This is a strong CD for fans of country western music and enough familiarity with certain songs (reference Mancini) for fans of music, period.

Musicians: Stacey Lee Guse (vocal), Shane Guse (fiddle/vocal), Dan Howlett (fiddle/vocal), Paul Chapman (guitar/vocal), Ed Ringwald (steel guitar), Matthew Lima (bass) and Craig Bignell (drums)
The Western Swing Authority WSA002 (2012) 44667-02838
12 Tracks
Running Length: 45 minutes
www.thewesternswingauthority.com

When The Western Swing Authority (Canada) began "Barnyard Boogie," I thought, "Sons of the Pioneers" and Gene Autry western movies. The Swing Authority clear and concise sound references bands of the past with a Jimmie Rodgers tune ("Any Old Time") to the band's original music to Henry Mancini's "Pink Panther Theme." All of this in 45 minutes.

This is a strong CD for fans of country western music and enough familiarity with certain songs (reference Mancini) for fans of music, period. Fiddle player Shane Guse has an original composition in "All Dolled Up," that is lively enough to get feet tapping. Another toe-tapper is "Choo Choo Boogie" with fiddle solo.

Vocal soloist Stacey Lee Guse shows what she can to with an original song by Shane Guse, "I've Got A Feelin,'" which has a blues mood. Guse's voice is full here and she purposely sings this song with a catch in her throat. This piece has a moving steel guitar ending. Stacey also sings solo on "Madien's Prayer," the lively "Roly Poly" by Fred Rose about a child who eats all the time and the last track, "One Of Us Is Lying." Here the singer states, "I know me and I know you and one of us is lying."

The Western Swing Authority has clear instrumentation, but more important, the lyrics come through concise. With a combination of two fiddles, four vocalists, a drummer, bass, guitar and steel guitar, they can do a variety of music. The blend of instruments is precise with instruments having solo moments in selections. Everyone has a chance to show what they can do. My favorite? The slower rendition of "The Pink Panther Theme" was just right, indeed.

Copyright 2013 Marie Asner

{module Possibly Related Articles - Also search our Legacy Site}