Slap that Bass, AJ’s Rockin Music Reviews.
KEEPIN THE REINS SLACK- ROCKIN BONNIE` WESTERN BOUND COMBO.Released on the 5th November 2021 on EL TORO RECORDS.
Reviewed on the 03/12/2021 by Tom Doel.
This is the newest release from the band and I am more than happy to have had the chance to review it. This album is chock full of Country and Honky Tonk classics with a healthy dose of new material written by band members. Written and performed I must add by very accomplished musicians who clearly have a love of the music they play and the original performers who’s numbers they have chosen to cover on this album. Featuring Rockin Bonnie (Sabrina Cocciolo) on Lead vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Massimo Zampini on Lead Guitar and vocals, Roberto Marmieri on Double Bass, Navajo Manuel Joe behind the drums and the multi-talented Matteo Ringressi playing the fiddle, console steel guitar and electric mandolin and special guest Massimo Gerosa on piano.
Track 1. A full time job- Being a fan of the Eddy Arnold recording I was very happy with this cover version from the band Steel guitar is great I love Massimo’s guitar work on this tune its electric. The Rhythm section is really tight allowing the lead musicians to do their stuff a great start to the album.
Track 2. I Gotta Know- This track is crammed full of Banjo, Fiddle and finger picking guitar a real Country treat sounding like it could have been recorded back in the day again solid work from the Bass and Drums keeping it jumping along with effortless vocals from Rockin Bonnie love it.
Track 3. I’ll Get Along Somehow- Recorded by Ernest Tubb back in the day which is a well-loved track so I was interested to hear this cover version. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed (I knew I wouldn’t be) this is a top cover version as you would expect from a band that know their stuff top musicianship and great vocals make this cover a top class performance.
Track 4. Get With it- Bob Wills fan? I hope so..Originally sung by Tommy Duncan I love the track it is a classic from Bob and the gang. Rockin Bonnie and the Western Bound Combo do a great job covering this track Matteo on fiddle and Massimo on guitar Roberto walking the bass this track even has the Massimo on the piano it sounds like a big Western Swing band, which was the intention so the band have certainly hit the target with this tune.
Track 5. Hell Ride Boogie- Written by Massimo another strong tune I cannot help but admire the Bass and Drums on this tune wow what a back line. Again, love the steel and guitar work it’s not easy writing songs I have managed to write one that was recorded anyway another great tune so far this is a very good album.
Track 6. I’m Getting Wrong- Any song that starts with a fiddle is ok with me add some duet vocals and it’s win win Matteo’s talents on Steel and fiddle show on this track but I also really like the vocals. There is not enough performers doing this type of material today I could listen to this track repeatedly and never tire of it.
Track 7. South- Another Bob Wills Western Swing classic recorded in the 40’s and doesn’t age as far as I am concerned. Bonnie and the boys have given it a bit more pep which suits this track fine the quality musicianship really shines through on this the band keep an air of authenticity in the way they deliver the song allowing each instrument the room to shine in the fine tradition of quality Western Swing music. Awesome.
Track 8. Loss- A slightly different track this time with a later sound reminds me of a George Jones track or two again no issues with that at all it sounds great maybe one for the DJ’s at the Hillbilly Hoedown..
Track 9. Sure fire Kisses- If you are a fan of Country music then you should know this number it is a duet recorded by Goldie Hill and Justin Tubb in 1954 another classic tune. I knew this was going to be a quality cover version before I hit the play button quality vocals to equal the original Matteo nails it on Fiddle and the Bass and Drums doing some great work another top tune.
Track 10. Somebody’s Gonna take your place- A slower paced duet written by Massimo great lyrics well delivered by both singers who work well together. A real Honky Tonk type of song in the tradition of the typical Country style of heartache I really like this one sometimes this is the tune that can be skipped past on an album but not this one it’s as good as the previous nine.
Track 11.Serenade in G- Western Swing no doubts about it another –number written by the band this time by Roberto. I am a huge admirer of Western Swing when it’s played right so I really like this track played right every instrument can easily be heard nothing is rushed and even the vocals seemed effortless I can only applaud another cracking track from this quality band.
Track 12. Let’s Settle Down- You can tell these guys are a fan of Merle Travis some great finger picking from Massimo on this number I can’t help hearing some quality work from the Bass and Drums(obviously) again and not unexpected another great cover from the band.
Track 13. This Side of Town – The last track on this cd and finishes the cd well as high a quality as the previous numbers bringing a very good album to a very strong end.If you have read this far then you have probably realised I am a fan of this band I have seen them quite a few times and also shared a stage with them playing at various festivals in the UK or Europe and they never fail to play a top quality show.
