(BGM) As Johnny Bush enters his fifth decade as a performer, his latest release HonkyTonic finds "The Country Caruso" doing anything but slowing down. As a matter of fact, it's hard to recall him sounding better than he does here. The legendary honky tonker sounds vital and rejuvenated, not that he's been doing badly in that area over the last several years, since regaining his voice after a decades long struggle with spasmodic dysphonia. Maybe it's a combination of triumphing over the disorder and teaming with old friends and a few of Texas' young guns for this latest outing.

Whatever the reason, HonkyTonic finds Johnny Bush in top form and the album is a hard core honky tonk gem from the first note to the last. Produced by Bill Green, Johnny's backed in the studio by a core group of stellar musicians and friends old and new, that include Bobby Flores, Justin Trevino, Willie Nelson, Tommy Alverson, Kevin Fowler, Stephanie Urbina Jones and Cooder Graw.

HonkyTonic earns it's title right from the start, appropriately with the barroom shuffle, "What Made Milwaukee Famous." Johnny delivers a terrific version of a song penned by Monty Holmes and originally recorded by his band Monty & The Pythons, the tongue-in-cheek honky tonker, "Leave My Mama Out Of This." "I'll Be There" is a jazzy, standout two-stepper about waiting patiently for a love to come around. Johnny provides plenty of outstanding 'tear-in-your-beer' heartache. There's the mid-tempo shuffling waltz, "Each Time" and the mid-tempo drowning-your-sorrows "Puttin' Out An Old Flame," about trying to get over lost loves. Broken hearts abound in the classic barroom weepers tradition in "Tonight Her Memory's Raisin' Hell" and "Did We Have To Come This Far." "The Door" offers the same theme, but with a fuller, more contemporary sound that works particularly well.

The balance of HonkyTonic has Johnny bringing in friends for a few duets and they provide many of the album's highlights. He teams with Kevin Fowler on a lively romp through the spirited two-stepper, "Ol' What's Her Name." The always great Tommy Alverson shows up for a terrific classic barroom shuffle, "Jones On The Jukebox." "Some People Just Get Lucky" features the wonderful Stephanie Urbina Jones in this honky tonk ballad of the strength of true love. Some funky and lighthearted fun's on tap with Cooder Graw and Willie Nelson joining Johnny on "I Gotta Drink." HonkyTonic closes with Willie and Johnny dueting on the classic, "Whiskey River." Johnny penned the song and both men had hits with it, although Willie's version gave the song immortality. They deliver a standout duet turn that bounces back and forth and ultimately combines each man's version and style.

HonkyTonic is a sure cure all for those hard core honky tonkers out there, whether it be to hit the hardwood or nurse a broken heart. Johnny Bush bests himself again and delivers yet another top notch gem.    

Standout Tracks: "Ol' What's Her Name," "Tonight Her Memory's Raisin' Hell," "Jones On The Jukebox," "I'll Be There," "Some People Just Get Lucky," "Puttin' Out An Old Flame," "Did We Have To Come This Far," "I Gotta Get Drunk," "Whiskey River"

On The Net:  www.johnnybush.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack October 2004

Read TCB's review of Johnny Bush's previous album http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/jbrev0402.htm