The Little Willies

If you love that good old fashioned, knee-slappin’, honky tonk country music then the latest album by The Little Willies, For The Good Times, is a must have.

The Little Willies is made up of the highly acclaimed Norah Jones (piano, vocals), Lee Alexander (bass), Jim Campilongo (guitar), Richard Julian (guitar, vocals) and Dan Rieser (drums).

Jones trades her lush, melancholic melodies for some county twang, covering the band’s favourite songwriters, including Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Lefty Frizell and Dolly Parton.

Rather than recreating the hits with their own style, the artists have stayed true to the original artists, mastering the vocals and instrumentation with both precision and passion. And mark my words, this collection of songs ain’t easy to cover. Richard Julian aids Jones through the vocal journey, impressing us with his feisty version of "Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves” then flipping the coin in "Lovesick Blues" where his voice is soft and wistful.

As for Alexander, Campilongo and Rieser – well these boys are quite simply in their element.

Song such as “Wide Open Road” and “If You’ve Got the Money Honey I’ve Got the Time” are prime examples of Western swing sure to get any country music lover on the dance floor.

And while “I Worship you” may have a slow start, it’s not long before your toe is tapping and Campilongo cranks the rhythm up until your hips join in the fun.

If you love vintage country, do yourself a favour and take a listen.