They are all top musicians and of course, Bonnie has a great voice as well. The enthusiasm and love the band has for the music they play is evident in their music you can hear the enjoyment come through in the music.
Having Matteo on Fiddle and Steel and Banjo adds to an already great band.I have only good things to say about this band and album if your like Country and Western Swing then you should certainly buy this album you will love it.
Reviewed by Tom Doel
Keepin’ the Reins Slack – Rockin’ Bonnie Western Bound Combo
Vinyl LP review
It’s been twelve years since Rockin’ Bonnie’s first full length long player. The 2009 album, ‘Cocktail Jubilee’ introduced many to her style of Western Swing and Hillbilly, and led to lots of live shows at festivals all over Europe and beyond as well as some EPs and singles. Now we have a new vinyl LP to enjoy, and my goodness it has been worth the wait.
Hailing from Italy, Rockin’ Bonnie (Sabrina Cocciolo) take the lead vocals, and rhythm guitar, and she’s joined by Massimo Zampini (Max hereinafter) on lead guitar and vocals bassist Roberto Marmieri, drummer Navajo Manuel Joe, Matteo Ringressi displaying exceptional versatility on fiddle, console steel guitar and electric mandolin with Massimo Gerosa guesting on piano. They take on a number of covers and also showcase some original material.
The opener is a cover of ‘Full Time Job’, a bright and breezy version of Eddy Arnold’s 1952 or Doris Day/Johnnie Ray 1953 song, you choose. This track puts you in the mood with Bonnie’s joyous vocal lilt to the fore, backed impressively by sumptuous steel guitar throughout and top-drawer guitar picking solo. I defy you not to be humming this for the rest of the day. ‘I Gotta Know’ was originally released on Starday Records by Jim Eanes and the Shenandoah Playboys in 1960. This take follows a similar pattern with alternate banjo and fiddle, and some nifty guitar picking too, making for a truly authentic sound.
Ernest Tubb’s ‘I’ll Get Along Somehow’ follows. The Texas Troubadour original is a kind of acoustic guitar lament, however Rockin’ Bonnie has taken it and added some zip to the cadence and bounce to the rhythm, whilst it’s apparent they pay due reverence to the original. Some hot fiddle sawing and guitar picking introduces the listener to the band’s take of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys’ ‘Get With It’, which was a ‘B’ side from 1935. Max takes lead vocal on this one, and what a gem of a tune this is. Everyone gets in on the act, making for the fullest sound. It’s a true delight folks
The first of Max’s compositions is next, ‘Hell Ride Boogie’, another sliding steel, diamond of a track, with a slightly softer rhythm section, and shout-back chorus to Bonnie’s lead. ‘I’m Getting Wrong’ was written by bassist, Roberto Marmieri. This is a real toe tapper of a duet between Max and Sabrina, and sounds like it’s straight out of 1954. Finally, on the ‘A’ side, it’s ‘South’, made famous by among others Bob Wills in 1947 and Bob Scobey’s Frisco Band in ’51-52, and the lyrics were in part written by Ray Charles. This jazzy jewel is another showcase for each instrument as they all get a moment to shine, but don’t think for a moment that the vocals are just incidental.
The ‘B’ side opens with a Max original, ‘Loss’, and he takes the majority of the vocals, immediately put us in mind of George Jones. A cracking country romp, and you’ll love the deep sounding guitar solo, offset with the fiddle. Another duet with a cover of Justin Tubb & Goldie Hill’s 1954 ‘Sure Fire Kisses’, and Max and Sabrina are at the top of their vocal game on this one, with one the perfect accompaniment for the other. A Country styled slowy for you next, with the Max penned duet ‘Somebody’s Gonna Take Your Place’, couples heartache, and slightly maudlin fiddle accompanying the somewhat resentful lyrics.
‘Serenade in G’ is the second Roberto original. This is Western Swing in a pure form, and almost has a jam session feel about the rhythm, quieter and cool, with the vocals adding panache to the tune. ‘Let’s Settle Down’ is a nippy Merle Travis delight, and Max absolutely nails the guitar picking on this one. Topping everything off ‘This Side of Town’ adaptation of Leon McAuliffe w/ Billy Walker’s 1952 cut on Columbia. A smashing tune to conclude the LP track listing.
This El Toro Records release, is excellent, make no bones about it. The track listing is just the right balance of cover songs and new material. Their attention to detail and production is such that every track sounds like it was recorded during the heyday of the Western Swing genre. It is that authentic
First class
RBWBC 