Which Way Is Texas? (CD - 2003)

Recorded at Wired, Austin, Texas.

Personnel: Anson Funderburgh (vocals, guitar); Sam Myers (vocals, harmonica); Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); John H.R. Mills (baritone saxophone); Gary Slechta (trumpet); Gentleman John Street (piano); Eric Mathew Przygocki, John Bradley (acoustic bass); Wes Starr (drums, percussion).

Recording information: South Lamar, Austin, TX; Wired, Austin, TX.

Photographer: Bill Crump.

On his second outing on Bullseye, bluesman Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets deliver a solid album. "Can We Get Together" offers a spunky lead track with Sam Myers on vocals and the Texas Horns adding an extra bit of pizzazz. Funderburgh offers one of his rare vocals on "One Women I Need," a nice ballad with Gentleman John Street's piano and organ providing an atmospheric backdrop. The instrumental "Going My Way?" gives Funderburgh, Street, drummer Wes Starr, and bassist Johnny Bradley a chance to kick out the jams, while the band pays its dues to classic blues on good versions of Johnny Walker's "Rambling Woman" and B.B. King/Joe Josea's "Jungle." The album kicks into high gear on upbeat renditions of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Tryin' to Get Back on My Feet" and Tabby Thomas/Mark Dee's boogie-friendly "Hoodoo Party." Both of these benefit from spry guitar and piano work, and Meyers' exuberant vocal. Overall, the album also benefits from tight ensemble playing, a quality that undoubtedly comes from spending 300 days a year on the road together. For fans of Funderburgh's previous albums, and for anyone who enjoys electric blues, Which Way Is Texas? will prove a pleasing purchase. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr. minimize