Customer Reviews

Texas Moon

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This collection covers the first few years of Tommy Duncan's career after he and Bob Wills parted ways in late 1948.

On paper, the first half of this CD should have been an awesome collection of music. Imagine Tommy backed by Millard Kelso, Noel Boggs, Jimmy Wyble, Cameron Hill, Joe Holley. A true western swing all star band. Unfortunately, there's not much in the way of instrumental solos here. At times, it's almost painful to listen, and think of what could have been. The songs aren't awful, just not up to the standard set when these guys all worked for Bob Wills.

After these great musicians left the group, Tommy filled in with other competent musicians, but by then it was too late. The second half of the CD has some songs that are good, some okay, and a few clunkers.

The true value of this CD will be with die hard fans interested in the history of western swing. Especially with what happened to the Texas Playboys after the Wills-Duncan split. Interesting liner notes from Rich Kienzle, plus some great B&W photos of Tommy's band. Unfortunately, if you're looking for the best in western swing music, this ain't going to cut it. Better off sticking with one of the excellent Bob Wills compilations, or some of the Tiffany Transcriptions.

'Texas Moon' and its companion volume, 'Beneath a Neon Star in a Honky Tonk are devoted to work Tommy Duncan recorded without the support of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. These fifties records were originally cut for labels like Capitol, Fire and Intro and while Duncan is in good voice throughout, some of the material is insipid and only some of the backing combos hit a swing groove. There's a great ear opening version of 'Hound Dog' and a solid 'San Antonio Rose' on 'Neon Star' and 'Texas Moon' features the excellent 'Gambling Polka Dot Blues', 'In the Jailhouse Now' and best of all, 'Wrong Road Blues' , sung by Tommy's brother Glyn. Good liner notes, presentation and sound but unfortunately at least half the tracks fail to register as western swing.