Anyways, I'm off to see the local excuse for a Western Swing band, and
actually they don't suck too bad at all.
See you all later.
Tom Ekeberg
Oslo, Norway
I have to inform you that the "excuse" Tom is talking about is named 5:56
and just recently recorded an album of (non alternative) western swing at
Athletic Sound in Halden (my hometown) and are more than capable. Actually
they are great! They really CAN play and just last Saturday made a surprise
show in my father´s 75th years birthday party, right in his living room.
They won over the average 75-80 year old crowd with their obvious
musicianship and undisputable charm!
One track off their album will be featured on an upcoming collection I am
putting together, *Frozen - A Selection of Polarized Country* (24:00/ S2
Records). The doubble disc will feature 26 Scandinavian acts that all have
some element of country in their sound, some more, some less.
One of the featured bands is Bönkers, who started work on their debutalbum
in Athletic yesterday with Bob Egan (Wilco, Freakwater, great solodisc)
producing, for release in the autumn on Metropol/ Sony Records.
Bob also sat in with Jason & The Scorchers on Friday at the Studenthall
adding lap steel to a great version of "Truck Driving Man".
Tom Skjeklesæther
Who went to SXSW and saw both great and not that great music. As usual. And
therefor is not worried about the state of alt. country or country country.
