Rick Broussard’s Two Hoots and a Holler

(Stag)

Rick Broussard’s Two Hoots & a Holler

Songs Our Vinyl Taught Us

Rick Broussard is back, and that’s good news to his long-faithful fans, who love and appreciate influences worn on black leather sleeves. 2004’s Vinyl is a delicious tribute, 14 tracks from the award-winning roots rock trio that pay homage to the colorful array of songs that shaped the band. Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone” is rendered lovingly, while Broussard’s whammy bar opening of “Garbage Man” screams Cramps. The occasionally slavish renditions are muscled with first-rate musicianship from the iron-fisted rhythm section of bassist Vic Gerard and drummer Chris Staples. On this year’s model, Rick Broussard’s Two Hoots and a Holler, the boss brings in stellar musical guests Jesse Dayton, John X. Reed, and drummer Eric Tucker to infuse his rootsy, bluesy Cajun-flavored rock with Texas panache (“Blues in the Night,” “Dance Hall Swing”). Broussard sounds better than ever, wielding his Strat like an sawed-off shotgun and spewing bullet-proof vocals. Songs Our Vinyl Taught Us is a potent reminder that the past is ever present, but Two Hoots and a Holler makes us grateful for the here and now.

(Two Hoots) ***

(Vinyl) **.5

This article appears in May 13 • 2005.

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