Commander Cody is alive, well and live.

George Frayne IV formed and became Commander Cody during 1967. Both with his Lost Planet Airmen and as a solo artist, he has been playing and recording music for the last half-century. His latest release is Live From The Sunbanks Festival Electric City, Washington 2018.

The original incarnation of his Lost Planet Airmen was a band that crossed styles and musical boundaries. They traveled from country to rock to blues to Western swing to rockabilly. It all coalesced into one of the ultimate party bands, which produced such hits and well-known tunes as “Hot Rod Lincoln,” “Smoke Smoke Smoke (That Cigarette),” “Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar.”

His latest backing band, now called his Western Airmen, is a basic, stripped-down affair. Bassist/vocalist Tim Eshliman, electric and pedal steel guitarist Sean Allen, and longtime drummer Steve Barbuto form the smallest backing band of his career.

Their new album was recorded live and, as such, it presents the band with all its positives and flaws. As a four-man band, they narrow their approach to rock and some up-tempo blues.

Commander Cody draws on his past for an 11-song set includes fun songs and more serious material. They ramp up the voltage with “Oh Momma Momma,” “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Boogie Woogie Country Band,” and “They Kicked Me Out Of The Band.”

With only four musicians, they try hard to blend together and create layers to their sound. “One Of Those Nights,” “House Of Blue Lights,” and “What’s The Matter Now” are good vehicles for the individual members to stretch a bit and improvise.

Rating: B+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments