What better place to enjoy the inimitable sound of American Western swing music than a German TV studio? Uh, lots, actually. But the fact that the German audience might not understand every nuance of guitarist/singer Ray Benson's reading of, say, the old Commander Cody hit “Hot Rod Lincoln” doesn't detract much from this 2000 show by Asleep at the Wheel, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 or stereo. Benson's band has been around for more than 30 years now (he's the only remaining original member), and if this isn't their most inspired performance, it's still professional and efficient. Versatile, too: Asleep at the Wheel not only remain the primary proponents of the Western swing style popularized decades ago by the great Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys (Wills songs played here include “Roly Poly,” “Cherokee Maiden,” and “Take Me Back to Tulsa”), but they're pretty adept at slightly jazzier fare (“Jumpin' at the Woodside”) and rockin' boogie (the aforementioned “Hot Rod Lincoln”) as well. And man, these dudes can play (dudettes too--Cindy Cashdollar has a nice touch on the pedal steel guitar, along with a helluva name), delivering a strong, distinctive, country-based sound. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)
Asleep at the Wheel: In Concert
(2000) 60 min. DVD: $19.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 18, Issue 4
Asleep at the Wheel: In Concert
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