Right Key, Wrong Keyhole

What's not to like about the Red Stick Ramblers?

Certainly their latest CD, "Right Key, Wrong Keyhole" is a toe-tappin' gem for those who dig Western Swing, old timey, traditional country, blues (yes, blues) and Cajun (though, for a group out of Louisiana, I expected a more Cajun sound). Sometimes the record flows as if it was recorded about 1944, with a subdued, almost big-band atmosphere that sounds like crooner Bing Crosby could be stepping in front of the microphone any minute.

"Right Key, Wrong Keyhole" has a lot of mid-tempo numbers, which made things drag for me a bit--of course I'm a metalhead as well as a folkie--but it may appeal to listeners who are looking for a laid-back listen. Perfect for a hot, sticky summer night with the one you love close at hand, perhaps on a backyard swing overlooking a cornfield--or sitting at a table at the Narrows, sipping some Merlot.

As this is being written, the CD is #16 on the Americana chart, which means a lot of DJs across the country like it. So far, however, it hasn't hit the XM Radio or the Third Coast Music Network charts. Maybe next week.

You can pick up a copy of the CD on Friday July 15th, as the Red Stick Ramblers bring the Narrows crew back from our early summer break. Tickets are available by visiting www.ncfta.org.