. Should-be-classics like "Faded Love
and Memories" and "Yes, I Guess They Ought to Name a Drink After You" may
get stuck in you head for a little while, and that's a good feeling.
Of John's originals, I found "Remote Amigo" especially appealing.
Pick up this thing and catch Casner if he's in your area. Show these
folks who make music 'cause they need to, not for the cash, that they are
appreciated. Texas music (and country music in general) could use a
few more Lost Johns.
Written by James Odom, August, 2003
E-mail
Waco Odie
Read Odie's bio
Visit
Lost John's Website
Editor's Note: There are also some song clips on Lost John's website
for your listening pleasure. |
