Ray Benson, frontman and founder of Asleep at the Wheel, released what he calls a ‘mash up’ album of Texas Swing with Jamaican Ska and Reggae, entitled Swingin’ and Skankin’. Big up to Dr. Dread of R.A.S. Records who co-produced this exquisite album with some of the best Jamaican musicians in collaboration with Ray and other Texas based musicians including Willie Nelson, at age 91, as guitarist on the track “On the Road Again.”
Although every track radiates professional production and delivery, my favourite tracks include a genius mix of Easy Snappin’/Easy Skankin’ (originally recorded by Theophilus Beckford and Bob Marley and the Wailers); “Boogie in My Bones” (Laurel Aitken); “Put it On” (Bob Marley and the Wailers) and the instrumental “Got Riddim” with guest appearance by Stanley Jordan.
The album rounds out with extraordinary country reggae renditions of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” (Nat King Cole); “Highway 61” (Bob Dylan); “Boogie Back To Texas” (Asleep At The Wheel); “Bubbles in My Beer” (Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys); and “Happy Trails” a vintage classic by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Swingin’ and Skankin’ ties together the rich musical legacy that is deeply embedded in the soul of Jamaican music lovers and their connection to Country and Western music from as far back as the 1950s. It is a testament to the fact that the blending of cultures should be embraced and promoted, especially when the music maintains the creativity and quality demonstrated by this album. It is a true collector’s item.
Asleep at the Wheel was the first concert performance I saw when arriving in Austin, Texas in 1981. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel are legends in Austin, and certainly contributed greatly to the city motto “Live Music Capital of the World.” They are recognized regionally and internationally through 54 years of performances and recordings. ‘Swingin’ and Skankin’ reinforces the concept that music cannot be contained in a box. I was honored with the privilege of conducting a very interesting interview with Ray Benson recently.
‘Swingin’ And Skankin’, was recorded at Anchor Recording Studio in Kingston with legendary drummer, Sly Dunbar; keyboardist Robbie Lyn, saxophonist Dean Fraser, guitarists Dwight Pinkney and Steve Golding. Bassist Tony Garnier, (former member of Asleep At The Wheel and Dylan’s band), and guitarist Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule) also played on the set. Swingin And Skankin’ is distributed by Tafari Music, a label owned by Gary “Dr. Dread” Himelfarb. Merchandise is also available at the Asleep at the Wheel official website.
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