Al Dean & The Allstars - From Texas To Nashville
In this week's episode we're featuring an excellent slice of 60s Texas country from Al Dean & The Allstars: "From Texas To Nashville" (1967). Hailing from "The Golden Triangle" in South Texas, Al Dean already had a loyal following when his recording of "Cotton Eyed Joe" became a massive smash in Texas in 1967 - eventually becoming the most programmed song on jukeboxes in that state, ever. "From Texas To Nashville" was probably recorded to capitalise on that success as Dean tripped to Music City to make an album under the production of Pete Drake, who also played steel. Al Dean & The Allstars was a true family affair - both Al's wife Maxine Dean and his son Galen Dean sing lead on and wrote several cuts on our feature album. Dean's brand of fiddle-and-steel country music is infectious and intentionally suited to all variations and beats of the Texas two-step - our feature album helps partially explain why Al Dean & The Allstars were working well into the 21st Century. Highlights include an ode to the oilfield worker in "Ruff Neck Pay Check"; some excellent lead from an 18-year-old Galen Dean on the jumping "Change Your Ways Of Living" and a man who just can't get out of the service in "Just One Of The Boys".