The understanding of this unique music is deeply imbedded in the DNA of all involved, and this natural inclination meant very special performances were realized. Lead guitarist and Bebop Cowboys co-founder Steve Briggs, has an amazing set of ears, and has brilliantly navigated the completion of this project. His song-writing skills continue to astound. Now get a load of the talent assembled here. It starts with Prairie Oyster vocalist Russell deCarle, with whom Steve co-wrote the horn-saturated “tex-mex meets mariachi” Shooting Star. DeCarle further sparkles on the Chris Whiteley composition Like It Was Just The Other Day, and then pulls off the haunting Misery in grand style. It’s a stunning reminder of the timelessness of Bob Wills’ creations. Everything is down-home and gently swings throughout, and those virtues are especially engrained in Bebop singer/harpist Howard Willett. Three originals, Dancing On Saturday, Let’s Give It A Shot-Let’s Give It A Whirl, and Swinging with Grace hold their own with the genre’s best. Willett revs up the speedometer on Jump For Joy (Joe Turner). It kicks like mad, while showcasing the talents of the stellar horn section of Drew Jurecka, Chris Whiteley, and Sean O’Connor. The gals’ contributions will motivate you to paint the town. Terra Hazelton deserves a standing ovation for her earthy take on Bob Wills’ Brain Cloudy Blues—and check out those` mesmerizing fills by pedal steel guru Burke Carroll. Jazz chanteuse Alex Pangman delights on another Wills classic I Laugh When I Think (How I Cried Over You), while Sarah Harmer’s sublime interpretation of Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust is nothing short of inspirational. Chuck Jackson of Downchild really shines on the Steve & Kristin Briggs-penned, That’s Why I Ain’t Been Home In Years. It’s got a melody I can’t stop humming. There are high-spirited instrumentals that are joyful to listen to. Yearning, Duke Ellngton’s Caravan, and Honkin’ Tonkin’ Cowboy Blues (aka the Bebop Cowboys theme) are guaranteed to tickle your fancy. The addition of Drew Jurecka on violin adds that necessary ingredient to take things to the highest possible level. -by Gary Tate
MP3- Jump for Joy |  surf to  www.bebopcowboys.com