(Smith Music Group) Since their inception in 1970, Asleep At The Wheel has taken the unconventional route to becoming the undisputed torch bearers of Western Swing. Asleep At The Wheel, founded by Pennsylvania native Ray Benson and Lucky Oceans, began their musical journey in Virginia, with their first big show being the opening act for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna. From there they headed to California where they forged a friendship with Commander Cody, and it was Van Morrison who was instrumental in getting them their first recording contract. Eventually AATW landed in Texas (where they remain based today) where they made a name for themselves as students of the Bob Wills/Milton Brown school of Western Swing. And in the true Wills/Brown tradition, along with country, their sound evolved to incorporate the classic jazz sounds of greats such as Count Basie and Billie Holliday, as well as big band, blues and R&B. Three decades later AATW is still going strong, setting the bar for modern day Western Swing. Over the years the line up has changed many times, but the musicians and the music always remained first rate, garnering critical acclaim and plenty of awards. The current line up even includes a few members who weren't even born when AATW was formed.

AATW already has a few live albums under their belts, however this Live At Billy Bob's set ranks as perhaps their best as far as production, sound quality and musical diversity. In addition to their current line up: Ray Benson (vocals, guitar), Jason Roberts (guitar, fiddle, background vocals), Jim Murphy (steel guitar, saxophone), Haydn Vitera (fiddle, background vocals), John Michael Whitby (piano, background vocals), David Miller (bass, background vocals) and David Sanger (drums), AATW's former steel guitarist, Cindy Cashdollar sits in.

AATW delivers impeccable renditions of standards such as "Miles and Miles of Texas," "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," "Take Me Back to Tulsa," "Boogie Back to Texas," "Big Balls In Cowtown," the always crowd pleasing "Cotton Eyed Joe" and a deliciously raucous take on "You're From Texas." They put the 'western' in the swing on "Hang Up My Spurs And Saddle," offer up some straight-up western with "Don't Fence Me In" and some terrific jump-blues with "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens." 

What sets this live disc apart from their previous live efforts is that it includes a few unexpected surprises in a vein most people wouldn't associate with AATW's best known trademark sound. Fiddler Jason Roberts takes lead vocals and delivers a great swinging cover of Hank Thompson's "Six Pack To Go," while fellow fiddler Haydn Vitera steps up and contributes absolutely sterling bi-lingual lead vocals on the Freddy Fender hit "Before The Last Teardrop Falls." The band provides a positively killer version of the George Strait hit "Amarillo By Morning," which also proves a great song is a great song. The disc's most unexpected track is a moving cover of Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You," which Ray Benson delivers with achingly tender and poignant vocals.

Fortunately, neither Ray Benson or Asleep At The Wheel show any signs of slowing down and continue to offer up some of the most outstanding music around. Live At Billy Bob's is highly recommended for both long time and casual fans. Not only do they provide some of their very best renditions of some of their more well known classics and staples, but on this one they offer up a little something extra special with a few outstanding versions of songs in a more traditional country vein that the band performs live, but seldom records.         

Standout Tracks: "Before The Last Teardrop Falls," "Amarillo By Morning," "Take Me Back To Tulsa," "Cotton Eyed Joe," "You're From Texas," "If I Needed You," "Boogie Back To Texas," "Six Pack To Go" 

On The Net:  www.asleepatthewheel.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack February 2004