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Chris Hillman & Herb Pederson: Way Out West |
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Track List 1. Backporch Boy |
(Back Porch) Chris Hillman and Herb
Pederson first teamed up in the Desert Rose Band, which had a string
of hits throughout the 80's and early 90's. After Desert Rose broke
up, they teamed again as a duo to record 1996's Bakersfield Bound.
They've recorded and performed together since, with the
bluegrass groups Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pederson and Laurel Canyon
Ramblers. Now they've re-teamed as a duo for Way Out West. Also
along for the ride, they re-unite with fellow former Desert Rose
alumni, steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, and bassist Bill Bryson. In
addition are contributions from Kenny Blackwell, Larry Park and Jim
Monahan on guitar, Dennis "Cannonball" Caplinger and Gabe Witcher on
fiddle, Sergio Gonzales and Willie Ornelas on drums, Flaco Jimenez on
accordian. Chris provides vocals, guitar, and mandolin, and
Herb handles vocals, 5 string banjo, and guitar.
On Way Out West, Chris and Herb
revisit the various styles and sounds that they've explored with their
various solo and group efforts over the years. There's a healthy dose
of classic Desert Rose country-rock served up on songs such as "There
You Go," "Better Man Than That," and "Our Love It Don't Come
Easy." "No Longer A Sweetheart Of Mine," and the Louvin's "Are You
Missing Me?" serve as reminders of Desert Rose's ability to
add elements of bluegrass into their sound. The strong harmonies that
Desert Rose were well known for are highlighted on two
Hillman/Pederson duets, a cover of the Everly Brother's "Problems,"
and another Louvin cover, "You're Learning."
They toss in an outstanding, stone honky
tonky rendition of Roger Miller's "Invitation To The Blues." They add
in some twists with Cajun inflections on the songs "You Done Me
Wrong," and the classic "Save The Last Dance For Me." They also
include their more recent forays into bluegrass with the instrumentals
"Sugar Cane," and "Backporch Boy," as well as pure bluegrass gospel
with "The Old Cross Road."
Chris and Herb provide a little something
for everyone on Way Out West. Those that were fans of, and
miss, the Desert Rose Band will be pleased with this album, as they
include all the elements that Desert Rose was famous for, the
harmonies, catchy melodies, and lots of steel. They also show their
diversity by taking a few steps deeper into bluegrass, pure honky tonk
and give things a little Cajun spice. Those unfamiliar with their
previous work should enjoy the variety of the rootsy music they've put
together. Simply put, Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson have managed to
put out another unassuming and well crafted album with Way Out
West.
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AnnMarie
Harrington Take Country Back October 2002