Country Boogie focuses on a period of country music that does not catch the spotlight as often as its own entity: boogie-woogie-styled country. It is influenced mostly by the Western swing movement, which happened about the same time, but incorporates straighter rhythms more commonly associated with jump blues, which gives this boogie-woogie some footing as a precursor to rockabilly. Names normally tied to other forms of country music, such as
Hank Williams and
Bob Wills, appear here, but the inclusion of these artists along with the most notable country boogie guitarist,
Arthur Smith, and the fine pedal-steel player, Al Petty, make for an informative listen and, almost by accident, focuses on how each of these players constantly influenced each other's styles. Frémeaux & Associés have, with
Country Boogie, put together a fun and much needed look at the crossroads of country which defined the style of country boogie. ~ Gregory McIntosh