The Original River Road Boys - Country Music High

In this week's episode we're featuring an excellent western swing/country music album from Houston's The Original River Road Boys: "Country Music High" (1985). Formed in 1971 by fiddlers Clyde Brewer & Bob White, The River Road Boys were extremely active in their first decade and a half - releasing nine albums prior to "Country Music High". We'll focus on the contribution of Clyde Brewer to the world of western swing in this episode: a man who grew up idolising Texas fiddle pioneer Cliff Bruner and who went to work with honky tonk pianoman Moon Mullican at the age of 17. A respected Texas and western swing musical historian, Clyde Brewer retired at the age of 55 from the Houston Public Works department in the year of our feature album's release to focus on The Original River Road Boys, and his dedication is apparent on this sensational collection of songs. With Jim Johnson on vocals and Dusty Stewart on steel, Brewer & the boys burn through a fresh and ridiculously danceable set of western swing and country music - highlights include a tribute to an iconic Texas Playboys western swing vocalist in "Ode To Tommy Duncan"; a fast-paced rendition of Cindy Walker's "You're From Texas"; a well-chosen cover of Bob Wills' "Go Home With The Girls In The Morning" and the blood-pumping title track. This is a group you won't hear from every day but who've earned their place in the history of western swing.