Commander Cody And His Western Airmen - Live From The Sunbanks Festival Electric City, Washington 2018 Review by Gary Hill
This live album from Commander Cody is a strong one. The brand of roots music and rock and roll being delivered works well. The sound quality is quite good, too. It's a fun performance, captured with style.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) in Music Street Journal: 2020 Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2020.
Track by Track Review
One of These Nights
This starts with an introduction. The band fire out into a stomping rock and roller that's a lot of fun. There is a lot of boogie here. The tune is high energy and works really well. There is a bit of a drum solo at the end of the piece.
House of Blue Lights Piano leads out to a cool rocking groove that really emphasizes that boogie-woogie thing. Both the piano and guitar really shine on this thing.
Hello Josephine This is another fun groove with some killer piano work. I'm reminded a bit of Chuck Berry on this thing. It was written by Fats Domino, though. It should be noted that my copy of the CD lists this as "Hello Josephine," but it appears to be listed online as "My Girl Josephine," and that is actually the title of the song.
Don't Let Go
I love the guitar fills on this old school rocker. The piano is, of course, top-notch, too. I particularly like the call and response between the guitar and piano in the piece. There is a dropped back movement with just percussion and vocals later, too.
What's the Matter Now
A bluesy little groove, this is classy and very vintage in style. The instrumental section brings some serious country edge to the number.
They Kicked Me Out Of the Band
A bit stripped back as it starts, this has a lot of blues and old-time rock and roll in the mix. This is not one of my favorites here.
Oh Momma, Momma This old school rock and roller is another that is fun. The energy and vibe both work so well. The piano exploration later in the number is really classic.
Hurry Babe
Shades of Chuck Berry are built into this cool rock and roller. I really love some of the guitar work here, and that's even before the screaming solo. That part really takes it into some cool realms.
Ain't Nothin' Shakin' But the Leaves
There is more of a rockabilly element to this number. It's another killer tune with a real classic sound.
Truck Drivin' Man
I absolutely love the guitar picking on this tune. This piece is one of my favorites of the set. It's a killer rockabilly styled number that works so well.
Boogie Woogie
Another standout number, the retro rockabilly texture really shines on this thing. Everything about it works particularly well. There is some killer piano and exceptional guitar work, but you can't discount anything about this number. It just seems packed full of style and passion.
