(Self-release) Kevin Banford was born in Utah, moved to Southern California when he was three, and now resides in Orange County. In junior high he realized "guitar players get more chicks than jocks," so at age 13, he started writing songs and learned to play guitar. In his twenties, he discovered the honky tonk masters such as Hank Williams. Today he cites it was listening to "Hank, Lefty, Faron, Webb, Ernest, Buck, George and Merle" that taught him how to sing a real country song. Among his more recent inspirations are Dwight Yoakam, David Ball, George Strait, Dale Watson and The Derailers.

King Of The Thrift Store Cowboys is an album packed with pure Bakersfield country...twangy Telecasters, shuffles o' plenty, and 10 strong Banford self-penned tunes. The Bakersfield Boys are Jeff Huber on lead guitar, Greg Vincent on steel guitar, Dave Kilner on bass and Dave Drewry on drums. Among those dropping by to lend a hand are Chris Gaffney on accordion, Gabe Witcher on fiddle, Greg Leisz on steel, and Wyman Reese on keyboards.

The disc opens with the twangy Tele driven "Good Enough For Me," about a lovesick guy trying to get the attention of the object of his desire. You can't get more country than the shuffling "Guitars, Guns, God & Girls," ("the only four things that make my world") or the outstanding and lively "Pride In My Misery" ("I take pride in my misery, and I'm proud of my work, just add women and whiskey, I'm one hell raisin' jerk"). The driving "By The Side Of The Road" is about losing a love, but getting up, dusting himself off, and getting back in the game. The title track, the high speed, slightly Tex-Mex influenced "King Of The Thrift Store Cowboys," would seem to be a self-depreciating poke at Kevin himself, as his usual stage attire is that vintage look- clean shaven with cowboy hat, string tie, western shirt, and suit jacket. "There By The Grace" is a lovely waltz, while the ladies will especially enjoy the clever tongue in cheek lyrics to "Cowgirl's Rodeo," along with it's infectious, shuffling melody.

Though Kevin and the Boys' sound is undeniably Bakersfield, he also seems rather fond of Texas, and tosses in a few songs about his affection for the Lone Star state, particularly it's women. The stellar ballad, "Old El Paso" tells of packing up and heading there to be with the woman he loves. "Texas Love" with it's downright sexy melody and provocative lyrics, describes everything he loves about those Texas women. The raucous "Katie Bar The Door" is another tongue-in-cheeker about those inevitable Texas honky tonk brawls.

King Of The Thrift Store Cowboys is one album that's hard to find fault with. It's an honest and sincere reflection of Kevin's traditional taste and style. Brimming over with well written songs, excellent musicianship, and Kevin's warm and emotive vocals, Kevin Banford & the Bakersfield Boys have produced a highly enjoyable album of pure Bakersfield honky tonk that's sure to keep the dance floor packed from the first note to the last. 

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