The first thing that hits you when playing Lonesome Cowboys is that the band couldn’t be more authentic if they had been born on the streets of Nashville itself. They generate a warmth, and style that is quite simply top drawer. If Alan Tyler had recorded with a Nashville band he surely couldn’t have bettered the performance contained on this album.
As a result we need to put aside those doubts about birthright. Either the music flows through your lifeblood or it doesn’t. It is as simple as that. The band conclusively dispels any lingering doubts and shows that the country heart is pumping within the first few bars of the album.
Recorded in London, Lonesome Cowboys, should act as a clear indication that the influence of the country greats extends far beyond American shores. It is alive and well, and most definitely kicking on the other side of the Atlantic in the UK.
There is a deep affection, understanding, love, and respect for the legacy they are tapping into. It would all sink very rapidly if they lacked any of these elements. Not only do they achieve all of this but they do so with a huge amount of panache, style, and undeniable musical ability.
There are standouts aplenty. For example the Waylon inspired “Rambling Girl”, or the fiddle soaked, “The Man That I Am”. “Something You Haven’t Told Me” sounds every inch the genuine article.
The mandolin rich hoe-down of “When You Get Back From New York City”, sits nicely alongside the closing track, “O’er The Hill And Far Away”. The standout “Time To Pay” simply oozes quality.
There is only one cover on this album, Pete Dello’s “I’m A Gambler”. This last statement should surprise any remaining doubters. With this in mind I challenge anyone who, without prior knowledge, would listen to this and not get an overwhelming impression of authenticity.
On Lonesome Cowboys Alan Tyler And The Lost Sons Of Littlefield not only keep the heritage alive but they actually manage to add to it.
Please visit the band's MySpace page to find out what I am going on about!
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