  
Bob Willis and his Texas playboys performed thousands of shows across the U.S. For nearly six decades, recording prolifically during the 30's and 40's. They were a dance band with a country string section that played pop songs in a jazz style. Bob Willis was known as the King of Westen Swing.
Now, Asleep at the wheel have brought together a large group of musicians to pay tribute to Bob Willis with an album of his songs. Collaborators involved range from their 20's through to a 92 year old. Well known names included here include Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard and Lyle Lovett.
I'm guessing that not many of the people reading this review have ever listened to Western Swing - it's certainly not a well known genre of music in the UK, but don't let that put you off - it's always good to try something new. There is a dated feel to the music but it's a really enjoyable album to listen to with its mix of country, jazz and more. It's something that's hard to describe - really the only way to really understand what it's about is to listen to it.
Well worth a listen.
Track listing:
1. Intro—Texas Playboy Theme (with Leon Rausch)
2. I Hear Ya Talkin’ (with Amos Lee)
3. The Girl I Left Behind (with The Avett Brothers)
4. Trouble In Mind (with Lyle Lovett)
5. Keeper Of My Heart (with Merle Haggard and Emily Gimble)
6. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (with Kat Edmonson)
7. Tiger Rag (with Old Crow Medicine Show)
8. What’s The Matter With The Mill (with Pokey LaFarge)
9. Navajo Trail (with Willie Nelson and The Quebe Sisters)
10. Silver Dew On The Bluegrass Tonight (with The Del McCoury Band)
11. Faded Love (with The Time Jumpers)
12. South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way) (with George Strait)
13. I Had Someone Else Before I Had You (with Elizabeth Cook)
14. My Window Faces The South (with Brad Paisley)
15. Time Changes Everything (with Buddy Miller)
16. A Good Man Is Hard To Fine (with Carrie Rodriguez and Emily Gimble)
17. Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas (with Robert Earl Keen and Ray Benson)
18. Brain Cloudy Blues (with Jamey Johnson and Ray Benson)
19. Bubbles In My Beer (with The Devil Makes Three)
20. It’s All Your Fault (with Katie Shore)
21. Three Guitar Special (with Tommy Emmanuel, Brent Mason and Billy Briggs)
22. Bob Wills Is Still The King (with Shooter Jennings, Randy Rogers and Reckless Kelly)
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