Mark Stuart has changed the name of his band, putting himself out front rather than continuing to play under the old moniker of The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash.
L. KENT WOLGAMOTT / GZO | Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009 12:00 am
Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons, "Bend in the Road": Mark Stuart has changed the name of his band, putting himself out front rather than continuing to play under the old moniker of The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. That's appropriate, for Stuart is a fine country singer, songwriter and performer. He proves that on "Bend in the Road," the first album under the new name.
A solid slab of real country music, "Bend in the Road" feels very Haggardish, with well-written songs set in crisply played backgrounds of fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel and lots of guitars. Stuart's relaxed, worn vocals get to the heart of the matter, whether on the Stonish country-blues of "Power of a Woman" or the driving "Restless, Ramblin' Man," which sets out the theme of the album.
"Bend in the Road" isn't set for official release until Aug. 18. But Stuart and the Bastard Sons are playing Zoofest on Saturday afternoon, and I'm guessing they'll have a few along for sale. If not, it's worth a monthlong wait. For my ears, "Bend in the Road" is the best country record I've heard this year. Grade: A
Kim Lenz and the Jaguars, "It's All True": Speaking of the Zoo Bar, Dallas rockabilly Kim Lenz and her fine band the Jaguars tore the place up every time they made a Lincoln stop. But a few years ago, Lenz dropped out of sight. Now she's back and better than ever with "It's All True," a new album released on her own Riley Records imprint.
Kicking off with the sultry "Touch Me" and roaring through tunes like "Zombie for Your Love," Lenz shows off her big, rock 'n' roll voice, and the Jaguars are still a fine rockabilly band. Sure, it's retro as all get out. But revisiting the '50s sound doesn't get better than this. Lenz has been rightfully compared to original female rockabillies Janis Martin and newly stamped Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson, and she's never sounded better on record. Here's hoping she makes a Zoo stop soon. Grade: B+