(Smith Music Group) Heroes And Friends is Tommy Alverson's first studio release since 1999's Me On The Jukebox, which spawned Tommy's mega-hit "Una Mas Cerveza." For those of us not lucky enough to be able to catch Tommy Alverson's shows live and in person, every recorded release is a cause for celebration. Heroes And Friends even moreso, because this one finds Tommy teaming up with several of his heroes and influences, many of whom he now calls friends, and introduces us to a few of his new friends.

On the album, Tommy's backed by his band, long time steel player Ray Austin, Ron Thompson (drums), Jerry Abrams (bass), Thurston Selby (fiddle) and Martin Stinnett (mandolin), along with guest instrumental appearances from Joe Ammons and Doc Wesson (drums), Curtis Tilton (acoustic bass), Justin Alverson, Jim Richmond, Mike O'Daniel and Davin James (guitars), Reggie Reuffer (fiddle), Mike Basken, Andrew Frye and Gary P. Nunn (piano), Billy English (percussion) and Tim Rivera (harmonica). Guest vocalist appearances include an all star line-up that ranges from legends to newcomers alike, Jerry Max Lane, Johnny Bush, Leon Rausch, Gary P. Nunn, Rusty Wier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Mike Graham, Davin James, Justin Alverson, Ed Burleson, Brian Burns, Heather Morgan, Mike Crow and Joe Ammons.

Heroes And Friends opens with the album's lead off single "Maybe In Mexico," a song written by Jerry Max Lane specifically for Tommy and held the #3 spot on the Texas Music Chart for 5 weeks. The song has a laid back, Spanish influenced melody, while the lyrics, that includes the tag line from "Una Mas Cerveza," are filled with romantic thoughts meant to rekindle a dying flame. "My Hometown," written by and performed with Tommy's son Justin Alverson is a poignant look at the memories a visit home brings. Tommy and Brian Burns have long talked about cutting an album of Willie Nelson songs, but have yet to get around to it. So in the meantime, they team up and deliver a strong cover of one of Willie's best songs, "I'm A Memory." "What'd I Come Here For" has Mike Crow joining Tommy on this lightheartedly self-depreciating humorous poke at getting up there in years.

A real standout, "Starlight Lounge Review" is a dark, western border flavored ballad that revolves around a bar and brings to vivid life the cast of it's hard-luck and unsavoury patrons. Tommy wrote "My Way Or The Highway" with Waylon in mind, shortly after his passing. Done in Waylon's classic style and incorporating a few of his trademark licks along the way, the song pays worthy tribute to the man who lived by his words and did things his way. They crank things up for a terrific bluesy roadhouse rocker, "I Feel Like Drinkin' Today," a song penned by newcomer Mike Graham after a conversation he'd had with Tommy. Mike recorded his song on his own album and invited Tommy to sing on it. Tommy liked the song himself and decided to record it, asking Mike to join him on his version. Mike proves his mettle, he's one talented up and comer to keep an eye on and who's own albums are worthy of checking out. Tommy pairs with Ray Wylie Hubbard and together they deliver a shining cover of one of Ray's early songs, "Bordertown Girl."

We're treated to a healthy portion of honky tonk shuffles and two-steppers. "Anytime, Anyway" is an outstanding classic style shuffle that Tommy wrote after listening to some Ray Price songs, but had written it for Johnny Bush. Johnny never recorded the song, but when Tommy started working on Heroes And Friends, he managed to get Johnny to sing it with him. The result is a pure honky tonk gem. The shuffling "I Can't Help Myself Darlin'," is the first Tommy Alverson penned song that was recorded by another performer. That performer was Gary P. Nunn, and Tommy decided he wanted Gary to join him on it this time around. They both have an easy going style that mesh perfectly together and along with vocals, Gary adds his always great honky tonk piano licks. The one and only Rusty Weir drops by to join Tommy for a raucous rendition of Rusty's naughty tale of rodeo queen,  "Cheryl Doreen." Tommy teams up with the brilliant Davin James for a rendition of Davin's witty honky tonk tale of a pair of n'er do well buddies, "It Could Be Worse." Tommy decided to record a studio version of the Roger Miller classic, "Invitation To The Blues," but he had the late Doug Sahm in mind. Doug loved the old Ray Price style shuffles and Tommy wanted this version to be a salute to him. Who better to help out on this one than Ed Burleson, Doug's protégé and producer of Ed's first album? Tommy and Ed deliver a winning rendition making it a very fitting salute. The irrepressible Jerry Max Lane trades verses and wallows in misery with Tommy on the classic honky tonk barroom weeper, "Tear Joint." The girls finally get their turn when newcomer Heather Morgan puts in an absolutely sterling vocal performance dueting with Tommy on the Porter Wagoner/Dolly Parton hit "Just Someone I Used To Know." Leaving no stone unturned, we even get a delightful taste of Western Swing as Tommy offers us his favorite Bob Wills song, a standout cover of "Deep Water" with none other than the legendary Leon Raucsh.

As usual, Tommy Alverson's warm and easy going personality comes shining through on Heroes And Friends. And as usual, Tommy Alverson once again proves he's the real deal, a true honky tonker through and through, moving with ease, humor and command through just about every style of honky tonk music out there. His music comes from his heart and soul. On Heroes And Friends, the guest vocalists' own singing styles are as varied as the music and there's not a single vocal mismatch in the whole bunch, which is a true testament to Tommy's own vocal strength and diversity. As previously stated, any Tommy Alverson release is a cause for celebration. Heroes And Friends is even more of a treat as he pays homage to those who had an influence on him. He surrounds himself with friends both old and new and together they've delivered an album that reflects kindred spirits who are at ease with themselves, enjoying and loving what they do and the music they make.                             

Standout Tracks: "Maybe Mexico," "Anytime, Anywhere," "I Feel Like Drinkin'," "Cheryl Doreen," "It Could Be Worse," "My Way Or The Highway," "What'd I Come Here For," "Just Someone I Used To Know," "Starlight Lounge Review"

On The Net: www.tommyalverson.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack October 2004

Read TCB's previous Tommy Alverson reviews:

http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/tommyalverson.htm