Roger Wallace

It’s About Time (Natchez Street)

The title just about says it all. It’s been more than five years since Roger Wallace graced Austin with new music after releasing three discs in successive years earlier this decade. His sultry vocals are still as powerful as ever on It’s About Time, but this time he’s back with a stripped-down set of hillbilly and honky-tonk, one that’s surprisingly rhythmic despite the lack of drums. Wallace penned 12 of the 13 tunes on the disc, which vary from the Hank Williams lonesome of “Smoke ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em” and Elvis Presley gospel feel of “I Want That Water” to the grungy guitar of “(My Little Corner of) Honky Tonk Hell.” The lanky local is backed by some of Austin’s best country pickers including Jim Stringer, Brad Fordham, Kevin Smith, and Erik Hokkanen. Once again, Wallace’s songs and the confidence he displays in performing them remain impressive and timeless. ***

This article appears in November 16 • 2007.

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