Three veteran Nashville sides (Jimmy Lester, Mark Winchester and Kevin McKendree--see what they did there?) come together to record some stuff of their own. Two things jump out right away: The drums, bass and keyboard trio is something I haven't heard since Duotang (look it up). Even Johnny Cash contributed guitar to the Tennessee Two.

Lester Winchester McKendree They Got It All (self-released)

The second thing is how good this sounds. These guys can play, they know how to fit in and they certainly know how to get what they want out of the studio. As for the style, it sounds a lot like Uncle Tupelo if those boys listened to a lot more Booker T. The sound is rooted in a variety of 60s styles, from the aforementioned rockabilly-era Cash to Stax-y soul. From there it heads into the future. And McKendry's keyboard and piano licks completely remove the need for guitar.

I've read a couple of reviews along the lines of "sounds like side men trying to step out front." And it's fair to say that Winchester's vocals aren't particularly distinctive--and that the instrumental jams might be the highlights of the album. What I find more interesting is how deep into the 80s alternative rock scene this wanders. There's a decided Flat Duo Jets feel to a couple of these songs (and that Duotang thing) and even nods to the dBs and such.

Maybe the band's unwillingness to commit to a single bit is a problem for some, but it's a feature for me. I would like to hear these guys after they've spent more time together and figured out their strengths and weaknesses. But there are a lot of solid rockin' songs here, and the sound is exceptional. That these boys don't commit to a single era (or style) adds to the fun. Roll on down the road.

Jon Worley