Texas Guitar Slingers Volume 1

Texas Guitar Slingers Volume 1

This 17-song collection gathers some of the finest regional guitarists for a very worthwhile cause, the Texas Council on Family Violence, a venerable organization that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, etc. Clocking in over an hour, Texas Guitar Slingers possesses a variety of material, ranging from the standard Austin blues-rock fare, to cinematic instrumental numbers, bluegrass, delicate gut-string playing, and well-crafted vocal compositions with solid guitaring. Highlights include Roscoe Beck's opener "Outrage," featuring drummer Brannen Temple and David Grissom, Ray Benson's solo instrumental "Moon Over Manchaca," Eric Johnson on Austin City Limits with the too short "Enzo Shuffle," and Bill Carter and Eric Hokkanen's deliciously acoustic "Feels Like Rain." Chris Vincent's superfine flamenco work on "Taranto" is recorded so intimately you can hear him breath. The song order could use a little tweaking, however. Dave Sebree's melodic "Halfway to Avalon" sounds too much like Eric Johnson, especially directly after Johnson's cut. And if they're taking suggestions for volume two, more and different styles (lap steel, swing jazz, slide, etc.) would be good. Still, these are minor points. Overall this is a fine album benefiting an excellent cause.