 Biller
& Wakefield
Most country musicians in 1999
have never even heard of Jimmy Bryant & Speedy West, much
less take their artistic cues from them. Guitarist Dave Biller
(who also plays with the all-acoustic Asylum Street Spankers)
and steel wiz Jeremy Wakefield don't quite match the intensity
and all-around explosiveness of the original duo, but then again,
no one else has either. Instead, the two opt for a smoother,
cooler approach. Although there are hints of hillbilly boogie
and Western swing, this is really a straight country-jazz record
full of engaging, superbly played Buddy Emmons-style bop. Assisted
at times by Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, most notably fluid
pianist Sonny Leyland, the pair show a strong absorption of jazz
style and technique and an overriding jazz sensibility--even
down to Wakefield's "Lady Be Good" quote on "Biller
Barges In." --Marc Greilsamer
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