American musical landmark, Asleep at the Wheel is as jazzy and energetic as ever. The two albums released in 1999 from Asleep at the Wheel put this great band's album count at 22 since their first in 1973. They possess at least six Grammy awards for their fusion of country, swing, jazz, boogie and plain old Western honky tonk. In 2001 they again took home a Grammy for Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: Cherokee Maiden.
In 2003 the band released several CDs, including Asleep at the Wheel Remembers The Alamo, not, they are quick to point out, the sound track to the movie of the same name. It contains what they describe as a reverent compilation of songs related to Texas and the history and events of The Alamo. It includes faithful reinterpretations like "Remember The Alamo," "Ballad of Davy Crockett," and "Ballad of the Alamo." Read Virginia's review of Remembers The Alamo.
Super Hits is a history of some of their greatest. Another album of 1999 celebrates the music of Bob Wills: Ride with Bob. Asleep at the Wheel brings a wide variety of guest performers along for the ride in this celebration of Western swing. Ride with Bob scored Grammy award nominations in 1999, with another for Ray Benson and Larry Seyer for engineering the album.
Benson branched out in 2003 to work with Suzy Bogguss on her album Swing. Bogguss's album was produced by Benson and features his guitar playing. Asleep at the Wheel members Jason Roberts on fiddle and David Sanger on drums appear on Swing. Some of the former Asleep at the Wheel band members are on the album, too, including Floyd Domino on piano, Spencer Starnes on bass and John Mills on sax. Swing features such standard swing tunes as "Comes Love" and "Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me" as well as five new songs by April Barrows.
At the suggestion of Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel moved to Austin in 1974. Their mission was and still is to make great music in the indomitable spirit of Texas, and to keep the music of the West alive.
The current Wheel unit includes Dave Sanger on drums, Cindy Cashdollar on steel/dobro, Michael Francis on sax, Dave Miller on bass, Jason Roberts--who happens to be the second cousin of the legendary Johnny Gimble--on fiddle/vocals/electric mandolin, Chris Booher on piano/fiddle, and leader Ray Benson on various instruments and lead vocals.
They continue making only the finest Western swing -- and attracting the best players to help them do it. With over 80 personnel changes and 22 albums, they have seen some fine musicians on the way to the current line-up. Austin Chronicle reviewer Lee Nichols said, "They've played every building worthy of the designation 'dance hall.'"
Benson and his backing musicians have become the undisputed ministers of the country-jazz hybrid with which Bob Wills is synonymous. They are the evangelists, and swing is their message. Find out more at the Wheel Web site.
