The Lucky Tomblin Band’s Honky Tonk Merry Go Round

Like its predecessors, the recently released fourth album from the Lucky Tomblin Band has what it takes to transport you to a Texas roadside bar on a wild Saturday night. No “country rock” or “alt-country” for these folks–this is pure, unadulterated honky-tonk and western swing. If you liked the similarly anachronistic Asleep at the Wheel, you’ll love this outfit, which incorporates such influences as Lefty Frizzell, Bob Wills, Ray Price and Floyd Tillman. After hearing the album, you won’t be surprised to learn that the band members all have long, impressive resumes: pianist Earl Poole Ball spent two decades in Johnny Cash’s band and played on the Byrds’ classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo, for example, while guitarist Redd Volkaert’s credits include many years in Merle Haggard’s band. Great stuff.