Bill Culp has created a quirky set of songs that's not so much eclectic as erratic, swinging between classic Rockabilly and what is now called Americana or Roots Rock. There's a sense that Culp hasn't yet decided whether he wants to be Carl Perkins or John Mellencamp. Given the rhythm-driven performances and consistently high quality on this release, I'm not sure it matters who Culp evolves into. The result is sure to promise a rockin' good time.

The main focus here seems to be on Rockabilly music, and there's where the best music is to be found. Often releases in this genre will focus on just one facet, one stylistic variant of this music. Coming from country and folk music, blues, and Rhythm & Blues as well as drawing on native American and European influences, Rockabilly was in fact a rich and diverse musical style. Very influential in its time and since, this citified country music has often been under-rated. Culp presents a variety of Rockabilly styles with the respect and energy they deserve.

Mostly, Rock 'n' Roots presents music in the style made famous by artists like Buck Owens, George Jones, Carl Perkins, Conway Twitty, Marvin Rainwater, and others. It's cowboy music with a touch of the blues and whole lot of soul and rhythm. Blended into his set, Culp includes sounds like Springsteen, Mellencamp, Neil Diamond, and Rockabilly-influenced artists like Keith Richard and even a bit of Meat Loaf.