Bradley Jaye Williams Tex-Mex Gumbo (Lazy SOB/Bismeaux)

Bradley Jaye Williams

Tex-Mex Gumbo (Lazy SOB/Bismeaux)

Bradley Jaye Williams has developed a reputation as one of the finest accordion players in Texas through his work as leader of both Los Pinkys and the Gulf Coast Playboys. Reflecting his diverse ability and taste, Tex-Mex Gumbo is the perfect title for his first solo effort. Where else but in Texas would an artist combine soulful conjunto featuring button accordion, bajo sexto, and polka beats, with Cajun music driven by accordion, electric guitars, and a chank-a-chank two-step beat and make it seem so natural? Add a dollop of honky-tonk and you have a true Texas original. Members of Los Pinkys (Isidro Samilpa, Manuel Herrera, and Augie Arreola) add their talents to the stirring conjunto tracks, like the jaunty "Mentiras," while the Gulf Coast Playboys (Steve Doer, Speedy Sparks, Ralph White) appear on such Cajun-flavored tunes as the hard-driving "Good-Bye Louisiana," and the more traditional "Amede Two Step." Williams is also joined by some special guests for real spice in this gumbo. The Derailers' Tony Villenueva lends his voice on the mournful "You Waltzed Away (With My Heart)," a tune he and Williams co-wrote. Elsewhere, pedal steel player deluxe Marty Muse adds his distinct touch to the honky-tonk styled ballad, "Only the Rose," while Max Baca, who adds a variety of instruments to the music of the Texas Tornados and Flaco Jimenez, accomplishes the same feat here playing drums, bajo sexto, and bass throughout. Williams has come up with an original mixture of musical styles that displays the diversity of the Lone Star State. That he accomplished the deed with with such enthusiasm and polish makes Tex-Mex Gumbo noteworthy and delightful.