Their honored 1988 release, The Return Of The Formerly Brothers-- -intended as a posthumous tribute to Sahm whose 1999 passing left a huge void--captured a slew of well-deserved rewards, including a Juno. The band was formed during Sahm’s Canadian sojourn (1986-1990), and there’s a revealing bonus interview, where he expresses his fondness for Canadian audiences. Doug actually settled in Vancouver Island from 1988-1990, touring as a Formerly until returning to Texas to form the Texas Tornados with campadres Freddy Fender and Flaco Jiminez. Rootsy authenticity is abundant, including old-timey country delights Amarillo Highway and Hank Williams' 'Bank Of The Old Pontchartrain'. Nostalgic potions to ease all ailments! Queen of the Okanagan closely approximates the Tornado’s Tex-Mex stew, but with a Canadiana twist. There’s another splendid bonus track in Louis Riel, a song Sahm wrote about the exploits of the leader of the famous Metis rebellion. Can’t imagine why this beauty was left off the original. Time-tested Rhythm n' Bluesy nuggets also summon up powerful aural images--except those of juke joints. Smack Dab In The Middle is smack dab on the mark with Garrett’s poised vocals, while Sahm’s leathery pipes emote mightily on Teardrops On Your Letter and Drunk. 'Sir Douglas' worked with Dylan during the 70’s; he tips his cowboy hat Bobby’s direction via a convincing take on Just Like A Woman. Gripping! Gene Taylor gives those 88's a sweat-drenched workout on Gene's Boogie and Coming Back Home. Taylor also wrote Sure Is A Good Thing, a no-holds-barred slice of New Orleans’ gumbo that leaves a savory aftertaste. Special guest Queen Ida adds more Louisiana condiments Zydeco-style on Big Mamou. Doug and Amos divvied up the lead guitar duties, consistently entrancing with their infallible taste and succinct note selection. Every player has a sixth sense for allowing the honesty of this music to speak for itself, submerging their own personalities in that resolve, relying instead on nuance, subtlety, and delicately-shifting patterns to reveal glimpses of their respective selves.
-Gary Tate/ MP3 - | The Pontchartrain | Smack Dab in the Middle |