Beau "Sammy" Sample and his band continue to churn out stripped-down, hopped-up rockabilly on their fourth album in four years. Less frantic, loud, and more traditional than others in the genre, about half these tracks are originals, whose melodies and hooks are as good as the obscurities they cover. Guest saxist Ruben Lara occasionally adds a jazzy element that highlights the group's already prominent Western swing slant. In fact "The C-Jack Jump," the album's only instrumental (and showcase for Sample's fleet-fingered bass work), almost seems like a low-rent version of
Asleep at the Wheel. They also veer into easygoing, old-time country & western with "April's Fools," featuring witty lyrics (the joke's on him because he's one of ex-girlfriend April's fools) that show Sample's songwriting talent runs deeper than most acts in this genre. The combination of acoustic and electric guitar doesn't overwhelm as much as it adds layers most bands playing their style of music just don't bother with. Sammy's smooth, friendly, lead vocals -- similar to
Big Sandy, a band with whom they share a common sound -- also helps put this music across so successfully. Although firmly locked in rootsy, retro-groove -- right down to the clean but nearly mono sound --
Cave Catt Sammy pushes the boundaries of straight-ahead rockabilly by adding elements of country, jazz, and blues. At just 32 minutes, it's on the short side, yet
Whiskey and the Devil provides plenty of spirited and heavenly entertainment. ~ Hal Horowitz