Any retro band faces a conundrum: the risk that their original songs will pale next to the oldies they interpret. Such is the case with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys. After a strong HighTone debut (Jumping from 6 to 6) a... more »nd follow-up (Swingin' West), they began to vacillate. Both a solo doo-wop effort from Sandy (Dedicated to You) and a Fly-Rite Boys instrumental album were outstanding, but now the past three full-group albums have faltered under the weight of weak original material. Robert (Big Sandy) Williams's relaxed, sincere vocals and the guitar-steel duo of Ashley Kingman and Lee Jeffriess remain the band's heart and soul. Yet try as he might, Williams's songwriting, exemplified here by "Tequila Calling," "I Think of You," and seven others, has yet to rise beyond a beginner's level. More puzzling is the listlessness that permeates the entire record, even the two instrumentals ("In the Steel of the Night" and "South Bay Stomp") and a cover of Texas Western Swing icon Cliff Bruner's "My Time Will Come Someday." It's depressing to hear such undeniable talent continue to create albums so utterly mundane. --Rich Kienzle« less
Any retro band faces a conundrum: the risk that their original songs will pale next to the oldies they interpret. Such is the case with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys. After a strong HighTone debut (Jumping from 6 to 6) and follow-up (Swingin' West), they began to vacillate. Both a solo doo-wop effort from Sandy (Dedicated to You) and a Fly-Rite Boys instrumental album were outstanding, but now the past three full-group albums have faltered under the weight of weak original material. Robert (Big Sandy) Williams's relaxed, sincere vocals and the guitar-steel duo of Ashley Kingman and Lee Jeffriess remain the band's heart and soul. Yet try as he might, Williams's songwriting, exemplified here by "Tequila Calling," "I Think of You," and seven others, has yet to rise beyond a beginner's level. More puzzling is the listlessness that permeates the entire record, even the two instrumentals ("In the Steel of the Night" and "South Bay Stomp") and a cover of Texas Western Swing icon Cliff Bruner's "My Time Will Come Someday." It's depressing to hear such undeniable talent continue to create albums so utterly mundane. --Rich Kienzle
Big Sandy Ascends New Heights With His Fly-Rite Boys
08/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've read the comments of one too many reviewers that just don't get it- Big Sandy is the reigning king of rockabilly and a true master of his form. In a genre that is undergoing a true renaissance/revival, thanks to the efforts of bands like BR5-49, The Derailers, Smiths Ranch Boys, Deke Dickerson, etc. Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite's have the triple whammy of Sandy's smooth vocals, killer original compositions, and instrumentalists extraordinare setting them apart. "Night Tide" is easily the band's best showing since 1997's "Feelin' Kinda Lucky." That fact has much to do with the strength of the songwriting and the innovation and style with which these songs are performed. With their rock-solid rhythm section providing a sure foundation, Lee Jeffriess' steel and Ashley Kingman's "take-off guitar" interplay is the stuff of legend. One listen to Lee's break on "Between Darkness & Dawn," and I knew this CD wouldn't be coming out of the player for quite some time. Don't be fooled, this new release from Big Sandy is a recorded event not to be missed!"
LISTEN AND LOVE IT !
George | 08/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The latest release from Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys represents a departure onto the road less travelled into the realm of subject matter that many modern songwriters fearfully avoid -- the pain of the human condition. From revenge to despair this album truly pays homage to the roots of country with influences from George Jones to Hank Williams to Bob Wills. The lyrics are heartfelt and thought provoking. The musicianship is unparalleled. Lead singer Robert Williams angelic voice is reminscent of early Elvis. Listen because the NIGHT TIDE is calling you!"
More mature and restrained, but NOT listless
lucas cragg | 08/30/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've only had a chance to listen to this one all the way through two times. But my impressions are quite the opposite of the Amazon's reviewer. I think Sandy and the Boys and moving forward in their musical prowess and this album reflects a more sober and restrained approach to the music than their previous efforts. This album might have been subtitled "Western Swing in a Melancholy Mood". I think Sandy's lyrics are exploring more genuine emotions, hence the theme and tempo of the songs on this one are going to be less slap-happy than the likes of "Blackberry Wine" or other stompers like that. Lee Jeffries' handling of the steel guitar may be the vastest improvement on this album as he seems to be moving towards a "less is more" approach to his stylings, which makes his playing a lot more powerful. Is this the greatest party / dance album of the year? No, probably not. Is it a very important piece from one of the most entertaining musical combos currently performing? Yes, it is."
A must-have!
sarisarimusic | San Francisco, CA United States | 08/21/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"fans of western swing and rockabilly should rejoice with the new release of big sandy and his fly-rite boys. It's everything we've been accustomed to a big sandy album:great rhythm, danceable tunes, and big sandy's easy-to-the-ears vocal stylings. even people who are not familiar with big sandy's music will love this new cd. It's a must-have."