Wayne
Hancock
A-Town Blues
Wayne
"The Train" Hancock is an intriguing character. Hailing from
Austin, Texas, Hancock prefers wearing Hawaiian print shirts,
speaks with a nearly clinched jaw and sings an enticing blend
of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and
big band that he calls "juke joint swing." A-Town Blues
(Bloodshot Records) is Hancock's fourth CD, which some may
confuse for a whacked out Hank Williams. But Hancock has a
knack for blending honky tonk with the musical inspiration
of great big band leaders, and his surprisingly minimalist
approach moves the dance floor just like Duke Ellington in
his day.
Hancock's
core group consists of himself on vocals and guitar, Tony
Lake also on guitar and Shawn Supra on bass. That's rightno
drums. Hancock doesn't believe in them, although he does bring
back-up into the studio with Jeremy Wakefield on steel guitar.
A-Town Blues has a large feel of the late Bob Wills
with Hancock's masterful renditions of the classics "Cow Cow
Boogie," "Viper," "California Blues," and "We Three." Meanwhile,
originals, such as "Life's Lonesome Road," "Route 23," "Happy
Birthday Julie" and "Miller, Jack & Mad Dog," show the depth
of his writing prowess, evoking the western swing styles that
were prevalent from the 1930s to the 1950s. A-Town Blues
is a classic anyone with an appreciation of music will enjoy
over and over again.
Smilin'
Buddha Joe
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