Texas Northside Kings

(Dialtone)

Want a taste of Austin’s raucous Saturday night in a local blues bar? Check out this rollicking affair that teams a seasoned rhythm section of Cen-Tex veterans with a crop of young, third-generation Antone’s players who’ll soon be the keepers of the blues flame. Following in the ragged-but-right tradition of previous Dialtone releases, this session captures an unbridled spirit that too often gets glossed over in the production process. Drummer Willie Sampson, bassist Jeffery Plummer, and keyboardist Earl Gilliam lay the slippery foundation for youngblood guitar slingers and singers Eve Monsees, Johnny Moeller, Mike Keller, Shawn Pittman, Seth Walker, and Nick Curran. There are a few originals, but mostly the group covers obscure tunes by Magic Sam, Guitar Slim, and Howlin’ Wolf. Monsees’ instrumental salute to Bo Diddley, “Hawaiian Hound,” stands out but could use more of Spot Barnett’s growling saxophone. Nevertheless, tradition is in good hands here.

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This article appears in September 7 • 2007.

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