You’ll find more of Sleepy Labeef with the cover of “All the Time”, featuring once again a brilliant demonstration of slap bass by Kevin Smith. Talking about deep voice, his version of “Hello Josephine” owes more to Sleepy Labeef than Fats Domino, and it suits him very well. It’s a challenge to compete with the Planet Rockers, but Fisher’s cover of Yes I Do has nothing to envy to Sonny George and his gang. “Travellin’ On” is a straight-ahead rocker with saxophone and a superb solo by Don Leady. “Wild Boy” has the same mean and menacing drive one can find on the early Robert Gordon albums. Introduced by Kevin Smith’s slap bass, Jimmy Grubbs’ Let’s Rock Tonight seems to come straight from Sun records. You can hear that the band had a lot of fun playing and recording this song. “Second to San Antone” was arranged on the spot by Earl Poole Ball, who originally sang it. Add a mean harmonica to the mix, and you have a killer.

“Let it Ride.” is a rocker that has the fervor of a gospel. The album kicks off with a cover of Ricky Nelson, which is, in my book, always a plus. He has a loud and deep voice, plays guitar, and wrote five out of the twelve tracks.

Just take a look at the impressive cast of musicians who play on his album: Kevin Smith ( High Noon, Willie Nelson), Mike Buck, Don Leady (both from the Leroi Brothers), Roger Wallace, Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, The Byrds and too many to mention), Jack Montesinos (the Tailgators)… Well, you get the picture, we’re in good company here. Oh Baby, I’m Sorry – Let It Ride – Second And San Antone – Let’s Rock Tonight – Wild Boy – Travelin’ On – Yes I Do – Hello Josephine – The Last Time – I Can’t Hardly Stand It – All The Time – Poisonĭon’t believe what you read! Lonesome Dave Fisher, from Austin Texas, is not that lonesome.

Billy Buck by Josephine Poole