Tumbleweeds & Cocktails
Sam Lemann & Co. CD review

By Julius Timmerman
Posted Wednesday, January 12, 2005

With a stunningly rich sound from a band which obviously delights in playing Country Jazz, this album is a gem in its own way. Remarkably, the two sessions here are virtually spontaneous outpourings from musicians jamming in a studio, yet the amazing tightness and single-mindedness on display would equal any good band that has been playing together for years. The members simply taught each other their favourite tunes and recorded them direct to two track analogue tape. The result is an alluring, warm and highly professional album of country swing.

Sam Lemann and Andy Baylor play electric and acoustic guitars, Peter Howell plays fretless bass, Rob Souter plays drums and Michael Rose plays pedal steel and dobro. The quality of their instruments shines through, as does their enthusiasm for the music.

Tracks include Johnny Mercer’s I’m An Old Cowhand, Bob Nolan’s Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Leon McAuliffe’s Panhandle Rag, Charlie Parker’s Bluebird, Erroll Garner’s Misty, Mexicali Rose, How High The Moon and others in an hour of sweet, sassy enjoyment.

(Trailblazer TZ004CD - Thru Trailblazer Records Melbourne Ph: 9510 1453)