TULSA - WAYNE HANCOCK
This extraordinary CD is Wayne “the Train” Hancock’s tribute to Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys. Hancock wrote all 14 tracks and handles the rhythm guitar and vocal chores. Texas country music master Lloyd Maines produced this gem, abetted by a fine crew of players, including steel guitarist Eddie Rivers and lead guitarists Paul Skelton and Eddie Biebel. Hancock captures the soul of Wills’ classic country swing, opening the album with “Tulsa,” Wills’ home base for years. From the mellow swing of “Highway Bound” and “This Lonely Night” to the upbeat vibe of “Gonna Be Flyin’ Tonight” and the cowboy’s lament “Lord Take My Pain,” Hancock and his sidemen deliver the sort of twang-rich country music that typified the Playboys’ righteous, bygone sound. Billboard
