Back In the Day, 1994

Phil Alvin

County Fair 2000

(Hightone)

In a substantial way, it's mileading and unfair to label Phil merely a rockabilly musician, though he certainly is that. (Blame his being mostly known for the Blasters, though itself a boast.) As was spotlighted on his two solo efforts -- 1986's Unsung Stories and this -- the man's true nature is based in the blues; not just of the orthodox variety, but incorporating country blues, high-stepping brass, and 1920s jazz-informed selections. At each turn, he evidences sincere connection. Along the journey, he recalls stylings largely (and regrettably) lost through the decades.

Recommended: "County Fair," "The Blue Line," "Turnin' Blues Into Gold" (feat. James Intveld and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), "Keep In Touch" (feat. Jerome Bowman and the Blasters), "She Loves So Good," "Callin' Corrine," "The Terror" (feat. the Faultline Syncopaters), "Oh Doctor" (feat. The Guada La Habrians), "Mr. Satellite Man" (feat. Top Jimmy, Mary Franklin, and the Blasters), "Low Down Rhythm" (feat. Eddie Baytos, the Faultline Syncopaters, and Fayard Nicholas), "Old Rugged Cross" (feat. Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ike Williams, Jerry Angel), "Ankh/Didn't He Ramble" (feat. Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ike Williams, Jerry Angel)

Video: "County Fair"

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