The Horton Brothers
Record review
Reviewed by Jim Caligiuri, Fri., Nov. 11, 2005
The Horton Brothers
Tempo for Two (Texas Jamboree)
The Horton Brothers are stuck in the late 1950s. Everything about their third album Tempo for Two the sound, the sibling harmonies, the songs is a throwback to a time that may not have ever really existed. Yet it's presented with so much frolicking devotion that it's impossible to resist. That's quite a feat for a local duo that deals exclusively with hillbilly and rockabilly, styles close to being well past done. Billy and Bobby Horton mix effervescent originals like the Buddy Holly-styled hip shaker "Hey Little Momma" and Latin-tinged "I Ain't Got Time for Love" with covers from the Crickets ("More Than I Can Say"), Ellie Greenwich ("She Tells Me With Her Eyes"), and Johnny (no relation) Horton ("Shadows of the Old Bayou") into a set that sounds vintage, but hardly ever dated. Guitarist Dave Biller and pianist T Jarrod Bonta are worth a mention for adding their special, sympathetic talents to the Horton Brothers' brand of twangy bop. While not for everyone, Tempo for Two is sure to be a favorite for those with a taste for something new in old-time rock & roll.