Deke Dickerson – In Three Dimensions
In Three Dimensions is a record for those who are tired of the same old roots-rock. It’s concept disc, but Deke Dickerson has come up with a new concept. He splits it into three parts and titles them the Rock & Roll Deke, the Rockabilly Deke and the Hillbilly Deke, as if they were separate EPs.
Each section features different backing musicians, and he’s gathered an impressive array of talent tailored to each style, including legendary drummer Earl Palmer (who’s played with everybody from Fats Domino to the Beach Boys to Willie Nelson), members of Big Sandy’s Fly-Rite Boys and Los Straitjackets, and the killer team of guitarist Dave Biller and pedal steel player Jeremy Wakefield (perhaps best known for their work with Wayne Hancock).
Still all the players in the world won’t make a good record if the songs aren’t there. Thankfully, Dickerson has penned some sturdy originals (the stompin’ “Let’s Get Wild” and swingin’ and swayin’ “Nashville Boogie” stand out) that, when mixed with some choice covers from the likes of Faron Young, Charlie Rich and Bob Wills, add up to a sound that’s full of energy and, despite the retro nature of the music, remarkably fresh.