Tulsa
It's an irresistible concept: Wayne "The Train" tearing it up on 14 original juke joint/swing tunes backed by a raw, first-rate band. He's got the assets to make it work: sharp, incisive vocals, fresh numbers, Lloyd Maines as producer, and an awesome recording band featuring the blazing lead guitar of veteran Hancock sideman Eddie Biebel, guest guitarists Paul Skelton and Dave Biller, and non-pedal steel guitarist Eddie Rivers. By avoiding self-conscious imitation (a pitfall that's done in many acts inspired by the past), they often come fetchingly close to capturing the feel of any number of obscure '40s Texas honky-tonk 78s: swinging out on "Tulsa," down and dirty on "Drinkin' Blues" and the Ernest Tubb-inspired "I Don't Care Anymore" and "Goin' Home Blues," and the earthy "Brother Music, Sister Rhythm." Given Hancock's often-stated affinity for Bob Wills-style swing, the sole disappointment is the scarcity of those sorts of songs here. With a group of musicians this dynamic, a few more rip-roaring moments would have been welcome.--Rich Kienzle